Three new Queensland schools gaining momentum

The construction of three new Queensland state schools is a step closer, with contracts awarded and work to kick off soon.

Education Minister Grace Grace announced FK Gardner & Sons Pty Ltd as the successful contractor to build the first stages of a primary school at Caloundra South, a primary school at North Maclean (Greenbank) and a special school at Coomera. All schools will open in January 2022.

“It’s very exciting to announce that we’re moving ahead with the construction of these new schools with the first sods to be turned in early 2021,” Ms Grace said.

“More than $198 million (GST inclusive) has been invested into building Stage One of the schools, supporting a combined total of 600 construction jobs.

“These schools will not only provide students with a world-class education but construction will ensure local tradies can continue to work as we recover from COVID-19.”

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government is no stranger to building the infrastructure needed in growing parts of the state.

“The $74.8 million (GST inclusive) primary school for Caloundra South will cater to the strong population growth in the Caloundra South Priority Development Areas,” she said.

“The school will be located at the corner of Park Avenue and Nirimba Drive in the Aura Development precinct, supporting the existing Baringa State Primary School and Baringa State Secondary College (opening in 2021).  

“Stage One will include an admin block, library, covered area and kiosk, prep learning areas, junior learning areas, sports as well as music and assembly space.”

Ms Grace said the North Maclean (Greenbank) primary school was also being built to meet increased demand in a high growth area.

“This $73 million school in North Maclean will accommodate for the growing number of school-aged children in the Greenbank community,” Ms Grace said.

“The school will be located on the corner of Ivory Parkway and Leanne Court, servicing families living in Mirvac’s Everleigh housing development and the surrounding areas.

“Stage 1 of the new school will include an admin block, library, multi-purpose hall, prep and junior learning areas, amenities, canteen and covered areas.”

Ms Grace said the $50.6 million special school in Coomera would provide special schooling relief to Southport Special School on the Gold Coast and Beenleigh Special School in Logan.

“The new Coomera Special School will be located at Foxwell Road and Galaxy Drive and include multi-storey junior and senior learning buildings, an admin block, library, multi-purpose hall, hospitality and central amenities, sports oval, carpark and drop-off areas,” Ms Grace said. 

FKG Group Managing Director Nick Gardner said the team were excited to be taking on these three new projects.

“As a proud Queensland and family owned construction and engineering business, we are very pleased to be awarded the contracts for the Caloundra South, Coomera Special and North Maclean (Greenbank) schools,” Mr Gardner said. 

“Adding these projects to our pipeline is great news and gives us the chance to create further opportunities for local subcontractors and to support our local communities.”

For more information, visit: https://qed.qld.gov.au/programs-initiatives/qed/building-education

Media contact: Jan Martin – 0439 341 314