Two sites on the table for new inner city school

Two short-listed locations are on the table for consultation next month for a proposed new inner-west Brisbane state primary school.

Education Minister Grace Grace said her Department had responded to community feedback about consultation and site options.

“The Government is working with the local community to make a fully-informed decision when it comes to the location of this new school,” she said.

“Initial consultation has identified the former Toowong Bowls Club and neighbouring Perrin Park as a potential site along with using part of the Indooroopilly State High School site.

“The start date for the school has also been extended to 2024 to respond to the community’s calls for more time for consultation before a decision.

“The pressure on local schools has also eased slightly with state school enrolment numbers this year slightly lower than forecast, which is in consistent with trends nationally.”

The Palaszczuk Government’s has allocated $65 million to build a new state primary school for Prep to Year 6 in Brisbane’s inner-west to cater for forecast enrolments. It will be the first inner suburban primary school in Brisbane in more than 60 years.

Initial consultation earlier this year invited input on building the school on a parcel of land at Indooroopilly State High School, as well as seeking alternative site suggestions.

The next round opens on 1 June, with drop-in sessions at Perrin Park and Indooroopilly State High School and an online survey available via the project web page.

Ms Grace thanked the local community for their active involvement in consultation so far.

“The community response has been really valuable in raising alternative sites and key issues for locals around traffic and potential loss of green space at Indooroopilly High,” she said.

“Locals have also acknowledged the genuine need for a new local primary school and the difficulties in finding an ideal site in a densely developed area like the inner west.

“I‘d encourage local families and residents to continue to contribute to this investment in their local community and the future education of local children.

“Working together will give us the best outcome for students, parents and the local community into the future.”

Ms Grace said her department would finalise the location by the end of the year.

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