Work underway on new school at Augustine Heights

Work has officially started on the new $85 million state school at Augustine Heights in Ipswich, which will support more than 230 local jobs.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the school is one of four new schools her government is building this year ready for 2023, with others in Ripley, Yarrabilba and Palmview – a total investment of nearly $330 million.

"We want all young Queenslanders to have a world class education in world class facilities,” the Premier said.

“That’s why since 2015, we’ve built 21 new schools in the fastest growing areas of our state. We are currently building 4 for 2023, and in total there are 11 new schools due to be built in the next couple of years.”

Education Minister Grace Grace today turned the sod on the new $85 million state school at Augustine Heights in Ipswich officially marking the start of works.

Minister Grace, who was joined by the Member for Jordan Charis Mullen and the Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum, said investing in education was a hallmark of good Labor governments.

“This school is not only delivering a world class education facility but construction is also vital to rebuilding our economy and creating jobs,” Minister Grace said.

“Here at Augustine Heights we are investing around $85 million, but this year alone we are putting in $330 million to four new schools – together they will support 900 local jobs.

“No government in Queensland history has invested more in our schools. During 2021–22 alone, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering an overall education infrastructure investment portfolio valued at almost $1.9 billion, supporting more than 4,100 jobs across the state.”

Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen said it is great to officially kick off the construction of what is going to be an amazing school for this community.

“Stage One of the school will open with learning areas, multi-purpose courts, a student support and staff building, a library, canteen, sporting field and more,” Ms Mullen said.

“It will have capacity for around 600 students from 2023, expanding up to 1,000 when Stage 2 of the school is delivered.”

Member for Bundamba, Lance McCallum said another brand new school means families in the local community will have even greater access to world-class educational facilities.

“This is a fast-growing area, and a new school at Augustine Heights will be a welcome addition to nearby Fernbrooke State School, Redbank Plains State School and Augusta State School,” Mr McCallum said.

“I am proud of both the record numbers of front line teaching staff and state of the art investments and infrastructure upgrades the Palaszczuk Government is delivering for our local students, staff and school communities.”

Minister Grace today also confirmed the Foundation Principals for three of the four new schools opening in 2023:

Augustine Heights – Kendall Seccombe

Ripley – Wuanita Meyrick

Yarrabilba – Aaron Jones

“I welcome each of these new Principals who were selected for their track record of experience in educational leadership. They will start now, working alongside their local school communities to get ready to open in 2023.”

More information about each Foundation Principal is below. The Palmview State High Principal will be appointed shortly.

Foundation Principal for new state school at Ripley: Ms Wuanita Meyrick started her career as a teacher at Howard State School in 2003 and has been a principal since 2005. She has been principal at a number of schools including Dingo State School, Sarina State School, Maryborough West State School and most recently Browns Plains State School. She has also had experience as a Head of Curriculum at Torbanlea State School and deputy principal at Stretton State College.

“I feel extremely privileged to hold such responsibility to establish, in partnership with the local and wider community, a new school for the thriving Ripley Valley area. I am excited to collaboratively build a school environment, culture, community and traditions for the young learners, families, the foundation staff and the wider community, to build a school of excellence. From day one, I will strive to build a learning environment where every child succeeds,” Ms Meyrick said.

Foundation Principal for new state school at Augustine Heights:  Ms Kendall Seccombe started her career as a teacher at Murgon State School in 2006. She has been a principal since 2014 when she acted as Principal at Gindie State School. She has been principal at a number of schools including Cooyar State School, Milchester State School and most recently at Ipswich East State School.

“It is a privilege to accept the position as Foundation Principal of the new school being built at Augustine Heights. I look forward to building a legacy with the local community and creating and empowering futures for our students,” Ms Seccombe said.

Foundation Principal for new state school at Yarrabilba:  Mr Aaron Jones attended state schools in the Logan area as a student. He started his career as a teacher at Rochedale State School in 2005 and has been a principal since 2013. He has been principal at a number of schools including Condamine State School, Moffatdale State School, Goombungee State School and most recently Murgon State School. He has also had experience as a deputy principal at Banksia Beach State School and was a Foundation teaching staff member when Stretton State College was first established.

“I am honoured and excited to be selected as Foundation Principal for the additional new school at Yarrabilba. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, both professionally and personally, and I’m looking forward to returning home and settling back into the Logan area community where I grew up and attended local state schools. The area is family-oriented and growing rapidly; and I want to spend the months ahead talking to local people and really listening, to see what they want from their new school and how we can shape that into the vision and values that will guide future staff and students. I’m also looking forward to working closely with local schools, early years and other education providers to support young people to transition effectively,” Mr Jones said.

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211