Even better services to be delivered to four Queensland communities

Four growing Queensland communities are a step closer to even better services with brand new schools being built in Augustine Heights, Palmview, Ripley, and Yarrabilba officially named following community consultation.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the four new schools opening next year would be known as:

• Woogaroo Creek State School;
• Palmview State Secondary College;
• Ripley Central State School; and
• South Rock State School

“This is an exciting step for the schools, which will have their first pupils walking through the doors in just a few months’ time,” Ms Grace said.

“These communities are growing and it’s important we protect and enhance the great lifestyle Queenslanders have.

“That’s why we’re investing in even better services with almost $330m to build these new schools.

“And that’s also supporting 900 good jobs.

“I know the new principals and their communities are very excited for Day 1 next year, and I look forward to visiting.

“When these four new schools open in 2023 it will take the number of new schools we have opened since 2015 to 25, with 11 more already announced for 2024-26.

“That’s an investment of more than $3 billion in new schools for our youngest Queenslanders.”

Ms Grace said energy efficiency and renewables were at the heart of the new schools, supporting the Palaszczuk Government’s ambitious $62 billion Queensland Jobs and Energy Plan.

“The new schools will have solar panels – joining the 200,000 we have already installed on Queensland state schools, enough to power all the homes in the Gladstone LGA,” Ms Grace said.

“We are positioning the buildings to limit the exposure to morning and afternoon sun, which will reduce the energy needed for air conditioning.

“There are LED lights on timers, insulation, and the Woogaroo Creek State School will even have a 4000L rainwater tank to water the school veggie garden.”

Woogaroo Creek State School (Augustine Heights) is an $85 million investment with capacity for 1,000 students when all stages are complete.

Foundation Principal, Ms Kendall Seccombe, said the name was the clear winner, polling 80% in the final round of online voting.

“Woogaroo Creek has geographical, cultural and environmental significance for our local area and the land on which our school is being built,” Ms Seccombe said.

“This name is a reflection of who we are and what we value at our new school – students will reach new heights at Woogaroo Creek State School.”

Palmview State Secondary College is a $109 million investment with capacity for 1,500 students when all stages are complete.

Foundation Principal Barry Dittman said the official naming of the school was another milestone in bringing the new school to fruition.

“The whole community has been eagerly awaiting the naming of Palmview SSC and are looking forward to making the most of the fabulous facilities on offer for students in 2023,” Mr Dittman said. 

“Operating as a learning community in collaboration with Palmview State Primary and Palmview State Special Schools, our college will be a place where all students are supported to be confident, creative and aspirational about their future, while our staff will benefit from professional networks and learning opportunities with their PLC colleagues who have expertise across all sectors and phases of learning.”

Ripley Central State School is a $66 million investment with capacity for 1,200 students when all stages are complete.

Foundation Principal Wuanita Meyrick said a lot of work went into ensuring everyone who wanted to have a say in the naming process could get involved.

“The school used a wide range of communication strategies and tools to advertise the community meetings including flyer distribution, various school related Facebook pages; use of the school’s email list; and advertising through the C&K Ripley Childcare Centre,” Mrs Meyrick said.

“I thank the school community for its contribution to the process and I also thank the Parent Advisory Group for volunteering their time and energy to this process – it’s great to have had this opportunity, even before the school has been opened, to have worked closely with members of the new Ripley Central State School community.”

South Rock State School (Yarrabilba) is a $68 million investment with capacity for 1200 students when all stages are complete.

Foundation Principal, Aaron Jones said the word ‘Yarrabilba’ will be included in the school logo to give locational context to the name.

“South Rock refers to a natural sandstone outcrop, which holds significant cultural importance to First Nations people who were consulted as part of the naming process,” Mr Jones said.

“A strong sense of support and connection exists within our ever-expanding community, and we look forward to growing with our community into the future.

“South Rock State School is committed to acknowledging the Gugingin, Mununjali and Wangerriburra Peoples of the Yugambeh Language Group, their shared connections and stories.”

For more information visit: www.buildingeducation.qed.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211