Four new schools to generates hundreds of construction jobs

Four new state schools are set to be built as part of the Queensland Government's new $346 million education package, generating hundreds of construction jobs in the process.

Areas such as Caloundra South and North Maclean will see new primary schools built, as well as a new special school constructed in Coomera for the 2022 school year. A new primary school is poised to be developed at an undetermined location in Brisbane's inner-west suburbs by 2023.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new schools were being delivered in some of the fastest-growing regions in Queensland and to continue creating jobs as part of our economic recovery.

“My Government is planning for the future and responding to the growth that we are expecting in these regions,” she said.

“Queensland’s plan for economic recovery begins with job creation and in the education space, we’re more than pulling our weight, delivering another five new state schools in 2021 on top of the eight that were opened this year.

“These 2022 schools will ensure the pipeline of work on these construction projects can continue.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the schools would be ready in time for their first day of school.

“As well as providing world-class education infrastructure, the scale of these projects means there will be significant employment opportunities for local tradies and subcontractors,” Grace said.

“We are focused on getting people back to work as we unite and recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic, with these projects expected to support more than 870 local jobs.

“These projects are building on our record investment in building new schools and expanding existing schools in high-growth areas.”

Grace said in total $346 million has been allocated to the Building Future Schools Fund to build these new schools, upgrade existing schools and plan for more future schools.

“We’ve also allocated $65 million of funding for a new primary school to be built in Brisbane’s booming inner west suburbs to be opened by 2023.

“We can now begin an extensive community consultation process to find the best location that will benefit the local community.

“This funding package will also include almost $20 million to complete Stage 2 of the Lee Street Special School in Caboolture and more than $80 million towards planning and land acquisition for more 2023 and 2024 schools.”

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