- 90 schools across the state to share in $29 million boost funded in the 2023-24 State Budget
- Popular program to benefit 16 more Far North Queensland schools
- Today's announcement builds on the 60 schools that received funding from initial $20 million fund
The 90 schools set to benefit from the Palaszczuk Government's $29 million budget boost for playground and tuckshop upgrades have been announced – with 16 across the Far North.
Set to share in almost $5 million, the 16 schools include Cooktown State School, who are to receive $400,000 for an upgraded multipurpose court and Western Cape College, who will receive almost $450,000 to remove their existing playground and install a new one.
Tagai State College will receive funding for upgrades to three campuses; with the Mer Campus to receive almost $300,000 to refurbish the tuckshop, the Sabai Island Campus to benefit from around $500,000 for tuckshop upgrades and Yam Island Campus to receive around $500,000 to upgrade their playground and provide shade structures and soft fall.
Expanding on the initial $20 million Eat right, play right, learn well initiative – that saw 60 schools receive funding – an extra $29 million was announced as part of the 2023-24 State Budget to ensure more schools could benefit from the popular program.
The extra $29 million will see 90 more schools across the state receive funding to upgrade or enhance their playground and tuckshop facilities in an effort to keep students healthier and more active.
Through the program, schools were able to apply for funding of up to $500,000 to upgrade playgrounds, including to replace soft fall surfacing and install shade cover structures, and for tuckshops to purchase items such as catering appliances and equipment, install stainless steel benches and upgrade facilities.
The tuckshop and playground upgrade program prioritises funding schools in disadvantaged areas where these upgrades are needed most.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education Grace Grace:
"The Palaszczuk Government is delighted to announce the 90 schools that are set to benefit from the $29 million funding boost for the playgrounds and tuckshops upgrade program announced in this year's State Budget.
"This will be money well spent from the Cape to the capital, ensuring our students have access to healthy and nutritious tuckshop meals and modern playground equipment to help our students be active and engaged.
"This hugely popular initiative is all about supporting the health and wellbeing of students.
"And, it has been so popular that the department is reviewing all remaining eligible applications and looking at how we can provide funding.
"So, if your school has made an application but hasn't heard back yet, watch this space."
Quotes attributable to Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:
"It is fantastic to see schools right across the Far North benefit from this popular program.
"We know how important playgrounds and tuckshops are to school life, and this funding is sure to have a positive impact on these school communities.
"If you add together the 16 schools successful in this round and the 18 schools that benefited from the initial $20 million, almost $9.8 million being invested to upgrade playgrounds and tuckshops in the Far North alone." Quotes attributable to Tagai State College Executive Principal Michael Ward:
"Tagai State College is unique in having 17 campuses spread across the islands of the Torres Strait over 48,000 square km and is excited to have projects approved at five locations.
"Our Masig, Kubin and Dauan Campuses are receiving new playgrounds, while the Horn Island and Warraber Campuses are in line for significant tuckshop refurbishments.
"It's a special outcome for Kubin Campus which will have not just the school's, but the community's, first playground. Kubin campus staff, the P&C association and Tagai College executive leaders are most grateful for this news.
"Conditions on our remote islands means salt from sea spray and the harsh sun take a toll on metal and outdoor infrastructure, making regular maintenance and refurbishments like these essential. This upgrade work will make a real difference to the students at these sites."
Tagai State College received $1,583,000 to upgrade playground and tuckshop infrastructure across five campuses as one of 60 schools that shared in the fund's initial $20 million pot.
