- Crisafulli Government delivers building projects totalling more than $35 million to schools in Ipswich.
- Purpose-built facilities are benefiting students at Claremont Special School, Bremer State High School, and Haigslea State School.
- Investment follows more than $100 million in new contracts for classrooms across Cairns, Gold Coast and Brisbane.
- Confidence is being restored after classrooms crumbled across Queensland under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered $35 million for new classrooms, playgrounds, and specialist technology areas at schools in Ipswich to deliver a world-class education to students, after a decade of decline under Labor. The former Labor Government failed to properly resource our schools, which led to teacher shortages and Queensland students paying the price with lagging education standards. The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a fresh start for the education sector, after the former Labor Government allowed one third of state school assets to reach end of life, resulting in a significant $441 million repair bill. The new $18.7 million building at Claremont Special School is designed to inspire and stimulate learning with 10 classrooms, break-out spaces, two engaging and accessible playgrounds, and kitchen facilities.
Bremer State High School's $12.8 million project has provided specialist rooms for art, science, home economics and vocational education and training (VET) courses in visual arts, fashion, hospitality, engineering, technology design, and building and construction.
Haigslea State School's $3.86 million project includes two new prefabricated buildings providing four classrooms, meeting rooms and teacher preparation areas.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said this was the fresh start Queenslanders voted for. "All Queensland students deserve a world class education and the Crisafulli Government is proud to deliver this critical infrastructure for future generations," Minister Langbroek said.
"We want to ensure all students are supported to reach their potential and that's why we're providing these classrooms, technology areas and break-out spaces for communities across Ipswich.
"These upgrades follow our recent $100 million investment for new classrooms in Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, as part of the Crisafulli Government's record $21.9 billion Education Budget. "Providing world-class educational facilities for Queensland children is a priority for the Crisafulli Government and we're working through the challenge of fixing Labor's mess.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering safer classrooms and cracking-down on poor behaviour, with the $44 million Behavioural Boost and a nation-leading $33 million plan to stamp out bullying. "We're delivering 15 new schools including new primary schools in Caloundra South and Ripley Valley, and six special schools to provide choice to parents and help all students reach their potential. "After a decade in office, Labor left nothing but chaos and crisis in Queensland classrooms." Claremont Special School Principal Alastair Hanna said students in Years 4 to 6 were greatly enjoying their new area.
"The spaces were designed with input from an acoustic engineer to suit young people with sensory sensitivities," Mr Hanna said.
"Students are now calmer and more engaged in their learning, and actively exploring their new playgrounds while improving their social skills."
Bremer State High School Principal Christine Owen said the upgrade allowed the school to offer its popular VET courses and junior science lessons in modern, tailor-made facilities helping to accommodate future enrolment growth.
"These wonderful new industry-standard facilities will help students develop career pathways and skills for the future," Ms Owen said.
"The new kitchen area and rebuilt café and deck is a great way for students to learn practical hospitality skills which include catering for school events."
Haigslea State School Principal Anna Thygesen said the new buildings have provided much needed modern learning spaces for students.
"The spaces include classrooms and flexible breakout rooms. These flexible spaces cater for all learning needs and provide an engaging, light filled environment for small groups and individuals," Ms Thygesen said.
