- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment by progressing the new Gracemere High School to design phase, with construction set to begin by Term 4, 2026.
- Labor ignored calls from the Gracemere community for a new school for a decade, despite a growing population.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after the former Labor Government's decade of decline which left a school maintenance backlog and skyrocketing rates of bullying and classroom assaults.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election promise to build a new high school for the growing community in Gracemere, with the contract awarded for the detailed design phase.
The Early Contractor Involvement – Design Management and Construction contract has been awarded to F.K Gardner & Sons, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of the $100 million election commitment from the Crisafulli Government for Stage 1 of the new high school.
Construction of the new school is expected to start by Term 4, 2026 and will include 16 general classrooms, nine specialist learning areas, outdoor multi-purpose courts and an oval.
F.K Gardner & Sons will hold industry sessions for local businesses to provide information on opportunities to be involved with the delivery of the project.
The school is due to open for Year 7 and 8 in 2028.
The former Labor Government failed to plan for Gracemere's growing population - which increased by almost 25 per cent - and ignored calls from the community for a new school for a decade.
Labor's schools legacy across Queensland - as a result of their decade of decline - was a maintenance repair bill of more than $440 million for state schools, and skyrocketing rates of violence and bullying in the classroom.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering $21.9 billion to build 15 new schools, including 6 special schools, while delivering $45 million for the Behaviour Boost and a nation-leading $33 million anti-bullying plan, which has already shown positive results across Central Queensland.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said every child deserved access to quality education no matter where they live.
"We're delivering for Gracemere, exactly as we promised," Minister Langbroek said.
"We've taken a major step forward in delivering a brand new, fit-for-purpose high school that will provide a world-class education to our young Queenslanders.
"There are currently eight new schools or campuses under construction, with site works either underway or set to commence in the coming months. "The former Labor Government didn't have a plan for Queensland's future during their decade of decline, but the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start Queenslanders voted for."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland encouraged local businesses to attend the industry sessions.
"This project will support the growing needs of the Rockhampton region, particularly in Gracemere," Mrs Kirkland said.
"It will create opportunities for local businesses, and I encourage business owners to attend an information session to learn about the opportunities that are available.
"My community has called for a Gracemere High School for 20 years and the former Labor Government continued to ignore us during the decade of decline.
"Families in my electorate deserve better facilities and a world-class education and I'm proud to be part of the team delivering for them."
