- Stage 2 of Palmview State Secondary College on the Sunshine Coast officially opened today, with a $47.3 million investment which allows the College to now cater for 1,351 students.
- Under Labor's watch, behavioural issues and bullying rates skyrocketed in Queensland classrooms, while more children failed to meet national standards in literacy and maths.
- The Crisafulli Government's $23.1 billion Education Budget is delivering new schools, more teachers, and safer classrooms after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland and strengthening the foundations for fresh start with new fit-for-purpose facilities unveiled at Palmview State Secondary College on the Sunshine Coast today. The $47.3 million Stage 2 expansion gives the college onsite capacity for 1,351 students and delivers on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to expand infrastructure and access for local schools.
These upgrades follow the former Labor Government's decade of decline which left a $441 million renewal backlog and allowed one third of Queensland's state school assets to reach end of life.
The 36 new learning areas will also benefit adjoining Palmview State Primary and Palmview State Special Schools, as well as other local schools and the broader community. A new Music and Performing Arts Centre, named Studio 360, features sound-proofed instrumental music rooms, a raised stage, dressing rooms, and a large foyer area to hold classes or big events.
The Visual Arts Centre includes spaces for student exhibitions and multi-media and green screen facilities, enabling students to access technology used by Queensland's thriving creative arts and film industries.
The Industrial Technology and Design Centre will develop skills from engineering to furnishing, and has spaces where students can develop prototypes using 3D design software, laser cutting and industry-standard machinery.
Stage 2 has also delivered five laboratories, gymnasium, and a hospitality kitchen to develop skills working in the onsite school café and restaurant. It comes a week after the Crisafulli Government announced nearly $100 million in upgrades had been delivered at Indooroopilly State School, Ripley Valley State Secondary College, Mackay North State High School and Kirwan State School in Townsville. Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Stage 2 expansion at Palmview State Secondary College would mean more exceptional educational options for local families.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future with 22 new schools, including nine new special schools, from Townsville to Caloundra South, to Wynnum-Manly, Gold Coast and Ipswich West," Minister Langbroek said. "All Queensland students deserve access to a world class education and these upgrades will provide modern learning environments for children to thrive.
"Labor's chaos and crisis left Queensland schools with a repair bill of $441 million.
"Providing world-class educational facilities for Queensland children is a priority and we're working through the challenge of fixing Labor's financial vandalism during their decade of decline."
Palmview State Secondary College Principal Barry Dittman said the school was committed to providing an inclusive and engaging education for every student.
"Our adjoining schools and the entire local community will benefit from access to our purpose-built Studio 360 performing and creative arts precinct, as well as a whole host of other facilities," Principal Dittman said.
