- 90 schools to share in $29 million boost funded in the 2023-24 State Budget
- Popular program to benefit six more North Queensland schools
- Today's announcement builds on the 60 schools that received funding from initial $20 million
The 90 schools set to benefit from the Palaszczuk Government's $29 million budget boost for playground and tuckshop upgrades have been announced – with six across North Queensland.
Set to share in over $1.26 million in funding, the investment will see $385,000 spent at Jarvisfield State School to install a new playground and almost $250,000 to refurbish the tuckshop at Bowen State High School.
These projects are in addition to the 14 North Queensland schools that received funding in the initial pot, with the total investment of both tranches almost $4 million.
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 Garbutt State School Principal Jackie Guiney:
"This fantastic project will allow students to use the tuckshop as a learning space for our focus this year on sustainability with recycling, bush tucker garden and growing our own food – the tuckshop is our school's only kitchen facility and is also the base for our daily breakfast club.
"A focus on indigenous cooking, healthy food and cooking skills in conjunction with the local Indigenous Health Service will allow us to meet the needs of our First Nations students – 85% of around 100 students enrolled – and embed their culture into our curriculum and teaching, building understanding."
Garbutt State School received $317,000 to build a new tuckshop and kitchen as one of 60 schools that shared in the fund's initial $20 million pot.
