Education Minister Grace Grace. Source : Wikimedia Commons (Used under Creative Commons)
Four new state schools have been completed in Queensland and are ready to welcome children in for the first day of term.
The schools were funded by the Palaszczuk Government and overall cost close to $330 million.
Education Minister Grace Grace announced the completion of the schools and thanks those involved.
“Ripley Central, South Rock and Woogaroo Creek State Schools, as well as Palmview State Secondary College, will all be ready for students to walk through their gates for the first time on Day 1 2023.” Ms Grace said.
“I would like to thank contractors FKG Group, Hutchinson Builders, and ADCO, who have worked through a year of extreme weather, seasonal illness, and COVID in the community.
“That’s on top of COVID-related supply chain disruptions and material and workforce constraints.
“There are some works continuing, which is not unusual at schools, but I’m very pleased these schools are ready for hundreds of students to walk through the gates on the first day.” She said.
Ms Grace then went on to praise the Palaszczuk Government on the efforts made for education and took the opportunity to slam some of what occurred for education under the Liberal National Party.
“The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver on our commitment to build new schools in Queensland’s fastest growing areas, and we couldn’t have done it without the work of our contractors.” Ms Grace said.
“We have now built 25 new schools since coming to government in 2015.
“In less than 3 years, the LNP closed 6 schools and had another 50 earmarked for closure.
“These schools are supporting good jobs and providing better services for Queenslanders, and in turn supporting the great lifestyle we enjoy in this state.” She said.
The construction of the schools ultimately supported 900 jobs.
FKG Group Project Manager Adam Finn said the project was challenging through all 2022 brought.
“It was a demanding year for the construction industry, but through the unprecedented weather events, industry material and labour shortages, and ongoing COVID impacts, FKG was able to work with the Department of Education to deliver a first-rate school.” Mr Finn said.
“Partnering with the department to ensure the needs of the students and teachers could be met on day one saw us safely progress as much of the work as possible.” He said.
