- 90 schools across the state to share in $29 million boost funded in the 2023-24 State Budget
- Popular program to benefit 15 more Wide Bay schools
- Today’s announcement builds on the 60 schools that received funding from initial $20 million fund
The 90 schools set to benefit from the Palaszczuk Government’s $29 million budget boost for playground and tuckshop upgrades have been announced – with 15 Wide Bay schools on the list.
Set to share in almost $4.6 million, the 15 schools include Bundaberg West State School who are set to receive $500,000 for a new senior playground and Walkervale State School who will receive almost $450,000 to install play equipment and a sports court.
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 Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith:
“It is fantastic to see schools, students and staff right across the region benefit from this popular program.
“We know how important playgrounds and tuckshops are to school life, and this funding is sure to have a positive impact on these school communities.
“If you add together the 15 schools successful in this round and the five schools that benefitted from the initial $20 million, over $6.3 million is being invested to upgrade playgrounds and tuckshops in Wide Bay alone.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:
“Both Granville State School and Howard State School in my electorate will see important upgrades as part of this program.
“For Howard State School, almost $400,000 has been committed to design and construct a new tuckshop.
“This funding will go a long way to ensuring students remain happy and healthy learners.” Quotes attributable to Bundaberg Central State School Principal Frank Nastasi:
“This will be a brand-new build for Bundaberg Central State School, and a very welcome one.
“It will bring our tuckshop facilities into the heart of the school from their current location in G Block, which is out of the way for students.
“On completion it will enable us to look at adding more tuckshop days a week from the current two, and to run on school events such as sports days which currently doesn’t happen due to its location.”
Bundaberg Central State School received $331,516 to build a new tuckshop as one of 60 schools that shared in the fund’s initial $20 million pot.
