Education Minister Grace Grace and Logan MP Linus Power have announced who will lead one of South East Queensland’s newest schools, as the first sod was turned on a $65 million state secondary school in Yarrabilba.
Mr Power said Broad Construction had been awarded the contract to build the school, which is one of eight set to open in Queensland in 2020.
“Today is a really exciting milestone for my local community, with the first year 7 and 8 students to walk through the gates on day one of the 2020 school year,” Mr Power said.
“This is a promise the Premier made at the 2017 election and we are delivering on our promise.
“Not only will this school be a world-class facility for our young people, but it will create 173 full-time jobs which is a huge boost to our local economy.
“Jobs are Annastacia Palaszczuk’s top priority. We’re taking action across the state to boost our economy and ensure that it’s Queenslanders that benefit.
“Latest jobs figures released today show almost 185,000 jobs have been created in Queensland since January, 2015.
“And building community infrastructure we need will only contribute to further jobs growth.”
Mr Power and Ms Grace also announced Belinda Tregea as the school’s foundation principal, who joined in on the sod turn today.
“Mrs Tregea brings a wealth of experience, working as a teacher for over 30 years and as principal at Loganlea State High School for the last 10 years,” Ms Grace said.
“I have no doubt she will do a stellar job in leading this new school.”
Mrs Tregea said she was excited about starting a school from scratch.
“I am very honoured to be appointed as foundation principal and I’m looking forward to working closely with the community to position the school as secondary school of choice for every Yarrabilba family.”
Approximately 300 year 7 and 8 students are expected to enrol at Yarrabilba next year, with the school to eventually accommodate up to 1,800 students in years 7-12 by 2024.
Mr Power said growth in the Yarrabilba area had skyrocketed.
“Yarrabilba is one of the state’s fastest-growing masterplanned communities which is predicted to grow by almost 14,000 people by the end of 2031,” Mr Power said.
“Stage one will feature a junior general learning centre, technology centre, science centre, food and hospitality centre and a resource centre.
“It will also include a double court sports centre, canteen and sports oval.”
Ms Grace said the school was being constructed as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $808 million Building Future Schools Fund (BFS).
“In 2020 we are opening a new state secondary college in Fortitude Valley; new secondary schools in Calliope, Coomera, Mango Hill, and Ripley Valley; a new primary school in Ripley Valley; and a new special school in Caboolture,” Ms Grace said.
“Queensland is a growing state and we are building the infrastructure and services we need.”
Consultation on the catchment and enrolment expressions of interest will commence mid-year.
Mrs Tregea will start work in term 2.
