The Palaszczuk Government’s 2019-20 State Budget includes more than $40 million for new and enhanced school facilities in Mackay and surrounding areas, Education Minister Grace Grace said.
Visiting local schools with Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert today, Ms Grace said the investment in infrastructure ensured students were learning in world-class facilities.
“We want every Queensland child to get a great start by receiving a world-class education,” Ms Grace said.
“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has allocated a record $13.8 billion to the Department of Education for 2019-20. This allocation includes a record $1.464 billion for education infrastructure in state schools and a further $100 million for capital works in non-state schools
“In Mackay and surrounding areas, we will invest more than $40 million in new and enhanced school facilities, including $11 million for a state-of-the-art multi-purpose performing arts and sports hall at Sarina State High.”
Mrs Gilbert said she was delighted with the investment being made in schools in her electorate.
“It’s fantastic to see schools in Mackay like Fitzgerald and Victoria Park receive funding for refurbishment projects which will transform existing classrooms areas into contemporary learning spaces,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“Glenella State School’s refurbishment block will also be refurbished at a cost of $500,000 while Mackay Central State School will receive $450,000 to refurbish the old timber windows, something I have been advocating for.”
Ms Grace said the budget also included $11 million for a new multi-purpose performing arts centre as well as the refurbishment of a number of classrooms and the administration area at Proserpine State High School.
There’s also $8 million for a new building housing administration and a resource centre and refurbishment of the existing administration area into classrooms at Cannonvale State School.
“Our education infrastructure program has the added benefit of creating and supporting jobs in the state’s construction industry,” she said.
“Our infrastructure program is expected to support more than 110 jobs in the Mackay construction industry and more than 4,200 jobs state-wide.”
A list of all projects included in the 2019/20 budget for the Mackay, Whitsunday and Mirani electorates is attached.
