Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister Grace Grace have today officially opened the new Everleigh State School at Greenbank.
The Premier said the $75 million investment from her government ensures the new school caters for families in the growing Greenbank area.
“My government is committed to ensuring Queensland students have access to a world-class education in state-of-the-art facilities, no matter where they live in our state,” the Premier said.
“Everleigh State School is one of three new schools built by our government this year including Nirimba State Primary School on the Sunshine Coast and Coomera State Special School on the Gold Coast.
“Since 2015 we’ve invested $1.3 billion and opened 21 new schools.
“We are committed to continuing to build new schools and expand existing schools in Queensland’s fastest growing areas.
“Next year we will open another 4 schools – Woogaroo Creek State School in Augustine Heights, South Rock State School in Yarrabillba, Ripley Central State School, and a new state high school in Palmview on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s all part of our record budget of almost $2 billion into education infrastructure right across Queensland.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said in its first year over 250 Everleigh State School Prep to Year 6 students were enjoying state-of-the-art facilities.
“Stage 1 of Everleigh State school includes an administration block, resource centre, multi-purpose hall, learning spaces, amenities, a canteen and covered areas,” Ms Grace said.
“The contract award for Stage 2 – which will deliver more learning spaces and amenities – is planned for early 2023, with completion scheduled in time for the 2024 school year.
“Right now the school has capacity for more than 700 students, but the school will grow with the community and Stage 2 will see Everleigh State School able to cater for up to 1,400 students.
“Everleigh State School is also one of 912 Queensland schools benefitting from rooftop solar as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $168 million Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) Program.
“The school has 270 solar panels producing clean, renewable energy, saving both the environment and money on electricity bills.”
FK Gardner and Sons was awarded the contract to build Stage 1 of Everleigh State School.
The construction across both stages will support a total of 185 good, secure jobs for Queenslanders.
Member for Logan, Linus Power, said Everleigh State School has been an asset to the rapidly growing community.
“The great lifestyle Queenslanders enjoy in places like Greenbank and North Maclean is attracting more and more people to these communities, and the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to support them with better services like those at Everleigh State School,” Mr Power said.
Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen, said the Palaszczuk Government was continuing its investment in the future of young Queenslanders by opening of even more new schools next year.
“In addition to the fantastic Everleigh State School this year, Woogaroo Creek State School in my community will be one of four new state schools to open its doors to Queensland students in 2023,” Ms Mullen said.
Woogaroo Creek State School, South Rock State School, Ripley Central State School and Palmview State Secondary College will bring the total number of schools opened by the Palaszczuk Government to 25 in 2023.
Everleigh State School Principal Nicole Wheatley said students and staff at the new school were absolutely delighted with the campus and facilities.
“Our new school not only looks great, we’ve also started out with a positive and growth-minded school community,” Mrs Wheatley said.
“Our vision is ‘Excellence through Equity’, and values Commitment, Accountability, Respect and, Encourage, creating the acronym CARE.”
The Palaszczuk Government is investing a record $16.5 billion in Queensland education in the current budget.
