A state-of-the-art STEM precinct and cutting-edge automotive training facility worth a combined $24.8 million delivered by the Palaszczuk Government have been officially opened at Mabel Park State High School.
Education Minister Grace Grace joined Attorney-General and Member for Waterford, Shannon Fentiman, State Treasurer and Member for Woodridge, Cameron Dick, and Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin, Jim Chalmers, to open the impressive facilities today during ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Science Week.
“STEM jobs are the good jobs of the future so I’m proud the Palaszczuk Government has been able to deliver this impressive $20.8 million STEM precinct for Mabel Park State High School,” Ms Grace said.
“Meanwhile the $4 million automotive training facility is the first of 26 projects to be delivered under the Local Schools, Local Jobs program, a $45 million commitment we made at the last election that we are delivering on.
“Local Schools, Local Jobs is all about building and upgrading training facilities in schools across the state to give students the opportunity to learn the skills they need to get good jobs in their community, setting them up for a great lifestyle.
“The new STEM and automotive facilities here include science laboratories, two technology spaces that can accommodate robotics work and trades training spaces.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building new facilities to accommodate growth in existing schools, and that is particularly important in schools like Mabel Park State High School, which has seen enrolments more than double since 2017.”
State Treasurer and Member for Woodridge, Cameron Dick, said the Local Schools, Local Jobs program is making sure students are given the best possible preparation for careers in their local communities.
“Mabel Park State High School is located close to a significant automotive precinct, and the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to better services means that this new facility is preparing students for those good jobs right here in our Logan community,” Mr Dick said.
“The new automotive training facility allows students to explore the latest automotive technologies such as electric scooters and solar powered vehicles.
“Trades training is also accommodated in the building, and the school is looking at integrating some vocational education and training with STEM in fields like renewable energy, which is very exciting.”
Local Member for Waterford, Shannon Fentiman, said the new precinct was a part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to provide Queensland state school students with world-class education infrastructure.
“These state-of-the-art facilities will make sure students at Mabel Park will gain valuable hands on skills and training needed to get a job and build a successful career,” Ms Fentiman said.
“In addition to STEM and automotive training areas, the new building is also home to a dance studio, a new tuckshop and IT facilities.
“Significantly for our Mabel Park State High School community, where 71 cultures are represented in the 1630-strong student cohort, the ground floor has a United Cultures Centre featuring an all-faiths prayer room.
“This inclusion reflects the school’s pride in diversity, creating a community committed to inclusion, connection and belonging.”
Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers said strong investment in school infrastructure was vital in equipping students to work the jobs of the future.
“Logan kids do deserve the best and today they get it,” Mr Chalmers said.
“This is all about teaching and training our young people for the jobs and opportunities of the future.
“The Albanese Labor Government will work with the Palaszczuk Labor Government to ensure the children in our community get the funding they need and deserve – so they can have a bright future.
“We want more opportunities for more people in more parts of Australia. Investments like this from the state government today are an important part of the story.”
Acting Principal Aimee Argiro said the new building was making a huge difference at Mabel Park State High School.
“Our credo is ‘students first’, and the cutting edge facilities that this building brings enhance our ability to deliver an exceptional education experience,” Ms Argiro said.
“The new STEM facilities will strengthen our partnership with QUT as we look at expanding ties into the future.”
The project supported more than 65 jobs during construction, with more than 30 apprentices getting hands-on experience onsite.
The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to building, upgrading, and expanding schools is reflected in the 2022-23 State Budget with nearly $2 billion in education infrastructure spending supporting nearly 4200 jobs for Queenslanders.
