Education Minister Grace Grace has visited Hervey Bay State High School, announcing Budget funding for a new $10 million performing arts centre and learning centre.
The projects featured in last week’s State Budget, which included $12.2 million for schools in the Hervey Bay electorate as part of a record $1.46 billion state school infrastructure spend across Queensland.
Ms Grace said the Budget included funding for new facilities and upgrades across schools in the Hervey Bay electorate, supporting 34 full-time jobs.
“I’m happy to see a solid investment in these primary and high schools, with wonderful projects such as the new performing arts centre and learning centre at Hervey Bay State High School which means so much to the students and staff,” Ms Grace said.
“I met with the Principal and local member earlier this year to discuss the performing arts centre, so it was great to make the trip to the school today to celebrate the news and inspect where the centre will be built.
“It will feature spaces for dance, drama, music and visual arts spaces while the learning centre will include general classrooms and science labs.
“The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Economics kitchen at Hervey Bay State High will also get a makeover, with a $300,000 boost.
“The stoves, benches and fans will be replaced and a new cold room, rangehoods and gas infrastructure installed.
“These projects combined make up a total of $10.3 million being invested at Hervey Bay State High.”
Ms Grace said Hervey Bay Special School will also welcome new projects.
“Hervey Bay Special School is receiving $150,000 towards a refurbishment of the Trade Skills Area which will make a big difference to the school community,” she said.
“Hervey Bay Special School will also welcome a new set-down area and carpark, a bus turn-around facility and a shade cover for the drop-off zone.
“This is a $400,000 commitment which is fantastic news for the school community.”
Ms Grace said the projects would also provide a boost to the economy.
“Our education infrastructure program has the added benefit of creating and supporting jobs in the state’s construction industry,” she said.
“Construction of these school projects is expected to support more than 4,245 state-wide.
“The Palaszczuk Government wants every Queensland child, wherever they live, to get a great start to life by receiving a world-class education.”
The budget also includes increased funding of $100 million over four years for priority state school air conditioning projects which, including existing investment, will bring total funding to $191 million over five years.
“This will include urgent replacement of air-conditioning units in schools in the Cooler Schools Zone and other priority school air-conditioning projects as identified through a review of state school air-conditioning needs,” she said.
Click to view a full list of school projects in Hervey Bay, funded in the Budget.
