Education Minister Grace Grace has turned the first sod on the site of Proserpine State High School’s secondary learning centre, part of an overall infrastructure investment of over $18 million at the school.
Ms Grace marked the start of construction of the $8.45 million two-storey building which is on track to open by the start of the 2020 school year.
“Frontline Constructions has been awarded the contract for this exciting project, which will create the space the school needs to cater for its growing student population,” Ms Grace said.
“It’s fantastic to see almost $20 million being spent at Proserpine State High by the Palaszczuk Government, which is providing the state-of-the-art facilities all students need for a world-class education.
“Construction of this learning centre is expected to create 22 full-time jobs which is a win-win for the school community and the Whitsundays economy.”
The building will include five classrooms, one flexible learning area, a design studio and covered undercroft area, with the potential to add an extra four classrooms later.
It’s expected to be completed in December.
Proserpine State High is also receiving two further projects worth $10 million under the Palaszczuk Government’s $235 million Renewing Our Schools program, which is investing in renewal projects across 17 Queensland schools.
“Today I was also pleased to visit the site of the school’s proposed performing arts centre, with construction tipped to start around mid-2019, expected to finish in late 2020,” Ms Grace said.
“This investment will cater for Proserpine State High School’s many talented performing arts students.
“A refurbishment of learning spaces and the admin block will also be carried out as part of this Renewing Our Schools project.
Proserpine State High School Principal Donald McDermid said the school was looking forward to opening the new teaching block for the 2020 student cohort.
“We are proud to provide our students with outstanding educational opportunities supported by modern facilities and up-to-date resources,” Mr McDermid said.
“We are a fast-growing school with more than 1000 students and these new buildings will help us meet the needs of our diverse and growing student group.”
