Groundwork to be laid for new western school

WESTBROOK community members have welcomed the news the State Government was investigating a new high school in the western corridor of Toowoomba.

Education Minister Grace Grace told stakeholders at a meeting yesterday the government was laying the groundwork to build another school to cater for the growing western communities.

While it wasn’t a concrete commitment, Westbrook Focus Group president Jamie Cooper said he was pleased Ms Grace was listening to “the correct information” that depicted the level of need for a new school.

“They do see there will be a need for a school in that western corridor,” he said.

“It was a positive meeting, we were hoping for a little bit more but the groundwork is being laid, which is what we were wanting anyway.

“I think the Education Minister and her people have actually managed to get the correct information. I think that’s where it has changed.”

Mr Cooper said the first step for the government was buying 12 hectares of land, which was still plentiful in Westbrook.

“They need to find the most suitable location. I still have a gut feeling it will go into Westbrook – all roads lead to Westbrook,” he said.

Other stakeholders included LNP MPs David Janetzki and Pat Weir, the Queensland Teachers Union, and developer Fernleigh Properties, which is awaiting council approval for its massive housing estate in the area.

Fernleigh’s Geoff Kath said a potential new school could be positioned on Keding Rd, on the western side of Westbrook.