School is in for Labor $41m for NQ works

EIGHTEEN North Queensland schools will benefit from a $41m investment from a Labor government.

The funding will go towards 26 projects including new school halls and improved learning facilities to help support jobs in the region’s coronavirus economic recovery.

The investment includes a new $5m performing arts centre at Pimlico State High School, $5.7m multipurpose hall for Ayr State High School and more than $13m in infrastructure for the Townsville Community Learning Centre.

The announcement was part of a larger $1b Great Schools, Great Future education policy and will support more than 3100 construction jobs in Queensland.

Former principal of Pimlico State High School, Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the funding was a long time coming, having campaigned for a new performing arts centre before he entered politics.

“I actually remember going and meeting with John Hathaway, who was the member and addressed this with him,” Mr Stewart, who later took the seat from Mr Hathaway, said.

He added the $3.5m investment in Bwgcolman Community College on Palm Island was exciting.

“We know when you’ve got great facilities, it really lifts the kids, they feel that they are valued,” Mr Stewart said.

“What we want to do is give the kids the best opportunity in life when it comes to education.”

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper had worked hard to secure funding for a new multipurpose hall at Thuringowa

Scott Stewart.

State High School, starting a petition to garner support last year.

“To see $5.75 million locked in for a new multipurpose hall at Thuringowa SHS makes me incredibly happy,” he said.

“I know the students and teachers there, as well as at the other schools that are getting upgrades, will be over the moon with these commitments.”

Burdekin candidate Mike Brunker and Hinchinbrook candidate Paul Jacob were excited about the projects proposed in their regions.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the funding would boost the construction industry across the state.

“The Palaszczuk government’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19 begins with job creation,” Ms Grace said.

“We always encourage our schools to engage local tradespeople to complete maintenance works and smaller jobs in schools.

“By investing in new and upgraded school infrastructure we are providing world-class education facilities for Queensland students.”

>>Read the full list of

projects online