Two “state-of-the-art” schools have officially opened in one of the Sunshine Coast’s rapidly growing areas.
Palmview State Primary School and Palmview State Special School have welcomed hundreds of students this year, with a $130 million investment from the State Government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said they were two of five new state schools to open this year, following an 11-month build that created up to 390 local construction jobs.
“We’re investing in the infrastructure needed for our growing communities,” she said.
“There’s nowhere more beautiful to live and work so it’s no wonder we’re seeing huge demand for services in this region.
“By building state-of-the-art schools like these ones, we’re able to give students on the Sunshine Coast the very best start in life.”
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt said it was an exciting milestone for the Sunshine Coast community.
“It’s great to see so many families choosing to make Palmview home and sending their kids to their local state schools.
“We know the Sunshine Coast is booming and we’re responding to this growth.
“That’s why we’ve also committed to building a high school in Palmview, which will open in 2023.
“This year, we also opened the new Baringa State Secondary College, in Caloundra.
“By building schools like these ones, we’re able to give thousands of local students a great start in life.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said students walked into world-class facilities for the start of school this year.
“Both schools feature new learning centres, libraries, canteens and administration centres.
“Palmview State Primary School also features a state-of-the-art sport and music centre, and Palmview Special School includes a multi-purpose activity centre, skills centre, and hospitality centre.
“And to keep pace with growth, future stages of both schools will deliver more classrooms for our junior and senior students.”
Palmview State Primary School Foundation Principal Andrew Walker said staff and students were enjoying the new school and its modern facilities.
“Palmview State Primary School has been warmly welcomed by the local community and I feel incredibly proud to be leading this new school,” Mr Walker said.
Palmview State Special School Foundation Principal Nick Alexander said the school was equipped with facilities that support inclusive access to learning.
“These resources mean we can ensure our students are afforded every opportunity to access learning that supports them on a pathway to a life of choice rather than chance,” he said.
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Ms Grace said in addition to the two Palmview schools, doors opened for the first time this year at Baringa State Secondary College, Gainsborough State School and Brisbane South State Secondary College.
“The opening of these five schools represents an investment of $460 million, supporting up to 1360 local jobs,” she said.
“Building the schools where they’re needed most and maintaining a consistent pipeline of work for our local tradies is at the heart of our $14.5 billion Economic Recovery Plan.
“Our investment of $1.9 billion in infrastructure across Queensland this year builds on the $5.2 billion the Palaszczuk Government has put into school infrastructure since 2015.”
