Details about a planned new state primary school on the Sunshine Coast that could eventually cater for up to 1140 students have been revealed.
A development assessment report submitted to Economic Development Queensland by QBuild on behalf of the Department of Education outlines the proposed delivery of the new school at Banya, which is part of the Stockland’s masterplanned Aura community.
The report says the proposed school would accommodate students from Prep to Year 6 and be constructed in readiness for students at the start of 2028, with a second stage delivered the following year, or subject to an assessment of need.
It would be located on five hectares on the corner of Western Drive, Tyndal Circuit and Hotham Crescent. The site is within the Caloundra South Priority Development Area.
The facility would also include a ‘lite integrated hub’ with community and healthcare services, as well as a kindergarten that could accommodate up to 44 children.
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The school would have a predicted peak enrolment of 1140 students, with 143 full-time equivalent staff.
The report outlines the facilities that could be included at the school.
“The new school is to be constructed as a Prep to Year 6 campus with early years (P-3) and senior years (4-6) located across two separate learning buildings,” it says.
“The proposal presents an attractive two-storey built form that wraps to the outer edges of the southern site, providing a protected internal forecourt that maximises the student green and play facilities.
“The central forecourt will provide play environments that are located through their adjacencies to the applicable learning buildings. All with a central canteen and amenities that will be readily accessible by all students.
“The northern sporting field accommodates the necessary play facilities for the student cohort, with direct access to the nearby sports hall (and associated sports stores). The provision of a 100m running track has also been provided, which may also double as part of the senior student play area.
“The school will become an integral part of the local community infrastructure by providing opportunities for the community to access school facilities. Shared use of the northern carpark will support the adjacent sports park out of school hours.”
A Department of Education spokesperson outlined why the new school would be needed.
“The Department of Education works closely with local governments across Queensland to collaboratively plan for new schools and education infrastructure, through the Queensland Schools Planning Reference Committee,” they said.
“Planning is important for prioritising future investments in new school infrastructure, and to ensure new schools are established at the appropriate time and in the correct location to meet student demand.
“A new state primary school for Caloundra South was originally planned to open for Term 1, 2025. However, enrolment demand and residential growth in the area has not progressed as fast as originally forecast.
“The new school site has been identified, with a detailed business case underway to confirm the revised opening year, and to inform an investment decision of government. The development application contains further information about the proposed design, and is publicly available on Economic Development Queensland’s development application portal. Securing a development approval will ensure the new school project can progress to delivery once investment is confirmed.
“The department considers to include an early childhood facility based on the demands of the local community and families. Early childhood facilities support improved developmental outcomes and successful transition to school.”
The report also provides further details about the lite integrated hub.
“The hub is proposed to be operated by a community service organisation in partnership with allied health services on a scheduled program with the facilities, building and land to remain under ownership of the DoE,” it states.
“The proposed health component is intended to operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, and on the rare occasion on Saturday and Sunday.
“A lite integrated hub establishes or enhances multi-disciplinary approaches to supporting children and families to improve social and educational outcomes for children in their early years (0-12). The use will focus on supporting children and their families with early years programs and support. The service will provide on-site health and wellbeing services, family programs and activities.”
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Stockland development director Josh Sondergeld said Aura was becoming an educational hub.
“Stockland Aura’s focus on liveability has been a significant drawcard for our residents, particularly for families seeking a well-connected community with access to parks, essential amenities and high-quality education,” he said.
“As the community continues to thrive and grow, we are proud to see its educational offering expand with the planning of this new state primary school in Banya, seeing Aura well on its way to becoming the Sunshine Coast’s premier education hub.
“This will be the fourth state school within Aura, with Baringa State Primary School, Nirimba State Primary School and Baringa Secondary College already educating the next generation of Aura locals.
“In addition, we are excited to welcome Notre Dame Catholic College to our community as it prepares to open its doors at the start of the 2025 school year, further enhancing the educational opportunities available to local families.”
