General News
18 November, 2025
Hall setting saves trees
DOZENS of trees have been saved from the axe at Freshwater State School after the community was consulted about the location of its new $15.6 million multi-purpose hall.
In collaboration with the school community, location and design options were carefully reviewed to ensure the facility meets the needs of students, staff and the broader community.
An internal consultative group was established to involve volunteer parents and carers, Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C) members and current school staff in the planning process.
Over three meetings, the group assessed location and design options presented by the project architect.
At the final meeting on 18 June 2025, the group endorsed the Corkill Street boundary as the preferred site, with overwhelming support. This option was selected because it:
Preserves the most usable green space and mature trees
Utilises the lower end of the site to support natural drainage
Enables solar panel installation through optimal roof orientation
Creates an undercover play space for wet-weather use
Maintains oval access and allows for future car parking improvements.
The Department of Education’s service planning and development board will now incorporate the community’s feedback into the final design.
The hall will feature a multi-purpose court, performance stage and storage facilities, with additional works to provide weatherproof play spaces, relocate the groundsman’s shed, preserve large trees and improved parking.
A construction contract is expected to be awarded in mid-2026, with the hall opening planned for mid-2027.
Member for Barron River Bree James said she spoke with many residents and parents throughout the process to determine the best location, attending forums and campaigned alongside parents and the community to ensure appropriate community consultation.
“This hall will preserve green space, provide undercover play areas and deliver a modern facility for students and families.”
School principal Karryn Brunetto said the new multipurpose hall was “an exciting step forward for the school community”.
“This new space will provide our students with a versatile environment for learning, creativity and physical activity, offering opportunities to grow both academically and personally,” she said.
