General News
13 August, 2020
New Projects for FNQ Schools
Schools in the Far North will share in nearly $19 million worth of new projects, minor works and upgrades thanks to a funding boost from the Palaszczuk Government.
The projects form part of an overall investment of $220 million across Queensland, improving school facilities and supporting more than 720 jobs.
Several state schools across the Cairns region will be boosted from this funding, supporting local jobs during the economic recovery from COVID-19.
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the program would be a big job generator at a time when we need it the most.
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said these projects across Queensland state schools would play their role in stimulating the economy.
"We always encourage our schools to engage local tradespeople to complete maintenance works and smaller jobs in schools," Mr Pitt said.
"Interested tradies and contractors should contact the Business manager in schools located in their local area.
Mr Pitt said he was impressed with the list of local projects across the Mulgrave electorate, which totalled around $1.8 million.
"Schools in Mulgrave will be ecstatic with this announcement, especially Gordonvale High who will receive over $370,000 towards enhancing their manual arts and wellbeing spaces."
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said by investing in new and upgraded school infrastructure it not only provides world-class education facilities for Queensland students.
"These programs ensure there is a pipeline of work to support local jobs," Mr Healy said.
Mr Healy said Trinity Bay State High School was a big winner in the new funding announcement which will see over $2.1 million invested across the Cairns electorate.
"I'm happy to see $1 million locked in for a refurbishment to the Manual Arts block at this school."
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said over $9.7 million would be invested in a mix of upgrades and new projects for schools in her local area.
"I'm proud to see projects such as refurbishments to home economic blocks, manual arts buildings and playgrounds included in this list," Ms Lui said.
"It's also great to see the Mer and Sabai Island campuses of Tagai State College both receiving upgrades to their kindy's outdoor spaces.
The funding boost is on top of the nearly $52 million already being invested across several schools to deliver much needed facilities such as· additional classrooms, a new multi-purpose centre, as well as other significant refurbishments.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the Queensland Government was also supporting more jobs through the rollout of our $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program.
"In total, the program will support more than 1,500 jobs between now and June 2022 when its due to be completed.
"So far more than 53,400 solar panels have been installed on school rooftops, including more than 6,600 across Far North Queensland" she said
Contractors and tradies who want to be notified of opportunities for any future tender processes for larger projects can register on the Queensland Government QTenders website, if they have not already done so.
