Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace (centre back row) said the funding for non-state schools would create “good jobs and better services”. Photo: Grace Grace.
Almost two dozen independent and Catholic schools in Queensland will share more than $55 million in infrastructure funding from the state government.
The Queensland Government said students and the construction sector would benefit from the 21 grant-receiving schools building new classrooms and other facilities. Under the program, grants from $550 for infrastructure charges to more than $23 million for a new school will go to schools in Agnes Water in Central Queensland, to Chinchilla in the southwest and Carrara in the south.
Notre Dame College at Bells Creek on the Sunshine Coast received $23.8 million to construct new administration and teaching blocks, covered areas, walkways, and other facilities.
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said Notre Dame College’s grant was a sign the state government was delivering the investment and jobs his Sunshine Coast electorate needed.
“The $23.8 million we’re investing in Notre Dame College will play an important role in catering for the growth we are seeing in Caloundra,” he said.
Other grant recipients include Good Samaritan Catholic College at Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast, which received $9.2 million to build new classrooms, administration, library and other facilities.
San Damiano College at Yarrabilba will carry out extensive refurbishment and redesign works to create new classrooms, science labs and other facilities with its $9.1 million grant.
Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace said the investments were an example of the state government’s strong focus on creating good jobs and better services.
“These are significant projects for these schools and will provide necessary educational facilities for students and the school community,” she said.
“The state government is committed to helping all schools develop the infrastructure they need to provide a world-class education for students.”
The Queensland Government is investing more than $986 million this financial year in non-state schools to support their operations and for capital projects.
Capital funding is made available to Catholic and independent schools on the recommendations of the two non-state schooling sector Capital Assistance Authorities.
