Gold Coast schools to share in $1 billion if Labor wins election

The Queensland Labor Government has today pledged $1 billion to upgrade schools across Queensland, including here on the Gold Coast, if it wins this month’s election.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the election promise on Friday, ahead of postal voting for the state election which commences next week.

“Our Great Schools, Great Future policy will provide new, modern learning facilities for young Queenslanders no matter where they live, with the added economic benefit of providing jobs for local tradespeople,” the Premier said.

It’s understood the money will be spent “modernising” both private and public schools across the state.

“The investment would build 26 new multi-purpose halls and performing arts centres, and upgrade a further 11, new classrooms at 46 schools, and upgrades to admin blocks, carparks, equitable access facilities and security, as well as planning for 16 new schools,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Not only will this mean more comfortable and modern educational facilities, but it also means a significant pipeline of work for local tradies.”

Local MP Meaghan Scanlon told myGC that out of the $1 billion, Gold Coast schools were expected to receive $78 million.

“That’s for things like expansion of our classrooms, multi purpose halls and of course refurbishments of schools as well,” Scanlon said.

The majority of the funding will go towards schools in marginal electorates that Labor is desperate to win.

Labor’s only Gold Coast seat of Gaven will get a total of more than $27 million, with Pacific Pines State High School, Nerang State High School and Gaven State School all promised upgrades.

Miami State High, Palm Beach State School and Palm Beach Currumbin State High School will share in more than $20 million.

In the seat of Coomera, Ormeau Woods State High School and Picnic Creek State School have been allocated more than $17 million between them.

Funding has also been allocated for schools in Theodore, Bonney and Currumbin.

The full list of schools set to benefit can be found below:

1. Coombabah SHS – Security Fence $700,000
2. Southport Special School – Improve school entrance to incorporate bus and taxi set-down $1,000,000
3. Palm Beach State School – additional classrooms $10,600,000
4. Palm Beach/Currumbin SHS – New Indoor Sports Facility $10,000,000
5. Ormeau Woods State High School – additional classrooms $8,185,000
6. Picnic Creek State School – additional classrooms $9,100,000
7. Elanora State High School – sun safe/shaded play area to allow use throughout the year $200,000
8. Elanora State School – refurbish amenities $200,000
9. Tallebudgera State School – refurbish admin facilities $500,000
10. Pacific Pines State High School – additional classrooms $22,255,000
11. Nerang State High School – refurbishment of existing multi-purpose hall $5,000,000
12. Miami State High School – new indoor sports facility $10,000,000
13. Gaven State School – replacement of wire fence $300,000
14. Helensvale State High School – enhance school entrance $100,000
15. Oxenford State School – install covered link $ 670,000