A billion dollar boost for school facilities
MARCH 2009
Queensland schools will share in $14.7 billion worth of infrastructure funding over three years thanks to the Federal Government's latest economic stimulus package.
The federal Building the Education Revolution program will provide new and refurbished facilities for Queensland state schools.
The Senate passed the Federal Government's $42 billion National Building and Jobs Plan on February 13.
The plan includes Building the Education Revolution - a $14.7 billion program to improve the quality of school facilities across Australia.
The major component of the program is the $12.4 billion Primary Schools for the 21st Century package to build or refurbish facilities in primary, special and P-12 schools (primary component) across Australia.
Other elements of the program include:
- A $1.3 billion investment to refurbish and renew existing infrastructure and undertake minor building works in Australian schools as part of the National School Pride Program
- A $1 billion long-term investment is available under the Science and Language Centres for 21st Century Secondary Schools to build around 500 new science laboratories and language learning centres in Australian secondary schools
Department of Education, Training and the Arts Director-General Rachel Hunter said the funding provided an opportunity to allocate additional resources and better facilities to schools across Queensland.
'This package will provide a significant stimulus to the Queensland economy and a capital legacy for our schools and their communities,' Ms Hunter said.
'To have the most impact, the program will need to be rolled out as quickly as possible.'
Deputy Director-General, Corporate Strategy and Resourcing Division, Al Wagner said the department was well placed to ensure building work could start as soon as possible.
He said a project team had been formed, key stakeholders from principals' and parents and citizens' associations had been consulted, and detailed planning had begun.
'The Federal Government has outlined some tight timeframes for construction to commence,' Mr Wagner said.
'With that in mind we are working with Queensland schools to identify priority projects that meet the Building the Education Revolution funding criteria.
'Schools will be kept well informed of progress with this initiative and more information will be provided as it becomes available.'
For further information visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website 
Other languages