Final piece of floods recovery jigsaw now in place

25 May 2011

Back in business ... Milpera State High School principal Adele Rice.

All Queensland State schools damaged in the summer floods are back in business with the reopening of Milpera State High School in Brisbane one month ahead of schedule.

Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Reconstruction and Education Minister Cameron Dick on Monday welcomed students, principal Adele Rice, teachers and staff back to the refurbished campus in Chelmer.

'The floods made a real mess of Milpera State High but it's wonderful the school community has been able to return today following the early completion of a $3.4 million repair job,' Ms Bligh said.

'Just four months ago, the school was covered in mud and debris but it's now good as new. Milpera State High was our hardest hit school with 31 classrooms in 13 buildings damaged, furniture and equipment destroyed and outdoor landscaped areas washed away.

'A lot of work had to be done with wall linings, flooring, ceilings, furniture, equipment, teaching resources and electrical infrastructure needing to be replaced.

'All grounds and buildings have passed the necessary checks allowing the school community to return safely.'

Mr Dick said the rebuild was carried out in consultation with the school community.

Warm welcome ... Assistant regional director Peter Blatch greets students Nathan Dahn, Obeid Allah Ahmed, Amar Faid and Ali Yassin Faid at Milpera on Monday.

'Milpera State High is now better than before, and I know the more than 170 students will enjoy learning in their refurbished classrooms,' Mr Dick said.

'It was a massive effort by QBuild, the school community and teachers to get Milpera State High back on its feet and I thank everyone involved in the recovery.

'A big thanks also to Yeronga TAFE which accommodated the Milpera school community while repairs were carried out, allowing students to continue attending classes.'

The school floods bill totalled $34.7 million with 212 schools damaged. 'It's been mighty effort to get all schools back up and running so quickly,' Ms Bligh said.

'Time and time again we saw the recent disasters bring out the best in people and Milpera's recovery was a wonderful example of the generosity of neighbours, community members and complete strangers.

'The school received support and donations from service clubs, schools, businesses and community members. There have even been donations from two schools in the United Kingdom and one school in Germany.'