The development of a primary school at Yarrabilba has been brought forward a year.
Education Minister Kate Jones has announced the school, scheduled to be ready in 2019, will open its gates in January 2018.
The institution was one of three schools announced to be built over the next three years, by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in February last year.
New schools at Yarrabilba, Coomera and Caloundra South were planned to cater to about 1000 pupils each.
Ms Jones said the opening date for the new state primary school at Yarrabilba, worth $40 million, was brought forward following calls from the community.
She added the construction phase will employ more than 150 people.
“The project will deliver crucial infrastructure to support strong enrolment growth in this part of southeast Queensland,” she said.
“Last enrolment projections show we can expect to see around 300 local students attending the school when it opens next year.
“Not only will this school deliver quality teaching and learning outcomes for local students, it will also support the local building industry.”
Member for Logan Linus Power welcomed the fast-tracked decision, with more than 40,000 people set to reside at Yarrabilba by 2021.
He added the school will be built in two stages over four years.
“This is a huge win for our local community and I am pleased the Minister has listened to our concerns about rapid enrolment growth in the area,” he said.
“I look forward to welcoming new students to the new Yarrabilba state school in 2018 and hope the Minister can be there to see the results of her commitment to the Logan community.”
Member for Beaudesert Jon Krause was thrilled to hear of the announcement and said lobbying for the school to be brought forward, which was in his electorate, was well worth the effort.
“I’ve had regular meetings with Education department officials since late 2015 to make bringing the school forward a year a reality,” he said.
“I’m pleased with the decision.”
Mr Krause added lobbying for a new high school in Flagstone or Jimboomba was the next goal on his agenda.
“Another issue people have raised with me was how full the high schools – in Flagstone, Jimboomba, Beaudesert and Tamborine Mountain – are and I really think we eventually need another one to cater for how big out region has become.
“It’s not as simple as saying you’re going to build one and get approval to do so – it takes time, but it’s something I think my electorate would truly benefit from.”
