Queensland's State School Investment Program has received a $50 million boost in the  Queensland State Budget, bringing the total allocation to $134.8 million in 2011-12.


Education Minister Cameron Dick said the additional  funding  would allow priority projects to be fast-tracked.

“The State School Investment Program will help us address priorities for upgrades to equipment, facilities and school grounds in state schools across Queensland,” Mr Dick said.

“The $50 million injection is in addition to the department’s base funding and means that projects can be brought forward for completion sooner.”

Mr Dick said the record funding allocation was on top of the State Government’s $384 million investment in school infrastructure over the next financial year.

“This figure includes $132.8 million to construct a new school at Mango Hill, continue the relocation of Mer Campus of Tagai State College, and build new stages to expand four more schools,” Mr Dick said.

“It will also be used to buy land and provide additional classrooms in growth areas throughout the State.

A total of $61.9 million has been allocated to replace and enhance facilities at existing schools including assisting schools most recently impacted by natural disasters to mitigate against future similar events.

“And $17.9 million will be spent on new employee housing and on refurbishing and maintaining existing housing assets. 

 

Education spending in the state budget includes:

  • $328.2 million over four years and recurrent funding of $293.8 million over five years to start Flying Start initiatives to see year 7 as secondary school as of 2015
  • $146.7 million for School Transport Assistance Scheme
  • $1.4 billion for vocational training through TAFE
  • $80.6 million for training
  • $24.3 million for  children and family centres Doomadgee, Mareeba and Mornington Island in partnership with the Australian Government
  • 300 new teachers and aides
  • $26.2 million for literacy and numeracy initiatives