Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP today announced that Glass House schools would receive vital maintenance funding thanks to the Newman Government’s $200 million school maintenance fund.
Mr Powell said each school would receive up to $160,000 to fix existing priority maintenance issues under the two-year Advancing Our Schools Maintenance Fund.
“The previous Labor Government left our schools with a $292 million maintenance backlog that saw schools in Glass House fall into disrepair,” Mr Powell said.
“Whether it’s peeling paint, uneven footpaths or torn and stained carpet, too many of our state schools have maintenance issues that have become potential health and safety hazards for our children.
“This new fund is about making our schools safer. It’s about ensuring our children have access to the best school facilities and a safer environment in which to learn.”
Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said in addition to the Maintenance Fund schools were now untied from QBuild which meant private providers could carry out maintenance work.
“Schools now have the option to choose to continue to use QBuild or to go directly to the market for the delivery of all planned and routine breakdown maintenance,” Mr Langbroek said.
“To qualify for the funding P&Cs will be asked to obtain three quotes from professionals to submit with their application. The Government will also ask P&C organisations and schools to contribute to the maintenance task if they have funds to do so.
“This approach is about empowering local school communities and reflects our belief that a government bureaucracy, no matter how well intentioned, does not always know best.”
Mr Langbroek said $100 million would be available in 2012-13 and a further $100 million would be available in 2013-14.
The following schools in Glass House will receive maintenance funding:
- Elimbah State School
- Eudlo State School
- Glass House Mountains State School
- Maleny State High School
- Maleny State School
- Montville State School
- Mount Mee State School
- Palmwoods State School
- Peachester State School
- Wamuran State School
- Woodford State School