Education Minster Grace Grace today visited Kepnock State High School with Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith, to announce a $9.4 million investment to upgrade the school’s Industrial Design and Technology facilities and $440,000 to refurbish existing learning spaces.
Ms Grace said Kepnock State High School is one of 36 Queensland state schools to benefit from a new $181.5 million state-wide renewal program to ensure specialist curriculum classrooms continue to meet the needs of students and teachers.
“This is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s record breaking $16.5 billion education budget handed down by the Treasurer last week,” said Ms Grace.
“We are investing $2 billion in education infrastructure this year alone, supporting 4,200 jobs across Queensland.
“This budget is all about delivering good jobs, better services, and enhancing our Queensland lifestyle.”
Minister Grace said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to investing in Queensland schools to provide new and enhanced learning facilities and ensure students receive a world-class education.
“That’s why we are investing $9.4 million at Kepnock State High School to upgrade the Industrial Design and Technology facilities so students have access to modern and innovative specialist learning spaces, workshops and equipment,” Ms Grace said.
“It will also ensure more students can take part in subjects and classes such as robotics and engineering, furnishing, building and construction and graphic design, ceramics and industrial design.”
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said this investment would bring real benefits to the school community.
“I am pleased to see that Kepnock State High School students will receive new state-of-the-art Industrial Design and Technology facilities,” Mr Smith said.
“Improving education for students in Bundaberg and right across Queensland continues to be a focus of the Palaszczuk Government.”
Principal of Kepnock State High School Nicholas Howkins said the school welcomed the investment in its Industrial Design and Technology facilities.
“With around 600 students studying ITD at any given time, the new facilities will make a significant difference in supporting staff and students in this important curriculum area,” Mr Howkins said.
“It will also give them access to world class equipment like ceramic printers, 3D printers, robotics equipment and welding, wood and metal lathes, helping to better prepare students for new work and study requirements.”
Other projects for Bundaberg schools announced in the budget include $1.3 million for a new security fence and refurbishments at Bundaberg Central State School, $550,000 to refurbish the resource centre at Bundaberg North SHS, and $880,000 to upgrade learning and admin spaces at Bundaberg South SS.
State school students in the region will also benefit from other education budget announcements including:
- 675 extra teachers and nearly 200 extra teacher aides in 2022-23 as part of an ongoing commitment to employ more than 6,100 new teachers and 1,100 teacher aides
- $20 million for playground and tuckshop upgrades
- The $100 million, four-year Go for Gold Fund for new and upgraded sports infrastructure for schools across the state
- $80.6 million to support schools to transition to a new resourcing model for students with disability
- $15.5 million for respectful relationships education
- $13.3 million to expand the partnership with Queensland-based charity Share the Dignity, giving all state schools the opportunity to install a vending machine that provides free period products
- Additional funding as part of our kindergarten funding reform package worth more than $1 billion over the next five years
