Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has inspected the newly-built Coomera State Special School ahead of the start of the school year on Monday.
The Premier said the government had invested more than $50 million to complete stage one of the project and support 150 jobs throughout construction.
“By investing in new public infrastructure, we’re creating jobs and catering for growth on the Gold Coast,” the Premier said.
“The northern end of the Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
“Having a purpose-built, state-of-the-art special school here in Coomera will ease the pressure on local families and create job opportunities in the area.
“Investing in health and education are what good Labor governments do best.
“I’m proud to lead a government that has invested $1.3 billion in 21 new schools since 2015, including four on the northern end of the Coast.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said the government would open 11 new schools in 2023 and 2024, worth another $1 billion.
Ms Grace said stage one of Coomera State Special School included multi-storey junior and senior learning buildings, a resource centre, a multi-purpose hall, hospitality and central amenities, sports oval, an administration block and carpark and drop-off areas.
Drop-off times will be graduated as part of a ‘COVID-safe’ approach.
“The Palaszczuk Government remains committed to ensuring high quality infrastructure is in place for students right across Queensland, and especially in fast-growing areas such as Coomera,” she said.
“During 2021–22 alone, the Palaszczuk Government will deliver an education infrastructure investment portfolio valued at almost $1.9 billion, supporting more than 4100 jobs across the state.
“All of this is helping to drive the Queensland economy as we recover from the COVID pandemic, as well as providing world class facilities to our students.”
Gold Coast-based Minister for Youth and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the opening of Coomera State Special School was a proud time for the northern Gold Coast community.
“Congratulations to the whole Coomera community on the opening of Stage One of the brand new Coomera State Special School, which they’ve supported right from the start,” she said.
“In total we’re investing $50 million into this new school and supporting more than 150 local jobs, as part of our record-breaking investment into education infrastructure across Queensland.
“The 126 students expected at Coomera State Special School Monday next week will have a COVID-safe start to the 2022 school year thanks to our comprehensive Back to School plan, which has a range of measures to keep everyone safe and continue the important work of education.”
Coomera State Special School Foundation Principal Kate Hucker said it was an honour to welcome the Premier and Education Minister to the school as it swings into operation for its first year of operation.
“We are very excited to welcome all of our new students and their families to Coomera State Special School,” Ms Hucker said.
“In alignment with our school motto of ‘Together We Can Achieve’ we look forward to working with staff, families, and our wider community, as we strive to provide unique and innovative opportunities to set our students up for success.
“The facilities are amazing, providing an incredible learning environment for our students.”
Coomera State Special School is one of three new schools to have opened in 2022. Nirimba State Primary School in Caloundra and Everleigh State School in Greenbank will open to all students on February 7.
Children of essential workers and vulnerable children have been able to access the school sites since January 24.
