- 1,200 Central Queensland Families already get free kindy in 2023
- More than 4,200 extra families can get free kindy from 2024
- $74.8 million for school infrastructure in Central Queensland in 2023/24 alone
Over 4,200 additional Central Queensland families will receive free kindy in 2024 thanks to a historic announcement from the Palaszczuk Government.
Set to save families up to $4,600 a year, a $645.4 million budget boost will make kindy free for every Queensland family – and take the government’s total investment in kindy to $2 billion over the next four years.
Education Minister Grace Grace visited Journey Early Learning Centre Kawana in Rockhampton today to hear how families will benefit from the policy, which also includes additional funding for staff attraction and retention, extra investment for kindy kids with disability, and an expansion of the successful Kindy Uplift program.
Schools across Central Queensland will also benefit from significant infrastructure investment, with $74.8 million in 2023/24 alone to maintain, improve, and upgrade schools right across the region.
This investment includes funding for a $1.9 million refurbishment of blocks Q and P at Frenchville State School and $1.4 million to refurbish Waraburra State School’s pool amenities and canteen.
The 2023/24 Budget also sees funding for ongoing projects such as the new $18.7 million learning centre at the Rockhampton North Special School, the $10.5 million new learning spaces at Rockhampton Special School and the $13.9 million new hall at The Hall State School.
This year’s record spend builds on a strong foundation of investment in school infrastructure across Central Queensland with nearly $858 million invested in total since 2015.
Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:
“The Palaszczuk Government will always invest in education: it’s in our DNA.
“We are making kindy free for every family in Queensland, we’re expanding school breakfast clubs, and we are delivering record infrastructure investment for schools right across Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke:
“The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver for families right across Queensland – including in my electorate of Rockhampton.
“Our landmark free kindy policy will provide real cost of living relief to Queenslanders and help give our kids the best possible start in life.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:
“I’m proud to be part of a government that is investing in the future of education and the new $1.9 million refurbishment of blocks Q and P at Frenchville State School is just that.
“With $74.8 million in the budget to deliver school infrastructure in Central Queensland in 2023/24 alone, families right across the region are set to benefit.”
Quotes attributable to Journey Early Learning Kawana Centre Director Lydia Kennedy:
“The free kindy funding has made such a difference for our families and community.
“It has opened doors for children who were previously unable to attend, empowering them to be confident and ready for school.
“The addition of the Kindy uplift initiative has supported our learning outcomes for our children.”
Quotes attributable to Frenchville State School Acting Principal Donna Earle-Morrison:
“Frenchville State School is delighted to receive funding towards the refurbishment of Blocks Q and P.
“This is an exciting project for our school, meaning our young students will have access to modern and innovative learning spaces that support the implementation of age-appropriate pedagogies.”
