Local tradies are ramping up work over the school holidays on Hervey Bay State High School’s new multi-million dollar classroom block.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari and Education Minister Grace Grace inspected progress and met with tradies working on the $5.9 million two storey project today, while in Hervey Bay for Regional Cabinet.
The Premier said the new facility was supporting 16 local jobs, supporting Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.
“The new classroom block will be world-class, fitted out with three specialist science labs and three flexible learning spaces,” the Premier said.
“It’ll support students who are passionate about STEM, preparing them for the jobs of the future.”
The Premier said her government’s investment in the school also includes the $10.7 million Creative Arts Complex which finished earlier this year, supporting 30 jobs.
“The hall is a fantastic addition to the school, featuring dance and drama learning spaces that can be reconfigured into a 550-seat auditorium.
“It’s such a great addition that I wanted my entire Cabinet to see it and that’s why we’re holding our regional Cabinet meeting here today.”
Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari said it was great to have Cabinet in Hervey Bay and to showcase the investment at Hervey Bay State High and across the region.
“The scaffolding is nearly ready to come down on the new science block and the building will be available for use from mid-October 2021,” he said.
“These facilities will relieve pressure on the school’s existing four labs, which will be only be used by the school’s junior students.
“I have regularly attended the works as they have progressed and spoken to the school and site workers about this great project for the Hervey Bay High School.
“There is no denying that the HBHS community is excited to see this great addition to their school.”
Mr Tantari said the pipeline of projects, construction and jobs at the school has been fantastic, particularly through these difficult COVID times.
“The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $20 million upgrading and building new infrastructure here at Hervey Bay SHS over the last five years,” he said.
“At the election we also committed to building new halls at Urangan Point State School and Urangan State High School.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said we’re also investing in a playground replacement at Albert State School and an upgrade to the Industrial Technology and Design building at Aldridge State High in the Maryborough area.
“And we announced in this year’s Budget that we’re injecting $35 million into across schools in the Wide Bay region,” Minister Grace said.
Hervey Bay SHS Principal Julie Learoyd said the new classroom building was an important step forward in delivering on the school’s motto to give students the ‘Courage to Dream – Opportunity to Succeed’.
“Having dedicated specialist science areas for senior and junior classes is going to be fantastic for our students right across the age spectrum,” Ms Learoyd said.
“The Creative Arts Complex is probably the largest public performance space in Hervey Bay.”
