We are committed to investing in services and infrastructure to meet the needs of Queensland communities.
Infrastructure investment
In 2022–23, the department continued its significant investment in educational infrastructure to ensure Queensland has a world class education system.
This included progress to deliver new and revitalised educational infrastructure across the state.
Infrastructure highlights in 2022–23 include the following.
- $376.5 million to build new classrooms and administration facilities to cater for enrolment growth in existing Queensland state schools.
- $314.9 million to renew facilities in schools including additional dedicated funding for special schools and schools in discrete communities, and renewal of learning spaces for specialist curriculum delivery. This includes $43.2 million for infrastructure renewal projects in 18 discrete Indigenous communities.
- $362.2 million to maintain and modernise existing facilities and infrastructure.
Delivering new schools
New schools continue to be built in Queensland’s fastest growing areas to support our growing communities.
In January 2023, 4 new state schools officially opened, representing an almost $330 million investment:
- Woogaroo Creek State School, Augustine Heights
- Palmview State Secondary College, Palmview
- Ripley Central State School, Ripley
- South Rock State School, Yarrabilba.
Since 2015, 25 new state schools have opened and there are more schools planned to continue to support the delivery of high-quality education for all students.
Special School Renewal Program
All students deserve a strong start to their education in inclusive high-quality facilities.
The Special School Renewal Program provides $109 million over 4 years to provide fit-for-purpose classrooms and learning spaces. In 2022–23, concept master plans were completed for:
- Red Hill Special School, Red Hill
- Woody Point Special School, Woody Point
- Western Suburbs Special School, Durack
- Ipswich Special School, Ipswich
- Kuraby Special School, Kuraby
- Maryborough Special School, Maryborough.
Go for Gold Fund
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games provides an opportunity to promote increased student participation in sport across all Queensland schools.
In the 2022–23 Queensland State Budget, $100 million over 4 years was allocated to invest in high-performance sports infrastructure and equipment for students and their local communities across the state.
Nearly $2.5 million has been distributed from the
Go for Gold Fund to 680 schools, including 530 state schools, for sports equipment. Applications for funding for new or upgraded school sports infrastructure opened in Term 2 2023.
Bandwidth Upgrade Project
The department is committed to providing equitable access to digital technology regardless of geographic location by making internet speeds faster for all Queensland state schools.
The department has already begun making a difference for schools through a partnership with Telstra and investment of almost $190 million over 5 years to upgrade the bandwidth across our state schools network.
Rollout of the Bandwidth Upgrade Project continued in 2022–23 to:
- deliver a network capable and scalable to meet the ongoing growth of immersive technologies and connected learning environments
- provide schools with reliable access to information and digital technologies, any time, any place or by any device
- provide consistent digital services and network performance to schools across a diverse range of locations, including geographically remote areas.
Phase 1 will increase average school bandwidth speeds to 1 megabit per second (Mbps) per student in 2023. As at 30 June 2023, a total of 1,002 state schools, representing 77% of all state schools, had received their phase 1 upgrade. This equates to 92.5% of students who now have access to internet speeds of at least 1 Mbps.
As a result of these upgrades, teachers and students from even the most remote parts of Queensland will have access to the latest digital technologies and tools, utilising virtual learning to connect students and teachers in new and innovative ways, and improving school connectivity. This enhanced connectivity will advance the student learning experience, fostering a more inclusive and engaging educational environment. This project will also see over 40 schools connected to fibre optic infrastructure for the first time, further increasing the positive impact of the upgrades.
Local Schools, Local Jobs
Building pathways for students and young people to enter the workforce broadens their career opportunities and prepares students for success.
In 2022–23, $57.9 million was allocated to support the development and upgrade of vocational training facilities in schools. In 2022–23, Local Schools, Local Jobs delivered a diverse range of centres including:
- Engineering Skills Centres at Chinchilla State High School, Chinchilla and Tara Shire State College, Tara
- Allied Health and Aviation Skills at Woodcrest State College, Springfield
- Aquaculture Skills Centre at Bowen State High School, Bowen.
These state-of-the-art facilities are ensuring students gain the valuable hands-on skills needed to build careers and pursue meaningful pathways.