Burleigh schools maintenance backlog slashed

28 Aug 2014 10:30 AMMichael Hart

Burleigh schools maintenance backlog slashed

Burleigh children will have the best possible learning environment thanks to the third round of the Newman Government’s $300 million commitment to revitalise Queensland state schools.

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP said the investment would completely clear the maintenance backlog left by the previous Labor Government.

“6 schools in Burleigh have so far received $1,782,596 to repair footpaths, replace carpet and repaint and are set to receive almost $350,000 above that this round,” he said.

One of the schools to benefit from the second round of funding was Miami State High School, which received $625,000 to fix one of the largest maintenance backlogs in the State.

Mr Hart said the Newman Government had also saved time and money by allowing schools to have maintenance completed by local tradespeople.

“This has really cut red tape, and it has allowed our schools to go direct to market to source local contractors for planned or routine breakdown maintenance. This gives them the benefit of finding the best value service from the best people available locally,” he said.

Mr Hart said the previous Labor Government’s legacy had left Queensland state schools with a $300 million maintenance backlog that saw schools in Burleigh fall into disrepair.

“Because of Labor’s neglect, school facilities in Burleigh were left to decay,” he said.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said that in addition to the backlog-busting program, schools continued to receive funding for their ongoing maintenance needs, including routine breakdowns and planned work.

“Our students deserve the best chance at the best possible education, and safe and effective working facilities are the most basic foundation for this,” Mr Langbroek said.

 “Now that we are on the cusp of achieving a milestone in its own right – to clear the maintenance backlog of all state schools in Queensland – we will continue to fund schools to address newly identified maintenance to ensure this situation doesn’t repeat itself.

“This maintenance funding is a key part of our strong plan to deliver better outcomes for students – we’re also boosting teacher quality, increasing school autonomy and improving student discipline.

“Our investment will ensure Queensland remains a great state with great schools well into the future.”

[ENDS] 28 August 2014

Media contact: Burleigh Electorate Office – 5526 6024