Michael Hart MP welcomes funding to clear maintenance backlog

11 Nov 2013 1:01 PMMichael Hart

 

Michael Hart MP welcomes funding to clear maintenance backlog

 

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP has welcomed the second round of the Newman Government’s $300 million commitment to revitalise Queensland state schools.

 

Mr Hart said the investment was part of the Advancing Our Schools Maintenance Fund, targeting school maintenance backlogs.

 

“Thanks to the latest round of funding schools in Burleigh received over $1,000,000 to repair footpaths, replace carpet and repaint,” he said.

 

“This second round of funding will go a long way towards clearing the maintenance backlog in all Queensland state schools.”

 

One of the schools to benefit from the second round of funding was Miami State which received $625,246 to revitalise the school.

 

Mr Hart said the Newman Government had also achieved efficiencies by allowing schools to have maintenance completed by local tradespeople instead of using QBuild.

 

“In some cases, schools are saving up to 20 per cent on maintenance work by allowing contractors to compete for the work. That’s five jobs for the price of four, and it’s giving local tradespeople work.

 

“This is just another example of the Newman Government reducing red tape and making life easier for Queenslanders.”

 

Mr Hart said the previous Labor Government had left Queensland state schools with a $292 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.

 

“Under the Newman Government, Queensland schools will once again be a place of pride for students to learn, teachers to teach and communities to gather.

 

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

 

[ENDS] 8 November November, 2013

 

Media contact: Burleigh Electorate Office – 5526 6024