Published Tuesday, 07 June, 2022 at 12:36 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Olympics
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister Grace Grace today officially opened the new state-of-the-art Brisbane South State Secondary College.

A total of 466 students are currently enrolled in Years 7 and 8 at the $153.78 million college, which will add a year level each year with Year 12 to commence in 2026.

"Queensland is growing rapidly. And in the lead- up to the 2032 Olympics, we’ll see extraordinary population growth here in Brisbane," the Premier said.

"We're investing more in health and education than any government in Queensland's history to cater for growth and ensure our young people can capitalise on the opportunities the next decade will bring.

"We'll continue to invest in infrastructure like schools and hospitals to create jobs and ensure Queenslanders have access to great public services."

Education Minister Grace Grace said today's opening was a historic milestone for the community as the first new school to open in South Brisbane in more than 60 years.

"It's great to see families choosing to send their kids to this new state school which is equipped with the latest spacious learning facilities," she said.

Ms Grace said the work supported around 430 jobs.

"The new school features multiple buildings centred around an outdoor learning oasis, including a creative hub, administration hub, two innovative learning hubs, a health and wellbeing hub and a multipurpose hall," she said.

"It is fantastic to see the school running so well after a successful foundation year in 2021.

"A new oval and outdoor sports facility on Marshall Road in Rocklea will be ready for use for the start of school in 2023. It will include an amenities block, car park, and a playing field to suit sports such as AFL and cricket."

Brisbane South State Secondary College Foundation Principal Kirsten Ferdinands said staff and students were eager to help drive the school vision to set the new standard for education in Australia and internationally.

"Our new school will be a place where students feel confident to create positive change through commitment, respect, inclusivity, and integrity," Ms Ferdinands said.

"I feel incredibly proud to be appointed to lead this new school.

"This college has a truly global outlook incorporating the technology, creativity and flexibility to encourage independent thought and a student-led approach to learning.

"Operating in collaboration with the University of Queensland, our school and its remarkable

facilities will give students access to unique on-campus experiences, educational pathways across research and entrepreneurship, and expertise and support through UQ's Science of Learning.”

Ms Grace said the government was delivering an education infrastructure investment portfolio valued at almost $1.9 billion this financial year alone, supporting more than 4100 jobs across the state.

"Together the new 2021 schools: Brisbane South State Secondary College; Palmview State School; Palmview State Special School; Baringa State Secondary College; and Gainsborough State School in Pimpama represent a total investment of $460 million, supporting up to 1360 local jobs," Ms Grace said.

"They were joined at the start of this year by three new schools, Coomera State Special School, Nirimba State Primary School and Everleigh State School, in a further investment of $200 million supporting almost 600 jobs.

"And another 11 new schools are planned to open in 2023 and 2024, a further $1 billion investment.

"We are pleased to be delivering these new schools under the Building Future Schools Fund, which is supporting growing communities across the state.” 

For more information on the new Brisbane South State Secondary College visit:

https://brisbanesouthssc.eq.edu.au/

ENDS

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447

SOURCE: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/95339