Mountain Creek State High School's new $16.4 million multi-storey senior learning centre – which has created 43 jobs - is on track to open next month as part of the Palaszczuk Government's 2020 Ready Program.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister Grace Grace inspected construction progress today while on the Sunshine Coast for the Governing from the Regions program.
"This will be a fantastic new three-storey centre which will primarily be used for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects," the Premier said.
"This investment is about skilling the students of today for the jobs of tomorrow.
"The centre will include 16 new general learning areas, two flexible learning areas, three STEM learning spaces, three science labs, two robotics labs, two collaborative spaces, a staff space and amenities."
The Premier said the Sunshine Coast was one of the fastest growing areas in the country and her government was investing hundreds of millions of dollars on delivering world-class education facilities to keep pace with growth which was also creating jobs.
"That's why we've invested $236 million over the past five years in Sunshine Coast schools, in capital works, maintenance and school infrastructure enhancement," she said.
Ms Grace said the Mountain Creek State High School senior learning centre is being delivered by Queensland building firm FK Gardner and Sons.
"Our 2020 Ready program is delivering the infrastructure we need to manage the increased student population in our high schools that resulted from the introduction of Prep in 2007," she said.
"With the original half-cohort of Prep students set to graduate from high school at the end of 2019, we will have — for the very first time in 2020 — six full year levels of students in Queensland state secondary schools."
Mountain Creek State High School executive principal Darrin Edwards said the senior learning centre would allow the school to accommodate the continued growth in enrolments.
"The entire community is thrilled with the progress of our newest building and cannot wait to be able to utilise this fantastic facility," Mr Edwards said.
"Our parents, students, staff and community representatives of the school's Facilities Reference Group were extensively involved in the design, development and construction stages of this project.
"This centre will provide our students with the modern learning spaces to match the modern curriculum offered to our students."
Key Sunshine Coast school projects being funded by the Palaszczuk Government include:
- $34 million Baringa Primary School, Caloundra South
- $11.6 million for additional classrooms at Currimundi Special School
- $16.4 million multi-storey learning centre at Mountain Creek State High School
- $7.8 million for additional classrooms at Brightwater State School
- $7 million for additional classrooms at Nambour Special School
- $17.9 million for a multi-storey learning centre and additional classrooms at Chancellor State College
- $4.9 million multi-storey learning centre at Meridan State College
- $5 million multi-storey learning centre at Kawana Waters State College
- $4.6 million two-storey learning centre at Maroochydore State High School
- $6.9 million two-storey learning centre at Sunshine Beach State High School
- $14.9 million multi-storey learning centre and additional classrooms at Coolum State High School
- Caboolture Special School (to open in 2020)
Key Sunshine Coast school projects in the planning stages include:
- $60 million secondary school in Caloundra South (to open in 2021)
- $35 million primary school in Palmview (to open in 2021)
- A special school on the Sunshine Coast
