THE state government will lease a building at the Alexandra Hills TAFE campus to set up an autism school.
ASD Learning spokeswoman Cindy Corrie said Justice Minister Yvette D’Ath had confirmed she would lease an unused building to her organisation.
Mayor-elect Karen Williams and Capalaba MP Don Brown have been lobbying the state government to negotiate a lease.
Cr Williams said the school was focused on providing a supportive, holistic education environment for autistic children.
Ms D’Ath did not respond but a spokeswoman said the department was in negotiations with ASD Learning to establish a lease.
“While that process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further,’’ she said.
Ms Corrie said Ms D’Ath had confirmed her approval for the building.
“Our current status with opening the school is that we are currently in negotiations with DET around the lease, enabling ASD Learning to continue the accreditation and planning processes necessary for the school to open in 2017,’’ she said. “We are absolutely grateful for the support of Minister D’Ath who has been a wonderful supporter of this service in the Redlands.’’
We certainly hope that our presence in the Redlands brings about acceptance and diversity in our schools
- Cindy Corrie
Ms Corrie said the process was a wonderful opportunity for children with autism.
It would be a great support to families who otherwise might not have had a suitable education option for their autistic child.
“We certainly hope that our presence in the Redlands brings about acceptance and diversity in our schools, our workplaces and the wider community, improving the futures of children with autism,’’ she said.
Cr Williams said the school would provide the greater Brisbane area’s first full-time autism specific education environment and as such was a great opportunity for the Redlands and broader Brisbane area.
“Council believes that locating this school at the Alexandra Hills TAFE campus would deliver benefits to the TAFE campus through the utilisation of idle assets at the site,’’ she said.