EDUCATION in the Redlands has received a $25 million boost with schools getting infrastructure like classrooms and the TAFE set to build or improve trade and health training facilities.
Capalaba MP Don Brown said the Alexandra Hills TAFE campus will use $10.7 million included in this week's state budget towards building or improving engineering, plumbing, construction, nursing and allied health training facilities.
"This investment will allow more trade students to study their entire apprenticeship locally in the Redlands area," Mr Brown said.
"Currently after their first year, some Redlands students are required to travel more than 30 minutes to the SkillsTech TAFE campus in Acacia Ridge."
Redlands MP Kim Richards said the Redlands District Special School has been allocated $9 million for classrooms, expected to be ready for the start of the 2021 school year.
Mount Cotton State School will get $4 million to build a prep and administration block, according to Springwood MP Mick de Brenni.
Ms Richards has also welcomed $900,000, towards a $2 million hall extension, for Victoria Point State High School and $570,000 out of $600,000 to refurbish the library and resource centre.
"The budget also includes $383,000 for maintenance and $138,000 for minor works at state schools in the Redlands electorate," Ms Richards said.
Ms Richards said TAFE enrolments had increased by more than 20 per cent and the $10 million would enable the campus to grow.
"We know the greatest employment growth in the Redlands region will be in the health care industry," Ms Richards said. "This investment will upgrade health training facilities to ensure a skilled local workforce in nursing, aged care and NDIS support."
Mr de Brenni said TAFE had been the gateway to outstanding careers for generations of Queenslanders.
"Jobs like those in construction are some of the best careers you can land and with more than 26,800 created in the sector since 2015 and a $49.5 billion capital program of government projects alone, investing in TAFE campuses sets up locals for a long term, secure future," Mr de Brenni said.
Training Minister Shannon Fentiman said the money budgeted for Alexandra Hills TAFE would ensure the campus was equipped to provide local students with access to industry-relevant training programs.
Victoria Point State High School principal Scot Steinhardt said the school's allocation was outstanding news.
"This is a significant contribution to community assets which are heavily used by students, staff and community sporting and performance groups," he said.
Also read: Maridahdi set to open bayside school in 2020
