Agnew School at Welcome Creek to become backpacker accommodation
Agnew School at Welcome Creek was established by the Exclusive Brethren and operated for about 10 years from 2003, before it closed in 2014.
Bundaberg
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An old school will be transformed into new backpacker accommodation for up to 300 people after getting the green light for its first stage of development from Bundaberg Regional Council.
The council recently approved a material change of use application for a new backpackers facility to be built at the old Agnew School at Welcome Creek.
The application was lodged by Paradise South Pty Ltd and WR Darby Super Pty Ltd in June.
The site on Moore Park Rd is about 19,510 sqm with school buildings such as an amenities block, tennis courts, hall, and associated infrastructure with “pockets” of established trees and vegetation.
It is anticipated that the site will cater for the targeted rural workforce rather than the generally travelling backpacker market, the proposal reads.
“However, the broader land use description would not prohibit non-Pacific Islanders from using the site.
“The staged delivery (subject to future approvals) of the project would result in 300 beds once the ultimate development of the site is realised.
“However, to be clear, this application is for 60 beds.”
Agnew School was established by the Exclusive Brethren and operated for about 10 years from 2003 before it closed in 2014.
At the time of its closure, the school had more than 30 students who were then forced to travel between the rural area and Maryborough for school.
The school’s director at the time, Colin Stead, told the NewsMail in 2014, “projected student intake was falling and it was felt that the quality of education would suffer without some drastic changes”.
“The tough decision finally made was the Welcome Creek facilities would be vacated and the campus would amalgamate with a nearby sister campus, coming together under the banner of Wide Bay Campus,” he said.
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