NewsBite

The big LNP decision which could reshape Qld’s school calendar

It’s the biggest event Queensland may ever host, and some serious calls need to be made around who will be able to attend.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and his LNP government have a big decision to make. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and his LNP government have a big decision to make. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Winter school holidays could be moved in 2032 as a one off to ease congestion and allow as many Queenslanders as possible to attend the Olympic and Paralympic events.

There were pleas to the former Labor state government to consider amending the 2032 school calendar to coincide with the Games that will be held between July 23 and August 8 that year.

That is about a month after the traditional timing of Queensland’s winter school holidays.

The new LNP state government will now consider changing the dates in consultation with the Independent Olympics Coordination Authority and its 100-day review.

WATCH THE FUTURE BRISBANE LIVESTREAM ON FRIDAY ON OUR WEBSITE

They will take on advice around transport and the event’s impacts on South East Queensland.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the move was needed to avoid traffic bottlenecks and overcrowded public transport.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner wants the winter school holidays to be moved. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner wants the winter school holidays to be moved. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“Each day during the school holiday periods, there are 30,000 fewer drivers on the roads, a drop of up to 23 per cent on some major arterial roads, while there are 30,000 fewer people on public transport,” he said.

“If you have less traffic on the roads then there is also more opportunity to move people around seamlessly during the Games and between venues.”

Cr Schrinner said a date change would also give Queenslanders the opportunity to have a holiday at home and experience the Games.

“People will have only just taken their holidays when the Olympics start, and then they’ll be faced with that choice of, do I take my kids out of school to take them to the Olympics or do I have to take additional leave from work?

“We’d love people in South East Queensland to have the full Games’ experience.”

This story is part of The Courier-Mail’s annual Future Brisbane series advocating for a focus on the right legacy outcomes from the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. You can read all of our coverage here.

On whether he thought school holidays should be just for the two weeks of the Olympics or inclusive of the Paralympics he said: We’ve got eight years to work out the details.”

Bayside mother Beatrice Andrews said she thought it would be a very sensible idea as there was an obvious decrease in traffic during school holidays with shorter commutes for motorists like herself during peak hour.

Beatrice and Jessie Andrews enjoying time by the Brisbane River at Southbank. They’d love for the school holidays to be on during the Olympics. Picture: Richard Walker
Beatrice and Jessie Andrews enjoying time by the Brisbane River at Southbank. They’d love for the school holidays to be on during the Olympics. Picture: Richard Walker

“It’s one of those things for those of us who work in the city, like myself, we are acutely aware of what it will mean for us when the Olympics come to town,” Ms Andrews said.

“School holidays make a huge difference in the run to work.

“I’m coming from Cleveland and it would save about 10 to 15 minutes, cutting the total time down to less than an hour, and on weekends, it’s even less.

Education Minister said John-Paul Langbroek said the Games were a once in a generation experience and the next generation of Queenslanders should have every chance take part.

“Not only would moving the school holidays in 2032 make it easier to travel around the region during this major event, it will give Queensland kids the chance to see the Games up close and in person,” he said.

Read related topics:Future Brisbane

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/the-big-lnp-decision-which-could-reshape-qlds-school-calendar/news-story/152fe611b72de8a256b2d94cf37baf22