Fires, graffiti, machinery ruined: what’s going on at this school?
Education Minister Grace Grace has put a controversial fence on hold as she revealed details of shocking vandalism which prompted an elite school to warn the fence must go up.
TOOWONG residents who launched a fierce battle for the right to use an elite school’s grounds have scored a second win in a fortnight after the State Government put a controversial fence on hold.
The news came as Education Minister Grace Grace revealed details of vandalism and trespassing at the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology, the state’s top-performing high school.
“There has been a significant increase of unauthorised entry and illegal activity on the QASMT site,’’ Ms Grace said in a letter to local Greens MP Michael Berkman.
“Since July 2018, the Department is aware of 28 instances of unauthorised persons on site,
seven vandalism events including a high-cost incident where construction equipment had ignition switches removed, two graffiti occurrences and an arson event which caused significant damage to newly-constructed buildings.
“The safety of staff and students at schools is paramount and the department is working with the school to consider strategies to maintain the safety of staff, students and facilities, while supporting the maximisation of community use of its facilities.’’
THE SAGA SO FAR
Pioneering family furious at school fence plan
State LNP shadow education minister, Maiwar candidate, vow to block fence
Win for community after school unlocks gate
Mr Berkman, who met with Ms Grace yesterday afternoon about the matter, launched a parliamentary petition after a gate allowing access to a community garden on the school grounds was locked. It has attracted 1200 signatures.
QASMT later backflipped and unlocked the gate, but told neighbours in a letter that it would go ahead with security fencing because of the vandalism.
However Ms Grace also confirmed in the letter to Mr Berkman that no security fences would be installed until construction work was finished.
She said fencing work along the school’s Miskin St frontage was not for security reasons, but replaced an existing fence and would help separate pedestrians from cars entering school grounds.
“I have been advised that no security fences will be installed at QASMT until construction of the current expansion works has been completed and the community has been consulted on the future use of the school-owned green space,’’ Ms Grace said.
“Further, I have instructed the department to ensure that there will be no restriction to public access to the green space surrounding the school.
“The department has a range of programs and strategies in place to manage security at schools, which may include installation of a security fence.
THE QASMT EXPANSION SAGA
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Extinction Rebellion join fight to save Toowong Creek
Claims creek trashed by earthworks
20 rare, dead frogs found at construction site
Native trees win at school carpark
Pollies, residents, bureaucrats meet to thrash out QASMT traffic concerns
“Pending any outcomes of community consultation, if recommendations advise a security fence is required, it will be designed in a way that facilitates public access to community green space.
“The Department is committed to strengthening relationships between schools and their local communities and promotes community use of school facilities outside of school hours, when not required for school purposes.’’
Mr Berkman described the comments as a “really significant win’’.
“Just a few days ago locals were told the fence would be up in two weeks,’’ he said.
“Now that we’ve got a reprieve and commitment to consultation, I’m really hopeful that we can reach a reasonable compromise.’’
Toowong locals flooded Facebook to express their happiness at the victory.
“And this is the power of an active community with a local representative who listens to them and is effective,’’ Joshua Sanderson said.
Beck Anian-Welsh said: “So stressful seeing the tall fence posts going up this week. Amazing to know we’ll all still have access to those beautiful spaces — and the kids’ creek adventures can continue.’’
