Rapid population growth triggers huge rise in school numbers
Student numbers at schools in Brisbane’s southwest are rising fast thanks to growth corridors and a rapidly increasing population
South West
Don't miss out on the headlines from South West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN analysis of recent federal data has revealed the Brisbane South region schools where student numbers have risen the most in the past five years.
The list includes Glenala State High School (48 per cent rise) and Mount Ommaney Special School (43 per cent).
These two schools made it into the top 10 statewide, with the Australian International Islamic College, at Durack, close behind at 41 per cent growth.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority figures are the most up to date enrolment numbers that include all schools nationally.
Premier and MP for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said $1.464 billion was being invested in this year’s budget for state schools to accommodate growing numbers.
She said the fast growth at Glenala State High was supported with a $6.2 million spend on a new STEM building and students had a refurbished sports hall.
Glenala State High has around 800 students and a built capacity of 1075 students, which means it is operates at 75 per cent of its capacity utilisation,
The Australian International Islamic College had received $7.85 million over five years, including $2 million in 2019.
Ms Palaszczuk said the Australian International Islamic College received recurrent funding to assist with the day-to-day costs of operating a school, including staff salaries, professional development, curriculum implementation, maintenance and general operations.
Over the past five years, the AIIC has received $2.94 million in capital assistance, of which $1.72 million was specifically for the Durack site.
State MP for Mount Ommaney Jessica Pugh said the Mount Ommaney Special School had received $7.7 million for new classrooms to be completed by mid-2020.
“The Mount Ommaney special school does an amazing job accommodating kids with a wider variety of needs,” Mr Pugh said.
“The teachers and staff are nothing short of phenomenal and the new purpose built classrooms will help cater to the growth in years to come.”
On top of funds for the new learning centre, Mount Ommaney Special School will also receive a brand-new $100,000 outdoor learning area.
“In Mount Ommaney we are continuing to invest in the future of our schools by building new infrastructure and providing the maintenance and refurbishment they need.
“That includes a mixture of new classrooms, refurbishments to art rooms and prep buildings.”
Top growth schools in the southwest
Glenala State High School Durack 47.9 per cent
Mount Ommaney Special School Mount Ommaney 43.7
Australian International Islamic College Durack 41.0
Durack State School Durack 28.2
Richlands East State School Inala 27.7
Inala Flexible Learning Centre Inala 27.2
Centenary State High School Jindalee 23.9
Forest Lake State High School Forest Lake 17.7
Brisbane Youth Education and Training Centre Wacol 17.4
Corinda State High School Corinda 12.7
Middle Park State School Middle Park 10.4
Western Suburbs State Special School Inala Brisbane 10.2
Tribunal backs transgender woman’s case against high-profile school
A transgender university student has won the right to proceed with her discrimination case against a prominent Brisbane school after a tribunal rejected its attempt to dismiss the case.
Cyclist dies after being hit by train in Brisbane’s south
A cyclist in his 60s has died after he was hit by a train at a level crossing in Brisbane’s south.