$1.2m for fence, zero for science labs, classrooms at Indooroopilly State High School

Parents at one of Brisbane’s best state high schools want to know why the government is spending $1.2 million on a security fence when it doesn’t have a crime problem. Meanwhile, there is no cash for science labs and specialist classrooms.

High security fences surround Kedron State High School. Schools have been installing tall, spiked security fences to help curb crime within school grounds after-hours.

Parents at one of Brisbane’s best state high schools want to know why the government is spending $1.21 million on a security fence when it has no crime problem.

Meanwhile, there is no cash on the horizon for science labs and specialist classrooms at overcrowded Indooroopilly State High School.

This month’s state budget allocated $1.209 million for the fence despite there being little reported vandalism.

But a recent public meeting heard that even without further enrolment growth next year ISHS would need five more science labs, two hospitality rooms, six manual arts rooms and five music/dance/drama rooms to meet current needs.

In December last year the school announced it would have to close the library and convert them to classrooms, as well as cramming students into store rooms because of massive enrolment pressure.

But after a huge outcry the Department of Education fast-tracked 10 new classrooms in two demountable buildings, erected on part of the school playing fields.

High security fences surround Kedron State High School. Schools have been installing tall, spiked security fences to help curb crime within school grounds after-hours.

Principal Michael Hornby also shocked locals by announcing in March last year that all out-of-catchment enrolments would stop, including for excellence programs, in a desperate attempt to rein in an exploding student population.

Some residents speculated on the community Facebook page that the new fence would merely keep dog walkers off the playing fields.

After a well-publicised fight between two dog owners and complaints about dog droppings, the school administration briefly banned the fields for off leash walking.

Local state Greens MP Michael Berkman, who has started a petition calling for new school buildings, also queried the Department of Education’s priorities.

“I’m always glad to see investment in local schools, but more than a million dollars for a new security fence seems like a strange thing to prioritise over new buildings,’’ Mr Berkman said.

“Indro is projected to exceed capacity by almost 900 students next year, even with tight restrictions on enrolments.

“Students have already lost their student support rooms, play areas and time in specialist learning spaces like science labs.

Greens MP Michael Berkman. Picture: Glenn Campbell/NCANewsWire

“I’ve heard from countless parents, students and teachers about overcrowding at Indro, but I’ve never once heard about the need for a security fence.

“The State Government has effectively made new buildings at ISHS an election issue by kicking the can down the road instead of funding it in the 2024/25 Budget.’’

It was revealed in 2021 that $16 million had been spent on 2m-high, spiked black steel security fencing at 140 Queensland schools to deter thieves and vandals.

However, some fences such as at Kedron State High and the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Toowong have drawn opposition from locals, particularly where fields were used for public green space after school hours.

Teacher aides, substitute teachers and students participating in extracurricular sporting activities outside the gates also did not get keys.

The department has previously said security ratings at each school were reviewed annually based on information from reported incidents, which included students sneaking off to vape, family disputes, break-ins, vandalism, graffiti, arson and theft.

Fences, along with CCTV, were allocated to schools with high security risks to protect students and staff.

Indooroopilly State High School will get a $1.2 million security fence but parents say new learning areas are more urgently needed.

A spokesman said the fence would be completed in the coming financial year.

“The Department is working with the school and the Parents and Citizens’ Association

on a master plan for the school, which is anticipated to be finalised shortly,’’ he said.

“This will inform and assist with planning for additional learning spaces to ensure Indooroopilly State High School can maintain pace with growth in the region.

“Pre-construction funding to finalise the detailed design and tender documentation for

the delivery of these additional specialist spaces has been approved as part of the

2024–25 State Budget.

“The safety and wellbeing of students and staff in Queensland schools is of the

highest priority for the Department of Education.

“The Department of Education’s School Security Program aims to minimise incidents

of arson, vandalism and theft through the targeted delivery of security strategies

including the School Watch Program, partnerships with the Queensland Police

Service and Protective Services, and field-based School Security advisers.’’

The ISHS P&C was contacted for comment.

In 2022 ISHS had 2680 students with 1084 that year living outside catchment, one of the highest proportions in a Brisbane state secondary school. It has a stated capacity of just 2160.

Children who relied on the tuckshop often missed out on meals because of the wait time in lunch queues and part of the library has still had to be repurposed for classes.

The problem stemmed from runaway unit growth in the catchment and outstanding NAPLAN results which in 2022 saw ISHS post the 34th best test results in the state.

Originally published as $1.2m for fence, zero for science labs, classrooms at Indooroopilly State High School