Clifford Park Special School $15.3m upgrade plans revealed

With Darling Downs schools benefiting from a state government cash splash in Tuesday’s budget, take a sneak peek at how one school plans to upgrade its facilities.

An artist's impression of the new Denise Kable Centre to be built at Clifford Park Special School.

Schools on the Darling Downs were among the big winners in Tuesday’s Queensland budget, and now it can be revealed how some of the money will be spent in schools around Toowoomba.

The Queensland Government is investing a record $1.9 billion in state school infrastructure

to build, maintain, improve and renew schools across Queensland, with Treasurer Cameron Dick announcing a total of $67.7 million allocated to maintain, improve and upgrade schools on the Darling Downs.

A Department of Education spokesman said the state budget committed $18.2 million for Wilsonton State High School to deliver a new two-storey learning centre with learning spaces, a performing arts centre, and a refurbishment to existing learning spaces.

“Construction has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2022,” the spokesman said.

An artist's impression of the new general learning area of Clifford Park Special School.

Clifford Park Special School was also allocated $15.3 million to deliver a new general learning centre with learning spaces, as well as student and staff amenities.

“This project will also relocate the Denise Kable Centre facility from its current site into a new purpose-built learning centre on the Clifford Park Special School site,” the spokesman said.

“This building will provide additional learning and support spaces for students.

“Work will commence on site mid-2021 and is expected to be completed by mid-2022.”

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts said the investment in schools in Tuesday’s budget was welcomed.

“Although it’s a re-announcement, it’s good to have funding confirmed for Wilsonton State High for both its workshop rooms and performing arts centre,” he said.

“I still urge the government to put money on the table for traffic management, though it’s good to see that funding for the community.

“Special school service, not just Toowoomba, but lots of people move to town to make sure their kids get the education they need in a facility purpose-built, so it’s good news those facilities are being upgraded to the standard it should be.”