To meet the needs of Queensland communities we are committed to investing in sustainable, energy-efficient and future-focused infrastructure and information technology.
Infrastructure for learning
In 2023, we released our Infrastructure for learning (IFL) plan to put equity and excellence into action across our state's educational infrastructure and provide for Queensland's diverse and growing communities.
As part of the IFL plan, the Planning and Prioritisation Framework outlines our approach to optimising and renewing existing infrastructure and prioritising sustainable approaches to planning, renewal and delivery. Under the framework, we are responding to the greatest areas of need and creating sustainable infrastructure investment that will meet the needs of Queensland students.
Infrastructure investment
In 2023–24, we increased our ability to deliver new school infrastructure through the $1 billion New Land Acquisition Fund. The fund allows land to be purchased ahead of demand, promoting cost efficiencies and flexibility in delivering projects to meet future enrolment needs.
Since July 2023, the fund has been used to acquire 16 properties for growth projects at existing schools or for new schools scheduled to open in the next 10 years. A further six new school sites are being investigated for purchase under the fund.
Two additional properties were acquired through the Building Future Schools program in 2023–24 for an expansion to Coomera State Special School.
In 2023–24, we delivered projects totalling:
- $1.269 billion for the refurbishment and construction of new buildings to support student learning and early childhood education. This includes $13.7 million under the Education for all (Ed4All) program to upgrade facilities so students with disability can access education on the same basis as their peers.
- $449.1 million to ensure our educational facilities were maintained.
Infrastructure highlights include:
- constructing the $19.6 million new multi-storey learning centre at Bracken Ridge State High School
- constructing the $13.4 million new multi-purpose hall at Capalaba State College
- constructing the $14.5 million new multi-storey learning centre and refurbishing an existing building at Coombabah State High School
- upgrading the manual arts and science blocks at Dysart State High School for $1.5 million
- constructing the $9.5 million new multi-storey learning centre and refurbishing an existing building at Malanda State High School
- constructing the $13.6 million new multi-storey learning centre at Mudgeeraba Special School
- constructing the $7.6 million new multi-purpose hall at Townsville Community Learning Centre
- opening the $12 million new sports centre for Excellence at Miami State High School
- opening the $4.5 million new aquaculture centre at Rockhampton State High School
- opening the $9.4 million new multi-storey learning centre at Claremont Special School.
New schools
We are committed to delivering educational infrastructure to meet the needs of our diverse and growing communities.
In 2023–24, we opened 2 new schools to meet enrolment demand, representing a $150.6 million investment:
- Scenic Shores State School at Redland Bay
- Bellbird Park State School at Bellbird Park.
Since 2015, we have opened 27 new schools and 2 more are currently being built at Collingwood Park and Park Ridge to support high-quality education for all students.
Go for Gold Fund
In 2023–24, we announced the first group of approved new and upgraded school sports infrastructure and equipment under the $100 million Go for Gold Fund to increase student activity and participation in sports in all Queensland schools.
Ninety-seven state and non-state schools shared in over $30 million in 2024, with projects including:
- upgrading the sports oval and long jump pit at Freshwater State School
- installing a hard roof and lighting to the existing tennis court at Leyburn State School
- upgrading the existing cricket pitch and cricket/softball nets at Mundubbera State College
- installing lighting to the oval at Muttaburra State School
- resurfacing the existing basketball court and replacing the existing basketball hoops at Riverview State School
- enclosing the heated pool at Rockhampton Special School
- refurbishing the existing multi-purpose complex at Tamborine Mountain State High School.
Bandwidth Upgrade Project
In 2023–24, we continued the Bandwidth Upgrade Project to significantly improve the average internet speed of all Queensland state schools, ensuring equitable access to technology for all students.
Under phase one of the project, 1,288 school sites were upgraded, with 99% of students now accessing average speeds of 1.6 megabits per second. This is more than 60 times faster than the previous standard of 25 kilobits per second.
As a result of the upgrades, online learning and immersive technologies are more accessible, supporting student learning experiences and fostering a more inclusive and engaging educational environment.