Why Is Langbroek Closing A School In A High-Growth Area?

Media Release.

 

 

 18 May 2013 

 

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says the Newman Government’s proposed closure of historic Fortitude Valley State School makes no sense with up to 1,000 families expected to move into the area over the next few years.

“Fortitude Valley State School is in one of Brisbane’s high growth areas. You just have to come to the school, look around and you literally see the growth on the horizon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Attending a rally of parents and students outside the Fortitude Valley State School today, Ms Palaszczuk said even though the school had traditionally been home to a smaller number of students, it was critical it stayed open to meet projected future needs.
“This is a school that has a very rich history, an admirable track record producing students that go on to bigger things and has a strong core of parents and teachers,” she said.
“It is more than a school – it is a community hub. But what’s more important is that Fortitude Valley State School should stay as a critical piece of infrastructure for the Valley, Bowen Hills and Newstead areas into the future."
“That’s what makes this decision by Education Minister John Paul Langbroek so near-sighted and so shocking."
“There are 1,000 apartments currently under construction in the Bowen Hills area which will be home to families looking for a place to send their kids to school."
“The redevelopment of the RNA site for housing — right opposite the school — will bring even more families into the area."
“You have to question the motives of Mr Langbroek and the LNP government."
“Why would you sell off a school that is destined for growth? Where does the Minister expect these families to send their children?"
“Enrolments have grown at the school over the past three years in line with population growth in the area. Newstead’s population grew by more than 16% between 2006 and 2011 and in that same period Bowen Hills recorded growth of 12.5% and the Valley 8.4%."
“This decision makes no sense.”
Ms Palaszczuk said Fortitude Valley State School parents and teachers were prepared to take up the fight to save their school.
“They are passionate about saving their school because for them it is the centre of their community – to John Paul Langbroek it’s nothing more than a prime piece of inner-city real estate ripe for selling off.”