MORE than 560,000 Queensland state school students and 95,000 staff are in the middle of their summer school holidays – but while classrooms fall quiet, work is ramping up across the state’s school grounds.
The State Government has confirmed more than $30 million worth of sun-safe outdoor upgrades will continue over the holidays, with 80 schools set to receive new or improved playgrounds, sports courts, outdoor learning areas and shade structures.
In total, 1266 state schools are on their six-week break, marking the start of a major construction push aimed at giving students safer, more modern outdoor spaces when they return in 2026.
The investment follows more than $100 million already spent last year on new classrooms in Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast, along with more than $35 million in upgrades delivered to schools in Ipswich.
The sun-safe upgrades form one component of the record $21.9 billion Education Budget, which also includes 15 new schools, additional teachers and teacher aides, and safety initiatives such as the $45 million Behaviour Boost, $33 million anti-bullying action plan and 150 new Workplace Health and Safety Officers.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said students and staff would return to significantly improved facilities.
“The State Government is delivering sports courts, playgrounds or new shade sails at 80 schools across the state to make sure students can enjoy the outdoors,” he said.
“Every Queensland student deserves access to a world-class education, regardless of where they live, and these upgrades help to deliver this.”
Construction on the sun-safe projects continues, most works scheduled for completion before students return later this month.
