BRISBANE, Queensland, Oct. 20 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Veterans

The Honourable David Crisafulli

Minister for Education and the Arts

The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

* Far North Queensland families to benefit from new special school facilities, giving parents more choice for the education that best meets the needs of their children. * TheCrisafulli Government is delivering the largest special school investment in Queensland's history, with 9 new special schools and upgrades at 11 special schools across the State. * New and expanded special schools are delivering education choice for parents, helping kids catch up, keep up and stay in school.

The Crisafulli Government has today officially opened the expansion to the Cairns State Special School which has been delivered as part of a record investment into special schools.

Two new buildings and new outdoor learning spaces will provide world-class facilities to help kids catch up, keep up and stay in school, and provide more choice for families.

The Cairns State Special School project features a total of eight learning spaces, with therapy and sensory rooms, specialist equipment, musical instruments, a new playground and additional car parking to meet growing demand.

The Crisafulli Government's record investment into special schools includes upgrades for 11 schools and 9 new schools, after Labor failed to keep pace with regional growth during a decade of decline, leaving demand on special school services to soar and enrolments up by more than 47 per cent since 2019.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was building the infrastructure needed for Queensland's futurewith new and expanded special schools across the State.

"We're delivering more special schools to give parents more choice and to help kids catch up, keep up and stay in school," Premier Crisafulli said.

"We're helping unlock a bright new world for students with these new therapy and specialist facilities at the Cairns State Special School.

"Families should be able to make the decision that's best for their child, which will be possible through our record investment in new and expanded special schools."

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the new facilities at Cairns State Special School would deliver a brighter future for the next generation of Far North Queenslanders.

"Every student deserves access to high-quality school facilities, and the Crisafulli Government is committed to schools that are accessible and inclusive," Minister Langbroek said.

"Labor's legacy in education after their decade of decline was a $440 million repair bill for state schools, while the Crisafulli Government is investing in more infrastructure for special schools because all Queenslanders deserve access to a world-class education system."

Member for Mulgrave Terry James said increasing capacity would ease the pressure after the former Labor Government failed to keep up with local enrolment growth.

"Every student deserves access to high-quality school facilities, regardless of whether they live in Cairns or a capital city," Mr James said.

"I'm proud to have championed for my community to receive this funding, and seeing these students' faces light up in their new classrooms makes it all worth it."

Cairns State Special School Principal Alicia Smith said the modern facilities would be put to very good use.

"Facilities like this allow the school to continue providing tailored learning opportunities which allow each student to excel," Principal Smith said.

"We are filled with anticipation for the incredible possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to collaborate closely with our families and the broader community to build on the school's already thriving culture of learning and support."

To learn more about Cairns State Special School, visit the Department of Education's website.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Thomson 0447 221 816

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.