Queensland’s 2020-2021 State Budget delivers on key election commitments and a fair go for Bundamba, MP Lance McCallum said in Parliament this week.

Delivering his budget reply speech, Mr McCallum said the Palaszczuk Government had continued its commitment to world-class education, with a $29 million investment in schools, skills and training from Goodna to Bundamba and everywhere in between.

“At Bellbird Park State Secondary College this means $12.23 million for new classrooms,” Mr McCallum said.

“Our Bundamba State Secondary College will benefit from three refurbished amenities blocks, improving student safety and supervision.

“The Collingwood Park State School Prep block will be reconfigured to provide our kids with improved learning spaces and outdoor experiences.

“A new building with eight general learning spaces and a hospitality kitchen will be delivered at Goodna Special School – a near $7 million investment.

“Kruger State School will see a modernised teaching space in Block 2 to better support our Queensland curriculum.

“Carparking at Redbank Plains State High School will be upgraded to the tune of $400,000 – and I know this announcement has already been warmly welcomed by parents, staff, motorists and surrounding residents.

“Likewise, a new-look outdoor learning area at our iconic Redbank State School has the full support of the Raptors’ community.

“Riverview State School’s Block B will be refurbished and reconfigured to create more modern and functional learning spaces for its students and staff.

“We’re also funding general maintenance and minor works totalling almost $1 million at schools across our local community.

“Our $1 billion investment in skills and training includes more support for our Bundamba TAFE.

“In March we committed $2 million to upgrade the metal trades training facility, and this budget confirms a further $7 million for a state-of-the-art metal trades, manufacturing and robotics centre.”

Mr McCallum said the budget also included $40 million of a total $146.3 million to continue the Ipswich Hospital Stage 1A expansion.

“This historic project will deliver new mental health facilities for adults and the elderly, a new 26 inpatient bed ward and an MRI suite to grow clinical capacity,” Mr McCallum said.

“We’re also investing $2.5 million as part of a further $46.5 million for additional upgrades at the hospital, addressing increased service demands at the emergency department and maternity, gynaecology, renal dialysis and nephrology services.”

Mr McCallum said community safety and housing support were other key areas of investment.

“A new Mobile Police Beat van will hit the streets in Ipswich – one of 25 across the state,” Mr McCallum said.

“Our five-year police personnel commitment means we will welcome 150 additional police to the community by 2025, and they will be fully resourced.

“Safety also comes in the form of secure, suitable and affordable housing, and I’m proud to announce more than $4 million to continue the construction of 18 units as part of the Housing Construction Jobs Program.

“Importantly, we have committed $11.65 million to continue the construction of another 54 units, providing housing opportunities for those in need.

“Homelessness has also been supported, with more than $370,000 for our local Goodna Youth Services to continue to deliver its specialist services, and a further $352,000 for the Ipswich Accommodation Support Service – both incredibly important to our community.

“This is a budget that builds on the fastest economic growth in the country, and it means our plan for a strong and safe recovery is working.”