Two new schools in Ripley Valley are moving into the next phase of construction, supporting more jobs for local tradies.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today tenders would soon be called for the stage two expansions of Ripley Valley State School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the move would support more than 120 jobs during construction.

“Stage two of Ripley Valley State School will deliver additional prep spaces and classrooms,” Mr McCallum said.

“Meanwhile, Ripley Valley State Secondary College will receive an information services centre, additional learning spaces, science centre and performing arts centre.

“Tenders will be called soon, and the contractor is expected to be announced later this year, with construction to start in 2020 or 2021 and finish during 2022.”

Mr McCallum said there had never been a more important time to invest in projects that supported local jobs.

“By continuing the pipeline of work on school infrastructure we are helping to support construction jobs into the future,” he said.

“We’re also funding stage two of Yarrabilba, Foxwell and Mango Hill state secondary colleges, Lee Street State Special School and West End State School, worth a total of $200 million and supporting 660 jobs.

“Ripley Valley, Yarrabilba, Mango Hill, Lee Street and Foxwell were among the eight new state schools that opened in January, the highest number in more than 30 years, creating more than 4,800 jobs across the state.”

Mr McCallum said the stage two development of the Ripley schools would complement the world-class facilities delivered in stage one.

“We invested $120 million so the doors could open to a combined 400 students on day one of the 2020 school year,” he said.

“Already, the primary school features an admin building, a canteen and resource centre, a multi-purpose hall and oval, as well as areas for prep and general learning.

“The secondary school has an admin building, junior learning spaces, a junior applied technology centre, robotics centre and a business, fashion and design graphics centre.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the projects would build on the Palaszczuk Government’s record investment in new schools while expanding existing schools in high growth areas.

“Getting people back to work is a key part of our plan for economic recovery, and these projects will support that through local jobs,” Ms Grace said.

“These stage two projects follow on from that investment and continue our commitment to invest in key industries to Unite and Recover from COVID-19.”