Planning under way for new school

Above: A new special school is planned to ease demand on Pine Rivers Special School

Moreton Bay's new special school, announced in this week's State Budget, may be open in three or four years.

It is one of six to be built in South-East Queensland, though no specific locations, costs or timelines were given.

However, the Moreton Daily has been told a site is earmarked for the proposed new special school in the southern part of Moreton Bay.

It will provide “enrolment relief” for Pine Rivers Special School, in Lawnton and could open in 2028 or 2029.

The exact date will likely be determined by work now under way on the land and designs before going out to tender.

Enrolments total

Other special schools in the announcement will be in Central Logan (Berrinba), Beenleigh, Springfield-Redbank, Ipswich West and Coomera.

Together with the proposed Moreton Bay South special school, the six new schools will have a combined enrolment potential of 800 students. 

“We are delivering new special schools to ensure no Queensland kid is left behind," Premier David Crisafulli said.

"Every child must get the right start in life. We want to give parents the ability to choose where their children go to school."

More schools

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek added: “Delivering these purpose-built special schools empowers students with disabilities to thrive, learn and succeed in environments designed just for them.”

The Queensland Education website also shows a new primary school is planned for Caboolture West and state school at Burpengary East from 2028 onwards.

But, it adds: “No investment decision has been made regarding these future schools.

“Timing will be dependent on ongoing monitoring and analysis of the population growth in these areas”.