LOCAL tradies are heading back to school for almost $7-million worth of new contracts over just two months.

The projects will see local tradies take up tools on $6.86-million worth of school projects, supporting around 20 jobs.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the contracts warded in March and April were part of the Queensland Government’s multi-million Dollar Budget action plan for the region.
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Contracts include:
- A new $5.94 million two-storey classroom block at Hervey Bay State High School
- $550,000 to upgrade the administration block at Kawungan State School
- $374,000 to refurbish an existing teaching block at Pialba State School.
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Ms Grace said Government was committed to creating jobs as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
“These projects are building on our record investment in building new schools, expanding existing schools in high growth areas and supporting local economies,” she said.
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Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari welcomed the investment in the region’s schools and local jobs.
“The Wide Bay Regional Action Plan includes $64.6-million to maintain, improve and upgrade schools – including three significant projects in my electorate of Hervey Bay,” he said.
“These come on top of the recently completed $11-million Performing Arts Centre at Hervey Bay State High.”
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Mr Tanrari said school infrastructure was a central element of the Government’s economic plan for recovery.
“These new projects are just a fraction of the projects underway as part of our $1.9-billion education statewide infrastructure spend in the current budget, supporting 4,800 jobs.”

For more information on the State’s investment in school infrastructure, click here.