Education Minister Grace Grace has recently confirmed the catchment plan for a new school, Inner City South State Secondary College (SSC) in Dutton Park. Parents from the suburb, as well as those who live in Greenslopes and nearby areas within the new catchment, will now have a chance to send their children to another prestigious school.
New Catchment For SSC
The Palaszczuk Government has announced their recent purchase of additional land on Gladstone Road. The site is currently being used by MS Queensland but they are expected to relocate soon. The school will be built next to the EcoSciences Precinct.
“The newly acquired site will be the main building platform for the new school and provides greater access to green space – a key theme raised during the community consultation process. This land also offers a clear line of site to the new school’s tertiary education partner, the University of Queensland, which is just across the river via the Eleanor Schonell Bridge,” Ms Grace said.
The school’s innovative partnership with UQ will help shape the vision and the identity of the new school.
The new school is expected to help alleviate the enrolment pressure on Brisbane State High School. At the same time, its presence will also increase the capacity in Brisbane’s inner city schools network.
SSC will offer contemporary education in the inner south and will serve the growing communities. It is expected to welcome Year 7 students at the start of 2021.
Precinct Selection
The project is part of the Queensland Government’s $800-million Building Future Schools (BFS) Fund dedicated to communities that need new and innovative education. Prior to the purchase of the Gladstone land, the government had to choose between three precincts — Davies Park, Kurilpa, and Dutton Park.
Dutton Park was identified as the strongest performer against the number of criteria set by the government. Following the decision, it also underwent several community engagement processes that gathered feedback on the preferred precinct for the school.
Based on the community consultation process, the Department of Education will proceed with the development of the school.
“We heard loud and clear during the consultation phase earlier this year that catchments and enrolment policies were critical issues for local families. That’s why we’re now seeking the views and feedback of school communities on the proposed catchment for the new school,” Member for South Brisbane and Deputy Premier, Jackie Trad said.
SSC is currently undergoing the design phase. The local community is encouraged to send their feedback here. To view the Precinct Selection Report, click here.