If elected, and Albanese Labor Government will invest $2 million in a new Ipswich State High School Community Sports Hub.

The school currently offers five High Performance Academies providing elite training and coaching programs in rugby league, netball, soccer, volleyball and dance.

The Sports Hub will provide improved facilities for these sports, while adding facilities for sports such as futsal and basketball. As a community sports hub it will be available to groups and communities outside of the school.

Today, the Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek and Member for Blair Shayne Neumann visited the school to share the news with staff and students.

“Labor’s investment in sporting facilities at Ipswich State High School will cement the school’s reputation as an elite sporting hub for south-east Queensland,” Mr Neumann said

“Ipswich State High School has a strong track record of sporting programs that develop skills while engaging students in their education.

“Importantly, the sports hub will provide additional sporting infrastructure in the Ipswich region.”

During their visit, they also announced two other investments in schools in the area.

Labor will provide $60,000 for a new prep-safe playground at Brassall State School. This will finish the newly refurbished prep outdoor area at the school.

“After the damage to homes and parts of the school in the recent floods, I’m pleased we can support students and staff at Brassall State School in this way.” Ms Plibersek said.

“This is exactly the kind of help local schools needs after the devastating weather. The extra funding from Shayne Neumann and Labor will assist in the recovery.” 

If elected, Labor would also invest $15,000 to upgrade the audio-visual system in the Karalee State School Community Hall.

Not only is the hall used by the school daily, it’s also home to community events like Spring Fairs, Trivia Nights, Remembrance Day, Anzac Day, and holiday vacation care. Recently it has been used again as a meeting point during the floods.

“These announcements aren’t just investments in the schools, they are investments in the local community,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Labor believes every Australian child deserves the best start in life, including a great school education.

“The past two years have been hard for all Australians. But our kids have suffered a unique loss. Remote learning, isolated from friends, missed events, have turned what should be some of the best years of their lives into a bit of a nightmare.

“Investing in school upgrades like these ensure our schools are equipped to provide a world-class education. They also give kids the chance to participate in activities and events that are crucial to their development and wellbeing

“Only Labor will invest in local schools,” Ms Plibersek said.