Significant investment in new classrooms at Coolum State High and Eumundi State School, as well as the long overdue Coolum Police Station announced in today’s State Budget has been welcomed by Ninderry MP Dan Purdie.
Mr Purdie said Coolum State High will receive $8million for additional classrooms, and Eumundi State School $7million, while $1.6million has been allocated to finalise plans for the new Coolum police station.
Mr Purdie said he was pleased to see the multi-million dollar expansion plans for two growing local schools which were setting high standards when it comes to providing quality educational outcomes for students and families.
“Both Coolum and Eumundi are home to an increasing numbers of families, and it is vital that our educational facilities are able to cater for this growth.
Mr Purdie said he had been fighting for more than 18 months to Coolum police out of a donga and into permanent accommodation so that they can carry out their jobs properly.
“There is no doubt our communities are crying out for more police and resources, and this commitment of funds to finally build the new station is a step in the right direction, however I am disappointed there has been no allocation of extra officers.
Mr Purdie said while the funding was welcome, a lot more investment in vital infrastructure projects across the electorate was needed to keep up with population growth.
“Taxpayers expect and deserve a return on investment when it comes to what their hard-earnt tax dollars are spent on,” Mr Purdie said.
“This Budget falls short in every sense.
“While education and law and order are essential, so too is transport infrastructure, and when it comes to roads in my electorate, there is not a penny to be seen.
“Investment in our roads network is vital if our region is to keep pace with population growth,” Mr Purdie said.
“Yet again, the Sunshine Coast has been short-changed by a short-sighted State Labor Government who have failed communities across the Coast with their short term goals, and spend and tax mantra.”