Future Development

Since our first newsletter in September 2008, our efforts to relocate and develop the new 50 acre site have been further hampered and frustrated by bureaucratic requests to make amendments to our Environmental Management Plan. This is adding extra financial burden onto figures that have previously been estimated to undertake the major infrastructure development work on the site. In light of the global economic crisis, and the current and predicted financial climate, the School Board has decided that it would not be financially viable or responsible to continue with the development, at this stage.

As we will remain on our current site until the financial situation improves and we experience a significant increase in our student enrolment numbers, plans are in place to embark on some major refurbishment work and construction of new facilities. Prior to school commencing in 2009, a number of improvements have been made.

As part of the Australian Government’s financial stimulus package, a significant amount of money has been made available for infrastructure purposes for schools under its Building the Education Revolution (BER) program. The National School Pride (NSP) component of the BER is available for small scale infrastructure and minor refurbishments. Under the NSP, JBCCS has applied to construct a large weatherproof covered outdoor learning area, with amphitheatre-style seating built in, landscaping, lighting and retaining walls.

The Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) component of the BER is available for larger scale infrastructure and upgrading of existing facilities. The School Board is exploring a variety of proposals, and we are excited by the opportunities this presents to build upon, and significantly upgrade the facilities on our current site. Any works approved under this new stimulus package, must commence this year – so continue to watch the corner of The Wool Rd and St George Ave, for new developments!