Magnetic Island State School is in line for $2 million plus of the federal government's attempt to stimulate the Australian economy and it's about to arrive soon in the shape of a new library and a covered outside learning area. But that's not all. A State government allocation of $350,000 is also in the pipeline.

MISS Principal, Ros Browne is, understandably, delighted with the federal largesse.

“The library will now be a proper library. Now it's just two class rooms,” said Ros Browne. “There will be room for a computer systems work area, seminar rooms, a catalog area, rooms for librarians to work, an office and proper book checking in and out spaces,” said Ros Browne.

Added to this will be a junior learning area, multi-media room, computer cluster space and a science, technology and innovation centre.

Ros Browne isn't exactly sure just how the whole package will be configured but will know more after a meeting with the department's facilities officers on 24 June.

She is however clear that $120,000 will go towards, “...making a nice outdoor area off B Block” – getting rid of the presently termite damaged louvres with bi-fold doors to open into roofed outside area.”

The facilities officers' meeting should also determine just where the new buildings will be located but Ros Browne expects that the new infrastructure will extend outwards from the main cluster of school buildings towards the school oval.

Five other Townsville schools have been earmarked for the upgrades and, State Member for Townsville, Mandy Johnstone told Magnetic Times, “These five schools are the first in the Townsville electorate to receive funding under Round 2 of the nation-wide economy-building program,”

“It’s an unprecedented investment in the future of Queensland education and will largely be used to create state-of-the-art libraries and multi-purpose halls to meet the needs of 21st century students and their teachers.

“The libraries will include the latest equipment and technologies to ensure our students and teachers have access to top-class learning and research facilities.”

Ros Browne is also delighted that a State Schools for Tomorrow grant worth $350,000, which she had sought separately, to upgrade the three end classrooms of D block and make them into two large classrooms, has also been approved.

There will also be an upgrade to the area between the present library and D block and the present food preparation area next to the school pool will turn into a carpeted kitchen with extra paving and a lockable shed.

Ros Browne also expects the federally funded buildings to be built quickly. "The work should start this year and it shouldn't take too long," she said

Speaking of the infrastructure packages overall, Ros Browne said, “It is fantastic getting resources that compliment and promote learning. It is long overdue and will be a huge face-lift for the school and if it stimulates the economy then that's good too.”

Story & photo: George Hirst