Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House to the rushed process to identify and consult on a new school site in Brisbane’s western suburbs. It is noted that:

1)      the only single option put forward is the site of Indooroopilly State High School (ISHS) in Indooroopilly’s east, where there are already four schools within a 500m radius with student numbers totalling over 5,300;
2)      there is existing significant school traffic near the existing site, with contention between pedestrians and cars on narrow suburban streets
3)      there has been no consideration on the value the community places on access to the ISHS green space for sport & recreation, promoting a sense of community and residential neighbourhood character.

Your petitioners, therefore request the House to:
1)      Share with the public a strategic plan for primary and secondary education for the western suburbs of Brisbane, which ensures that enrolment growth is addressed without impacting our children’s safety or quality of education.
2)      Genuinely consult with the community on the options available for locating the next school, extending the consultation period to 30 September 2021 and expanding communication channels to be more accessible and inclusive.
3)      Produce convincing evidence that any new school will not exacerbate traffic congestion and risk to pedestrians (especially young children).
4)      Commit to sensitive development next to residential areas and protecting community use of existing green space.