AT LEAST three more schools will be needed in Beerwah to cope with the hinterland’s booming population over the next two decades, Glasshouse Christian College Principal Mike Curtis, says.
Data shows that an extra 42,000 people aged from 0-19 will be living on the Sunshine Coast by 2042.
And while questions are already being asked about housing and transport pressures, population expansion, especially into the likes of Beerwah East, is expected to add pressure on education facilities from childcare through to schools.
Mr Curtis said as the population increased, Beerwah would need at least three new schools in the next two decades.
“I think especially with the incoming development of Beerwah East, the Beerwah region is going to need at least three more schools over the next 20 years, with one being planned to be built by at least 2029,” he said.
“With the development of Aura as well, there certainly is room for more schools to be built.”
He added that the area was currently appropriately serviced. “As soon as more development starts happening and more families start moving to the area, the first thing they are going to need is childcare and then the second thing is going to be schools,” he said.
Mr Curtis highlighted the challenges for independent schools to buy and develop land due to the rising cost of residential prices.
“One of the big barriers for schools starting is the cost of land and the cost of developing land,” he said.
“I think developers need to start thinking about how they can attract schools in the area,” he said.
Growth within existing schools was also difficult.
“You get to a point where you can’t really grow any further. We are limited by a road and houses behind our school,” he said.
To ensure quality education as more people move to the region and pressures build on the education sector, Mr Curtis said community groups and clubs need to remain strong pillars of the area.
“The only way to ensure great education is to have quality schools, and parents who appreciate the quality of those schools, and who have a high opinion of education,” he said.
“That’s what we need, and a part of that whole strategy is we need to continue to strengthen our community sports and our community areas as well.”
