Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Country families from remote parts of Capricornia and the city's economy in Rockhampton will benefit from a new $6.5 million Rockhampton school-boarding facility. Recently I had the pleasure of officially opening the boys boarding accommodation at Cathedral College, with Rockhampton's Catholic bishop, Michael McCarthy. Nearly $2.9 million of this project was funded by the Australian government. This project will provide a diverse range of jobs and will boost the education of country students. Country kids often miss out a lot because of their remoteness and, for many of our hardworking country families, boarding school is the only way to ensure that their children have access to the same opportunities as city students.

A project like this makes a significant contribution to Rockhampton's economy in the form of jobs related to design, construction, electrical wiring, plumbing and business for companies which supply raw materials. The accommodation facility will also provide ongoing opportunities for our small business sector, such as wholesale food, catering, kitchen and laundry services. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of school principal Rob Alexander; education director Leesa Jeffcoat; and bishop Michael McCarthy.