By 2028, Banya parents could be slashing their school runs to zero, with a brand-new state primary school, kindergarten, and community health hub popping up right on their doorstep.
Touted to be named “Caloundra South West State School” the fourth state school to come to Aura will cater for up to 1,140 students from Prep to Year 6, and will be built on five hectares at the corner of Western Drive, Tyndal Circuit, and Hotham Crescent.
Along with classrooms, the development will feature a “lite integrated hub” offering community and healthcare services, plus a kindergarten with space for up to 44 little ones.
The school is expected to peak at 1,140 students, supported by 143 full-time staff.
The proposal includes 198 parking spaces, including 14 kiss n’ go spots, 67 visitor spaces 100 staff spaces with 155 bicycle spaces and 51 scooter spaces.
A Department of Education spokesperson said the department was delivering new and innovative education infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of expanding communities.
“In the strategic establishment of new schools, careful consideration is given to factors such as the existing network’s capacity, potential for expanding current schools, local student population growth and land availability,” the spokesperson said.
“The department actively monitors enrolment growth throughout Queensland to ensure all children, no matter where they live, have access to quality educational facilities.
“A new state school for Caloundra South was originally planned to open for Term 1, 2025, however, enrolment demand and residential growth in the area had not progressed as fast as originally forecast.
“While the new school site has been identified, and preparations for delivery are underway, the school opening is now being planned for between 2027 and 2028, with the opening year to be linked to student enrolment growth.”
According to a development assessment report submitted to Economic Development Queensland by QBuild on behalf of the Department of Education, Caloundra South West State School will feature separate learning buildings for Prep to Year 3 and Year 4 to 6, designed with an attractive two-storey layout.
A central forecourt will provide play areas and easy access to amenities, while the northern sporting field includes a running track and sports hall.
The school will also serve the local community, with shared use of facilities like the northern carpark and sports park available for public use outside school hours.
