More than $9.1 billion will be delivered to improve education in Queensland in the Palaszczuk Government’s 2016-17 State Budget.

Education Minister Kate Jones (pictured) said this year’s Budget would continue to drive reforms to senior assessment and invest in school infrastructure to cater for enrolment growth.

Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government would invest $72 million over four years to continue developing new senior assessment systems for students who enter Year 11 from 2018.

“$24 million will be invested in 2016-17 to help prepare for the change as part of a record investment in Queensland education under the State Budget,” she said.

“This funding will support the replacement of current senior assessment systems that have been in place for more than 20 years.

“New senior assessment arrangements will combine the advantages of school-based assessment, developed and marked by classroom teachers, with external assessment set and marked by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.”

Ms Jones said the Budget delivered $667 million in 2016-17 for school infrastructure including $475 million for capital works and $192 million for maintenance.

“Our $475 million capital works investment will include $79 million to start construction of new state primary schools in Caloundra South, Coomera, Yarrabilba in Logan, and Burdell in north-west Townsville.

“It also includes $21.4 million to complete the new special school currently under construction in Cairns.”

Ms Jones said $192 million would be spent on maintenance in 2016-17.

“The infrastructure investment funding includes $73 million for the School Infrastructure Enhancement Program to deliver modern and functional learning environments through maintenance and renewal initiatives” she said.

Ms Jones said a further $43 million would be invested supporting universal access to kindergarten for Queensland children.