25 January 2005
Basketball Post Replacement Program - HOTLINE
Following a review of safety issues surrounding basketball posts in Queensland State schools, a decision has been made that Education Queensland will meet only 50% of the cost per court to replace unsafe basketball posts with structurally safe ones for our students to use. According to information provided to QCPCA, schools through their minor works budget and/or the school community (ie the P&C in most cases) will be expected to meet the other 50%.
Costs to replace the basketball structures at $3,000 per post are indicative only we understand. This figure can increase depending on footings or other structural aspects, which may need to be addressed. This therefore throws an additional burden onto the school budget or school community contribution. QCPCA considers that the replacement of the basketball posts in schools is a Workplace Health and Safety issue and costs should be met in full by the State.
There is an implied expectation that the school community will meet a large proportion of costs for basic, essential infrastructure in schools in this replacement program. We do not consider this to be a fair or equitable outcome for P&C’s, who will most likely bear the brunt of the cost impost.
We encourage our affiliates to prioritise their contributions to the school budget based on the question - is it an essential or an extra? QCPCA believes that essentials should be provided by the government and the extras by the school community.
Education Queensland has established a Hotline number to deal with P&C and school enquiries. Please call 3237 0973 refer Nadeia or Michelle for further information.