Scenic Rim Regional Council, Media Release, 21 November 2022
With a new roof and a fresh coat of paint, the historic Old School at Beechmont has a smart new look.
The Old School Beechmont is in a class of its own following a $70,000 makeover funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, which invests in new infrastructure and community assets to create jobs and deliver economic stimulus to local communities.
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen, who visited the site of the former Beechmont State School with Mark Ritchie, President of the Beechmont Area Progress Association (BAPA) and Division 3 Councillor Virginia West, said Council was grateful to the Queensland Government for funding which has revitalised an important community hub.
“The funding has provided for the replacement of roof sheeting as well as painting of the facias and gable ends on the main school building and the adjacent building on this site, which is managed by BAPA under an agreement with Scenic Rim Regional Council,” he said.
“The Old School is part of the history of Beechmont and will be an important community centre well into the future as a venue for weddings, functions and local events which bring locals together and attract visitors to the region.”
Cr West said The Old School Beechmont was an important point of community connection and events such as the monthly Beechmont Sunday markets added to the community vitality and vibrancy and economic viability of the local area as well as the wider Scenic Rim region.
“I am really thrilled for the Beechmont Area Progress Association as this funding has provided for improvements which would have been beyond their means as a community group,” she said.
“It’s challenging for any community group to maintain such an old building and Council appreciates all BAPA has contributed over the years to enhance The Old School Beechmont through their forward planning for the site.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to support the refurbishment of the Old School Beechmont with funding from the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program. “The South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program supports SEQ councils with job-creating infrastructure projects,” Assistant Minister Boyd said.
“Through the program, Scenic Rim Regional Council has been allocated almost $4 million to help deliver five community infrastructure projects.
“These projects have already supported or created 35 good, local jobs, with more to come, which is great news for local businesses, local tradies and local families.
This project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program and delivered in association with Scenic Rim Regional Council.
