Queensland's New Education Facility Standards: What Suppliers Need to Know
On October 15, 2024, Queensland’s Department of Education launched updated design standards for schools and early childhood centers.
These changes—focused on inclusivity, safety, and sustainability—directly affect Australian building materials suppliers, who now face both opportunities and new compliance requirements.
Here’s how...
1. Increased Demand for Sustainable Materials
The new standards mandate durable, low-maintenance materials suited to Queensland’s varied climate. Suppliers should expect demand for eco-friendly options, such as dark, graffiti-resistant finishes and materials resistant to saltwater for coastal areas. These features meet sustainability goals while reducing long-term maintenance costs for educational facilities.
2. Inclusive and Security Design Needs
With a strong focus on accessibility and safety, the new standards require materials that support secure access points, isolation fencing around administration buildings, and reinforced windows and doors to prevent unauthorised access. Suppliers can expect increased demand for high-security doors, lockable windows, durable fencing, and adaptable indoor/outdoor learning materials—especially for spaces tailored to young children and students with disabilities. These updates present opportunities for suppliers offering products aligned with these heightened security and inclusivity standards.
3. New Compliance for Early Childhood Centres
Suppliers can expect stricter requirements for materials used in spaces for young children, where natural, toxin-free products are prioritised. This focus opens the door for suppliers specialising in child-safe, sustainable materials.
4. Consistency Across Projects
By consolidating standards into one document, Queensland’s Department of Education has streamlined requirements. Suppliers can more easily ensure compliance across multiple projects, improving efficiency and reducing the complexity of meeting diverse regulatory standards.
For more information on these updates and to access the official documentation, visit Queensland Department of Education Design Standards.
These updates present Australian building materials suppliers with the chance to innovate, ensuring products align with Queensland’s new standards. By aligning offerings with these guidelines, suppliers can support the state’s vision of more inclusive, safe, and sustainable educational facilities for years to come.
Download a more detailed copy of the updated standards here:
