Greenbank State School parents faced unexpected disruption as the school announced it had no power or sewerage (toilets), leaving the school open for supervision only. Amidst the recovery efforts after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s deluge, families were urged to make alternative arrangements for their children, causing frustration among many who had already planned for a normal school day.
Some parents had already dropped off their children or sent them on the bus before receiving the news, given that the state announced schools, including Greenbank State School, have reopened.
Others expressed concerns about why the school had initially announced it would reopen without confirming power and amenities were fully functional.
As of midday on 12 March, power outages in Greenbank continued to affect 940 customers across two separate incidents caused by severe weather. Energex has estimated power restoration by 7:00 p.m. on 15 March, leaving many residents without electricity for several more days. The outages have added to frustrations within the community, particularly for Greenbank State School, which has been struggling with power and sewerage issues, further complicating the situation for families and staff.
Last-Minute Announcement Sparks Frustration
The school had intended to resume classes based on the expectation that a generator would supply power. However, it failed to operate as planned, leaving staff and parents scrambling to adjust.
Some community members questioned why the school had not informed parents earlier about the situation, given that the power had not been reconnected the previous day. Others defended the school, pointing out that the issue was beyond its control, with Energex reportedly failing to connect the generator overnight as expected.
Many parents were left in difficult situations, having to rearrange work plans at the last minute. Some arrived at the school dressed for work, only to be told the school was not fully operational.
Others had to arrange emergency pick-ups, with one parent noting their mother had to drive a significant distance to collect their children. Concerns were also raised about whether the school received proper clearance to open when it lacked basic facilities.
Community Assistance for Power Outages
Beyond the school, power outages continued to impact Greenbank residents. Middle Green offered a space for those without electricity, providing charging stations and hot showers. Disaster relief funding information was also made available, helping affected residents navigate support options. Energex reported that power had been restored to 1,383 households and continued working on full restoration.
As the situation unfolds, the school has assured parents it will provide updates through email and Seesaw. The community remains divided, with some defending the school’s response while others criticise the handling of the announcement.
Published 12-March-2025