The future of The Sycamore School has been secured under a new long-term lease agreement with Queensland Government, allowing the specialist school for autistic children to remain at TAFE Queensland’s Alexandra Hills campus for up to 30 years.
The agreement replaces a previous arrangement that was due to expire in October 2025, with the school having operated on a rolling basis while negotiations continued. Under the new terms, the lease runs for 25 years with an option to extend for a further five, giving the school longer-term certainty over its base of operations.
The government said the arrangement delivers on a commitment made during the state election campaign and provides stability for students, families and staff who rely on the specialist education service. It follows criticism that the school’s previous lease situation left its future uncertain.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the outcome reflects a promise to secure the school’s future and give families peace of mind.
“We said we’d deliver a secure future for this school community and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” she said.
She also pointed to the importance of stability for long-term planning and funding access, noting that secure tenure can help schools apply for capital grants needed for facilities and programs.
School leaders have welcomed the agreement. Board Chair and founder Cindy Corrie said the lease provides the confidence needed to plan ahead and invest in the school’s development.
“The 30-year lease is a defining moment for The Sycamore School. It provides the long-term security needed to plan responsibly, invest wisely, and ensure the school continues to serve autistic young people for generations to come,” she said.
The school was established as Brisbane’s first dedicated education setting for autistic children and has continued operating from the Alexandra Hills site during negotiations. With the lease now confirmed, administrators say it will allow for more structured planning around growth and service delivery.
The decision comes after a period in which the school’s tenure was not formally secured beyond the short term, leaving uncertainty for families and staff. The government has framed the agreement as a corrective step, while school representatives have focused on the practical benefits of stability and planning certainty.
For families, the outcome means continuity at a specialist setting many rely on for tailored education support, with the school now able to map out longer-term programs and infrastructure needs at its existing campus.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
