A key Territory Labor election commitment has supported more than 800 local construction jobs in the past two years while delivering infrastructure projects in NT schools.
The economy stimulating Building Better Schools program will deliver $300,000 to each of the NTs government, Catholic and independent schools to spend on the infrastructure project of their choice throughout the Territory Labor Governments four year term.
In the first two rounds of the program, 107 of the Territorys 190 eligible schools have either completed projects or have them underway, meaning the initiative has passed the halfway mark.
Expressions of interest have closed for the third round of the Building Better Schools program, which will see a further 48 schools receive $300,00 for works in the 2019/20 financial year.
Nightcliff Primary School used their BBS funding to construct an outdoor learning area, while in the Territorys far south west, Nyangatjatjara School chose to install solar panels, to save on electricity costs and utilise their natural environment.
Other infrastructure projects chosen by schools in the first two rounds include classroom and learning area upgrades, shade structures, playgrounds and student bathroom upgrades, to name just a few.
As stated by Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.
We know quality infrastructure underpins quality learning and these small projects are a significant investment in the future of our Territory children.
The Territory Labor Governments number one priority is jobs for Territorians and the Building Better Schools initiative, a key election commitment, has supported hundreds of jobs for smaller businesses across the Territory.
Over the four year period, works will be distributed across the regions to support the Territory Labor Governments delivery of local jobs.
These smaller projects also complement the string of major school infrastructure projects currently underway in Darwin, Palmerston, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, which have supported more than 900 construction jobs this financial year.
As stated by Nightcliff Primary School Principal Graham Chadwick.
The BBS funding was a great opportunity to develop a dry/wet creek bed area where students can pump water to create streams. This also includes tactile walls of activities for early years children to explore and learn through play.
Included in the project was a natural outdoor area adjacent to our basketball courts where families can watch sports and musical performances, and which will be an exciting place to come together to celebrate our students performances and activities.
