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Acting Education Minister Delia Lawrie said today $13 million in work at 121 Territory schools would provide a great boost for the Territory economy in the face of the global financial crisis.

 

Ms Lawrie said the Rudd Government had announced the funding from its $42 billion stimulus package, which will see up to $500 million flow to the Territory.

 

“These projects will result in our schools – both Government and non-Government - getting upgrades and refurbishment work of up to $200,000 each,” Ms Lawrie said.

 

“There will be a wide variety of works under the funding, including work on shade areas, computer labs, sporting ovals and outdoor learning areas. 

 

“The school projects are good for our education infrastructure, good for the Territory economy and good for Territory jobs.”

 

Ms Lawrie said today’s announcement was for the first round of funding for minor infrastructure and refurbishment works.

 

“More Territory schools can apply under the next round and we’ll be working with them to make sure they do that,” Ms Lawrie said.

 

“On top of this funding, all primary schools will receive up to $3 million depending on their enrolment for a new major infrastructure project such as an assembly hall or library.” 

 

There will also be 500 new science labs and language centres for schools across Australia.                                                                                             

 

The Territory will also benefit from the other measures in the package including road maintenance, energy efficiency for houses, public and defence housing and one-off bonus payments for Territorians.

 

Ms Lawrie said the Territory Government had acted in a number of ways to implement the stimulus package as quickly and efficiently as possible:

 

• The Development Consent Authority is to meet every fortnight instead of every month:
• An industry reference group has been formed;
• Dedicated Stimulus Action Squads have been set up in Government Departments; and
• Procurement guidelines have been streamlined.

 

Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563

Related files:
Lawrie.050409.Schools.pdf ( 42.25 kb )