Delivering Remote School Upgrade

The Education Minister Paul Henderson has unveiled one of the largest infrastructure redevelopments of a regional school in the Northern Territory.

Mr Henderson attended the official opening of the $5.4 million upgrade of Borroloola School today.

“This is about investing in modern facilities to ensure students want to come to school, want to learn and can get a job at the end,” Mr Henderson.

“My Government is committed to growing a Smart Territory. To do that we must invest in lifting our attendance, literacy and numeracy outcomes and we must ensure schools have good resources.

“The investment in Borroloola School complements the existing and planned investments by the Territory and Federal Government in schools.

“Earlier this month, the Territory Government delivered a new $3.2 million high school at Arlparra in Central Australia. The refurbishment at Borroloola School further builds on our efforts to improve education in the bush.

“In partnership with the Federal Government, we have committed more than half a billion dollars to improving infrastructure at Territory schools over this term in office.”

The refurbishment at Borroloola includes:

· a primary school block with four new classrooms;

· an extension to the library;

· a home economics studio / science facility for secondary students;

· an open-air solid roof construction for assemblies, sporting and recreational activities;

· an administration office, staff preparation area, storage space, toilets and parking facilities; and

· a Customised Learning Centre – to be used for VET options.

In addition, Mr Henderson announced the Territory Government will provide $150,000 to upgrade the school oval.

Mr Henderson said the upgrades marked a great day for the community of Borroloola.

“Borroloola School is well supported by the community. It has a strong and stable teaching and learning team, excellent support staff, a strong leadership team and a committed School Council,” he said.

Borroloola School includes pre-school to Year 12 classes for about 225 students.

The Northern Territory Government provided $5 million towards the refurbishment. The remaining $400,000 was provided by the Federal Government and McArthur River Mine.

Media contact: Geoff Fraser 0407 360256

Related files:
Henderson 261009 Borroloola School.pdf ( 62.03 kb )


Paul Henderson MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING