The Territory Labor Government has supported more than 130 Alice Springs jobs while providing state-of-the-art facilities for children, with two major, economy-stimulating school construction projects in the past year.

Acacia Hill School’s 88 additional needs students have three brand new, purpose-built classrooms, thanks to a $6.7 million redevelopment of the school undertaken by local builder Scope Building Pty Ltd.

Stage 1 of the project is now complete and stage 2, which will see the demolition of the existing administration building, to be replaced by a new administration building, a hall and specialty classrooms, is on track to be completed mid-year.

Braitling Primary School now has a new early childhood hub and new active play spaces, including an adventure playground and orchard, thanks to a $4.1 million redevelopment by local builder ProBuild NT.

The early childhood hub complements a new pre-school completed on the Braitling Primary School site in January 2017, and facilitates continuity of early years learning.

The hub also provides facilities for ancillary early childhood services, such as a playgroup, family room, consultation rooms and a café, designed as a culturally safe place for families.

In total, the Territory Labor Government invested $10.8 million in the two projects, supporting 131 local construction jobs – 50 on the Braitling Primary School project and a further 81 at Acacia Hill School.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government wants every child to have equal opportunity to engage in their learning, so they can grow and achieve a bright future.

“To support their learning, it’s important that we have quality infrastructure that meets the needs of our students.

“Our government is reinvesting in education after the CLP slashed $135 million from school budgets and sacked 500 teachers and support staff.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield.

“The Territory Labor Government’s number one priority is jobs for Territorians.

“As a Local Member, I am proud to be part of a Government that has delivered these significant projects for Alice Springs and honouring our election commitments.

“These economy-stimulating projects are not only supporting local jobs and families, they are a significant investment in the future of Alice Springs’ greatest asset: our children.”

Quote attributable to Andrew Kerr, Scope Building NT Project Manager.

“Being awarded the Acacia Hill School Upgrade Project, Scope Building has engaged 100 per cent local sub-contractors for the construction, supporting locally owned business through the Territory’s current tough times. 

“Where possible, Scope Building has sourced all construction materials and consumables for the project through local business and currently employs 18 full time staff, including six local Aboriginal employees and eight apprentices.”

Quote attributable to Acacia Hill School Principal, Julie Permezel.

“Two of our classes are very happy in the beautiful new classrooms in the Stage 1 upgrade, and students are enjoying the attractive new surrounding playground area.

“Stage 2 of the building works is proceeding quickly and we look forward to moving into this new facility which has been custom-designed for the needs of our school.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144