The Territory Labor Government is delivering for Palmerston families, with the $12.6 million first stage of Zuccoli Primary School on track to open its doors to students in Term 1, 2020.

Construction is well advanced on stage one of the project, which includes a pre-school with capacity for up to 88 students and eight primary school classrooms with capacity for more than 200 students.

Today also marks a major milestone, with applications opening for the position of the inaugural Zuccoli Primary School principal.

The Territory Labor Government last year fast-tracked construction of the school by two years, to ease classroom pressure in Palmerston, the NT’s fastest growing region.

Stage one has supported the jobs of 120 local construction workers. The tender for stage two is currently open and it is expected to support a further 200 jobs.

Stage two includes an administration building, an extra classroom building, a library and a multipurpose hall, alongside facilities to be shared with the adjoining Mother Teresa Catholic School, including a science lab, a home economics centre and a new sports oval.

The tender for stage two will close in early June and works are expected to commence in October.

Zuccoli Primary School is expected to be fully operational by Term 1, 2021, and will cater for more than 430 primary school students and 88 pre-schoolers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“Today marks a major milestone in the progress of the fast-tracked Zuccoli Primary School, with applications opening for the principal position.

“The principal will have a vital role in driving the strategic direction of the school, which will eventually cater to more than 500 students and significantly ease enrolment pressures on surrounding schools.

“Unlike the CLP, who ripped $135 million from our schools, the Territory Labor Government will always invest in education, because it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Drysdale, Eva Lawler.

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in Palmerston’s future, creating jobs and opportunities for the community.

“We are listening to our community and delivering a much needed new school that will support more than 300 local jobs during construction for stage one and two and create long term positions once opened in Palmerston.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers.

“Jobs are our number one priority and this new Palmerston school will support more than 300 local jobs. We are supporting families and our community in Palmerston.

“Investments like these support our growing, family friendly city of Palmerston.”

Media contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689