The Territory’s newest school is on track to be fully operational by Term 1, 2021, with local company Sunbuild awarded the $18.04 million tender to build Stage 2 of Zuccoli Primary School.

The Territory Labor Government fast-tracked construction of the new government school last year to cater for enrolment demand in Palmerston, the NT’s fastest growing region.

When completed in 2021, the new school will cater for 430 primary students and up to 88 pre-schoolers.

Construction is well advanced on Stage 1. The pre-school and eight primary school classrooms with capacity for more than 200 students is scheduled to open in Term 1, 2020.

Long-time Territory education leader Carolyn Edwards was last month announced as the inaugural Zuccoli Primary School principal, and is currently consulting with the local community to determine which year levels will be offered when Stage 1 opens next year.

Stage 2 of the project includes an additional eight classrooms, an administration building and a library.

It also includes facilities to be shared with the adjoining Mother Theresa Catholic School, including science, home economics and music rooms, a multipurpose hall and a sports oval.

More than 100 construction jobs are expected to be supported through the second stage of the project, adding to the 120 supported during the first stage.

The school is currently accepting expressions of interests for enrolments from Term 1, 2020 at zuccoliprimary@ntschools.net

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“The Territory Labor Government is delivering for Palmerston families.

“The second stage of the Zuccoli Primary School, scheduled to be completed by Term 1 2021, will ease enrolment pressures at surrounding Palmerston schools and enable the families of Zuccoli to send their children to school closer to home.

“Unlike the CLP, who ripped $135 million from the education budget and sacked teachers and support staff, the Territory Labor Government is creating jobs for teachers and investing in the futures of our Territory children.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers.

“The Territory Labor Government is investing in the great family friendly city of Palmerston.

“We are investing in the future of our Palmerston kids with this $30 million new school that will support more than 500 local children and their families.

“We promised we would build a new police station and we delivered, with the $30 million, state-of-the-art station opening earlier this month, and we are also building a $25 million new fire station, all of which will enhance our city’s reputation as the Territory’s family capital.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144