The Territory Labor Government is delivering on a key election commitment by investing $55 million in its signature Building Better Schools program over the past four years.

In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Territory Labor promised to give all NT government, Catholic and independent schools $300,000 to spend on the infrastructure project of their choice.

Three rounds of the program have been delivered so far, and, with one more round to go, by 2021, 148 government schools, and 35 non-government schools will have either completed their projects, have them underway or be in the planning stage.

The economy-stimulating program has been delivered in every Territory region and has supported more than 1500 local construction jobs.

The Building Better Schools program enables schools to spend their funding on the minor infrastructure project of their choice to best enhance their facilities and complement student learning.

Completed projects included upgrades to learning areas and classrooms, new shade structures and playgrounds, upgrades to student bathroom facilities, the construction of kitchens for students and staff, and new interactive learning spaces.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“Quality infrastructure underpins quality learning and these small projects are a big investment in the future of our Territory children.

“Importantly, the key to the BBS program has been that schools have decided the projects they want to spend the money on to best support and enhance the learning of their students.

“Unlike the CLP, who ripped $135 million from the education budget, the Territory Labor Government will always invest in education and in our Territory children.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler.

“The Territory Labor Government’s number one priority is jobs for Territorians and the Building Better Schools initiative, a key election commitment, has supported hundreds of jobs for smaller businesses right across the Territory.

“These small projects will help support quality learning in all our Territory schools for many years to come.

“This is a wonderful investment not just in our small, local businesses but in the future of the Territory’s greatest asset: our children.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144