The $12.6 million first stage of the Territory Labor Governments fast-tracked government school at Zuccoli will support 120 construction jobs over the next year.
In July, the government brought forward the construction of the new primary school by two years, to ease classroom pressure in the Territorys fastest growing region.
Experienced school builder Halikos Pty Ltd was announced as the successful tenderer on Friday.
The company has built a number of Darwin and Palmerston region schools, including the Mother Teresa Catholic School, which adjoins the new Zuccoli government school site.
Stage one of the major construction project encompasses a pre-school with capacity for up to 88 students and eight primary school classrooms with capacity for more than 200 students.
Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, with opening scheduled for Term 1, 2020.
Among the 120 workers Halikos will employ throughout the project are 15 Aboriginal workers, eight apprentices and two Aboriginal apprentices.
As noted by Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.
Jobs are the Territory Labor Governments number one priority and this major infrastructure project will directly support 120 local jobs over the 52 week construction period, plus ongoing jobs for teachers and support staff upon completion.
We know that quality infrastructure underpins quality learning and this $12.6 million new school is a significant investment in the future of our Palmerston children, who will have a state-of-the-art facility for many years to come.
Unlike the CLP, who ripped $135 million out of the education budget, the Territory Labor Government will always invest in public education, because every child has the right to a great start in life.
As noted by Member for Brennan, Tony Sievers.
Weve listened to the people of Palmerston in delivering this new school and this project will support 120 local jobs in the construction stage. This is a great result for our community.
Quotes attributable to Halikos Construction General Manager Chris Giannikouris.
The award of the Zuccoli School project is fantastic news for Halikos Construction. Over the next 12 months the project will generate 120 direct local jobs and more indirect jobs throughout the supply chain.
