The Territory Labor Government has created more than 900 local jobs across the NT in 2018 with its multi-million dollar program of economy-stimulating construction projects in schools.
Builders and tradies right across the Territory have benefited from the major projects, which are underway in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
In tough economic conditions, the projects have enabled local companies to employ hundreds of workers, while constructing transformative buildings that will serve Territory children for many years to come.
Major education construction project tenders awarded to Territory companies this year include:
The $15.9 million Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Centre at Darwin High School, won by Sunbuild (300 jobs)
- The $12.6 million Zuccoli Government School, won by Halikos Construction (120 jobs)
- The $10.3 million multi-purpose hall at Darwin Middle School, won by Sunbuild (214 jobs)
- The $6.7 million Acacia Hill School upgrade, won by Scope Building NT (100 jobs)
- The $6.6 million Ludmilla Primary School redevelopment, won by PTM Group (150 jobs)
- The $6.3 million Tennant Creek Early Childhood Integrated Learning Centre, won by Pro Build NT (40 jobs)
The major projects come in addition to the continuing rollout of the Building Better Schools (BBS) initiative, which will give every Territory school $300,000 for an infrastructure upgrade of their choosing over the Labor Governments four year term.
More than 88 of the Territorys 152 schools have either had their (BBS) projects completed, or have them under construction or in the planning stage in the two years Labor has been in government.
The projects have supported scores more jobs in smaller Territory construction companies and for associated tradesmen and suppliers.
The school projects come in addition to other major Territory Labor Government projects happening across Darwin and the NT this year, including the Cavenagh Street shade structure, the Health House redevelopment, Garamilla Boulevard and the State Square carpark development, which, combined, have created 550 construction jobs.
As stated by Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.
The Territory Labor Governments number one priority is creating jobs for Territorians.
We came to Government with a plan to create jobs, invest in infrastructure and improve the lives of all Territorians. We are delivering on that plan.
Investing in our schools is not only an investment in our economy and in our people, it is an investment in our future.
We know that quality infrastructure underpins quality learning and the children in these schools will have state-of-the-art learning facilities for many years to come.
The CLP did not care about our children or our schools, ripping $135 million from the education budget and sacking 500 teachers and support staff.
The Territory Labor Government will always invest in education, because we know it is not just the right thing to do, its the smart thing to do for the Territorys future.
As stated by Building Better Schools project recipient, Asbuilds Andrew Browett.
Asbuild are grateful to the Territory Government for awarding projects like the refurbishment of Karama Primary School, which stimulate businesses in what has been a difficult downturn in the Darwin construction industry.
Karama Primary School project has created opportunities and jobs for Asbuild staff and many other local trade contractors, which is important for ongoing stability in the industry, particularly in the Darwin region.
