Federal government invests $8m in NT’s schools infrastructure, classrooms, playgrounds

More than $8 million will be spent on upgrading 12 Northern Territory schools’ infrastructure, including new classrooms and playground reboots. Read the full list.

Twelve NT schools will receive more than $8 million to upgrade and add critical infrastructure to their learning environments.

The upgrades range from new classrooms and teacher accommodations, to playground upgrades and shade structures.

Delivered under the second round of the federal government’s Schools Upgrade Fund, the largest project includes a new student classroom with an ablution block at Wugularr School for a price tag of $1.2 million.

The majority of the upgrades will be delivered to remote schools in line with Education Minister Mark Monaghan’s goals for the Territory.

“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves a quality education with quality

resources so they can succeed in life – whatever that success looks like for each child,” Mr Monaghan said.

“Today’s announcement builds on the strong partnership between the Australian and

Territory government who together fully funded Territory schools through a landmark

agreement.”

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and NT Education Minister Mark Monaghan. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It comes as the NT government announces a record-breaking Education Budget for 2024.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the upgrades were an important step towards creating a better and fairer education system.

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality

facilities to learn in and play on,” Mr Clare said.

“From upgrading classrooms to new outdoor equipment, this funding will deliver

upgrades to public schools that need it the most.”

School playground upgrades are among the projects slated for completion. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Full list of school upgrades:

Amanbidji School – $430,000 for an outdoor covered basketball court

Barunga School – $450,000 for a shade structure over the playground, and a playground upgrade

Elliott School – $850,000 to replace a classroom

Gunbalanya School – $550,000 to repair the library building

MacFarlane Primary School – $400,000 for a playground upgrade

Mulga Bore School – $306,883 to install a shade structure over the basketball court

Nganambala School – $1.1m for an additional classroom and Visiting Officer Quarters (VOQ) teacher accommodation

Nganmarriyanga School – $650,000 for an outdoor education and culture space

Tennant Creek Primary School – $750,000 to enclose the basketball and tennis courts with a roof and walls

Willowra School – $1.1m for a new classroom

Wugularr School – $1.2m for a new student classroom with an ablution block

Yarralin School – $300,000 for new student classrooms and a facilities upgrade