The  Government’s 2017 Budget will see a total of $141.7 million invested in school upgrades and infrastructure projects across the Territory, to invest in children and create local construction jobs.

Education Minister Eva Lawler said a key part of this infrastructure investment is the new Building Better Schools grants of $300,000 for every Territory school.

“The upcoming budget is all about investing for our future - Jobs, Children, Community – and the Building Better Schools grants does all three,” Ms Lawler said. 

“Fifty four schools will be the first to receive this $300,000 funding in Budget 17 for refurbishments and upgrades which will lead to improved learning spaces for Territory children.

“The budget will deliver on our election commitments and be a fair plan for our future.”

The Building Better Schools grants will fund every government and non-government school over the next four years from a $56.4 million investment, to create quality learning environments.

“We made an election commitment to put children at the centre of our decision making, because we recognise giving every child the best start in life is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do,” Ms Lawler said.

Schools can choose how to use the money to best meet the needs of their students, which could include classroom upgrades, repair projects or new buildings.

The next expressions of interest for Building Better Schools grants will be called for in October this year, in preparation for Budget 18.