Territory Alliance has committed to expanding the ongoing development of Katherine High School.
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"We will begin important infrastructure upgrades at Katherine High School as soon as possible to help stimulate the local economy and improve educational opportunities for the kids of Katherine," Territory Alliance's candidate for Katherine Melanie Usher said.
"Territory Alliance will work with the Australian Defence Force to partner in the development of a new Science Technology (STEM) building at Katherine High.
"We will also ensure library upgrades continue under a Territory Alliance government.
"In between those two projects classrooms will be getting a lick of paint, toilets upgraded and the school's IT system improved.
"I've got one child at Katherine High already and my others will go there as well.
"We know the school has great teachers and produces some high performing students, but it needs more money for infrastructure to keep going," she said.
The Library project in particular has already begun under the incumbent Labor government, with students participating in the design process.
This upgrade was made possible by the $300,000 Labor provided to every school in the Territory including Katherine High to spend as they saw fit.
The other significant spend under Labor now bearing fruits was the $5 million rooftop solar program which has now saved Katherine High over $20,000.
Yet local sentiment in Katherine remains that the High School has been largely left behind while schools in the Darwin area become top-quality facilities.
Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills says it is this sentiment which continues to drive the party's interest in Katherine.
"Investing more into the school here just makes good economic sense," he said.
"With the economic crisis the Territory is facing we need infrastructural works which present clear economic value, and the school is an ideal place to do that.
"Territory Alliance was called to Katherine because it was felt that Katherine was being left behind.
"We answered that call and Mel is doing an excellent job of presenting the needs of Katherine to the party.
"The crisis doesn't require cuts, it requires targeted stimulus.
"With interest rates at historic lows and private sector employment collapsing now is the time for the NT Government to invest in the infrastructure the Territory requires.
"That must happen in a local way which responds directly to the community's needs, so that's what we're doing here today," Mr Mills said.
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