The Finocchiaro CLP Government has announced another pre-budget funding commitment, this time committing $110 million for the new purpose-built Palmerston Secondary Special Education School, with the first proposed school designs made public on Monday.

Set to open by Term 1, 2029, the new school is designed to accommodate up to 200 secondary-aged students with high and complex needs. Community consultations were held in late 2025 and the design will see four teaching blocks.

The government said the $110 million would also “provide a timely boost” for the construction industry. The school was first announced last September.

“Once opened in term one, 2029, the new Palmerston Secondary Special Education School will cater for 200 students, providing more options for families and reduce enrolment pressures off the Driver Secondary School Special Education Centre and Henbury School,” Education Minister Jo Hersey said.

In August 2025, during the Age Grade Census, the Driver Secondary School Special Education Centre had 136 students with special needs, Forest Parade Special School had 101 students, and Woodroffe Primary School Special Education Centre enrolled 87 students.

Additionally, around 20 students from Palmerston commuted to Henbury School, which the government said is facing enrolment challenges.

The proposed design for the Palmerston Secondary Special Education School includes two vocational education and training buildings with facilities like a mini-Woolworths, a kitchen and café, arts and design studios, and music rooms.

It also features a pool, a horticulture building with a farm learning area, and 25 classrooms in four teaching blocks. Additional facilities include a new administration building, high support learning areas, shade structures, bike paths, and play areas.

The school design also includes therapy and sensory rooms, as well as accessibility upgrades to the gym and performing arts rooms at Rosebery Secondary School.

Expert Design Advisory Group parent representative Francis De Silva said the group supports the design and is eager to see the project advance.

“This is amazing news for families with special needs children in Palmerston and the rural area, who currently do not have access to the same level of specialised education services as families residing in Darwin,” Mr De Silva said.

The school’s design aligns with the recommendation of the Disability Royal Commission, which suggests that new special schools should be situated alongside mainstream schools. This approach enables students to receive specialised support while also sharing educational, cultural, and sporting experiences with their peers.

The project is set to be included in the Department of Education and Training’s Capital Works Program for 2026/27, with the tender expected to be issued in June this year, Ms Hersey said.