The Palaszczuk Government is making a major investment in solar power and energy efficiency in Queensland State Schools.
Member for Pine Rivers, Nikki Boyd, said the $97 million Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program will deliver huge savings and be great for our environment.
Dayboro State School will be part of the more than 800 schools over the next three years to have the installation of solar power and energy efficiency measures,” Ms Boyd said.
“Schools will be selected based on their energy consumption, student enrolments and supplier availability with the tender process requiring successful partners to use local suppliers where possible.”
“So this isn’t just great news for our local schools but is also an opportunity for our local suppliers, businesses and tradies to benefit from this investment.
Ms Boyd said the ACES program will save our schools an estimated $10.2 million a year.
“Our state schools are among the government’s largest energy users, with an annual energy bill of more than $50 million,” Ms Boyd said.
“This program will be a game changer and the reduced environmental impact will be significant.
“By reducing costs and reinvesting savings into the program, we can ensure state schools across Queensland have more sustainable energy use into the future.”
“There will be an announcement in a matter of weeks about the procurement and tender process and expected start dates for installations.
“The first phase of the program this year will include up to 30 schools in each of the Department of Education’s seven regions, so the benefits will be shared throughout the state,” she said.
The program will see an investment of $40 million in solar photovoltaic systems and $57 million on making schools more energy efficient.
“We know that many of our schools have great environmental programs and do what they can to save energy and water and this program will make a massive contribution,” Ms Boyd said.
“Renewable energy technology has developed significantly and we want to take advantage of the opportunities that now exist for our state schools to make energy savings.”
ENDS