750 Schools now doing the Bright Thing

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Education and Training
The Honourable Geoff Wilson
14/04/2010

750 SCHOOLS NOW DOING THE BRIGHT THING

Queensland state schools are on their way to saving more than 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year with the installation of the 750th solar power panel completed at Yeronga State High School this week.

Premier Anna Bligh said this was a significant milestone in the Queensland Government's $60 million Solar and Energy Efficiency in State Schools program.

"Yeronga State High School is the 750th state school to have a solar power panel installed as part of our bid to reduce the carbon footprint of our schools," the Premier said.

"Our program is on track to be completed by June 2011, with the installation of solar power panels at 180 schools being brought forward to be completed by the end of this financial year.

"We've been working in partnership with the Federal Government's National Solar Schools Program to maximise the delivery of the solar panels in Queensland state schools.

"When our program is completed next year, it's expected our schools will save more than 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year through the use of solar power and energy-efficient lighting."

"Harnessing the sun's energy to reduce our use of carbon-based electricity is the bright thing to do.

Education Minister Geoff Wilson said every school was also receiving an IT energy monitoring system so staff and students could monitor how much energy their new solar panels and energy efficient lighting were saving.

"Not only does this save energy, but it's also a great learning tool for teachers and students to see the practical ways we can help to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

"These are valuable lessons for our students who will be charged with protecting our Queensland lifestyle and environment in the future.

"Students will learn more about how using this energy-efficient technology impacts on our environment through specific curriculum materials that have been developed.

"A package of teaching materials on energy efficiency has been developed for Year 7 students. Schools will have the opportunity to begin using this material during Term 2 this year."

Premier Bligh added the program was also supporting and creating jobs.

"Over its three years, this program will generate more than 450 jobs for the solar, electrical and information technology sectors," she said.

"Our state is leading the way in the utilisation of solar energy, but we can all make a difference.

"The Government has introduced a range of solar incentives to make it easier for Queenslanders to do the bright thing and help make Queensland the solar state," Ms Bligh said.

Find out more about the Queensland Government's solar incentives for business, community and Queensland households online at www.qld.gov.au

Permanent Link: 750 Schools now doing the Bright Thing
Publish Date: 15 Apr 10