Sun Shines Bright on Bancroft’s Solar Schools
Solar panels will go on the rooftops of every State school in Deception Bay and North Lakes under the Palaszczuk Government’s $97 million Advancing Clean Energy Schools program, said Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting.
The Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program will deliver huge savings to local schools and allow them the opportunity to invest in more air conditioning for students, said Chris Whiting.
“I pushed hard to get solar power and energy efficiency measures installed at all our all local State schools,” Chris Whiting said.
“Schools are selected based on their energy consumption, student enrolments and whether we can use local suppliers to do the work.”
“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,” said Chris Whiting.
Chris Whiting said the installation will happen over three years and 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,” Chris Whiting said.
“There will be an announcement in a matter of weeks about the procurement and tender process and the 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.
“The program will see an investment of $40 million in solar photovoltaic systems and $57 million on making schools more energy efficient.
“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,” Chris Whiting said.
The schools to receive solar panels in the Bancroft electorate are:
• Bounty Boulevard State School
• North Lakes State College
• Deception Bay State School
• Deception Bay North State School
• Deception Bay State High School
• Moreton Downs State School
