Main Image: A tradie installing air conditioning units in a QLD state school (supplied).
Students and staff are now enjoying the benefits of air conditioning in around 10,000 school spaces across Queensland state schools.
Acting Premier Steven Miles joined Education Minister Grace Grace at Wavell State High School today to announce all Queensland state schools are now fully air conditioned including every classroom, library and staff room.
“Due for completion in June 2022, all installations were completed over two months ahead of schedule to ensure students and staff could enjoy air-conditioned spaces from the start of Term 2″
“We know that students learn best when they’re in cooler and comfortable learning environments.”
“I know there will be some happy teachers, parents, students and staff across Queensland today.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said of Queensland’s 1,258 state schools, 649 required air conditioning.
“Our investment also includes a $71 million boost to our Advancing Clean Energy Schools program, to install solar panels on state school rooftops to assist offsetting the additional energy that air conditioners will use”, Ms Grace said.
“The extra 80,000 solar panels will generate around 26 MW of additional energy to support our drive for cooler classrooms.”
Air conditioning at Sandy Strait State School (supplied).
Wavell State High School Principal Liz Foster said the new air conditioning was very well received by the school community.
“We know that temperature, light, acoustics, humidity and air quality all influence our capacity to learn and are grateful for the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program that has seen air conditioning in our learning spaces,” Ms Foster said.
“Our school also acknowledges the work of our P&C in their support of classroom environments.”
“The department will also cover ongoing maintenance for all units, including those purchased by P&Cs”
Minister Grace said they are committed to providing quality school facilities in all corners of the state.