Every single classroom, library and staff room in every single Sunshine Coast state school is now air conditioned in time for Term 2, 2022 as part of the State Government’s $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program.
At Noosa District State High School on Tuesday Nicklin MP Rob Skelton and Caloundra MP Jason Hunt announced the achievement had been delivered more than two months ahead of schedule
Out of 1,258 Queensland state schools, 649 schools assessed as needing air conditioning in classrooms, libraries, and staff rooms now have access to it, Mr Skelton said.
“That includes 49 schools on the Sunshine Coast, with a total investment of around $27.9 million covering a combined total of more than 1,170 school spaces across the region.
Mr Hunt said the use of air ventilation and air conditioning systems that introduce fresh air from outside could help minimise transmission of COVID-19 in schools.
“Our investment also includes $71 million over 3 years to expand solar panel installations on state school rooftops to assist in offsetting the additional energy air conditioners will use,” he said.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the project was due for completion in June this year, but was fast tracked so that state school students, teachers and staff on the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere could enjoy air conditioning sooner.
Noosa District State High School principal Stacy Wilmore said the controlled temperatures ensured all students stayed healthy, comfortable and focused in any weather and they also ensured both students and teachers were motivated to work to the best of their abilities.
“It feels comfortable to study and learn in an environment without being impacted by external factors like the temperature,” she said.
“The air conditioning project has significantly improved the quality of our learning environments across both of our campuses for students and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our entire school community.”
