Overview

As you will be aware the Premier announced the Solar and Energy Efficiency Program for Queensland State Schools last month allocating $60m to the program which will run over the next three years. The Premier announced the program would be implemented commencing with a trial in 10 schools across various regions and sizes and then the program would be progressively available to all schools.

The 10 trial schools are:

Albany Creek State School
Annandale State School (Townsville)
Charleville State School
Coombabah State High School (Gold Coast)
Dutton Park State School
Edge Hill State School (Cairns)
Frenchville State School (Rockhampton)
Holland Park State High School
Kimberley Park State School (Logan)
Mount Isa Central State School

The selection process for participation in the program after the initial trial has not been finalised.

All schools will be asked to undertake a lighting review. Further information will be provided on the audit template which has been designed to collect data on light fittings currently being used in schools.

The program will include the delivery of solar panels, smart meters and installation of energy efficient lighting measures to reduce energy consumption. The program will also deliver curriculum programs to support teachers and students in energy management. Through this program the whole community will be engaged in understanding the impact of energy use on the environment.

The advantages of the program for all schools are:

Leading environmental change through understanding
Using the Curriculum to foster that understanding including the use of information technology
Identifying alternative renewable technologies
Identifying methods of energy reduction and in turn greenhouse gas savings, and
Moving towards a sustainable future for both schools and their communities

The National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) commenced on 1 July 2008. The department is in negotiation with the Australian Government on how to maximise value-for-money outcomes and coordination between the two programs to ensure the best outcomes for Queensland State Schools.

Education Queensland has invited stakeholders from a diverse group to participate in a specifically organised advisory group, to seek their feedback and advice on the project and to keep them fully informed about the direction of the project.

The advisory group will include primary and secondary schools association representatives, and representatives from The Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association representing communities. These representatives will then communicate the information provided at the advisory group meetings to the wider community.

Regional Facilities Managers (RFMs) will be kept informed of developments with the Queensland State Schools and the National Solar Schools Programs. RFMs will be asked to pass this information on to all principals.

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