STATE schools on Russell and Macleay islands will be fitted with solar panels as part of a $97 million state plan to cut energy costs.
ALP Redlands candidate Kim Richards said the investment further highlighted the government’s investment in education.
Labor would install solar at 212 schools in the greater Brisbane area, as part of a total of more than 800 education facilities across the state.
Queensland has 1239 state schools.
Ms Richards said the roll-out over the next three years would save $10.2 million a year on energy costs across the state and reduce schools’ carbon footprint.
It also highlighted Labor’s investment in education.
“This ... will save schools thousands of dollars every year,” Ms Richards said.
“...The solar announcement comes hot on the heels of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing an extra half a billion to build 10 schools and upgrade education infrastructure across the state if re-elected,’’ she said.
“This is a government that is about jobs, education and building regional economies.”
Education Minister Kate Jones said energy usage at state schools cost Queensland $57 million annually.
“This program will reduce our maintenance costs and give us valuable funds to invest back into Queensland children,” she said.
The program also would provide up to 300 jobs.
