Every single classroom, library and staff room in every single Queensland state school is now air conditioned.
Acting Premier Steven Miles joined Education Minister Grace Grace at Wavell State High School to announce achievement had been delivered early and before the start of Term 2, 2022.
"We promised Queenslanders that we would air condition every classroom, library and staff room in every Queensland state school and that's exactly what we've done," Mr Miles said.
"Around 10,000 spaces in 649 Queensland state schools have been air conditioned thanks to our $477 million investment in the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program.
"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 Cooler Cleaner Schools Program supported around 1,000 jobs during the height of the pandemic, as well as a pipeline of work as part of the Palaszczuk Government's economic recovery plan for Queensland," Ms Grace said.
"The Palaszczuk Government has worked to make sure our students and staff are now enjoying the benefits of air conditioning in around 10,000 school spaces.
"That includes 323 schools in the greater Brisbane area alone, with a total investment of around $129 million covering more than 5,660 spaces across the region which now have air conditioning installed.
"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." "The extra 80,000 solar panels will generate around 26 MW of additional energy to support our drive for cooler classrooms."
Ms Grace 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, as recommended by a ventilation working group.
"Ventilation of learning spaces can be provided naturally, through opening of windows and doors when conditions allow, or mechanically via ventilation and air conditioning systems that introduce fresh air from outside," she said.
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 prior to CCSP announcement, the Palaszczuk Government had invested more than $200 million since 2015 to air-condition two-thirds of Queensland state schools.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the hard work done by P&C's and school communities who installed air-conditioning at their schools," she said.
"We are committed to providing quality facilities to schools in all corners of the state. "When the Palaszczuk Government commits, we deliver for all Queenslanders.
"Over the course of the 2021–22 financial year, we are delivering an infrastructure investment portfolio valued at almost $1.9 billion, driving the economy by supporting more than 4,100 jobs for Queenslanders."
