Every single classroom, library and staff room in every single Gold Coast state school is now air conditioned in time for Term 2, 2022 as part of the Palaszczuk Government's $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program.
Gold Coast-based Palaszczuk Government Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the achievement had been delivered more than two months ahead of schedule.
"We committed to air conditioning at every state school in my community – and we've delivered," Minister Scanlon said.
"Across the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim, the Palaszczuk Government has invested close to $30 million covering more than 1,370 school spaces.
"Having spoken to students, teachers and staff – it's already helping them feel more comfortable in the classroom.
"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 Environment Minister, it's also great to see that the Palaszczuk Government's investment also includes $71 million over 3 years to expand solar panel installations on state school rooftops to help with energy use."
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 Gold Coast and elsewhere could enjoy air conditioning sooner.
"The Palaszczuk Government remains committed to providing quality school facilities for Queensland," Ms Grace said.
"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.
"During 2021–22, we are delivering an overall infrastructure investment portfolio valued at almost $1.9 billion, driving the Queensland economy by supporting more than 4,100 jobs."
Nerang State High School Principal Scott Ison said that the new air conditioning was very well received by the local school community, particularly given the local climate.
"This is the most significant change in our school in the past decade. We now have classrooms where students are able to work on getting the very best education they can for the entirety of a lesson – every lesson, every day," Mr Ison said.
"The ability of our students to remain focussed no longer fades, as the mercury rises. One of our teachers commented that the air conditioning has meant the kids are more engaged, want to be in the room and are able to focus and learn for longer."
"In the words of one of our students: It's awesome, it's so cool – in both senses of the word."
