Air conditioning delivered for Darling Downs state schools

Every single classroom, library and staff room in every single state school in the Darling Downs South West region is now air conditioned, as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program.

Acting Premier Steven Miles announced the 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 85 state schools have received air conditioning to provide a more comfortable environment in about 700 new school spaces in the Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs and Goondiwindi local government areas.

“Out of 1,258 Queensland state schools, 649 schools were assessed as needing air conditioning to classrooms, staff rooms and libraries,” Ms Grace said.

“That included schools in the Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs and Goondiwindi local government areas, and the Palaszczuk Government has invested around $12.3 million to get the job done across the region.

“This program has already helped our students and staff feel more comfortable in teaching and learning environments right across Queensland.

“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.”

Toowoomba State High School Principal Ashley Roediger said the new air conditioning was very well received by the local school community, particularly given the local climate.

“All our classrooms, the library, and performing arts centre, have been fully air conditioned since late 2021. It has really improved the conditions for learning right across the school,” Mr Roediger said. 

“Toowoomba summers are extremely hot and our winters are very cold so it’s fantastic to now have temperature-controlled teaching spaces.

“I’d also like to thank our P&C for their hard work raising funds to purchase air conditioning units in previous years.”

Ms Grace said the use of air ventilation and correctly operated and maintained 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,” Ms Grace said.

Ms Grace said the State Government remained committed to providing quality school facilities for Queensland, including addressing impacts of recent weather events on school infrastructure.

“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 4100 jobs.”

For more information on the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program visit: https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/programs-initiatives/department/building-education/major-projects/cooler-cleaner-schools

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Media contact: Annamika Calcino 0418 183 210