NEARLY 20 public schools in Maitland will have new air conditioning systems installed in classrooms and libraries under a new state government program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The first round of the $500 million Cooler Classrooms Fund, which was announced in the state budget earlier this year, will benefit more than 900 schools across the state.
Maitland has 19 schools on the list including Metford Public, Ashtonfield Public, Gillieston Public, Bolwarra Public, Morpeth Public and Maitland High.
Hunter parliamentary Secretary MLC Scot MacDonald said the $500 million program will provide new air conditioners and upgrade old systems for public schools for 67 schools in the Hunter.
“Until now, the Parent and Community groups have been expected to pay for the air conditioners. I am very proud of this,” he said.
“The NSW Liberal National Government’s Cooler Classrooms Fund is being run concurrently with the installation of solar panels and smart systems, highlighting an economically and environmentally sustainable program.”
Schools in areas that have an average maximum temperature of 30 degrees or more in January will now automatically receive air conditioning in their classrooms and libraries but all other schools will have to apply for funding.
The announcement comes after the NSW Labor Party promised to air-condition every public school classroom in the state if the party wins the next state election in March in June.
The $800 million pledge from Labor was a response to the NSW Government’s commitment of $500 million towards school air-conditioning from the state budget.
Mr MacDonald said previously the state government had been stuck by policy but air conditioning was now a priority.
“The policy was 33 degrees average. As much as anything, it was a financial and resources issue. We can afford to do it now. We are now in the position that we can do both.
“I think it’s important in the Hunter. I think it will take two or three rounds across the Hunter.”
