Record investment to keep Western Sydney schoolkids cool
Every public school classroom across Western Sydney will be air-conditioned as part of an additional $130 million investment from the WestInvest fund.
A further 84 public schools will receive air-conditioning as part of the $5 billion WestInvest program, with more than 3,500 classrooms across 301 public schools in Western Sydney to be air-conditioned.
This builds on the 1,000 public schools across NSW already receiving cooler classrooms, thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government program introduced in 2018.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the investment would ensure students in public schools across Western Sydney would enjoy fully air-conditioned classrooms improving the learning environments for both students and teachers.
“This WestInvest boost finishes the job of installing air-conditioning in our Western Sydney schools as part of the Cooler Classrooms Program,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are making the investments that matter for our growing communities in Western Sydney, helping prepare our children for the future as part of the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of our State.
“Only the NSW Liberal and Nationals can deliver modern schools and classrooms for our kids because we have the long term economic plan to fund these vital projects.”
Minister for Education and Early Leaning Sarah Mitchell said the funding was thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program, which is securing the best quality of life for the people of Western Sydney – one of the youngest, fastest-growing and most diverse populations in the nation.
“So far through our Cooler Classroom Program we’ve delivered air-conditioning to more than 7,500 learning spaces and 491 libraries,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It’s fantastic news that this additional funding boost will support Western Sydney students and that they will all soon have to access to more comfortable learning spaces in the summer and winter.
“It’s all thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals, investing in every aspect of our public schools. From fresh paint to air-conditioning and security fencing to accessibility works, this Government understands the importance of maintaining and upgrading our schools.”
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the cooler classrooms boost would help students and teachers across the community.
“Cooler classrooms is all about creating a better learning environment for our students. Given the heat that we can experience in Western Sydney I know this will be a welcomed addition to our local schools,” Mr Ayres said.
The systems installed also improve the air quality of indoor spaces and libraries with “smart systems” that offer heating, cooling and the provision of outside fresh air to ensure adequate ventilation at all times.
Where feasible, solar PV systems and battery storage technology is also being installed to offset energy usage. More than 210 systems have been installed with a further 460 underway.
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, creating a total $17.7 billion investment in public education infrastructure.
Related Articles: #Education
