The NSW Government has announced that 37 more schools across the state have been approved as part of the Cooler Classrooms program.
Announced in 2018, the five-year $500 million program will deliver heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation in NSW public schools.
This is the first time there has been a dedicated program to install air-conditioning in schools with those in the hottest part of the state prioritised.
Seven schools in Camden are on the list of 37: Bringelly Public School, Elizabeth Macarthur High, Harrington Park Public, Luddenham Public, Mount Annan High, Narellan Public (pictured above) and Rossmore Public.
It may be a coincidence, but not one school in the Campbelltown and Liverpool areas is on the list of 37 schools.
Last month the Labor MP for Campbelltown Greg Warren criticised the government for ignoring schools in his electorate, which is also noted for experiencing extreme heat during summer.
One local state member happy with the latest list was Liberal MP for Camden, Peter Sidgreaves.
“This program is already being rolled out at more than 900 schools and I am so pleased that Camden is continuing to benefit from it,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
“Schools can look forward to these installations next year.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the program is ahead of schedule for the existing 922 schools receiving the system, and she was thrilled to add more schools to the program.
“Our focus has been on our existing delivery priorities including 611 schools in the hottest part of NSW. I am pleased that we are now in position to include an addition 37 schools in the program,” Ms Mitchell said.
The systems installed as part of the Cooler Classrooms program incorporate ‘smart systems’ technology that offer heating, cooling, and the provision of outside fresh air.
The units will automatically shut down after hours and will be powered by solar technology and battery storage to off-set energy usage at more than 300 schools.
