Labor announces Solar Schools plan
Federal Labor has announced a plan that will see solar panels and water tanks installed in schools around Australia.
Labor Candidate for Page Janelle Saffin says every school in the Page electorate will be able to take advantage of the plan, which includes grants of up to $20,000 for solar panels and up to $30,000 for rainwater tanks, solar hot water and other energy efficiency measures.
“I know that environmental issues are a priority for schools in the Page electorate. Labor’s plan gives every school the opportunity to take practical measures to tackle climate change.We have to deal with climate change for the future of our children and the best place to start is with practical plans to save energy and water in our schools,” Ms Saffin said.
Under Labor’s plan, a 10,000 litre rainwater tank could save up to 40,000 litres of fresh water a year and each school installing solar panels could save up to 2.8 tonnes in carbon emissions a year.
“This plan shows that Kevin Rudd and Labor will tackle climate change and drought with real action.
“The greatest risk facing Australia is that the Howard Government is returned to power and they don’t act on climate change.”
Federal Labor’s $489 million Solar Schools plan builds on Labor’s commitment to provide:
Up to $10,000 in low interest green loans for practical water and energy measures in homes;
Up to $1000 rebates for solar and heat-pump hot water systems in homes;
Up to $500 rebates for 500,000 homes to help install new piping for grey water use or rainwater tanks and a new 10-star appliance rating system and Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards to fast-track smart efficient technology.
