Tassie schools to shine as solar scheme gets green light

Tasmanian parents are welcoming election commitments from both major parties to implement a $5m renewable energy program in the state’s schools, with the Liberals matching Labor.

Parents who helped push for the promise are today celebrating. 

“This is a win for our children, because renewable energy in schools will create local jobs, save money on school electricity bills and reduce carbon emissions”, says Hobart mother Madeline Hanson.

Two weeks ago Tasmanian Labor announced its election promise for a $5 million Solar Schools Fund, which will enable state schools to install solar panels and reduce their power costs.

Tasmanian Liberal has today matched that, promising to provide $5 million to deliver a Renewable Energy Schools program that will see solar panels rolled out in all government schools, with all energy savings to be reinvested back into the Renewable Energy Schools Fund.

“What’s exciting about this announcement is it shows clear bi-partisan Tasmanian support for sensible renewable energy initiatives. I wish our Prime Minister Scott Morrison would listen to and learn from his state colleagues, and embrace renewable energy and a sensible net zero emissions target”, said Madeline from her home today.

Madeline is part of a network of 14,000 concerned parents Australia-wide who are advocating for the government and big business to take urgent climate action, under the umbrella of Australian Parents for Climate Action (AP4CA). They made pre-budget submissions to all the major Tasmanian parties asking them to Solar Our Schools: to put solar and batteries in all schools and early childhood centres across Tasmania. 

Since AP4CA launched the Solar Our Schools campaign nationally in July last year, the NSW government has announced a $20m pilot program of solar and batteries in 50 schools acting as virtual power plants; and in March WA premier, Mark Macgowan, made a pre-election promise of $46m for clean energy in WA schools.

“The Tasmanian election announcement follows suit with the states who are leading the way on renewable energy”, says Suzie Brown, National Director of AP4CA.  “Australian Parents for Climate Action commends the Tasmanian Liberals and Tasmanian Labor for their policy, and now asks PM Scott Morrison to match it.”

For further comment contact

Madeline Hanson, Australian Parents for Climate Action - Local Group Leader, Tasmania

0488 123 775

Suzie Brown, National Director Australian Parents for Climate Action

0419 002 606