Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle joined with Wentworth Falls Public School students, parents and principal Ley Wighton to welcome the school’s new solar electricity project recently.
“The purchase and installation of 20KW solar panels will really help to reduce the school’s carbon footprint,” said Ms Doyle.
“It’s great to see community groups like the P&C investing its time and energy into reducing carbon pollution. This project is also a great way to educate students and the wider community about climate change. It represents a very practical strategy to tackling climate change.”
P&C representative and parent Winton Evers said a local primary school is a focal point for any community and “we want to be able to educate our students and set an example for others who want to reduce carbon emissions”.
“The educational analytic software will provide data on how much power we are putting back into the grid, how much we are using and how much we are saving,” he said.
“The Blue Mountains is very susceptible to the effects of climate change, such as drought and increased bushfire risk. This solar installation project is the school’s first step in becoming carbon neutral and helping to protect our environment.”
P&C member Vera Wong added: “Imagine if all schools had solar cells on their roof, every community would have its own mini power generator. We can really make a difference.”
The project was funded through the Community Building Partnerships Program (CBP).
“I’ve had the pleasure of assessing many excellent projects funded through the CBP since coming to office. I congratulate Wentworth Falls Public School P&C on their achievement,” said Ms Doyle. “Special thanks to the school’s principal, Ley Wighton, who co-ordinated the project installation and completion. Infrastructure projects like this one build the community’s confidence and resilience.”
