’Solar farm’ deliveries ramp up at region’s schools

The list of Mackay region schools that will receive solar PV systems earlier than expected

Misty Lee Girdler: Kash Girdler, Year 3 at Emerald North State School.

SOLAR farms will be installed at Mackay region schools sooner than expected as the Advancing Clean Energy Schools program ramps up.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace previously announced an additional $71m for the installation of solar PV systems throughout Queensland schools to support trades during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ms Grace said the program's access meant they could now start early on 80 schools initially earmarked for later phases.

This means Emerald North State Primary, Emerald State High, Emerald State Primary, Ayr State Primary, Cannonvale State Primary, Proserpine State High and Proserpine State Primary will join phase one, which is expected to be completed by June 22.

They join a dozen other Mackay schools who joined the first phase in November.

Phases two and three will roll out from July 1.

The ACES Program will deliver up to 35MW of solar generated electricity contributing to the State Government's 2030 target of 50 per cent renewable energy use.

Mackay and surrounding region schools scheduled for phase two:

- Clermont State High School

- Clermont State School

- Dysart State High School

- Glenden State School

- Middlemount Community School

- Moranbah East State School

- Moranbah State High School

- Moranbah State School

- Fitzgerald State School

- Northview State School

- Pioneer State High School

- Alligator Creek State School

- Chelona State School

- Sarina State High School

- Sarina State School

- Walkerston State School

- Calen District State College

- Eimeo Road State School

- Seaforth State School

- Bowen State High School

- Bowen State School

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Mackay and surrounding region schools scheduled for phase three:

- Capricornia (Emerald Campus) School of Distance Education

- Bucasia State School

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