Aircons for schools: Some to miss out in Canterbury Bankstown

Several local schools will benefit from the NSW Government’s rolling out of airconditioning units from next year but Labor is furious that some are losing out.

Lakemba MP Jihad Dib: “Wiley Park Girls High School will miss out.” Picture: Robert Pozo

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SEVERAL local schools will benefit from the NSW Government’s rolling out of airconditioning units across 900 educational institutions from next year.

Canterbury Girls High School, Campsie Public School, Georges River College, Harcourt Public School (Canterbury), Belmore North Public School, Picnic Point High School and Punchbowl High School will have airconditioning installed in their classrooms and libraries.

However, Lakemba state Labor MP Jihad Dib is furious students in some local schools will continue to do without airconditioning.

Lakemba MP Jihad Dib said Labor’s Cool Schools Policy did not create winners and losers. Picture: Robert Pozo

The Labor Party said schools in Lakemba generally didn’t qualify for airconditioning under the NSW government’s new “30C” rule.

Mr Dib said it is wrong that many P & Cs are forced to fundraise for airconditioning.

“I don’t know of a school community anywhere, including in my electorate, that doesn’t need airconditioning in its classrooms,” Mr Dib said.

“Why would the government force busy, overworked principals into a bureaucratic process of having to ask for it?

Education Minister Rob Stokes: We’re installing solar panels and smart systems alongside the airconditioning units. Picture: Chris Pavlich

“Punchbowl Boys High School and Beverly Hills Girls High School have emerged winners while Wiley Park Girls High School will miss out.

“It doesn’t take an expert to tell you that students and teachers will always struggle in a sweltering, humid classroom — they are easily distracted, fatigued and unable to achieve quality teaching and learning outcomes.

“Would you rather air condition private suites in Sydney stadiums or the classrooms where children learn?”

Mr Dib said Labor’s Cool Schools Policy did not create winners and losers.

Education Minister Rob Stokes said their program was economically and environmentally sustainable.

“We’re installing solar panels and ‘smart systems’ alongside the airconditioning units, so schools can offset their additional energy use and efficiently heat and cool their schools,” he said.

The long overdue upgrades are being funded by the NSW Government’s Cooler Classrooms Fund.

Dozens of units will be installed by the first day of term next year and hundreds more will be installed through the year.

According to the government’s plans, schools in areas including Penrith, Camden, and Dubbo — that have an average maximum January temperature of 30 degrees or more — will automatically receive air conditioning in their classrooms and libraries.

All other schools can apply for funding under the Cooler Classrooms Fund on a needs basis. Earlier only schools with an average maximum January temperature of 33 degrees or more were air conditioned.