Council welcomes solar for schools to power student learning

For immediate release —   

East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s recent announcement of an additional $5.4 million investment in the Greener Government School Buildings program, which will help schools switch to solar power.

The initiative provides schools with the opportunity to install solar panels at no upfront cost, helping them to reduce energy bills, lower emissions, and support net-zero targets.

Council CEO Fiona Weigall said the investment aligns with Council’s ongoing efforts to advance local sustainability initiatives, to reduce our environmental footprint and emissions.

“This announcement by the Government is directly linked to our motion to the Municipal Association of Victorian State Council earlier this year calling for the better use of solar infrastructure in schools in remote, rural and regional schools, and the need for the state to partner with local government,” Fiona said.

“We’ve long been advocating for and implementing renewable energy projects across East Gippsland. This commitment has led to a range of initiatives, including solar panel installations on major community buildings and $500,000 worth of solar panels and storage batteries from the State Government for microgrid sites in Omeo and Mallacoota,” Fiona said.  

“These initiatives collectively lower energy costs and reduce emissions, contributing meaningfully toward a sustainable future for East Gippsland.”

Council's recent projects include:

• Solar and LED lighting installations on many community buildings.

• Council’s largest solar system, sited on the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which supports the facility’s high energy needs, significantly decreasing reliance on mains power.

• Off-grid solar lighting in Orbost and on Bullock Island, enhancing safety while minimising environmental impact.

• An electric vehicle charging network featuring fast-charging stations to promote regional sustainability and encourage green mobility – all powered by renewable electricity.

“We are committed to reducing its environmental impact. By fostering partnerships and sustainable planning, we support environmentally, socially and financially sustainable outcomes for all communities across our shire,” Fiona said.

Council is a member of the Victorian Energy Collaboration, Australia’s largest emissions-reduction initiative by local government, which provides 100 percent renewable electricity to all of Council’s electricity accounts, of which there is over 150 and includes streetlighting, amenity blocks, libraries, swimming pools and administration buildings.  

For more details about the Greener Government School Buildings program or to apply, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.