Page 270 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 7 March 2007
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change. This design builds on the success of Amaroo school, which won an MBA award for national environment and energy efficiency for the building.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Barr, you should draw a connection between that and the amendment that is before the house.
MR BARR: I am talking about the broad-based and coordinated approach to the issue of climate change
Mrs Dunne: And also on repetition. He has made this speech several times before.
Ms Porter: Is it mentioned in the amendment?
MR BARR: The first part. Part one. Mr Speaker, I am responding to the need for a broad-based and coordinated approach to the issue of climate change. I am commenting on the approach that is being taken within my portfolio of education.
Mr Corbell: Energy efficiency of buildings.
MR BARR: Yes.
Mr Corbell: It is about the energy efficiency of buildings, which is relevant to climate change.
MR SPEAKER: Proceed.
MR BARR: Thank you, Mr Speaker. As I was mentioning, the Amaroo school won a master builders award—
Mrs Dunne: It is a lovely one. It has a window.
MR BARR: Yes. The Birrigai outdoor school, which we opened in May last year, also addresses sustainability issues, making use of solar power, low water use appliances, and natural ventilation and lighting. I am pleased to advise the Assembly that the new P-10 schools in West Belconnen and Tuggeranong, and the new college in Gungahlin, will also follow these design principles and will be responsive to the demands of environmental sustainability and climate change. I can advise that 13 government schools are participating in the Sustainable Schools pilot program, which has begun to coordinate each school’s approach to environmental sustainability through the establishment of a school environmental management plan. This approach complements existing programs in schools such as Energy Smart, Wastewise, Waterwatch, Waterwise and Landcare. The program educates students about the importance of caring for and respecting the environment.
It is not just new schools that boast these initiatives. We are aware—I have highlighted it in this place before—that Campbell high, Farrer primary and Hawker primary also have initiatives and have won awards for their approaches to environmental sustainability.
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