The small rural primary schools at Rappville and Baryulgil are among the first in the State set to benefit from the Nationals in NSW Government’s LED lighting initiative, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

“These environmentally friendly lights use 85 per cent less electricity and are better to study under so they are going to leave the kids at neighbouring schools green with envy,” MR Gulaptis said. “But hopefully not for long: this is just the first instalment of the Nationals in NSW Government’s $450 million school-based COVID-19 Recovery plan which includes LED lighting for 1000 schools.” “This is also an example of the Nationals in Government using technology, not taxes to fight climate change.” “It means more much needed work for local contractors and sets an example for the community.”

Mr Gulaptis said that as part of its energy affordability package, the NSW government was also offering an LED lighting upgrade for eligible households. “Currently, if you have halogen downlights in your home, you may be able to have the cost of replacement LED bulbs and their installation, subsidised,” Mr Gulaptis said. “I would encourage people to check out energy efficient lighting discounts at service.nsw.gov.au or contact their local Service NSW centre for this and other win-win Nationals in Government initiatives that are good for the environment and good for your wallet,” he concluded.

The NSW Government is investing $7 billion in education over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.