Solar push for Qld healthcare to create jobs

The Climate Council is applauding the Queensland Government’s recently announced plan to install solar panels across the state’s hospitals in an effort to create jobs and reduce energy costs.

“I would like to congratulate the Palaszczuk government on its decision to install solar on 50 hospitals. This is a no-brainer for Queensland. It will help get people back to work as well as tackling long-term problems like climate change,” said the Climate Council’s CEO, Amanda McKenzie.

“The great news is that millions of dollars will be saved, which can be reinvested in health care,” she said.

Climate Councillor and public health physician Dr Kate Charlesworth said making hospitals more energy efficient is critical.

“Hospitals use massive amounts of energy so it makes a huge difference if they are powered by solar. The rest of Australia should be following Queensland’s lead on this,” Dr Charlesworth said.

“The next step for Queensland will be to explore combining rooftop solar with batteries, further reducing costs and providing vital uninterrupted energy supplies,” Dr Charlesworth said.

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