Power up: Solar panels help cut costs at Bendemeer preschool
Bendemeer Preschool’s viability and capacity to provide high quality early childhood education has been enhanced with savings and energy efficiencies from the installation of new solar panels funded by a grant from the NSW Government.
Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, funded the project through a $28,664 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) grant.
Bendemeer Preschool, which is located on Crown land in the New England region, is a community based not-for-profit preschool. The centre is licensed for 20 children aged between 2.5 and 5 years old and is the only childcare facility in the town of 486 people.
The CRIF grant helped the preschool purchase and install solar panels, along with a new back fence. Solar power has reduced the centre’s costs by one third, saving the business thousands of dollars per year which is being redirected into new projects and resources, including toys.
Lower energy costs means the preschool has more funds for ongoing maintenance work, and reduces the need for families to help fund improvements at the centre.
Work has also begun on a children’s bike track at the centre following the approval of a landowner’s consent application by Crown Lands, with concrete currently being laid.
The preschool is an innovator that strives for environmental goals through an annual quality improvement plan. Projects have included raised garden beds, installation of water tanks, and a chicken pen where children have learned about composting and responsible pet ownership.
The CRIF supports Crown Land Managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements to Crown reserves to benefit communities, boost local economies and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.
Bendemeer Childcare Director Renee McNee said:
“The new solar panels have been enormously helpful to our centre. Not only does it improve our environmental footprint and savings but it’s an educational learning tool for our children as well. We are able to show them the panels and explain how they create electricity using the sun.
“We didn’t have the money to buy and install the solar panels ourselves, so we are really grateful to Crown Lands for helping us out. The energy savings have been a huge benefit already, with savings redirected back into the business, helping us give these wonderful kids a great start in life.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions, so it’s great to see Crown Lands assisting community-focused organisations to thrive through practical solutions.
“Everyone is feeling the financial pinch, including childcare operators, so the new solar panels slicing a third off the energy costs will benefit preschool staff and the kids of Bendemeer.”