Labor will fund library, solar schools in Dubbo

He was responding to reports in the Daily Liberal on Tuesday which incorrectly suggested Dubbo had missed out in Labor party election policy announcements.

Mr Lawrence said Macquarie Regional Library would be able to access grants from a $50 million Public Library Infrastructure Fund, to assist with purchasing equipment and upgrading facilities.

The library would get funds from $23.3 million pledged for ongoing recurrent funding to NSW libraries.

The Macquarie Library would also be able to apply for funds from a $2 million hardship fund, which would be available to libraries in local government areas with populations under 50,000, which are currently disadvantaged by per capita funding arrangements.

"Investing in public libraries is a really practical way that a Labor Government will make a difference to the lives of people in the Dubbo electorate," Mr Lawrence said.

He said a Foley Labor Government would also invest $70 million to install solar panels in all public schools.

This would help schools in the Dubbo electorate become more energy efficient and generate clean, renewable solar power.

Under Labor's Solar Schools policy, up to 1,700 schools without solar power would receive around $40,000 for a solar photovoltaic power system.

"A Foley Labor Government will invest $70 million to help schools in the central west and across NSW become more sustainable with solar power systems," he said.

"Labor's program will give kids a chance to learn about renewable energy, and schools will have lower power bills."

The policy would help schools across the region reduce power bills by using the free, clean energy from solar power and relying less on the power grid.

"The Solar Schools plan brings together Labor's commitment to education, environmental sustainability and creating jobs in the growing renewable energy sector," Mr Lawrence said.