mmg.com.au

Two schools in the region have been awarded grants to improve their solar power facilities.

The money, through the Federal Government’s National Schools Solar Program, will go to St Mary’s College in Seymour and St Joseph’s School at Nagambie.

They will be able to install solar systems and rainwater tanks.

St Mary’s College would use the money to cut its use of non-renewable resources, principal Peter Kelly said.

‘‘As a community, we recognise our responsibility to ‘think globally and act locally’ when it comes to a sustainable future. This grant will give staff and students the opportunity to view first-hand what renewable energy means and how it reduces our ecological footprint,’’ he said.

St Joseph’s School, in Nagambie, was also awarded a $50000 grant under the program.

Principal Leo Jones said the money would go towards putting solar panels on the roof and changing the school’s lighting.

Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said schools ‘‘will be taking practical action to reduce carbon emissions whilst saving water, conserving and generating electricity.’’