Green light for school's solar-car race

6/12/06
Leeming Senior High School will now be able to compete in next year's prestigious Darwin-to-Adelaide Solar Challenge thanks to funding from the State Government.
Energy, Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan today announced funding worth $65,000, which will allow the school to build and enter a car in the October 2007 race.
"Of that money the Education Department has contributed $48,000, which will be used to buy a solar panel and build a solar array to power the car," Mr Logan said.
Leeming SHS competed in the 2005 Challenge and is likely to be the only Australian school to build and race a solar car in 2007.
The Minister said Leeming SHS had demonstrated a unique approach to learning, with the solar-car project embracing most aspects of school life - from design and technology students who helped build the car through to home economics students who planned the food for the duration of the race.
"The whole-of-school approach to the challenge is a very worthwhile initiative, particularly as the school's effort focuses on renewable energy as a real alternative for powering transport," he said.
"Participation in this project will generate an interest in science and technology and inspire others to take to the science and innovation arena."
Part of the $10,000 from the State Government's Sustainable Energy Development Office's grants program would be used to implement a school-wide education program, teaching students, parents and the wider community about renewable energy.
"The grants program is part of the State Government's commitment to increasing the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency," Mr Logan said.
"By funding organisations like Leeming SHS, we are promoting sustainable energy practices and projects which will ultimately benefit us all."
The Minister said the Department of Industry and Resources had contributed $5,000 because the solar-car project promoted a culture of innovation and creativity.
Main Roads WA also provided a $2,000 grant to the project.
Leeming SHS teacher and solar-car co-ordinator John Beattie said the State Government funding was very welcome and would allow the school to proceed with the construction of their new solar car.
"We are very proud to be able to represent the school and the State at the World Solar Challenge, and our aim is to become the first WA team to finish the race powered only by the sun," he said.
Minister's office - 9222 8950