QUEENSLANDERS RUSH TO MAKE THE SWITCH

Queenslanders have rushed into Australia Post today to take up the Bligh Government’s offer of free energy-saving light bulbs, with a large majority of the 450 participating Australia Post outlets already out-of-stock.

Premier Anna Bligh said the public response to The Big Light Switch had been overwhelming.

"Reports this morning that people were queuing outside Australia Post outlets to collect their free bulbs is a great indication of the public interest in making ClimateSmart choices," Ms Bligh said.

"The giveaway - the largest of its kind in the country - is about showing Queenslanders that a small change can add up to a big difference in fighting climate change.

"Switching one million conventional bulbs to energy-saving ones will mean cash savings of around $115 million over the life of the bulbs, and a huge reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 750,000 tonnes – the equivalent to powering all the homes in a town the size of Warwick for a year!

"It's great to see so many households embracing this message and making the Big Switch to save money, energy and the planet," she said.

Australia Post Commercial Manager Queensland Helen Brodie said the postal corporation is thrilled with the level of public response to The Big Light Switch campaign.

"It’s great to see so many Queenslanders taking up the offer to make their homes greener and more energy efficient," she said.

"We’ve had an incredible response so far, with a large majority of our participating outlets requesting additional stock before lunchtime.

"Remaining stocks of the four-packs are limited, so we are asking people to get in quickly to their nearest participating Australia Post outlet while stocks last," she said.

Ms Brodie said Australia Post is proud to be a partner of the Queensland Government’s The Big Light Switch campaign to assist in giving away 500,000 compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

"What’s more, the Queensland Government estimates that once installed, the four bulbs will save Australia Post customers almost $500 off their electricity bill over the life of the bulbs and reduce their greenhouse emissions by a massive three tonnes," Ms Brodie said.

For more information or a list of participating outlets, free call 1800 088 529 or visit www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au

Qld Govt Media: 3224 4500 (Premier's office), Australia Post Media: 3405 1538 or 0400 114 094 (Photo opportunities at Australia Post Outlets can also be arranged.)