PREMIER URGES QLD TO FLICK THE SWITCH FOR EARTH HOUR 2009

It’s lights out again Queensland for Earth Hour 2009!

Premier Anna Bligh called on all Queenslanders to get involved in the global initiative to raise awareness about climate change.

“On Saturday, 28 March 2009 the Brisbane CBD will plunge into darkness as we flick the switch for Earth Hour,” Ms Bligh said.

“After some great participation in Brisbane this year, I’m putting a special call out to regional homes and businesses to take part in this visible stand against climate change in 2009.

“You can get involved as a household, a neighbourhood or a whole community.

“This year’s global target is to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities around the world and highlight the simple steps we can all take to collectively reduce our carbon emissions – from turning off lights when we’re not using them and switching appliances off at the wall.

“This symbolic initiative is an international opportunity to raise awareness about how our behaviour affects the environment we live in and I am pleased to support it again in 2009,” she said.

Ms Bligh said the Queensland Government’s support for Earth Hour 2009 was just one other way it was promoting smarter energy choices for Queensland households.

“Under Q2, we have set a very ambitious target to reduce Queensland’s carbon footprint by a third by 2020 and I am committed to achieving this.

“But the Government cannot do it alone and we will continue to support Queensland households to make smarter energy choices.

“Last month, we gave away one million free energy-saving bulbs as part of the Big Light Switch campaign and as of 1 January we will offer home energy audits – which could produce savings of up to $250 a year on electricity bills – for just $50,” she said.

To sign up to Earth Hour 2008 or to find out more information visit www.earthhour.org

Earth Hour is a global initiative of WWF-Australia designed to raise awareness about the effects of energy consumption on climate change.

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or
Wednesday, 10 December 2008