North Queenslanders encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint

The Bligh government today challenged more north Queenslanders to join the battle to reduce carbon emissions by taking up the ClimateSmart Home challenge.

Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister, Andrew McNamara said more than 225 Townsville residents had already registered for the service.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the ClimateSmart Home Service from north Queenslanders but we’d love to see more residents take advantage,” Mr McNamara said.

The Minister is in Townsville this weekend with Premier Anna Bligh, her Cabinet and the State's senior public servants for the Bligh Government's 13th Community Cabinet.

“The Queensland Government’s $60 million ClimateSmart Home Service, the largest scheme of its kind in the country, aims to help residents State-wide reduce their carbon footprint,” Mr McNamara said.

He said climate change was the biggest single environmental threat facing the world today.

“Australia has one of the highest per capita CO2 emissions in the world with Queensland’s emissions being the highest.

“The ClimateSmart Home Service will not only help residents reduce their carbon footprint but also cut down their energy bills, which will be welcomed by most in these times of financial uncertainty.

“The service provides householders savings of up to $250 a year while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Mr McNamara said 2,227 homes across the State had already engaged in the service with a further 7,295 booked in.

“The service costs householders just $50 and includes a visit from a licensed electrician who will visit the home, install a wireless energy monitor and conduct an energy audit of the home.

“The electrician will also supply and install a free water and energy efficient showerhead and up to 15 free energy efficient light globes, where suitable.

“After the visit, households will also receive a customised Energy and Water Efficiency plan for their home and access to My ClimateSmart Home – an online resource providing more ways to save energy and water in the home.”

The ClimateSmart Home Service is part of the Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart Living initiative and is specifically designed to help Queenslanders contribute to addressing climate change by reducing their carbon footprint.

Media contact: Emma Parnell 3336 8002