This year the City of Busselton will contribute to the global initiative Earth Hour. Earth Hour is part of a worldwide campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take simple steps to combat climate change.

City of Busselton's facilities such as the Civic Centre, the Geographe Leisure Centre and the Naturaliste Community Centre will be plunged into darkness (except security lights) for an hour on Saturday 28 March between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. The Shire also encourages residents and businesses to support Earth Hour by turning their lights off for the hour.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million people and 2,100 businesses turned their lights off for an hour. Earth Hour 2009 will aim to reach 1 billion people in more than 1,000 cities.

Local climate change action group, Above Water is hosting an event at the ArtGeo Courthouse Courtyard, Queen Street to celebrate Earth Hour. The community is encouraged to ride or walk to the event and bring a picnic dinner and candles.

City of Busselton's Environment Officer, Mathilde Breton said "To be a success, we need the support from every section of the community to participate. The impacts of climate change are already visible with a significant decline in rainfall in the last 30 years and an increase in temperature. We need to act quickly by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and also learning to live in a changing climate".

The City of Busselton joined the Cities for Climate Protection Program and has nearly completed its first energy audit. This audit will enable the Shire to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and progress with the implementation of energy reduction measures.

ENDS

Media enquiries can be directed to the City of Busselton's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au