7 March 2007

This evening, residents and businesses who turn off unneeded lights as part of the first “Lights Off Australia” night will be doing their bit to help the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Green Office Committee officer Sally Peut said the national initiative was encouraging businesses and residents to turn off unneeded lights on the first Wednesday of every month in a bid to reduce energy consumption.

“As caretakers of one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef – we are asking everyone along the coast to take part in this new initiative designed to help reduce energy wastage and help tackle climate change,” Ms Peut said.

“The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has been turning off inessential lights at the end of everyday for a number of years now.

“Not only does this reap environmental benefits but it also provides substantial cost savings.

“We are fortunate to live in a truly beautiful part of the world with the Great Barrier Reef right on our doorstep."

Ms Peut said the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority was working to build the Great Barrier Reef’s resilience through initiatives like the rezoning and Reef Water Quality Protection Plan to ensure it was as strong as possible to deal with the potential impacts of climate change.

“It is important that we as a management agency do all we can to help the Reef in the face of climate change and it is equally as important that coastal communities also work to help protect the environmental, social and economic values of this incredible natural wonder.”

The initiative is also urging people to turn off appliances left on standby.   

More information about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority can be found at www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

More information about “Lights Off Australia” can be found at www.cooltheglobe.com/lightsoff.