After huge success in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has this year become an international event, encouraging people from all around the world to turn off their lights for one hour.

The event’s orgainsers hope that the occasion will send a powerful global message that it is both possible and necessary to take united action on global warming.

General Manager, James Roncon, commented, “Earth Hour is a great way to highlight how we, as a regional centre, can come together and make a major impact in preserving our natural environment.”

“Council’s participation in Earth Hour stems from our strong environmental focus in recent years. The event compliments the Futures 30 Strategic Plan and other Council programs such as our involvement in the Local Government Emissions Trading Scheme,” Mr Roncon said.

Council will be supporting the event by ensuring that no unnecessary power is being utilised by the Chambers and other Council maintained buildings during Earth Hour and encourages local business and residents to do the same.

“We really want the community to get involved in Earth Hour and will be doing everything we can to encourage and facilitate that involvement,” Mr Roncon said.

To show your official support for Earth Hour on the 29th of March 2008 or to find out more information about the event, log on to www.earthhour.org