Don’t Stay in the Dark about Climate Change at Piney Lakes

Residents are invited to the City of Melville-run centre from 7.00pm to 9.00pm to celebrate Earth Hour by enjoying a barbecue, ambient live music and a telescopic tour of the night sky while appreciating the centre’s renewable energy technology.

Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative that calls on individuals and businesses around the globe to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday, 29 March, between 8.00pm and 9.00pm. The event was initiated in Sydney last year when 2.2 million people and 2100 businesses turned off their lights for one hour, reducing Sydney's energy consumption by more than 10 per cent for that hour. In 2008, Earth Hour has become a global event.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said local residents did not have to stay in the dark during Earth Hour at Piney Lakes as the centre used renewable, environmentally friendly energy. “Developed in partnership with the Rotary Club of Melville, the centre uses renewable energy technologies, sustainable building design and self-sufficient, environmentally friendly operations to ensure only a minimal ecological footprint,” he said. “It is set up to give the community a unique opportunity to learn more about the environment, healthy lifestyles and sustainable living. It is part of our City’s commitment to sustainability.”

The Piney Lakes Earth Hour event is free, however, donations are requested for star gazing.

To RSVP, please contact Sustainability Development Officer Lisa Ebbelaar on 9364 0695 or email lisa@melville.wa.gov.au. For more information about Earth Hour, visit www.earthhour.org.

Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre is on Leach Highway, Winthrop.