Media release 22 May 2007

Mr Clean Up headed to Townsville to discuss regional action on climate change

Clean Up Australia Chairman and founder Ian Kiernan AO will meet with local Townsville business leaders and city councillors today to build on climate change initiatives to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

Mr Kiernan’s visit to Townsville will be part of a tour of North Queensland to discuss climate change with community leaders and school children.

Clean Up Australia works with communities to provide practical information on how to simply and easily tackle to causes of climate change at home, at work and in other areas such as in schools.

“Townsville already has great initiatives such as Ergon Energy’s $30 million Solar Cities project and Townsville City Council¹s CitiSolar project in place,” Mr Kiernan said.

“Both are impressive and will provide significant opportunities for Townsville to showcase the benefits of renewable technology and community support in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable energy future.

“Future generations of Australians will pay the price of our inaction on climate change unless steps are taken now by each of us to reduce damaging greenhouse gas emissions.

“To achieve this, action at home, school and work is necessary. Simple steps such as switching to green power, less use of cars and greater use of public transport or walking, and using energy efficient appliances, light bulbs and tap fixtures will all make a difference.

For as little as $40 extra per year, Queensland households can switch to green power through Ergon Energy and prevent 1.33 tonnes of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere the equivalent of taking a car off the road for 4 months,” he said .


ENDS

Ian Kiernan will be available for media interviews at the wind generator on The Strand near the Rockpool at 12.30pm today Tuesday 22 May 2007

Further information:    Alana Mew, Clean Up Australia, 0423 377 567