The Hobart City Council is a proud and committed participant in Earth Hour 2009. It is prepared to turn off lights on its Town Hall, City Hall Customer Services Centre the Hobart Aquatic Centre and feature lighting in Salamanca Cove. It is encouraging its local communities to do the same.
The Lord Mayor Alderman; Rob Valentine said "Climate change is an issue that is going to effect how we live our lives, do our jobs how we recreate and our local, national and international economies. There is nothing about the way we live now that will not be affected in some way large or small by climate change impacts. Every action we take to increase awareness and address this issue is significant and reinforces the urgent need for action, both big and small, on this issue.
Turning off our lights is one way the Council and our community can show that it is concerned about the issue of climate change and prepared to take action. "
The Council has realised 10 years of climate action and achieved a 70 % reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions from 1996 levels! Hobart has been championing climate change action since 1999 and realises a decade of climate action. It has reduced its own emissions by over 70% from 1996 levels and is working towards zero net emissions by 2020.
It has introduced a $500 solar hot water and an $300 insulation rebate and is working other the Councils of Greater Hobart to develop an integrated "Bike Plan." It has encouraged its communities to increase the energy efficiency of their homes through a series of Beat the Winter Chills and Bills Question and Answer sessions.
The Council is currently undertaking a significant review of its climate change and sustainability actions that will reset the Councils approach to climate change. The review will set a greater leadership role for the council and have an emphasis on adaptation.
