Northern Beaches Council will show their support for action on climate change by hosting a number of events on Earth Hour this Saturday (24 March) and launching an Energy Savings Challenge.

To celebrate the occasion, Northern Beaches Council has a program of events suitable for all ages ranging from children's activities including lantern making and Nature Play, to restorative Nature Walks based on Japanese “forest bathing”.

In conjunction with the event, Council is encouraging the community to join our Energy Savings Challenge which will reduce their bills, make their homes cosy and great prizes can be won.

This year marks the 11th anniversary of Earth Hour. What started as an Aussie idea has grown into a global movement for change in sustainability.

Earth Hour launched in Sydney in 2007, with 2.2 million people and 2,100 businesses participating in turning the lights out for 60 minutes at 8.30pm – a symbolic show of solidarity.

The event is now celebrated in over 180 countries and over 7,000 cities and towns worldwide.

Mayor of Northern Beaches Michael Regan said Earth Hour brings people together and we try to make every hour Earth Hour.

“I’m so proud to be involved in the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. Our planet is in our hands and every little bit helps.

“Council will participate by switching off the lights at key buildings for Earth Hour. We also want people to join our Challenge which aims to encourage residents to reduce energy consumption.

“Each month you can join a different energy challenge. The more challenges you complete, the more points you will accumulate and the greater chance you’ll have of winning a prize.

“While there are great prizes including restaurant and whale watching vouchers on offer, the real incentive is helping our environment and reducing your bills.

“Every day we are working on new and exciting projects that are environmentally sustainable. We have reduced energy consumption by installing 260kW of solar panels on 33 buildings with more to be installed later this year.

“Council is also part of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP) which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to real action to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

“And we also have a cogeneration plant which helps heat water and produce energy for the Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre.” Mayor Regan said.

For more information about the Energy Savings Challenge and to register visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au