Douglas region embraces Earth Hour's 'Lights out for the Reef' campaign / FOR USE
Douglas region embraces Earth Hour's 'Lights out for the Reef' campaign
Monday March 31 2014
Douglas Shire Sustainability Group [DSSG] and businesses across the region have joined 162 countries and over 7000 cities in celebrating Earth Hour at the weekend.
The global environmental movement urges businesses and households to turn off non-essential lights for one hour.
QT Port Douglas marked the event with an intimate candle lit gathering at Estilo bar, featuring an 'unplugged' acoustic set from musician, Dave Cook.
DSSG President, Kevin Eldridge said Earth Hour's campaign to raise awareness about the environmental risks posed to the Great Barrier Reef resonated with both locals and visitors to the region.
"It was excellent and it just reaffirmed that the Douglas Shire has a beautiful environment because it's sustained by the people who live here and that needs to continue," he said.
Mr Eldridge spoke at the QT event with around 50 people in attendance.
He said issues such as coral bleaching, increasing ocean and sand temperatures and rising sea levels were key issues.
"We just passed on the message to be vigilant and keep the environment as pristine and beautiful as possible," he said.
"That means visitors and future generations get to enjoy the the region for years to come."
The Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas also joined in Earth Hour with all non-essential lighting switched off between 8:30 and 9:30 on Saturday night, guests treated to a special seafood buffet.
In Canberra, a candle was lit for every coral reef and island that make up the Great Barrier Reef in front of Parliament House on Saturday night.
The 3600 candles spelled 'Lights Out for the Reef'.
The Great Barrier Reef is estimated to support more than 60,000 livelihoods, including jobs in the tourism and fishing industries.
Earth Hour is run by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).
