Wednesday 18 January 2006

Territory Identities lighten Up for the Environment

Some of the Territory’s leading personalities will show off their green credentials – or lack of them – when they take part in the Power and Water Corporation’s 2006 Celebrity Lighten-Up Challenge.

This Challenge is part of Power and Water’s Environmental Excellence Awards, and will discover which high-profile Territorians are misers when it comes to consuming our precious resources – and who are the big users.

This year, a Darwin bus painted with green tree frogs will encourage participation in the Awards.

The competition will take a close look at the day-to-day consumption of water and power by well-known Territorians.
Top End participants include:

        • Gerry Wood – Member for Nelson
        • James Burke – Member for Brennan
        • Geraldine Flynn – Editor, Darwin and Palmerston Sun
        • Darryl Day – President Australian Water Association
        • Paul Wyatt – Territory FM
        • Tim Moore and Mike Prenzler – ABC Radio
        • Mark Wood – Territory Tim

Power and Water’s General Manager Water Services, Darryl Day said the Lighten-Up Challenge is usually light-hearted and a lot of fun, as celebrities battle to minimise their consumption.

“Despite this, the Challenge does deliver a serious message: we can all do our bit, and should all do what we can, to lessen our load on the planet,” said Mr Day.

“In past Challenges some of our participants have experienced a steep learning curve. It’s pleasing to report that there are now a lot more people out there who religiously switch off their fans when they leave the house, and make sure they’re not wasting water by spending hours in the shower.”

Non-celebrities are also encouraged to get in on the act by entering the 2006 Power and Water Environmental Excellence Awards.

The Darwin bus emblazoned with a huge green tree frog, will spread the message about these Awards and our responsibility towards the environment, when it gets on the road this week.

Entries for the Power and Water Environmental Excellence Awards close on 19 May. More information about the awards, along with tips on how to save water and power.

Photo opportunity:
‘Celebrities’ taking part in the competition will help unveil the bus at 10am today, at Power and Water’s Ben Hammond Complex, on Illiffe Street, Parap.

Contact:
Annie Darcy,
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
0401 117 599 or 8924 7488