THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Cabinet Secretary
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation
THE HON JAN MCLUCAS
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
Senator for Queensland
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
REEF HQ AQUARIUM CUTS POWER BILLS AND POLLUTION TO HELP PROTECT GREAT BARRIER REEF
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, today visited Townsville's Reef HQ Turtle Hospital and inspected the aquarium's impressive energy efficiency innovations.
"Reef HQ practises what it preaches. It shows the economic virtue of making environmental sustainability the highest priority of its core business activities," said Mr Dreyfus.
The aquarium's new solar array is expected to cut power bills by 20% permanently and reduce carbon pollution by 260 tonnes a year.
This is in addition to energy efficiency investments that have already saved the facility $460,000 in energy bills over the last 6 years.
The aquarium educates the community about the Great Barrier Reef, including the threat posed by man-made climate change caused by carbon and other pollution trapping heat in the atmosphere.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. Businesses like Reef HQ are putting in place practical measures to reduce their carbon footprint and help protect Australia's greatest natural treasure from the damaging effects of climate change," said Mr Dreyfus.
Senator for Queensland, Jan McLucas praised Reef HQ for setting an outstanding "energy smart" example to other North Queensland businesses looking to improve energy efficiency, cut pollution and save on their bills.
"Improving energy efficiency and boosting renewable energy are key elements of the Australian Government's Clean Energy Future Plan to build a clean energy economy," said Senator McLucas.
Mr Dreyfus also toured the Reef HQ Turtle Hospital where sick and injured marine turtles can be cared for and rehabilitated. The hospital raises community awareness about threatened species and behavioural change that contributes to nature conservation.
WEDNESDAY, 29 AUGUST 2012
