Friday 23 March 2007

Spelling it out: Shire makes its Clean Energy message crystal clear

Bay Post
Wednesday 21/3/2007 Page: 1

DISMAL weather couldn't stop a thousand people become a human billboard on Saturday. It looked like a shamble of bodies from eye-level, but the sight from the air was crystal clear; planes overhead South Broulee Beach could hardly miss the message - LIFESAVING ENERGY.

The human sign was organised by Clean Energy for Eternity's Leslie Braman and Matthew Nott, who admitted they considered cancelling the gargantuan effort the night before. "I lay awake listening to the constant rain," Dr Nott said.

Both were on the beach at 7am to prepare for the crowds, and by 7.10am they were drenched to the bone. "The rain was heavy but people were so happy to be there," Ms Braman said. "It demonstrates people really are prepared to come out on a rainy day to make a statement about climate change," Dr Nott said- The human sign marked the launch of Clean Energy's campaign to have all local surf clubs equipped with solar panels and wind turbines.

Surf clubs will need $8000 each, but the environment will be spared three tonnes of carbon dioxide, per club, per year from then on. Eurobodalla Shire Council announced on Saturday that it would fund the campaign dollar for dollar at Narooma, Moruya, Broulee and Batemans Bay surf clubs.

Dr Nott was thrilled by council's positive attitude, and said that clean energy was an issue full of potential, not problems. "If we're pro-active, it's actually going to provide us with huge opportunities. It's a terrific solution to the dual problem of climate change and oil depletion," he said. Dr Nott said another human sign was planned in Melbourne in April and two simultaneous signs were scheduled in May on Bondi and Manly beaches.

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