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National Climate Torch Relay comes to Fremantle

Media Release

National Climate Torch Relay comes to Fremantle

THE GetUp Climate Torch Relay is coming to Fremantle in October as part of its nine-week tour across Australia to promote solutions to climate change.

From August to October, the relay will tour through rural towns and capital cities in every state and territory on its way to Parliament House, Canberra, on October 12.

Created by the designers of the Sydney Olympic Torch, the Climate Torch is an iconic symbol of national determination to avert dangerous climate change.

“The torch is a challenge to our representatives at all levels, from local councillors to the Prime Minister, to halve Australia’s greenhouse emissions in a decade,” GetUp executive director Brett Solomon said.

The torch will reach Fremantle on Saturday, October 4, where members of the local community, elected members and business owners will take part in a relay, carrying the
Climate Torch from South Beach to the Rottnest Island Ferry Stop at the B-Shed.

Starting at South Beach at 10am, the torch will be run, cycled or skated along the cycle path up Howard Street to South Terrace, through the centre of Fremantle, down High Street and along Cliff Street to the B-Shed.

Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri will give a brief address before handing the torch over to Rottnest Island Authority CEO Paolo Amaranti. The torch will be taken across to Rottnest on the ferry and make its way around the island on Sunday.

BlueSky Creative head designer Mark Armstrong said the torch was designed to embody four solutions to climate change.
“The torch uses wind and solar power, a ‘people power’ hand crank, and also draws power from a lemon-battery, representing the innovation and creativity we need to support to find new energy solutions,” he said.

Ends

For more information or photo opportunities contact City of Fremantle Sustainability Officer Isabella Jennings on 9432 9735, email isabellaj@fremantle.wa.gov.au or National Climate Torch co-ordinator Sam Mclean on 0403 510 038.

BACKGROUND:
GetUp.org.au is an independent movement to build a progressive Australia.
GetUp has more than 280,000 members nationwide.