Monthly Archives: March 2012

This year, Earth Hour is on Saturday 31st March at 8.30pm.

During Earth Hour, people throughout Australia and around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to represent their concern and commitment to address climate change.

Supporting Earth Hour is part of a powerful global message that action is needed on climate change now and is a positive message to all to make a change towards living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Earth Hour is hosted by WWF and this year they will also be hosting the WWF Earth Hour Awards to unearth and recognize inspiring stories of Australian’s who are “Going Beyond the Hour” and are leading by example and inspiring others to do the same. For more information go to www.wwf.org.au/earthhour

In recent times, the media has been reporting on a number of falls by children from windows and balconies in apartment buildings as well as houses.

In an attempt to avoid such tragic accidents, the Australian Building Codes Board has now ruled that all windows in new homes and apartments, that are more than two metres from the ground, must be either fitted with window locks that stop the window being opened more than 125mm, or must have reinforced screens.

The changes will be included in the National Construction Code from May 2013.

It is important to note that these changes will only be effective when adults remember to lock the windows and check that the reinforced screens are in good order.

At this stage, these rules do not apply to existing buildings. Therefore it is important for adults to be vigilant in ensuring beds and other easily climbed items are not placed under open windows or near balcony railings. Better still, keep such windows and balcony doors locked when there is any doubt of not being able to supervise children at all times near such dangerous situations. Do not trust those regular styled flyscreens.