Council had, following the success of the inaugural earth hour in 2007, recently been asked to take part in an observance linking all the Namoi catchment councils.

A key part of the Earth Hour observance is turning off electric lights for an hour from 8pm.

On November 9, 1888, Tamworth became the first town in Australia to light its streets using electric light.

TRC environmental planner, Geoff Mitchell, in a report to be tabled at tonight’s Strategy and Finance Committee meeting, said the invitation had come too late to allow a co-ordinated and widespread council-driven community response.

While recommending TRC comply to the extent of turning out all lighting (except for security lights) at Ray Walsh House, the Parry Building, the library and gallery, the town hall, community centre, TRECC and its satellite offices at Barraba, Manilla and Nundle, he said there was little more that could be done in the time available.

“Worthwhile environmental projects arise almost every week and need to be considered in the context of council’s overall objectives, ongoing priorities and and existing projects,” he said.

“Earth Hour could be an important part of council’s annual climate change program but the extent of this project has not yet been determined.

“In this instance the requests have come to council relatively late when staff resources are already fully allocated on existing projects and programs.”

Mr Mitchell said any final decision on turning lights off at specific council buildings would depend on whether they were in use for the night.

“The community centre is already booked from 6pm to midnight,” he said.

Mr Mitchell noted it would be good corporate practice if unnecessary lighting was turned off at any time – not just during Earth Hour.

“Employees could make a more meaningful response by committing to turn off all lighting on Friday afternoon, every week of the year.”

Mr Mitchell has recommended council agree to take part “to the extent of turning out the lights in major public buildings, but not initiating a major publicity campaign in relation to the event and, in future, consider the project as part of council’s overall response to climate change (which is currently under development).