As
mentioned in my previous post, my supervisor and I agreed that a few media
relations activities will be beneficial for Wise Earth Pty Ltd’s architecture
and urban design and solar education and information entities being
Ecotect-Architects and Solar-e respectively.
The
main activity will be media releases issued to community and The West
Australian newspapers regarding the outcome of a recent meeting with WA Premier
Colin Barnett. The meeting was between Mr Baverstock and the Premier to discuss
the environmental implications of the proposed Local Planning Scheme 3 for the
Cottesloe beach foreshore redevelopment.
I
was given the task of equipping Mr Baverstock with more information regarding
climate change, beachfront erosion, sea level rise and overshadowing of the
beach. This brings me to the challenges and “real life” experience of the
internship.
Throughout
my public relations education at university, I have read countless articles and
books on perfecting the function of public relations within an organisation.
One of the themes that is ever-present is given a lot of importance is
research, thorough research. Knowing that I work at an environmentally
sustainable enterprise, I had to conduct primary and secondary research into a
number of things. Of course, I kick-started my researching by attempting to
understand renewable energy and the advantages of energy efficient building
design, all of which were central to the company.
Come
to think of it, did you know the largest wind turbine which is located in
Hawaii is 20 stories tall and has blades the length of a football field, and solar
passive home designs promote optimum living temperatures while being
environmentally responsible? This information was stumbled upon while doing
secondary research.
And
now for the fun part- primary research! Armed with an audio recorder and a
couple of closed and open-ended questions I went to Cottesloe beach and asked
questions to anyone and everyone who wanted to talk to me. The questions were
mainly about their views about Cottesloe beach an whether or not they wanted
the redevelopment to go ahead according to the proposed Local Planning Scheme
3.
