What a great day for Westernport Bay!
Sunday 6th January 2019 will be long remembered as the day that local residents and visitors to the Mornington Peninsula gathered to protest peacefully against AGL’s plan to build a floating gas factory in Westernport Bay.
Almost 2,000 people met at Pines Beach in Shoreham to show their support for Westernport Bay and send a message to AGL as well as the Victorian Government and Federal Government that we will not stand idly by and watch the bay be degraded and exploited by big industry. The Victorian Government must act on behalf of all concerned residents of the Mornington Peninsula rather than the fossil fuels industry that has been the cause of such environmental damage in the past.
Hundreds paddled out and formed a heart-shape before splashing their support for the Bay with an atmosphere that was relaxed and put a smile on everybody’s faces! Having so many people attend this inaugural event made it a truly special day for our community and Westernport Bay.
We even made the Channel Nine News, Channel 7 News, Herald-Sun and a fantastic Western Port News front page!
Back on the beach and live music was performed by Amber Ferraro, The Warraines and Lachlan Dunne, Taylah Carroll and Bridget Allan—a brilliant soundtrack to the day. Thanks to Ron (@peninsulasc) for providing us with the power.
Save Westernport is proud to have supported the “Peninsula’s Biggest Paddle Out” and the many generous people who contributed their time to organising this enormous community action spearheaded by Hinetera Marino and her talented and enthusiastic team including Louise, Kate, Candy and all the volunteers. Thank you to Deidre and the Shoreham Foreshore Committee for their support and on-going management and protection of Shoreham Foreshore. Huge thanks to Andrew, Adam and all at Point Leo Surf Lifesaving Club for patrolling on the day.
Gratitude to Leyla (@leylabulmer) as our campaign designer for her beautiful artwork and gratitude to Zoe (@robo_photo) our campaign film maker. Thanks to @ayten and @lucyfound that plastered the Peninsula with “Paddle Out” posters to inform our local communities.
MCs Jack, Harry and Nathan did an amazing job and a big thank you to Daria (@whatisapoidea) for arranging organic, fair trade tees for us a week out from Christmas and the crew @sunbutteroceans and @salty_rose for providing your downright inspiring products!
Save Westernport thanks everybody that attended and contributed to the ‘Paddle Out’ and we look forward to seeing you again……
