An alliance of environmental and community groups (see groups here) is organising Townsville’s first Flotilla for the Reef. It will take place along The Strand on Sunday 19 of October and is aimed at drawing attention to the damage that mega industrial ports and dredge spoil dumping do to the Reef. The flotilla will call for a ban on dumping in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Flotilla spokesperson and James Cook University Marine Biology student Ms Jacinta Tonkin said ‘We will be marching along The Strand alongside the flotilla of boats to send a message to the state and federal governments that we want the incredible natural icon; the Great Barrier Reef protected for all time. We’re calling for a ban on dumping in the World Heritage Area’.
Interested community members can register for the flotilla by clicking here!
‘Even though the state government has signaled plans to dispose of dredge spoil on land at Abbot Point, we have not seen any commitment to ban dumping at all the other proposed mega industrial port expansions in the World Heritage Area, let alone any concrete plans showing their intentions at Abbot Point’, said Ms Tonkin.
‘Plans that will require 100 million tonnes of dredging, significant amounts of dumping in Reef waters, and an increase to 7000 ships crossing the Great Barrier Reef each year are still in place.
‘Fishers, divers, boat owners and community members are invited to bring a boat or kayak if they want to join the flotilla. Non-boaties can join the land march from 10am, meeting on the beach next to Tobruk pool on The Strand. People interested in bringing a boat are asked to register at flotillaforthereef.org.au and to arrive in time to register their boat before 9.45am.
The flotilla and march will finish at Burke St Headland, where scientists and Reef advocates will talk about the health of and the need to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Local bands, including young duo Terrapin, will entertain the crowd. Food will be available.
Participants are encouraged to make costumes, signs and banners to make this event special and spread the message.
Details: Sunday October 19, starting on the beach next to Tobruk pool. Boat registration from 9am-9.45am. March and flotilla starting at 10am.
Pre-event Photo opportunity: 3.45pm on Thursday the 2nd of October at the jetty at the end of Anthony Street volunteers will be inviting boat owners with snorkel masks
For interviews contact: Ahri Tallon: 0423 515 941 or ahri.tallon@gmail.com
For more information go to: www.flotillaforthereef.org.au
