The Sapphire Coast and Mallacoota communities are gearing up for a nation wide paddle out banding together with coastal communities all around Australia as part of an ongoing protest against controverial plans for deep sea drilling in the Great Australian Bight.
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The Norwegian energy company Equinor's proposal to deep sea drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight has been fronted with criticism, sparking protest from ocean communities all around Australia for over a year.
According to the Coastal Watch Australia website, Equinor's own estimations show that a worst case oil spill could have a devastating impact on coasts ranging from Margaret River to Port Macquarie, including Tasmania.
Organisers of the event have pinned this coming Saturday, November 23 as the 'Fight for The Bight National Day Of Action' declaring the paddle out to be drawing a line in the sand moment.
"To stand united and show Equinor that we love our coastline and do not give them our approval to risk the entire Southern coastline and never will."
The movement is gaining traction and Sapphire Coast Board Riders are currently in the throes of planning Merimbula's paddle out.
Media spokesperson for the Board Riders Peta Lehoczky said they were hoping a large crowd of people would come together to support the event and noted it wasn't just for surfers or paddle boarders.
"You don't have to be a surfer, come out on a kayak, sailboard, boogie board, or show your support on the beach. This is not just about surfers and environmentalists, the impact of a potential oil spill will affect many including surfers, oyster farmers, fishers, children, marine life and the environment.," Ms Lehoczky said.
"The ocean can't speak for itself we have to stand up for it. Not only is the Great Australian Bight one of the most pristine places left in Australia and we have to protect what we have - but if there is an oil spill then the impact will cover from Perth right through to Newcastle and that includes us."
The Sapphire Coast Fight for the Bight paddle out is set to take place at Merimbula Main Beach on Saturday, November 23. Meeting at 8 am.
The Mallacoota Fight for the Bight Paddle Out will set of from Bastion Beach, Bastion Point Road Mallacoota at 12 midday.