Federal Minister says yes to dredging!
The new Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, has signed on with the Federal Government 1/3 support for the dredging of Port Phillip Bay.
Media releases:
Minister Garrett: http://www.environment.gov.au
Sue Pennicuik: http://www.electedgreensvictoria.org.au
He has made a decision to protect the Port of Melbourne’s $billion empire weighed against the damage to the Bay marine park and the thousands of small businesses , clubs and organisations that are dependent upon a healthy Bay. Are there really so many people who still - despite so much wisdom and knowledge to the contrary - want growth of industry to be more valued than nature? We have a barely sustainable imbalance in the Land of Oz already. Port Phillip Bay is being ravaged. The Port of Melbourne is doing quite nicely - why the lust for more?
We shall continue with our project - to hold a Vigil of Light around the Bay on 8/01/08. Anyone who feels they can now step into the role of guardian for an hour holding their light… please join in. The Bay is a sanctuary for so many species: for animals, birds, marine life, and yes, for us humans. It is a giver of life with its fresh sea breezes and its role in cleaning the air. Our stormwater drains pollute it daily, yet the sea in our Bay cleans up our muck and gives us back life.
What $ value is such beauty and generosity of spirit?
We still have hope - on January 10th, 08.
Be there on the beaches on 8th January.