Meet the Queen
It was a glorious balmy dawn and boats, jetskis, yachts and skips took off with media and protesters aboard to Meet the Queen at the heads of the Bay. Excellent co-ordination and planning by Operation Quarantine meant we linked up with Dive charter boats from Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. We were well escorted by Water police and security which is a credit to our democracy. (!?)
The Queen is an impressive ship of complex engineering. Her crew were as interested in us as we were of them.
John Lawler who organised the Vigil flotilla, the Diver Charters from Queenscliff, the little yachtee and jetski folk, the ‘penguin’ and the brave souls who fronted the waves and met the Queen – salute!
You can join in tonight: Channel 10 news has a phone poll until 12.00 midnight. 1902 555 501 votes no to the dredging.
Channel 7 news has an internet poll:
The Queen made for Melbourne at a fast rate of knots – where she was met by more boats, protesters on kayaks and people along the dock.
While we were absorbed in this adventure and demonstration, Blue Wedges were back in Court.
By coincidence (or Grand design , the ABC TV broadcast the final of the series: Strange Days on Planet Earth – tonight. The conclusion was that we (humans) are slowly becoming aware of the effects our lifestyles, industry and farming are having on nature. Australia was featured in tonight’s program. The need to monitor and clean up in order to save nature was hilighted.
Here’s hoping we can save our Bay and save Melbournians from themselves and the expensive and painful consequences of the dredging project.
Thanks to the wide cross section of media and local press who joined us today.
Gorgeous pics at AAP
Well done folks! A grand show indeed. A spirited effort.
Thanks to Carey and John Lawler.
*pics by Hilary, John Lawler and Rhys Jones.