Sea Shepherd’s flagship, the M/Y Steve Irwin, has today arrived into Coffs Harbour. The ship and crew are travelling up the east coast to promote awareness about the impact of the proposed Adani coal mine on the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding marine environment.
After visiting Coffs Harbour the ship will stop in Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa Heads, Yeppoon and Mackay then arrive in Abbot Point on August 8.
Liisa Rusanen, a spokesperson for Coffs Coast Climate Action Group welcomed the campaign vessel, saying, ‘it’s devastating to see the Great Barrier Reef already seriously threatened by climate change’.
‘It will have no chance if Adani’s dirty coal mine goes ahead. But the movement to stop Adani is growing, and it’s excellent to have the power of Sea Shepherd behind it. For the sake of the Reef and a safe climate for our own children, we all need to be a part of this,’ said.
Sea Shepherd Australia’s MD Jeff Hansen offered kudos to Coffs Coast Climate Action Group and the community of Coffs Harbour, saying that ‘although they lie some 1000km south of the proposed Adani coal mine, their passion, courage and resolve to oppose this insanity is inspiring, as they know too well that no matter where we live on planet earth, the impacts of expanding fossil fuels and climate change affect us all’.
‘The Coffs coast is already experiencing the impacts of climate change and Sea Shepherd’s mission is to honour and support the great work done by the people of the Coffs, in opposition of the Adani coal mine and in defence of our Great Barrier Reef and a liveable climate for our children. Together as one, we charge forward to oppose this madness that is supported by both Labor and Liberal Governments federally,’ Mr Hansen said.
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