THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT IS UNDER THREAT FROM BIG OIL.

Fight for the Bight - Newcastle is a Surfrider Foundation Australia and Great Australian Bight Alliance event supported by Wilderness Society, Patagonia and Sea Shepherd.

The Bight is no place for risky deepwater drilling. You probably remember images of BP’s Deepwater Horizon explosion in the US. It was an environmental disaster, spewing millions of litres of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed Equinor drill in the Bight is twice as deep as Deepwater in some of the most treacherous waters in the world, making it extra risky.

In November, the ABC revealed a leaked internal report, prepared by Equinor, that showed an oil spill in the Bight could reach Victoria’s shorelines including the Great Ocean Road and Port Philip Bay and as far North as Port Macquarie's beaches, and completely encircle Tasmania.

Equinor is putting coastal communities, fisheries, whales and sea creatures in danger through experimental oil drilling.

JOIN OUR PEACEFUL PROTEST

So, on Sunday April 14 we want swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders, stand up paddle boarders and everyone in between to join a paddle out at Nobbys Beach to tell Equinor and the federal government to reject Equinor’s plans to drill for oil in the Bight. Those who don’t want to go into the water can also participate from the beach.

Bring your friends, family, aunts, uncles, kids, grandparents — anyone who cares about the future of Australia’s pristine coastline —for a day of good vibes as we peacefully but firmly send a unified message to Equinor and the federal government.

Bring any watercraft you have — surfboards, bodyboards, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, anything that floats or even just come for a swim or watch on from the beach.

Remember: Safety first — do not enter the water if you are not a confident swimmer.

GETTING THERE

Meet at Nobbys Beach near the Surf Club for speeches before we paddle out.

Public transport is recommended but there is parking in the area.