‘Destructive proposal’: Fresh protest over Yarra Bay cruise terminal plan
It has resulted in huge backlash from the community in Sydney’s southeast, now plans for a mega cruise ship terminal at Yarra Bay will be put under the spotlight again when more than 1000 people are expected to descend onto the bay for another protest.
Southern Courier
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A large protest has been planned for Yarra Bay this month to continue the fight against a “destructive proposal” to build a cruise ship terminal in the pristine bay.
The Save the Bay Coalition, which has 5700 followers online, has planned a flotilla and beach protest for Sunday, March 15 from 11am to 2pm.
Randwick Council voted last week to back the protest and cover the estimated $7500 cost to hold the event.
Save the Bay Coalition convener Maria Poulos said the protest would involve people floating in the water and enjoying the Yarra Bay beach in their droves – demonstrating how many people use the bay.
“We hope to see beachgoers, (indigenous) people, sailors, surf lifesavers, kayakers, divers, fishers, swimmers, surfers and boogie board riders,” she said.
“Those that don't like the water can bring signs, towels, tents and umbrellas to contribute to a beach installation.”
She said they hoped to get over 1000 people to the protest.
“The aim of the flotilla is to get all the different users of the Bay there for a display of colour and noise to show the State Government just how many Sydneysiders will be adversely affected by the cruise terminal,” she said.
“We want to show the State Government that we are not going away.”
A picture will be taken at 1pm when everyone is packed into the water and onto the beach.
Ms Poulos said protesters would have an opportunity to make plenty of noise during the protest, to oppose the “destructive proposal” which she said would ruin the much-loved beach.
The State Government announced in mid-2018 that it was considering building a mega cruise ship terminal at Yarra Bay or nearby Molineux Point, next to Port Botany, to cater for the booming cruise industry.
The Port Authority of NSW is putting together a detailed business case which it will submit to the state government at an undisclosed date in 2020, to make a decision on the future of the proposal.
Randwick Council deputy mayor Philipa Veitch said, during council’s last meeting, it was important that the council continued its opposition to the potential terminal.
“I’m sure it would be the same if there was a cruise ship terminal proposed for Clovelly or Coogee or Maroubra or any of the other beautiful bays in our LGA,” she said.
“Yarra Bay is a wonderful place and is hugely popular … it is absolutely packed on the weekend and holidays and I believe council needs to show that we are resolute in supporting our community in opposing this terminal.”
Only one councillor voted against the motion to fund the protest, Liberal councillor Christie Hamilton.