Surf champs Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson call for paddle-out to save Kirra from cruise ship terminal
MICK Fanning and Joel Parkinson are rallying surfers to paddle-out in protest of the proposed $2 billion cruise ship terminal at Bilinga.
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TWO of the Coast's highest-profile sportsmen are rallying surfers to take part in a paddle-out in opposition to the proposed $2 billion cruise ship terminal at Bilinga.
World champion surfers Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson launched a social media campaign for the January 19 protest, Fanning posting on Instagram, "Everyone who is concerned about the cruise ship terminal please show up and have your voice heard".
"This is a community stand so if you surf or just enjoy the beach as it is, let's make a statement."
Save Our Southern Beaches Alliance spokesman Andrew McKinnon said the surfing community would present a united front against any coastal development in the area.
"If this thing goes ahead, we will lose Kirra," he said.
"The sand will build up and the break will slowly die.
"We need to let these developers know that they cannot take our land and ruin our beaches without a fight."
The Bilinga Gold Coast Ocean Terminal project plan includes a cruise ship port, 500-berth marina, superyacht terminal, resort and casino.
Mr McKinnon said his group had backed away from a mass demonstration at the Quiksilver Pro out of respect for late Kirra surfer, Michael Peterson.
"Tom Tate is unveiling the new Kirra groyne on the eve of the Quiksilver Pro and dedicating it to Michael Peterson," he said.
"Out of respect to him and his family we decided to go in early.
"We also didn't want to wait for the State Government to make a decision before we started getting people involved."
The rally will be on Sunday, January 19, from 10am.
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