FIGHT FOR THE BIGHT

Throughout the early months of 2019 a series of Paddle Out events were held around the country.

Led by Surfrider National Campaign Manager Damien Cole, events kicked off in Torquay, Burleigh, Melbourne, Perth, Newcastle, Hobart, Bondi, Torquay and finally in Adelaide. 

This series brought both national and international attention to the issue of Equinor, a Norwegian mining company who had plans to drill in the Great Australian Bight. While this wasn’t the first time a mining company had attempted to drill in the deep waters in the Great Australian Bight, it was the first mining company that would face a National Day of action, which was held on November 26, 2019.

Fifty-six coastal communities come together in unity with a collective voice shouting ‘NO WAY’ to Norwegian Mining Company Equinor, who at the time were hell bent on drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight. On Feb 24th, 2020, Equinor formally withdrew their intentions to drill in the Great Australian Bight.