THE NOOSA JOURNAL RIVER PROTEST FLOTILLA, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21.
Supported by Zinc 96.1

WHAT: The Noosa Journal Clean Up Our River protest flotilla.

WHERE: Hundreds of people who care about the state of our river and the lack of government action to fix it will be gathering in boats and other craft at the Noosa Woods inlet adjacent to Quamby Place at 10.15am on Saturday, November 21. They will be taking part in a protest flotilla which will make its way at a leisurely pace to the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club which will help marshall the boats there at approx 11am. Petitions will be signed to be presented to the State Government by Noosa MP Glen Elmes. The Noosa Journal boat, kindly provided by Rod Baker from O Boats Noosaville, will lead the parade captained by Zinc's Andy "Phippsy'' Phipps. The procession will move off slowly at 10.15 at the sound of the starting siren.

The event officially closes at midday.

WHY: Lack of proper regulation and confusion over responsibility has resulted in erosion and clutter on the waterway. Many dilapidated and half-sunken craft now litter the river. A former car ferry floats unmanned and abandoned on Lake Cooroibah.  Go to www.thenoosajournal.com.au and click on the River Wrecks picture gallery. These craft are not only an eyesore and a threat to our environment but an obvious danger to river users.

We urge the Government to stop the blame game that has been going on for too long over who is responsible for fixing this mess.

WHO WILL BE ATTENDING? The flotilla protest has won the support of all stakeholders here in Noosa -- the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club, Noosa Parks Association, Tourism Noosa, The Noosa Biosphere Board, the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association, Noosa Residents and Ratepayers Association, Friends of Noosa, the Noosa Waters Residents Association, Clean-up Australia Day, Noosa Heads Beach Boys Surfing Club, Noosa North Shore Residents Association .... and many other recreational river users. One of the main supporters, Noosa MP Glen Elmes, will be unable to attend due to a family bereavement.

The event will be covered by Zinc 96.1 which will also be staging a special outside broadcast from the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club on Friday, November 20.

WHAT WE WANT: We want as many people as possible to attend this peaceful and orderly procession to send the strongest possible message to the State Government. Even if you don't have access to a boat, please come down to the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club on the day and sign our petition.