By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A SECOND rally protesting controversial dolphin-killing trawler Geelong Star has been organised for Torquay on Sunday.
Barwon Heads’ Jason O’Neill and Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson have organised the rally in conjunction with recreational anglers.
Mr O’Neill said anyone who loved the ocean should attend.
“We have put the call out to surf lifesavers, surfers and fishermen to participate,” Mr O’Neill said.
“This is really about sending a clear message to (Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull. We want to tell him that we never wanted the trawlers five years ago, we don’t want them now and we don’t want them in the future.
“The Australian people never wanted them but the (federal) government let them in and then people like us have to rally about them.”
Mr O’Neill organised an earlier rally at Eastern Beach.
Ms Henderson said the protest had the full backing of peak state and national fishing bodies.
“As a warrior for the environment, I’m determined to stand up and fight for the people of Corangamite on this important issue. After nine dolphin deaths and the resumption of overnight fishing, enough is enough.
“To call this vessel the Geelong Star is a real slur on our city – this vessel is no star of Geelong.
“There is very significant opposition to this trawler. The scientific evidence to support the fishing of the small pelagic fishery in the manner being proposed is simply not conclusive.”
Ms Henderson said trawler operator Seafish Australia had declined an Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation request to avoid high value recreational fishing waters.
“This is of particular concern to VR Fish, representing Victoria’s 721,000 recreational fishers. On both environmental and recreational fishing grounds I believe a ban is justified.”
The rally begins at 11am Sunday at Torquay Angling Club.
