Intrepid kayak-sailors Dr Simon Leslie and Tom Hunt will call in to Norah Head on their 400km ocean paddle to end fossil fuels and will be welcomed by members of local environmental group Future Sooner.
The kayakers will come ashore at the boat ramp at Cabbage Tree Bay, Norah Head, on Sunday, November 19, at 2pm.
“These men are taking an extraordinary risk paddling up the east coast of NSW to highlight what coal and coal-fired power stations and their ash dams do to us,” said Future Sooner spokesperson Dr Ian Charlton.
“That’s why Dr Merlene Thrift and I are looking forward to sitting down, doctor to doctor, with Dr Simon Leslie and Tom Hunt to talk dirty coal-fired power stations and the damage they inflict on our health and our environment.
“We plan to discuss the abnormal number of chronic health problems that people on the Central Coast face because of what comes from coal-fired power stations like Vales Point, as well as the lower NAPLAN results and the number of child asthma and cancers.
“We’ll talk about the UN report that was scathing of the EPA and the NSW government’s lack of concern for the wellbeing of its citizens and singled out Vales Point as a major health concern.
“As a leaving gift, we’ll give Tom and Simon a copy of the health evidence that we presented to NSW Health, the Environmental Protection Authority, MPs and the United Nations – evidence that has never been disputed.
“The conversation won’t be all dirt, though; the three of us will talk clean ideas and solutions.”
Charlton said that with the Vales Point power station licence being up for renewal in December it’s time to get tougher regulations for power stations and close them sooner rather than later.
“Tom Hunt said he grew up in a time when everything was positive, and he looked to a brilliant future and that’s exactly what Future Sooner wants to see – a brilliant future,” Charlton said.
“If you want the same go to our Facebook page and join the welcome event.
“We wish Tom and Simon a safe and successful end to their epic journey up to the port of Newcastle blockade.”