What are the things you are passionate about in life?

Like many Australians, the ocean is one of my biggest loves. There’s nothing I like more than spending a day at the beach under the water.

I am also a firm advocate for standing up for what you believe in.

I don’t normally write about politics, but this is a topic very close to my heart. I believe I have a responsibility to help raise more awareness.

Knowledge is power. And when you know better, you do better.

Sadly, of late the Australian government has made some poor decisions not only for our country, but for the world.

1. Industrial development, the Great Barrier Reef, QLD. 

One of the Seven Natural Wonders Of The World. Yes that’s right,  approval has been granted to build one of the world’s biggest coal export facilities inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This would see a brand new coal terminal adjacent to a turtle nesting beach, bushland trashed on the World Heritage listed Curtis Island, and 3 million cubic metres of seabed ripped up and dumped inside the Reef World Heritage Area.

Luckily with the advocacy of Green Peace, a petition with 70,000 signatures was delivered to Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s door. Independent enquiries and investigations are now underway – let’s hope this is enough to stop the project.

Diving on the Great Barrier Reef is probably the biggest highlight of my life. It is such a magical place. A true example of just how wonderful the world is in all it’s natural glory. I really hope that many many more generations of people to come will be able to enjoy this natural wonder.

2. Shark culling policy, W.A.

A Shark massacre has just been approved for our western shores. The once protected Great White shark is now allowed to be caught and killed under the new shark culling policy. This has been regarded as a knee-jerk emotional reaction, one that is not based on scientific research.

Some interesting facts: In Australia jellyfish stings have caused at least 60 recorded deaths compared to 202 deaths from shark attacks. The chance of drowning is over 1000 times greater than dying from a shark attack.

Please take a second to sign the Shark Cull Petition by Green Peace

Sadly, it doesn’t stop there. Over in Japan 22,000 dolphins are slaughter every year. The worst happens at the annual dolphin killing season in the secret cove of Taiji. What’s even more tragic is that most of the Japanese people don’t even know it’s happening. I highly recommend watching The Cove, an eye-opening documentary that highlights not only the harrowing cruelty to animals, but also the damaging effect the mercury contaminated dolphin meat (being sold as whale) is having on deforming and killing it’s own people. Here’s a link to The Cove trailer.

Our oceans, and the animals and reef systems within them have been around since the dawn of time. Long before humans arrived on this earth, and certainly well before our current Government was elected. What makes us think we are better than nature? What makes us approve these kinds of atrocious decisions? We have a responsibility to protect, and conserve our precious world so that it may survive for far longer than we ever will.

We are part of nature, we are all one. We have a responsibility to protect the world we live in, to stand up for mother nature.

I’m sorry to say it, but it makes me ashamed to be Australian.

What gives me hope though, is the thousands upon thousands of people who are advocating, challenging, raising awareness – standing up to the Government and holding steadfast to their beliefs. It is these people who make me proud. It’s finite proof that together we can make a difference.

We as a people are so much better than these acts against nature.

Apathy is our worst enemy in situations like these. I know that sometimes the issues seem so big that you don’t even know where to start. Well awareness is the key. Research the facts, talk to people, talk to your friends, your colleagues, your local government. Start the conversation.

But awareness without action is wasted, so make sure you support the change-makers around you, be it Green Peace, The Sea Shepherd, or your local community groups. If there is no person or group currently advocating change, then perhaps it’s time for YOU to step up?

There is HUGE power in numbers.

Together we can make a difference.