Media Release, 22 September 2013

About 40 paddlers are set to cast off from Pee Dee Station this Sunday, 29 September on a four-hour paddle down the meandering Macleay River to heritage-listed Bellbrook.

The Save Our Macleay River (SOMR) committee is hosting this aquatic adventure to raise awareness about the threat of mining in our upper catchment and to showcase the region’s splendour.

Among the paddlers will be Greens MLC, Jeremy Buckingham, who believes it’s critical in an age of water scarcity and food security, to protect the Macleay from the impacts of gold and antimony mining.

Prior to this event Mr Buckingham will have rafted down the Nymboida. He said the purpose of his trip to the Mid North Coast is to highlight the dangers of mining in our water catchments, and promote the sustainable use of our waterways for tourism, agriculture, and a healthy environment.

“It’s madness to risk polluting these incredible sources of fresh water with pollution from gold and antimony mining, which will leave a lasting toxic legacy,” Mr Buckingham added.

“The Greens are building a campaign to ensure our mighty rivers are safe from the impacts of mining, and will fight to protect agriculture, fishing and tourism, which all rely on a healthy river.”

At the Paddle the Macleay event this Sunday, along with the Greens, SOMR, Lock the Mid North
Coast, and the Environmental Defenders Office will all be displaying information at Bellbrook Hall about the threat of mining to the Macleay and other areas.

Anyone wanting to take part in the paddle should be at Pee Dee Station before 8.30 a.m., as the gate will be closed afterward. Participants will need to download the Event Registration Form off the SOMR website and have it filled in to handover before beginning the paddle. Visit www.saveourmacleayriver.com for more information.

Food and drinks will be available from the Bellbrook General Store and the Bellbrook Hotel, which will also feature live music.

Accommodation at Bellbrook ranges from riverside cabins to farmhouses, and a free campground at Blackbird Flat. For further details contact Macleay Valley Coast Tourism on 1800 642 480 or go to www.macleayvalleycoast.com.au