Media Release, 2 April 2002

AQWA to throw its support behind Save Ningaloo campaign at launch of spectacular short movie

The Aquarium of Western Australian (AQWA) will show its support for the Save Ningaloo campaign tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 April) when it hosts the launch of "Ningaloo at the Crossroads," a five minute film made for the campaign. The film contains spectacular footage of wildlife in the Ningaloo region and explains what the consequences will be if a marina resort proposed for the area is approved by Government. It also outlines the potential for a positive future for the area.

Paul Gamblin, Save Ningaloo campaign spokesperson, said, "AQWA's public support for the Save Ningaloo campaign is very important. It shows just how important this issue is to the marine industry. It also reinforces the massive support that we have received from tourism operators whose businesses rely on the Ningaloo Reef."

"The short film, made by award winning underwater cinematographer, Richard Todd, really gets your attention. It shows some of the amazing wildlife in the area, including whale sharks, turtles, dugongs, mantas, whales and corals, and describes the likely impacts of the marina resort proposed for the area. Many informed people, including scientists and local tour operators, believe the development would cause irreversible damage to the environment and detract significantly from the area's wilderness character."

"The movie will be an effective tool to explain to decision makers how important and fragile the Ningaloo Reef area is. Many of them have not been there so it is important that they understand what is at stake before they make any major decisions."

"We believe that Ningaloo is at a crucial turning point in its history. We could either follow the path of many other coastal areas where inappropriate development has irreparably damaged the environment, or we could develop the area in an innovative way that preserves the very things people will come to see, well into the future."

Schedule and Photo opportunities:

10.45am - Coffee and tea.
11.00am - welcome The Manager of AQWA, Jane will describe AQWA's support for the Save Ningaloo campaign and its hopes for the future of Ningaloo Reef. Major exhibit - 12 months.
11.15am - The Save Ningaloo campaign will give an update on the campaign and introduce the short film.
11.25am - Guests will be invited to watch a preview of the film, "Ningaloo at the Crossroads."
BROADCAST COPIES OF THE FILM WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY
11.30am Morning tea.
11.40am divers will enter the AQWA shark tank and hold up copies of the CD-Rom film and a large banner that contains the slogan "Save Ningaloo - Stop the Resort"

Contacts: AQWA
Paul Gamblin, Save Ningaloo campaign spokesperson, www.saveningalooreef.org