I'm guessing the Victorian Government hasn't got similar plans as judged
by there lastest greenhouse emission ad campaign ; )
http://www.duncans.tv/2006/greenhouse-gas-in-black-balloons
This has come to my attention. As you will see it came from Birds
Australia.
I responded to it and it would be good if other people who access this
could do likewise.
Cheers,
Fiona Anderson
"Dear Members,
The Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia is supporting a campaign
organised by Lance Ferris of Australian Seabird Rescue to have the mass
release of balloons banned in Queensland. Please see the attached file
for more information. Lance also has the support of literally hundreds of
seaturtle and environmental organisations (from over 100 countries around
the world), including UNESCO, the UK Marine Conservation Society, and many
organisations throughout the US.
In brief, what goes up, comes down. Balloons are mistakenly recognised
as a food source by seabirds and sea turtles. Queensland is well-known as
the most popular habitat for many species of endangered sea turtles, with
a number of nesting sites along the Queensland coast.
Australian Seabird Rescue is one of only four organisations licensed by
the Deptartment of Environment and Climate Change, to rescue and
rehabilitate sea turtles and seabirds.
In 2000 the NSW Parliament was convinced to ban the mass releases of
helium balloons in this State. The legislation came into force in July
2001, whereupon no individual or organisation can release more than 20
helium balloons at any one time.
Several times per year various functions in Queensland open their event
with mass releases of helium filled balloons. One that comes to mind is
the Indy car race, where thousands of balloons are released, only a short
distance from the ocean. One of the Queensland 'sticking points' on this
issue, is that authorities cannot identify who actually let the balloons
go, when they are found on beaches and in the intestines of marine
creatures. The mass release of balloons is litter - whether it goes up,
or down - it is still littering and poses a serious threat to many marine
creatures. At major events in Queensland, like the Indy car race, it is
quite obvious who released the balloons.
Our campaign to ban the mass release of helium balloons has the support
of Mr Gary Kane of the Queensland EPA, in Brisbane.
The NSW Legislation and other information can be found at:
http://parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20001102035
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LA20001031044
This is the 'Protection of the Environment (Balloon Bill)':
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/d2117e6bba4ab3ebca256e68000a0ae2/d9372ab632c27bdfca25697400139150/$FILE/b00-103-p02.pdf
We urge you to write asking for the ban of mass release of balloons in
Queensland. Lance Ferris of Australian Seabird Rescue is leading the
lobbying campaign to the Queensland Government. All he needs is an email
sent to him on urging Fiona Simpson MP, Deputy
Opposition Leader and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Member for
Maroochydore, to support the ban of mass release of helium balloons in
Queensland. Lance will file the emails and present them, when he attends
the Environment Minister's office in Queensland.
Please forward this email to your contact list urging them to join the
campaign.
.......................................................................
Suzanne Medway
Executive Director
Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia Inc
PO Box 42, Brighton Le Sands NSW 2216
Tel: 02 9556 1537 Fax: 02 9599 0000 Mob: 0402 435 049
Email:
Website: www.wpsa.org.au
Birds Australia
Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Australia
Ph 1300 730 075
www.birdsaustralia.com.au
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