It’s Time for the Final Fight For The Bight!
It’s the coastline that inspired tens of thousands of surfers and ocean lovers to rise up and paddle out to give the boot to Equinor and more, and now it’s time to paddle out one last time to protect the Great Australian Bight for good.
The Great Australian Bight is as wild as it gets. This stretch of rugged coastline runs for over 1,160 kilometres and is packed with some of the most incredible marine life (and maybe a few waves…) on the planet. 85% of the marine life found in this expanse of ocean isn't found anywhere else on the planet! It’s not just about the waves or the unique marine life though - it’s about taking the Bight off the menu of fossil fuel interests for good.
It isn't a widely known fact yet, but the Great Australian Bight area has no active exploration leases for oil and gas at the moment. They've recently expired, and no fossil fool wanted to take the risk of inviting the wrath of the locals and the coastal communities who rose up so effectively before. So, there’s an opportunity right now to make the Nullabor and Great Australian Bight a UNESCO World Heritage Area, especially without the barrier of a oil and gas corporate getting in the way. But it isn’t going to happen without the Australian surfing community joining in and rising to the occasion, letting decision makers know that the Bight deserves lasting recognition and protection.
Surfers for Climate is standing shoulder to shoulder with active environmental orgs in the Great Australian Bight Alliance such as the Wilderness Society, First Nations custodians, local legends, and environmental champs in one last big push: the Final Fight for the Bight to get this majestic and richly biodiverse area of Australia locked in with World Heritage status.
This isn’t just another campaign—it’s the final round in a fight to keep the Bight wild and free from big oil, forever.
Why is the Bight a Big Deal?
The Great Australian Bight is a national treasure, plain and simple. It’s one of the last untouched coastlines in the world, playing host to everything from Southern Right Whales to Aussie Sea Lions, and so much more. 85% of the marine life found in the Great Australian Bight isn’t found anywhere else on earth! But this place is more than just an ecological wonder—it’s a place of significant cultural significance and value to First Nations people as well.
For the Mirning people, the Bight has been sacred for thousands of years. Their deep connection to this land and sea isn’t just part of their culture; it’s part of Australia’s identity. Protecting the Nullabor and the Bight is about honoring a living, breathing piece of our nation’s heritage.
What's at stake?
The Bight has dodged more than its fair share of bullets. Surfers and those fought before kept the oil giants out, but the threats will keep coming as long as exploitation of the Great Australian Bight remains a possibility. World Heritage status is our best shot at giving the Bight the recognition and protection it needs.
The Final Fight For The Bight is about preserving the way of life for the communities that rely on these waters, whether for a livelihood in its rich fishery, a few waves, or a deep and meaningful spiritual connection.
Watch Senator Andrew McLachlan rally the Federal Senate to protect the Bight for good.
Let’s Lock it in Australia
This is it—the Final Fight for the Bight. This is the final moment of action for the surfers of Australia who paddled out and protested against Big Oil in the Bight before to paddle out and protect the Bight for good. Let’s make sure this iconic stretch of coast is locked in as a World Heritage Site, safe and sound for future generations of frothers.
We’ve already shown that when we band together, we can turn the tide. But this final fight for the Bight is going to need everyone to pitch in. With your help, we can make sure this epic coastline stays wild, free and abundant for generations to come.