XRSA ACTIVISTS PADDLE FOR THE PLANET; WATER IS LIFE!
Extinction Rebellion Australia, 17 Nov 2025
As nations gather in Brazil for the COP30 climate conference, rebels and friends from XRSA kayaked and paddle-boated on the Torrens river to send a message that we must #EndFossilFuelsNow to protect our oceans, rivers and ground water systems from the ravages of climate heating. Water Is Life!
The paddlers were supported from the banks by chanting, live music from popular folk-punk band #TheSqualor and performance poetry by Tadhg and Art. There were placards, colourful flags and spectacular banners adorning the riverbank, the boats, the footbridge and Montefiore Rd bridge. The action was reported by South Australian media.
A supporter said "It looks as much like a celebration of life, as a protest against what harms life. Lots of colour, full of vitality and a clear statement of the concerns that affect so many of us, because of those who refuse to respect the planet and its climate."
The action was timed to coincide with a Global Day of Action, when activists and earth protectors around the world raised their voices for climate justice, organised by the Indigenous-led #PeoplesSummit.
Tiwi and Pacific Island communities are facing sea-level rise causing damage to their farming land and fresh water sources. The #gomeroi peoples in Narrabri NSW continue to fiercely protest the opening of Santos’ gas project that has already contaminated underground water systems with extensive ‘test’ fracking. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas recently expressed strong support for the Santos Narrabri gas project.
XRSA spokesperson Anna Slynn says: “We have algal blooms in our oceans, rising seas engulfing island nations, climate heating stressing our reefs and river systems, and gas extraction destroying our ground water - all because of the greed of the fossil fuel industry.
“We call on our elected politicians to stop supporting coal, oil and gas exports and rein in fossil fuel industry expansion before it is too late. We must act now to protect our precious oceans and fresh water systems."