Hi, Thanks for your support of the petition re the buried whale carcass at Nobby's Beach Port Macquarie. In the 24 hours since the petition started it currently stands at over 2500 signatures (and climbing) with 36 pages of comments on reasons why the petition was supported. Council claims that the carcass being buried in clay soil was "the only reasonable option". Further, Councils Matt Rogers states “Having assessed all other options to dispose of the carcass with National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, an excavator was maneuvered onto the beach (and) a hole was dug into clay material at the back of the beach. The carcass was buried with two metres of clay and sand cover.” While there is no scientifically proven link between buried whales and increased shark activity, the NSW Depart of Primary Industry is funding three studies into the link between buries whales attracting sharks. The question we ask Council is can they guarantee that these measures are sufficient? and that the buried carcass will not lead to increased shark activity? We remind Council that Nobby's Beach is 500m from Flynns Beach, one of the towns busiest beaches and home to one of the two Surf Life Savings Clubs. Out of interest, the Lighthouse Beach listening bouy has been activated 25 times by tagged white sharks since Sunday and all Port Macquarie beaches remain closed today. We also point out to PMHC that there is precedence where the council at Casurina on the Tweed Coast dug up and removed a whale that was buried because of public angst and pressure. In the absence of scientific evidence either way, we believe the only solution is the complete removal of the carcass and contaminated soil and will continue to pressure Council to this end. If that means that we need to start a crowdfunding page to raise necessary funds then so be it. We have spoken to machinery operators who confirm that the carcass can easily be removed and craned off the beach in skip bins. Lastly, there is a Council Meeting tonight, details below. We would like to show Council that this is an issue of great concern for the community in a respectful and collaborative manner. For those that can make it tonight we ask that everyone is respectful of Councillors and Council staff. Ordinary Council Meeting Wednesday 20th September (tonight) Starting at 5.30pm Burrawan St Port Macquarie Best regards, Anthony Wilson Craig Watson Stew Clark Wayne Hudson