Bob Brown has thrown his support behind the campaign against the desalination plant near Wonthaggi. The Greens leader will fly down to the Bass Coast site for a protest rally today.
The rally against the $3.1 billion plant will be addressed by Senator Brown and Greens lead Senate candidate in Victoria Richard Di Natale.
"This greenhouse polluting project is every bit as destructive as the pulp mill proposed for the Tamar Valley in Tasmania," Dr Di Natale said.
"The opposition to the desalination plant is clearly growing as more people learn about the climate change implications of this project," he said.
"The Bass Coast Board Riders will today take to the water to spell out the words: 'Desal - The Big Lie$$$' as part of the protest.
"Already local residents, fishers and environmentalists have joined the campaign against the plant, which will spew out the equivalent in greenhouse emissions of 280,000 vehicles on the road for a year.
"As well as carbon emissions, the plant will produce toxic chemical waste and brine. Much of this will be returned to the ocean, threatening local marine habitats.
"The Brumby Government hasn't even conducted an environmental effects inquiry.
"We can do so much more by water efficiencies, recycling and harvesting - as all the reports to the government have made clear.
"Desalination should be our last resort, not the first."
Further information: Richard Di Natale 0425 771 246
Media inquiries: Jim Buckell 0400 465 459