A group of Ballarat youths fighting for the environment’s survival have returned from a 4000km conquest.
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The Rode R.A.G.E (Ride Against Greenhouse Emissions) team peddled from Ballarat to Port Douglas to raise awareness and funds for the Great Barrier Reef.
The eight-person team rode in stints of 90 minutes to three hours for the journey, stopping at the halfway mark in Maryborough, Queensland, to participate in the RACQ Technology Challenge.
They raised $20,000, which they will donate to the Climate Council.
Rode R.A.G.E member Zac McKee said the reef was not a problem for future generations to solve; it was dying right now.
“We got to see first-hand how amazing it is in some parts but also saw significant bleaching and lots of dead coral,” Mr McKee said.
“It is dying already from climate change impacts and the new port developments – and continued use of fossil fuels are extra nails in the coffin. We must change our behaviours now.
“It’s not a matter of it being there or not for our grandchildren ... young people who haven’t seen it already may miss the opportunity if changes aren’t made.”
The group will now look towards the RACV Energy Breakthrough Challenge – where they will use the same vehicle, dubbed Nemo – to continue their efforts.
More details, videos and photos of this, and other Rode R.A.G.E projects, may be found at www.roderage.com.au or www.facebook.com/roderage