Well-known Tasmanian identity, author, and co-founder of the Wooden Boat Festival, Ian Johnston has thrown his support behind Peter George in his Independent campaign for the seat of Franklin.
“Peter George represents the best chance of regaining integrity in parliament and improving the social and environmental standards in our state,” said Johnson.
Johnson has hoisted a 4-metre banner for Peter George above his wooden sailing boat ‘Julienne’, where it will be widely visible to traffic and pedestrians passing by Constitution Dock.
On the same day that the large banner has been erected George has expressed his dismay at a spate of vandalism on his candidate signage.
That includes the complete removal of a large commercial billboard at Castle Forbes Bay.
Signage stolen in Castle Forbes Bay
“It’s clearly been stolen by someone who backs other candidates,” George said.
A campaign trailer and four large vinyl banners have been stolen over the past several weeks, while a number of corflute posters have been knocked down, removed or damaged.
“It’s a coward’s campaign to be out at night removing signage you don’t agree with.
But it shows the community backing I am getting for opposing fish farm pollution and defending the lifestyle we all enjoy is biting,” said George.
George says he’s been overwhelmed by the support of people who use and love Franklin’s waterways and by communities who live along the electorate’s long coastline, including Bruny Island, the Huon River, the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Storm Bay, which is ground zero for the salmon industry’s destructive practices.
“My campaign was sparked by my community’s concerns about the trashing of our waters by the foreign-owned salmon industry but it has now grown far beyond that. Franklin voters want someone who speaks for them and not the top end of town—and that’s what I intend to do if elected.
“I appeal to everyone, including my own campaigners, to leave other candidate’s signage alone.”
