Tasmania’s idyllic Eggs and Bacon Bay is under fire … for promoting a meat-eating lifestyle!
Animal rights group PETA has written to the Huon Valley Council calling for the name to be changed to the vegetarian-friendly ‘Apple and Cherry Bay’.
“Obviously Tasmania is known as the Apple Isle and the Huon Valley produces a lot of apples and cherries, and we think it’s a much better, kinder, compassionate and healthy name for this particular area,” said PETA Australia campaign coordinator Claire Fryer. “Considering the high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat in both eggs and bacon, the area might as well be called Heart Attack Bay … this name change could be just what the doctor ordered.”
Local legend has it that the bay got its name after Lady Jane Franklin, wife of the 18th century governor John Franklin, ate bacon and eggs there. However, the ABC reports that nomenclature expert Wayne Smith says the bay was named after the wildflowers that carpet its shores in November and December.
The bay is believed to have had the name for 140 years
Ms Fryer said PETA wanted to encourage people to avoid animal-derived products and hoped the council would respond, believing that the name change would send a message of compassion and healthy eating.
And while most local dismiss the proposal as a joke, the Huon Valley Mayor, Peter Coad, has said he is willing to consider the idea.
“Obviously these issues should be taken seriously and have some merit,” he told the ABC.
So, what next?
PETA says it has not ruled out requesting other name changes around the country.
“Certainly, we will consider writing to other districts around Australia where there are perhaps inappropriately named areas,” said Ms Fryer. “We want to be promoting this as a healthy and happy and compassionate area to visit, and why not celebrate the good things such as the area’s apples and cherries and change the name?”
* Which place name in Australia do you think could do with a change? Email us here to share?
