The group, headed by Port Fairy surfer Ben Druitt, presented to council’s May meeting in Mortlake on Tuesday.

Mr Druitt asked councillors to consider support the group in its stance and at the same time, become the night council Australia-wide and first in Victoria to do so. 

While councillors did not give immediate support, mayor Mick Wolfe did invite represenatives of the group to present their case at a council workshop.

This workshop would be attended by councillors and council officers.

Mr Druitt told councillors public concern was high in Port Fairy on this issue, with a peition calling for the end of deep sea drilling having already attracted over 700 signtures.

The pitch to council came after more than 300 people gathered on Port Fairy’s South Beach on Saturday to register there protest against deep sea drilling.

The protest saw those in attendance join hands, stretching out over 100 metres along the beach.

It was one of 113 synchronised ‘Hands Across the Sand’ events held across the globe.

Mr Druitt said he hoped the day’s activities showed that the community was united in its opposition to drilling in and around the Great Australian Bight.

“It was a fantastic turnout,” he said.

“There were more than 300 people counted which was well over our target.

“I believe it sends a powerful message to council that there is a lot of care and concern about the environment within this community.

“Our next step is to work with council and encourage them to become leaders in this space.” 

The midday ‘Hands Across the Sand’ event was followed by a free screening of Never Town at Port Fairy’s Reardon Theatre. 

Organiser Chris McDonald said the film was donated by Patagonia Australia “to raise awareness of the environmental threats posed to Australia’s coast”.