Broome Council has dumped Taiji as sister city over dolphin slaughter

Broome Shire will sever a sister city relationship with a Japanese town that hosts the killing of more than 20,000 (original number reported corrected) dolphins a year after an emotion-charged special council meeting.

More than 50 people, who packed the council chambers’ public gallery, greeted the decision with a standing ovation.

Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell said council’s unanimous decision was to “respectfully advise” the town of Taiji that Broome would be unable to fulfil its obligation as a sister town while the dolphin killings continued.

But he said the shire recognised the role Taiji played in developing Broome’s pearling industry in the 19th century.

As part of a raft of council resolutions, councillors noted the national and international pressure placed on the shire to end the relationship.

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Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Australian director Jeff Hansen commended the shire and Broome residents for taking up the issue.

“May the original surfers stay safe and be free to ride a wave along side one of us soon,” Mr Hansen said.

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