It’s time: construction of the Maules Creek coal mine in Leard State Forest has begun, and we need your help.If construction goes ahead, the coal from this mine would release carbon emissions almost equivalent to the yearly pollution of New Zealand’s entire energy sector. It will pump thousands of tonnes of coal dust onto neighboring communities, drain the water table by several metres and cause the destruction of 1600 hectares of unique bushland and farmland, 544 hectares of which is classified as critically endangered.For four years now the community have been fighting this mine at every stage. It has been inspiring and deeply moving to watch but now it’s time for us to add our support. Community members have taken their concerns to all Governments, campaigned to stop ANZ from funding the mine, and more recently taken legal action to protect the forest.Yet unfortunately at each turn, these concerns have fallen on deaf ears. At each turn the fossil fuel industry has had its way.Right now community members, farmers, environmentalists and Traditional owners are protesting against the construction of the mine.However, they can’t do it without your help! On the tail end of our first major convergence at Maules Creek coming up over the January long weekend, this information session will give you more information about Maules Creek, Whitehaven Coal and what we can do to stop the mine going ahead!
You don’t have to be able to head down and join the forest to help stop this mine. There is plenty you can do at home here in Brisbane as well.
Come along and find out how YOU can help to win this fight!
7pm Thursday
30 Jan 2014
Maida Lilley Community Centre, Lvl 1, 5 Green Square Close, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
30 Jan 2014
Maida Lilley Community Centre, Lvl 1, 5 Green Square Close, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
See also:
26 Jan 2014
from David Lowe
This was a very special event held in the Protectors Camp at Pilliga Forest, northwestern NSW, on Australia Day 2014. The forest is a threatened eco-system and a recharge zone for the Great Artesian Basin.
It is being invaded by gasfields which are being foisted on the area by companies including Santos and Halliburton, with the blessings of all levels of government.
Surrounding farmers, traditional Gomeroi owners, the Wilderness Society, Lock the Gate, and a broad group of allies are opposing this.
In this clip, Lock the Gate Alliance President Drew Hutton speaks movingly and off the cuff about the wider significance of the protest camp. Accompanying footage shows other events in and around the forest on Australia Day.
This was also the first official gig of The Protectors, comprising Paul Robert Burton, Luke Vassella and Davey Bob Ramsey, all fresh from performing in their own shows at Tamworth Country Music Festival. Music clips to follow!
Still photographs at http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidlowe1970/sets/72157640237951173/
[vimeo
Clip shot, directed and edited by David Lowe: davidlowe@wwwires.com