Northern Rivers is front and centre in what is set to be Australia’s biggest people-powered campaign since stopping Tasmania’s Franklin Dam in 1983. The Stop Adani Tweed, Byron and Lismore groups have joined over 2 million people worldwide to oppose the biggest coal mine in Australia’s history, Adani’s Carmichael project in Central Queensland’s Galilee Basin.
Stop Adani Tweed spokesperson Barry Firth said, ‘The aim of our campaign locally is to inform the public of how this fossil-fuel intensive and destructive coal mine will affect them, the environment and the planet. The foreign-owned Adani mine is a local issue. It is our home, our farm, our family, our business, our kids, our grandkids and our Great Barrier Reef that will be affected by the climate change legacy this mine will bring. We can expect more extreme weather events such as the recent floods if we continue to unleash carbon pollution into our atmosphere.
‘The Northern Rivers is the only region in Australia to achieve coal seam gas-free status. Stop Adani Australia has asked us to rise up again and establish an Adani-free zone in the Northern Rivers. They say if it can be done anywhere, it can be done here. This would send a resounding message for the rest of Australia to follow. It is only through people power that this mine will be stopped.
‘Moves by local Councils have already been made in the direction of an Adani-free Northern Rivers. The Tweed and Lismore Councils have resolved that civil construction tenders disclose any involvement they have with the Carmichael mine and that a policy position be considered on trading with entities that provide services to this mine. Byron Council has resolved not to award contracts to companies involved with the Adani mine, and not to contract or engage in services under any existing contract with Downer EDI Ltd or its subsidiaries until they publicly renounce any involvement with the mine.
‘If built, the Adani coal project will add 4.6 billion tonnes of greenhouse pollution, right at a time when emissions need to be urgently cut to combat climate change. Each year 60 million tonnes of coal would be transported along a 388km rail line to a new coal export terminal at Abbot Point on the doorstep of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, with an estimated 500 extra coal ships travelling through this area. GetUp has reported that in 2011 a ship carrying Adani coal sank off the coast of Mumbai, devastating beaches, tourism and marine life and Adani did nothing to clean up the mess for five years.’
The Tweed #stopadani campaign ‘A brighter future beyond coal’ is launching with a screening of the documentary Guarding the Galilee narrated by The Castle lead actor Michael Caton on Wednesday, December 13 at the Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah from 7pm.
Keynote speakers will be Tony Barry and Mandy Nolan and a Q&A panel will discuss what can be done to stop Adani. They will also look at the impact the Adani coal mine will have on the Great Artesian Basin, the Great Barrier Reef and ways to move towards a clean health and prosperous future.
Music will be provided by singer/songwriter Sophia Fletcher.
You can book tickets online here or check out the Stop Adani Tweed Facebook page for more information.
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