Tweed campaigners against the controversial Adani coal mine project in Queensland will descend on Queensland’s parliament on Monday in a bid to stop taxpayer funding for a proposed rail line in the Galilee basin.
Queensland MPs are due to vote on funding the Aurizon’s proposed rail line on 13 February.
The Stop Adani Tweed group says it’s hopeful that won’t happen following Qld premier Palaszczuk’s decision to veto the $1 billion loan to Adani to build the rail line.
‘During her election campaign Premier Palaszczuk vowed her party wouldn’t use taxpayer funds to fund the Adani Carmichael coal mine and its associated infrastructure’, says Stop Adani Tweed spokesperson Barry Firth.
‘On Monday we intend to remind her of that and hold her to her promise’, Mr Firth said.
‘If the rail line goes ahead, an estimated 60 million tonnes of coal would be transported from the Adani mine annually along a 388km rail line to Abbot Point, right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef.
‘This would see an extra 500 coal ships travelling through this World Heritage Area annually.
‘It would also provide transport access to other coal mining companies, such as GV Hancock, which has expressed interest in opening coal mines in the Galilee Basin.
‘It is our land, our water, our reef, our planet and our future at stake’, Mr Firth said, urging ‘everyone to come along on Monday and take a stand against Adani.
‘We intend to use non-violent means to make sure the Queensland State Government stays accountable to the voters, placing people and the planet over political gain and profit,’ Mr Firth said.
He encouraged people wanting to take part to come along with ‘a sign with your message, hat, water and sunscreen, wear Adani t-shirts or red/black coloured clothing (if possible)’ for the action at 10am Qld time outside parliament at No. 1 William Street
For further info on the group, view the Stop-Adani-Tweed Facebook page.
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