One of Australia’s two major parties must be convinced to oppose the Adani coal mine before an election is called, a local campaign launch was told last week.
Around 35 locals gathered in Mullumbimby on August 30 for the launch of Byron Shire’s ‘Stop Adani Community Action Plan’.
Prominent Brisbane-based environmental campaigner Moira Williams told the gathering that the mine was closer than ever to going ahead, owing to surging coal prices which might allow Adani to fund the mine itself.
In this context Federal political support was crucial.
‘Our mission is to get one of the major parties to commit to stopping the mine before an election is called and ensure any politician who still supports the mine is faced with waves of community backlash,’ said Ms Williams, who famously crashed Queensland Premier Palaszczuk’s election launch last year.
‘Our movement has had some big wins, pushing the banks and major contractors away from this dangerous project and forcing the Queensland Government to veto the $1Billion loan to Adani.
‘But Adani is tenacious and have invested billions, so they won’t walk away. Now is the time to get more active.’
Next, Kathryn McConnochie of Stop Adani Byron Shire set out how the local campaign would unfold in the coming weeks.
‘It’s our plan to survey sections of local towns, similar to the Lock the Gate survey that culminated in the successful Bentley blockade,’ Ms McConnochie said.
‘We’ll connect with our communities face to face, to discuss the impacts of the Adani mine. We will obtain an overview of the Shire’s position on this mine and the information we collect will be sent to our politicians.
‘We want them to side with their constituents instead of an Indian coal billionaire.’
Rally this Saturday
Meanwhile, hundreds of people from across the region are set to rally and march in Tweed Heads and Lismore this Saturday in opposition to the Adani mine and other destructive projects as part of Rise for Climate.
The day-long event at Tweed will take place at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads from 11am and will feature local musicians Luke Vassella and Mish Songsmith, and speeches from prominent campaigners and local politicians and candidates.
The rally in Lismore starts at 10am in the Lismore Quadrangle, 110 Magellan Street.
Attendees are invited to bring a picnic.
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