With tensions and gas wells heating up in the Pilliga, the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) say they are standing in solidarity with the Gomeroi people in their fight for land rights and opposition of the expansion of fossil fuel extraction in Narrabri, on Gomeroi land.
NSWNMA Acting General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said nurses and midwives will always proudly advocate for real action on climate change.
The impacts of climate change
‘Nurses and midwives truly understand the impacts of climate change; the impact on our personal health, the health of our communities and the health of our land and water,’ said Mr Whaites.
‘We see our members, and their communities, affected by extreme weather events – through heatwaves, drought, fires, and floods, which are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. Within health services, we see an increase in illness, injury and death from these extreme weather events.’
Mr Whites said that as health professionals, nurses and midwives have a responsibility to educate the community about the health effects of climate change that are already being felt. ‘Nurses and midwives must use our voice to advocate for real action on climate change – this means no new fossil fuel extraction should occur.
Supporting the rights of traditional owners
‘The NSWNMA commits our ongoing support for the right of the traditional owners of this land to have their voice heard.’
Nurses and midwives will take part in a a community gathering to be held tomorrow by the Gomeroi people of Coonabarabran, protesting the native title tribunals’ decision to throw out their native title claim.
For more information on the health and other issues surrounding the Narrabri Gas Project, view here:
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
