Media Release: Clmate Camp begins

Media Release 8th July 2008

*Coal blockade camp begins*

Participants in the first Australian camp for climate action began to set up this morning at Wickham Park in Newcastle. Attendance is expected to grow with the Garnaut Review reinforcing concerns about climate change.

The community protest and blockade of a coal train line on Sunday will be preceded by three days of workshops and forums across a range of topics including emissions trading and a just transition for the coal industry.

Monday will see smaller groups fan out across the Hunter Valley in sit-ins and direct actions at coal infrastructure. “Climate Camp is about creating a peaceful movement for urgent action on climate change and to end our addiction to coal”, Georgina Woods camp spokesperson said today. “We have people from all walks of life and from across the country coming to Newcastle.

A big group is even traveling from Western Australia to be part of this historic week of action.” “Treasurer Michael Costa has attacked the camp, as well as the Garnaut Review, but as Professor Garnaut pointed out yesterday this is just further evidence of his well known climate denial.”

“The camp is an open and diverse gathering of concerned citizens and we want to invite the whole community including those who don't wish to join the protest to attend the forums and workshops and learn more about climate change.” “We are letter boxing the local Newcastle community to invite them to the camp and our protest actions will be peaceful and no passenger trains will be disrupted.” The camp for climate action will coincide with climate camps in Europe and North America which will also aim to disrupt the coal industry.

For more information: Georgina Woods 0438 223 771