Climate Camp Day of Action Begins - Press Release

Sunday, October 11, Helensburgh NSW – After braving wind and rain for two days of workshops and sustainable living, Climate Camp culminates today in a peaceful direct action at the site of the controversial Metropolitan Collieries.

Protesters will apply peaceful but direct action toward the American Peabody-owned Metropolitan Collieries in an effort to pressure the NSW to withdraw the mine approval and begin a transition to a renewable energy economy.

Community Group, Rivers SOS are mounting a legal challenge in the Land and Environment court again Planning Minister Kristina Keneally to challenge the legality of the mining approval process.

“The integrity of our water supplies has never been more threatened. It is a totally unacceptable and reckless position that the Government has taken. For this reason we welcome the opportunity to unite with the other at Climate Camp in roundly condemning it,” said Rivers SOS Secretary Julie Sheppard.

“While Peabody and the Government are playing the ‘jobs’ card, it is little more than a feeble attempt at a political wedge – the reality is that the expansion of polluting industries is being done recklessly and community members will not tolerate it”, says Climate Camp Spokesperson Jess Miller.

As reported in the The Age on Friday, Peabody spokesperson Jennifer Morgans told AAP that “It [the mine expansion] would also create an estimated 350 new jobs, doubling the current workforce to 700, while providing about 1000 indirect jobs throughout the Illawarra region.”

However according to Peabody’s own website it is stated that “[the] operational workforce is expected to remain stable at 320 people” and that “additional short-term construction workforce of up to 50 people”.

Unsurprised by Peabody’s duplicity, Miller says,“We’re tired of airy fairy schemes, half-baked plots and weaselly excuses for increasing pollution, putting our drinking water at risk, and stalling on renewable energy jobs. We need less pollution and more renewable energy like solar and wind – it’s that simple.”

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, congratulated the groups organising the Climate Camp, saying ”With Labor and Liberals at both State and Federal levels bending over backwards to protect coal, it’s no wonder that the Australian community is getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of action on the climate crisis.

“I hope this camp and others like it can help expose the sham of the Rudd Government’s CPRS, which won’t do anything to shift us from coal to renewables and energy efficiency.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the rally and encouraged to wear blue.