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An independent media centre was established for Climate Camp Australia 2008 (July 10 - 14) at the Octapod, a not for profit independent arts and new media organisation based in the heart of Newcastle. Around 20 video makers, photographers and bloggers used this space to create their own media coverage of the Climate Camp workshops, discussions and actions to build a community-based movement for real action on climate change. We were able to present our own stories as a counter-measure to the often simplistic and conflict-based accounts presented in the mainstream media. Climate Camp has been a rich and diverse exploration of positive action on climate change, and ways to build alliances by the many different communities who are stepping up their efforts to convince governments to take real action, and to take it now, before it is too late. The major focus of the camp was on coal exports, as Newcastle is the world's largest coal port, and therefore one of Australia's major contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

You can check out some amazing Climate Camp photos here and there are some great videos

being uploaded to Engage Media so be sure to keep checking in for new videos.Keep it in the ground: photo supplied by Damian

Climate Action: photo by AlanAround 1,200 people today took direct action to stop the disastrous environmental impact of the world's biggest coal port in Newcastle. The spirited and colourful protest was made up of a diverse mix of people including families, coal workers and activists ... even some zombies were spotted. A number of people made it on to the rail line and coal transport in Newcastle was shut down for the entire day. This is a victory for everyone disappointed by the government's inaction in the face of the biggest environmental crisis we have ever seen – instead of phasing out coal, the NSW Government last year gave coal companies permission to more than double their exports from Newcastle to 211 million tonnes per year. Coal exports are Australia's biggest contribution to climate change and the greenhouse pollution from our coal exports exceeds all of our domestic pollution combined.

But the real props go to the NSW police force who assisted protestors by patrolling the rail corridor in an attempt to keep them out, which in effect helped prevent any trains from running.

Check out the short video below which shows some peaceful direct action to block Newcastle's coal trains.

The second day of Climate Camp pulled together activists, coal workers, trade unionists and community members for a day of workshops and discussion. As one panel member put it, one of the biggest obstacles to achieving real action on climate change is despair. And the best way to deal with despair is to “demonstrate inspiration”. A Just Transition Panel

Which brings us to today’s session on “A Just Transition”, from fossil fuel economies to a renewable energy future. In other words, how do we phase out the coal industry without destroying the communities that rely on it? Geoff Evans from Greenpeace spoke about the incredible ecological value of the Hunter region. Not only is Newcastle the world’s biggest coal port but 50 per cent of the coal extracted from the Hunter region goes towards powering aluminium smelters that produce large amounts of pollution.