Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen at Climate Camp '09?

Climate Camp '09 will
begin on Friday October 9th, with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Dootch,
Dharawal Traditional Owner and Chairperson of the Illawarra Aboriginal
Land Council. Across Friday and Saturday, there'll be workshops,
forums, hands-on sustainability sessions, action planning meetings,
climate change films, good food, and some great music.

The Camp for Climate Action will culminate in a peaceful direct
action on Sunday October 11th. In the spirit of the great global
history of civil disobedience (Gandhi’s salt march, the American civil
rights movement, the protection of Tasmania’s Franklin River), the
Climate Camp is a chance, at this crucial moment in history, for
ordinary people to stand up for climate justice and keep fossil fuels in
the ground.

Who’s behind Climate Camp?

Everyday people – concerned parents,
students, locals, and workers fed up with empty promises, stalling and
excuses from government and corporate spin.

We won’t settle for
climate change and Australia being left behind as the rest of the world
moves toward renewable energy. So we’re taking action now: to protect
our precious drinking-water catchments from more damage and pollution
by coal mining; to prevent an additional 10 million tones of greenhouse
gas pollution entering our atmosphere and to provide our kids and
communities with opportunities, skills, training and well-paid jobs in
clean and safe industries.

What do I need to bring?

Your friends and family; any signs,
costumes or things you'd like to have at the community action; and
everything you would normally take camping. Check out a longer list here.

Can I bring children?

Yes, please! There will be Kids' Space
and Program, with toys, activities, eco-crafts, and co-ordination by
experienced folks.

Do I need to come for the whole time [Friday to Sunday]?

You
are welcome to come for the entire Climate Camp '09, for a particular
workshop or to check it out, or for the large community action on
Sunday October 11th.

How can I get there?

The Climate Camp '09 campsite and community action in Helensburgh are very close to the Helensburgh train station, with trains every hour
from Sydney, and from Wollongong on the South Coast line. It is also
accessible by bicycle for keen folks; and by car (just off the Princess
Highway).

How much does it cost?

Entry to Climate Camp '09 is by donation. We're suggesting:

• Kids: free
• Traditional Owners / Aboriginal peoples: no cost
• Low-income / student / unwaged: $10 per day / $25 whole camp
• Waged: $20 per day / $50 whole camp
• Keen supporters: $30 per day / $70 whole camp

What happened at Climate Camp 2008?

Last year, at the Camp for Climate Action, over one thousand people peacefully blockaded the world's largest coal exporting port in Newcastle. Five
hundred people from coal communities, unions, climate change groups,
faith groups and students participated in five days of sustainable
camping, participatory decision-making, strategy and campaigning
workshops, non-violent direct action skillshares, a huge human sign,
kids' activities, prop making and action planning.

At the Sunday action, 57 people were arrested; and all coal trains
to Carrington port were
successfully halted the day. The ABC 7.30 Report stated, while showing
footage of Climate Camp, the battle lines in Australia's climate change
debate had been redrawn. We learnt that we can stop the reckless
expansion of the polluting
coal industry; but we have a lot of work to begin together.

How can I help?

There's lots to do, we'd love some help, whatever your skills or interests: ask us on info@climatecamp.org.au You can invite your friends, help get a small kitchen or camping area ready, donate or lend us gear, or make a donation to the costs of event.

The Metropolitan Colliery is Australia’s oldest coal mine. The time for
dirty coal has passed: join us at the Camp for Climate Action for clean
energy future.