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 human sign that climate campers made yesterday was really successful -- despite a couple of major hiccups. Many thanks go to Derek from Clean Energy for Eternity (Bega) for the ambitious plan and for leading us all through it. For those who didn't see the news, we spelled out "Cut Carbon Now or Never" around a huge ticking clock at five minutes to midnight. When the clock reached midnight, the sign exploded, leaving only the word "Never" ... It is now 5:50am on the morning of the big action day, and I am a little nervous... stay tuned for updates throughout the day.

human sign prep

spelling it out: getting ready to make the human sign

human sign "explosion": Activism is not all sombre and serious