Announced: Climate Camp 09 at Australia’s Oldest Coal Mine in Helensburgh.

Climate Camp 09 will take place on Dharawal land in Helensburgh, 40 minutes south of Sydney near the site of the Metropolitan Collieries, from October 9-11.

Climate Camp is 3-days of sustainable living, workshops, art and music. It  will conclude in a peaceful direct action near the Metropolitan Collieries,  to send a strong signal to the NSW Government and polluting industries that  when it comes to climate, water and jobs in NSW, stalling, excuses and empty  promises are not acceptable.

In June, NSW Planning Minister Keneally approved a $50million expansion of  the Metropolitan Collieries, the first decision since a major government inquiry into the impact of coal mining on water in the Southern Coalfields. The approval  allows for longwall mining to take place directly under the Woronora Dam, one of Sydney's most reliable drinking water  sources.

“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 clean renewable energy like solar and wind – it’s that simple,” says Climate Camp Spokesperson, Jess Miller.

In what could be a landmark case, the Environmental Defenders Office is working with community group Rivers SOS to take the NSW Government to the Land and Environment Court to challenge the legality of the mining approval process.

“River SOS exists to campaign for the protection of river systems against the impacts of mining. The integrity of our water supplies has never been more threatened, with predicted climate change-induced drought and damaging impacts on the catchments due to longwall coal mining of an extent and intensity never seen before.

This is a totally unacceptable and reckless position that the Government has taken, and for this reason we welcome the opportunity to unite with the other at Climate Camp in roundly condemning it,” said Julie Sheppard, Rivers SOS secretary.

“Climate Camp 09 is about ensuring that a good, healthy, clean and safe life is guaranteed for our kids and communities and we fully support Rivers SOS taking the NSW Government to court to account for their recklessness,” says Miller.

The entire community is invited to attend Climate Camp 09.  A solar-powered and family-friendly event, Climate Camp offers something for everyone. There will be a kids’ program as well as discussions and practical forums that tackle a range of issues from sustainable economics, how to make a worm farm to climate science. Climate Camp addresses how we as everyday people in our communities can ensure that our interests are put ahead of corporate interests and irresponsible politicians.

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Interviews and images available.
Email media@climatecamp.org.au