Press Releases
500 protest and 13 arrested in peaceful blockade of Australia's oldest coal mine
Media Release October 12
Sunday, October 11, Helensburgh NSW – More than 500 people have
marched to the front gates of the Metropolitan Collieries where 50
Climate Camp protesters are occupying the entrance road to the
mine. They are protesting the mine's expansion and voicing concerns over water,
climate and jobs in NSW.
13 people were arrested on Sunday in total. Eight at the bloackade were given $350 fines for trespass and will not face court. Five people were arrested earlier in the day at an action stopping work at dendrobium mine and charged with trespass.
Concerned locals showed-up in Helensburgh in droves despite reports that intimidation tactics being used in the lead-up and throughout the camp.
“My family came to Helensburgh 100 years ago, there are four generations of coal miners in my family buried in the local cemetery.
My grandfathers went to war to fight for what they believe in; I
continue that legacy and believe that we need to stop mining coal and
fight to stop climate change. That’s why I’m here,” says Matt from
Stanwell Tops.
“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, “[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, “[the]
operational workforce is expected to remain stable at 320 people” with an
“additional short-term construction workforce of up to 50 people”.
500 people peacefully blockade Peabody’s Metropolitan Colliery
More than 500 people peacefully blockade Peabody’s
Metropolitan Colliery in Helensburgh. 3 people crossed police lines and arrested.
Sunday, October 11, Helensburgh NSW – More than 500 people have marched to the front gates of the Metropolitan Collieries, and 50
Climate Camp protesters have occupied the entrance to the
mine. They are protesting the mine's expansion and voicing concerns over water,
climate and jobs in NSW.
Three people have crossed police lines and so far and have been arrested.
Concerned locals showed-up in Helensburgh in droves despite reports
that intimidation tactics being used in the lead-up and throughout the
camp.
“My family came to Helensburgh 100 years ago, there are
4 generations of coal miners in my family buried in the local cemetery.
My grandfathers went to war to fight for what they believe in; I
continue that legacy and believe we need to stop mining coal and
fight to stop climate change. That’s why I’m here,” says Matt from
Stanwell Tops.
“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, “[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, “[The] operational
workforce is expected to remain stable at 320 people” and that
“additional short-term construction workforce of up to 50 people.”
Climate Camp Day of Action Begins - Press Release
October 11, 2009 - 7:03am
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.
Climate Camp shuts down Dendrobium coal mine - Sunday AM
October 11, 2009 - 6:45am
Press Release October 11, 7am 2009
7.05am. Currently, four people from Climate Camp 2009 have scaled
and locked themselves onto the coal conveyor belt at the Dendrobium
coal mine near Helensburgh, NSW.
Spokesperson for the group Aimee Bull-McMahon said “We have shut
down the conveyor from this underground polluter as part of the Climate
Camp 09 three days of action. The Dendrobium coal mine, owned by
Illawarra Coal, has been disastrous for the surrounding water ways that
the local community relies on for drinking water.”
“The EPA has found that the mines underground coal activities have
had massive negative impact on the Wongawilly Creek and numerous
surrounding swamps that have been drained from the operations of this
mine.”
“By taking peaceful direct action at this heavy polluter, and destroyer
of water ways, we are making it clear to our state and federal
government that the community wants a transition away from coal towards
a future of water security and renewable energy, “concluded Ms
Bull-McMahon.
Climate Camp concludes today with a mass peaceful direct action in
beginning at the Rex Jackson Park in Helensburgh at 11am to the site of
the Metropolitan Collieries.
