Front Line
Train blockade: Maules Creek protesters take campaign to the coal port
15 protesters from the Maules Creek coal mine blockade have taken their campaign to the other end of the coal chain this morning, stopping a coal train in Newcastle.
Protesters approached the stopped train as it entered the Kooragang Island coal terminals from where Whitehaven Coal intend to ship coal mined at Maules Creek. One of the protesters is suspended from the railway bridge, blocking access by the train.
The protesters say that the Maules Creek coal project has been implicated in the corruption scandal sweeping NSW politics, and that construction on the project should cease pending a judicial inquiry. They have also called for a broader inquiry into the political influence of the coal lobby in NSW.
“There is a cloud of corruption over the NSW coal industry”, said Helen War, spokesperson for Front Line Action on Coal.
“Two mining ministers of the former government were found corrupt last year. The new government’s last mining minister Chris Hartcher resigned in disgrace after his offices were raided by the ICAC. These men presided over the granting of scores of coal mining and exploration licences in NSW.
“Three coal exploration leases were cancelled in the wake of last year’s ICAC inquiries, with Maules Creek named in the Operation Spicer inquiry currently under way.
“Evidence before ICAC alleges that Nathan Tinkler was making illegal donations to NSW politicians at the same time he was aggressively lobbying for the approval of the Maules Creek mine. This is a scandal, and just the latest episode in the long, dodgy history of this mine. Last year two former directors of Tinkler’s mining company were prosecuted for not disclosing National Party donations at the time the application to mine Maules Creek was being assessed by the state government.
“The Maules Creek coal mine should never have been approved. It would destroy thousands of hectares of irreplaceable endangered bushland. It is unwanted by local farmers, whose health and livelihoods stand to be irreversibly impacted.
“We have always suspected this mine could only have been approved with special treatment, and there is now more evidence of that being the case. We call on Premier Mike Baird to restore public confidence in the approval process for the Maules Creek mine, and commit to a judicial inquiry.”
“A broader inquiry into the political influence of the coal lobby in NSW is also needed. Coal is corrupting our democracy, and it’s time put a stop to it.”
Further comment: Helen War: 0431 930 428
Pictures available: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/rkbh5agxrqe65/Geeko-Sandgate
UPDATE 11:10am: Police have arrived at the scene of the action.
UPDATE 12.15pm: Our Gecko has been lowered from the bridge and arrested by police.
Choir blocks Whitehaven Coal transport
Singers from the Ecopella choir have stopped work today as part of ongoing protests to protect Leard State Forest, the surrounding Maules Creek community and the planet from coal mine expansion. Miguel Heatwole, 54, Dallas de Brabander, 60 and Andrew Lenart, 51, have locked themselves onto the gate of Whitehaven’s Tarawonga Coal mine, blocking vehicles and preventing any coal from being transported out of mine.
Director of Ecopella Miguel Heatwole said “for 16 years our choir has been raising it’s voice for the environment, but we feel that our voices are no longer enough and we are now backing up our songs with non violent direct action.”
He added “We are proud of our track record of bringing harmony to the environment and are therefore opposed to Whitehaven coal causing harm to it.”
Their action comes in the wake of national Divestment Day on Saturday 3rd of May which saw over 1000 customers of the big 4 banks withdraw their money and switch to an environmentally responsible bank. The choir is calling on Australian’s to take their money out of ANZ and other fossil fuel financing banks. Over the past 5 years alone ANZ have loaned $6749 million to coal, oil and gas projects.
Leard Forest Alliance Spokesperson Lou Mayfield said “recent climate projections predict a 4 degree rise in temperature by 2100. In this time of climate crisis, it is irresponsible for ANZ to be financing projects such the proposed Maules Creek coal mine which would emit 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent to the annual carbon emissions New Zealand’s energy sector”
Since Whitehaven’s Maules Creek project began construction in December over 150 people from all walks of life have been arrested taking direct action to stop this mine going ahead including scientists, doctors and religious leaders.
For further comment please contact Lou Mayfield on ph: 0427 562 068
Photo’s and video available at-
https://www.mediafire.com/folder/nwa89ujtyd1hn/Ecopella_Choir_stops_coal_-_Tuesday_May_5th
UPDATE 10:45am: Ecopella have been arrested and are in custody being processed by police.
Medics Block Access to Maules Creek Mine
A group of medical doctors and medical students calling themselves “Medics Against Coal” blocked the main entrance to Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek Project this morning, protesting plans to clear half of Leard State Forest to make way for what would be one of the largest coal mines in Australia.
The proposed mine is expected to produce 13 million tonnes of coal every year which, when burnt, poses serious health threats to both local and global communities. Dr. Harry Jennens from the group said that “doctors have a duty to care for the health of individuals and communities. The urgent health impacts of climate change have compelled us to take action.”
Whitehaven’s coal mine will foul the air and water around Maules Creek, will spill coal dust all the way down the railway line to Newcastle and then damage the health of those who live around the coal-fired power plant that burns it — and that’s not to mention its greenhouse gas emissions and their devastating impacts on global health.
Coal pollution contributes directly to four of the major killers in our society: lung disease, lung cancer, heart disease and stroke says Dr Ingo Weber, BMBS, FRACGP, FANZCA. The Maules Creek Project will form a mega mine-complex with two adjacent mines, which together will release thousands of tonnes of dust onto adjoining farmland.
Worldwide, coal pollution is the cause of tens of thousands of premature deaths annually. Medical evidence suggests that there is a significantly increased rate of death among populations living near coal mines and coal-fired power stations.
Coal burning is also one the primary drivers of climate change. The Maules Creek mine is estimated to produce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to about 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Leading medical institutions like the Lancet, the British Medical Journal and the Australia Medical Association have identified climate change as the biggest health threat of the 21st century.
“The Maules Creek Project is expected to operate for 30 years,” said Dr Weber. “This proposal and others like it fly in the face of current medical recommendations and must be abandoned in favour of safe alternatives.”
The doctors say the medical literature demonstrates climate change is a global emergency which is why doctors and medical students are acting on health
grounds by protesting against the largest new coal-mine in Australia.
Meanwhile, as doctors protest at Maules Creek, hundreds of customers of the Big 4 Banks — the primary financiers of the Maules Creek Project — are publicly closing their accounts in cities and towns right around Australia today. Dozens of doctors and medical students are among the divestors.
Dr Ingo Weber BMBS, FRACGP, FANZCA and Dr Harry Jennens MBBS, BMedSC are available for comment via Media Spokesperson Natasha Saunders 0402 463 069
UPDATE 8:45am: Police have arrived onsite with 2 paddy wagons. Medics are still blocking access to mine.
UPDATE 12:00pm: Medics against Coal have been arrested by the police.
MEDIA: Contact Natasha Saunders 0402 463 069 for further updates.
PHOTOS: All photos may be reused by media outlets. High resolution available from https://www.mediafire.com/folder/9uee880fbx2zd/COAL_HARMS_HEALTH_-_Sat_3rd_May
VIDEOS:
Also available from https://www.mediafire.com/folder/9uee880fbx2zd/COAL_HARMS_HEALTH_-_Sat_3rd_May
Mother and Son stop work at Whitehaven Coal Plant
Jocelyn Howden and son, Erland Howden, have stopped work this morning at Whitehaven Coal’s facility in Gunnedah as part of ongoing community opposition to coal mining in the Leard State Forest.
They have locked themselves together, holding the gates shut, blocking access necessary to deliver coal for processing and exportation.
Jocelyn Howden commented, “If our government will not act to protect our precious environment, ordinary citizens like us must act in it’s stead.”
Erland Howden, 28, said “I am here today to send a message to the investors and the financiers of Whitehaven Coal. The age of coal is over. Building the biggest new coal mine in Australia at the expense of an irreplaceable forest is as unacceptable as funding it, when we know the irreversible impacts it will have on the land, the water, health and global climate.”
Mr. Howden added, “Myself, my mum and the hundreds of people before us who have joined this blockade have demonstrated that we will not allow Whitehaven Coal and it’s investors to profit from the exploitation of the community”
Gunnedah’s processing plant is owned by Whitehaven Coal, currently constructing the proposed Maules Creek mine, in the heart of the Leard State Forest. This controversial project has seen a diverse range of local farmers, residents and individuals from around Australia choose to stand up and take action against the imminent destruction of a critically endangered forest, and all of its inhabitants. Within the last 4 months, over 130 people have been arrested taking part in direct action aimed at preventing this project from continuing.
Leard Forest Alliance Spokesperson, Dani Joy, said that “Despite the police presence, we continue to see people from all walks of life, and all parts of Australia decide to come here to stand up against corporate intimidation and reckless investment.”
She continued, “This campaign continues to demonstrate that Coal is a national issue that does not discriminate. We will continue to fight the Maules Creek Mine development, as long as the voices of concerned citizens are not heard.”
Check out Front Line Action on Coal on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
Work halted in Leard State Forest despite massive police mobilisation
-
- Michael Poland, 21, scales the 20m high rig.
-
- Photo on the inside. Michael Poland ascends to great heights to save the Leard State Forest.
-
- Michael Poland selfie 20m above Whitehaven’s proposed Maules Creek mine.
-
- Where has the forest gone? Part of the forest lies in ruins thanks to Whitehaven.
Two people have immobilised a drill rig today used by Whitehaven for their controversial Maules Creek coal mine site situated in the Leard State Forest.
Michael Poland, 21, has scaled a 20m high drill rig and Christina Hobbs, 30, has locked herself to a nearby dozer. This has happened in the midst of a massive police operation that has seen Maules Creek locals targeted for random searches of vehicles and numerous road blockages causing unwarranted delays.
Ms Hobbs, a food security economist, said, “Its time to stand up for the rights of Australian farmers, the future of our agriculture, and our climate. It is economically scandalous to destroy prime agricultural land and river systems for the short term profits of coal barons. Our politicians have failed to stand against big coal, but this week we have shown that ordinary Australians will.”
Mr Poland, a GetUp! employee, said, “this mining development, this government and the police, by enforcing unjust restrictions, are acting to protect economic benefit of a few mining magnates above the basic human rights of the community. They are maliciously endangering our land, our water, our climate and even a local farmer’s right to go to church.”
Late last week, police road blocks, set up in reaction to community protest, prevented long term Maules Creek resident and Boggabri Parishioner, Wilma Laird, from attending church services over Easter. NSW police have also deployed a helicopter, sniffer dogs and a tracker dog unit to Gunnedah in an operation that will cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
Leard Forest Alliance spokesperson, Phil Evans, said, “Why should the local community be inconvenienced while Whitehaven Coal carry on business as usual?”.
“The approval of this project has been a farce from the start and has never taken into consideration the community’s opposition. In light of the political turmoil around Whitehaven and other mining projects, including the ICAC investigation, the only logical response is for a Royal Commission into the mining approvals process.”
Updates
09:25am: Police arrive on site. The contingent includes: 1 police rescue, 1 riot squad, 1 squad car and 2 divvy vans. This over-reaction shows the massive mobilisation and how ineffective this presence is against peaceful, community civil disobedience.
10:00am: Police have cut Christina off of the dozer after 4 hours and arrested.
13:00: Michael was brought down off the crane and arrested after 7 hours.
65 year old man halts work at coal plant in Gunnedah
Today a 65 year old man has halted work at Whitehaven Coal’s Processing Plant in Gunnedah as part of ongoing community opposition to coal mining in the Leard State Forest.
John Ross, 65, has locked himself to the gates of Whitehaven’s Processing plant in Gunnedah, blocking access into the facility.
Mr. Ross, small business owner, said, “This mine should never have been approved by the government. The amount of money that’s being provided through subsidies to coal mining could provide immense benefits for community and the environment if invested in renewable energy. The fact that the project was approved in the first place, proves that protective legislation is overruled by major corporations to make profits.”
Whitehaven is currently constructing the controversial Maules Creek mine that has sparked massive protests, which last month saw 88 people arrested on a single day of action. Whitehaven were recently subject to a year long criminal investigation into their forest offsets which was a critical part of the approval of the mine.
Leard Forest Alliance Spokesperson, Dani Joy, said that “Despite the Department of Environment’s admission that there were false and misleading aspects to Whitehaven Coal’s recently released offsets report, they have allowed the Maules Creek mine construction to continue, and will not be investigating it any further.”
“You tie this fact in with concerns over political donations and the wider ongoing ICAC investigation and you start to see a pattern of corrupt and dishonest behavior that can only be resolved with a royal commission into the mining approval process.”
Providing adequate offsets are part of the Federal Government’s conditions for the approval of the project.
Retired couple join coal mine blockade, attach themselves together to machinery
A 72-year-old retired civil engineer and his wife have together halted construction work on the controversial Maules Creek coal mine development this morning, in the latest in ongoing protest action stopping work at the site.
The couple, David and Pamela Rothfield, have been married for 21 years, and have locked their arms together onto a pile driver this morning, and disabling it until they are removed. They have joined the growing blockade at the Leard Forest because of the contribution coal exports from Australia make to global climate change.
Pamela Rothfield said, “Exporting coal from Australia is criminal in light of the overwhelming evidence of climate change, and it must be stopped. My husband and I are taking this action together this morning because our Governments have failed tackle our biggest contribution to climate change.”
The proposed Maules Creek mine has been approved to extract up to 13 million tonnes of coal annually, which is estimated would contribute more than 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas pollution per year.
In recent research published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it is estimated that the continued destruction of forests and the burning of fossil fuels will drive a 4 degrees Celsius temperature rise by 2100, dramatically altering weather systems around the world, including here in Australia.
David Rothfield said, “I feel a moral imperative to oppose this disgraceful development. Coal is driving climate change. I can’t watch climate change unfold, and do nothing, as the Australian Government seems prepared to.”
Leard Forest Alliance spokesperson Danielle Hellyer commented, “Along with the irreversible impacts that this mine will have on the warming of the planet, the Leard State Forest which is due for further clearing, contains the nationally listed and critically endangered Box-Gum Woodland. This type of ecosystem cannot simply be replaced, nor can the contributions this mine will have on global greenhouse gas emissions be reversed.”
UPDATE, 1PM: Pamela and David have been removed by police rescue.
Work halted at Maules Creek mine site as father locks on to water pump
A group of protesters have blocked access to a water pump today in the latest of the unfolding protests at the site of Whitehaven coal’s controversial Maules Creek Mine.
At the centre of the event is 41 year old father, Ken Aberdeen, who has locked on to the pump which draws water directly from the Namoi river. The protesters aimed to highlight the “extraordinary amount of water” that will be used in the construction and operation of the proposed coal mine.
“The Namoi river has been temporarily drained in order to facilitate construction, but if Whitehaven’s unsustainable practices continue, the damage to the river could be irreparable,” commented Liam Ellis, spokesperson for the Leard Forest Alliance.
“The local farming community will be devastated by the mine’s use of water and dropping of the water table, as well as the toxic blast fumes and coal dust. Once this damage is done, and the water is gone, it will be too late to repair that harm, so the time to fight for them is now. It is time for the corruption of the fossil fuel industry to end, and for communities and the environment to take front seat,” said Mr. Aberdeen
“Today’s action highlights the diverse range of people brought together by their concerns over the destruction necessary to build this open-cut coal mine. We are laypeople and academics, young people and parents, and we will not stand by while the water upon which we depend is monopolised and consumed for the sake of the fossil fuel industry’s short-term profits. Our future, long-term employment, natural ecosystems and the farmland of the Liverpool plains are just too important. We will continue to put our bodies on the line until this project is stopped,” added Mr. Ellis.
STATEMENT FROM KEN ABERDEEN ON WHY HE’S TAKING ACTION:
Today I’m taking a stand for the Leard State Forest, because it can’t stand up for itself. The Leard Forest is the last one tenth of a percent of the previously huge, but now critically endangered, white box forest ecosystem. The 30 plus endangered species that live here can’t just up and live in the surrounding cotton fields – they need this forest. The offset system that was used to justify cutting down over one half of the forest is corrupt at best – even if those offsets were comparable ecosystems, you would still be destroying that much endangered habitat – of course, it is now clear that those offsets are of very different ecosystems, and we can see the extent of Whitehaven’s greed.The local farming community will be devastated by the mine’s use of water and dropping the water table, as well as the toxic blast fumes and coal dust. Once this system is destroyed, and the water is gone, it will be too late to get them back, so the time for fighting for them is now. It is time for the corruption of the fossil fuel industry to end, and for communities and the environment to take front seat.
It is time for our government to stop the ridiculous subsidies to mining companies with their fabricated myths of jobs and the economy, and direct these toward developing renewables.
UPDATE, 1:40PM: Police rescue are on the scene.
UPDATE, 7PM: Ken was removed from his lock on earlier in the afternoon by police, and has now been released from Narrabri police station, and reunited with his 8 year old son, Tas.
We stand with Bill
Read more about why Bill is taking action against coal mining at Maules Creek.
Bill Ryan, 92, arrested for taking action against coal at Maules Creek mine site, near Leard State Forest.
SHARE THIS IMAGE ON FACEBOOK | CLICK TO SHARE ON TWITTER
“I’m now 92 years of age and I was a veteran of the second world war. I served in the Kokoda campaign in New Britain. I thought what we were fighting for there was proper democracy. But I’ve learned that was not the situation. The government doesn’t listen to the people, and this mine is a good example. There were over 300 submissions against the mine, and one submission for it. But it was approved. […]
Something is wrong. We’re faced with a catastrophe. I owe it to my grandchildren, and I owe it to all children. I was willing to put my life on the line in the second world war, so putting my body on the line here is a small inconvenience.”