Climate Camp at Oldest Coal Mine

“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, Jessica Miller.

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

Thursday October 24, Sydney/Illawarra, NSW — Climate Camp 09 will take place on Dharawal land in Helensburgh 40 minutes south of Sydney at Proud Park 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.

“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, Jessica Miller.

Jessica Miller, who was previously with Climate Friendly, was asked to tell in her own words about it Climate Camp and her involvement in the movement:

“There are many ways to see Climate Camp, but I suppose that at its core it is a group of people who have legitimate concerns about their future and their communities, and are fed-up with government rhetoric and inaction on climate change.

“Though Kevin Rudd says much about climate change (just look at what’s come out of New York), rather than investing in renewable energy, his government is expanding of coal-fired power stations and giving billions of dollars worth of concessions to the biggest polluters. Actions speak louder than words.

“It is truly frustrating. There are so many brilliant Australia entrepreneurs who are chomping at the bit to install wind farms, large scale solar, wave and other renewable technologies but who are on the verge of going broke because this government is not providing adequate incentives.

“People in the Illawarra, Latrobe and Hunter Valleys don’t particularly like working in mines – it’s a dirty, exhausting job – they don’t want their kids to do it. But rather than transitioning these communities to jobs in renewable energy, the Government keep the mines going, refusing to see beyond the next election, coal in Australia is a cheap buck. And irresistible to the NSW Government, who we all know are scraping for pennies and who are willing to allow mines to expand regardless of the impact on rivulets and our drinking-water supply.

“Walk against Warming, 350.org and Climate Camps all over Australia represent a new climate movement. The movement builds on, but is quite distinct from the ‘Environment Movement’. Far from a bunch of dread-locked hippies, the new climate movement represents people who are legitimately concerned by the excuses, stalling and inaction from Government – we are public servants, journalists, tradies, Mums, Dads, Grandparents, scientists, teachers and regular people.

“Climate Camp is huge in the UK. Because it is made-up of grass roots people and is free of vested interests; provides popular education on a range of climate-related issues; promotes sustainable living (we’re solar-powered, supply only local food and recycle all the way), climate justice and seeks to legitimise non-violent direct action as a responsible, reasonable and just thing to do considering the climate risks if we choose to do nothing.”

In June, NSW Planning Minister Keneally approved a $50 million 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.

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.

Source: www.climatecamp.org.au