Australia: Mass protest to block Newcastle coal train line – climate debate to escalate

“The week-long camp will culminate in a large community protest in which
people will be encouraged to peacefully block coal trains – stopping climate
change in its tracks” said
Holly Creenaune, spokesperson for Climate Camp.

“This camp aims to up the ante – taking peaceful direct action against the
reckless expansion of the coal industry. We are facing a climate crisis. We
can’t just sit back and
watch while State and Federal Governments continue to support the expansion
of the coal industry, at the expense of our future.”

The Camp for Climate Action is being organised by community activists,
supported by a coalition of organisations, and timed to coincide with
similar direct action camps across the world, including North America and
Europe.

Organisers of the camp are calling on the Australian Government to halt all
coal expansion projects, implement a moratorium on new coal mines and
kick-start an urgent transition to a green economy.

Camp spokesperson George Woods says "the coal industry is now a danger to
all of us and to future generations: that’s why we’re going to take action
together in July, and why we will continue to take action until Australia
kicks the coal habit.

“History has shown ordinary people can create change through direct action.
Our community protest draws inspiration from Ghandi, the US civil rights
movement and
suffragettes who won women the right to vote.

*"We are running out of time. If Governments fail to act, it is up to people
to show real leadership by taking direct action for our climate future." *

For further information and comment:

Holly Creenaune 0417 682 541
George Woods 0438 223 771

Note: Half of the CO2 from fossil fuels in the atmosphere has come from
burning coal. Burning coal for electricity remains one of the principal
causes of climate change globally. Coal exports from Australia will create
as much greenhouse pollution as the total of Australia’s domestic emissions.