PROTESTERS thousands of kilometres away were still able to send a strong message opposing plans for a mega coal mine in central Queensland.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Decked out in red and black, a bigger than expected turnout of an estimated 400 people gathered on the Lincoln Causeway on Saturday to join in the Stop Adani’s big day of action.
The Wodonga protest was one of 45 held around Australia and completed a human Stop Adani sign at the conclusion of the event.
Speakers were united in their oppositions to plans by the federal government to lend the mining company $1 billion to build a railway line to the Carmichael mine.
“Make no mistake, the people of Albury-Wodonga will be adversely affected by the development of the Adani coal mine despite us living many miles away,” event convenor Tracey Esler said.
“Its impact on global warming is of far, far greater importance.
“This has been highlighted by recent hurricanes, the monsoonal flooding in Bangladesh, record winter temperatures again and a bushfire season already well underway.
“Also, widespread drought and think of the algal bloom down the Murray River.
“We cannot afford the emissions from this mine.”
Comedian John Walker said the Adani mine was no laughing matter.
“Adani has grossly overstated to the public the number of jobs and royalties the mine would have Queensland,” he said.
“The mine, rail and port as well as the burning of coal will cause damage to the Great Barrier Reef from climate change and ocean acidification.
“The project is extremely risky and unlikely to be financially viable.
“What an absolute disgrace.
“Political parties of all persuasions have failed to consider Adani’s poor record of environmental management in India.”
Mr Walker said the protest showed Albury-Wodonga wasn’t “comatose” on the issue.
Ms Esler said the government was committing “environmental treason” against every Australian and urged people to sign petitions to be tabled in federal Parliament by MPs, Cathy McGowan and Sussan Ley.