The People's Blockade of the World's Biggest Coal Port

 

The blockade was an enormous success...

 

Rising Tide provide a report back and links to pictures of the event. 

What is the People’s Blockade of the World’s Biggest Coal Port?

Why should I join the flotilla?

What will happen?

How do I join the flotilla?

What is the People’s Blockade?

In February 2007, five hundred people came to Newcastle Harbour to occupy the world's biggest coal port, and call on the NSW Government to reject plans for a massive expansion of coal mining and exports in NSW. Newcastle coal exports are already NSW’s and Australia's single biggest contribution to climate change, and the February harbour protest formed part of a vocal community campaign against proposals to double coal exports from Newcastle. Thousands of people have written submissions, letters and had meetings with local members and ministers, urging them to resist the pressure of the coal lobby and take a stand against the causes of climate change.

Pictures of the first two flotilla’s are posted on the Rising Tide website

Why should I join the flotilla?

Since the second flotilla in February this year, NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor has approved 109 million tonne capacity expansion of coal exports from Newcastle, expanding an existing terminal and approving construction of a new one. Capacity is currently about 100 million tonnes per annum, or 250 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The expansion of coal export tonnage is directly related to more and bigger mines in the Hunter Valley and beyond. On the 7^th June, Frank Sartor also approved the massive Anvil Hill open cut coal mine proposal in the Hunter Valley.

There are 30 proposed coal mines or coal mine extensions in the Hunter Valley and Gunnedah Basin regions of NSW, which feed Newcastle coal exports, and the NSW Government has shown they have no intention of rejecting any of them.

Two years of community opposition to the Anvil Hill project and the third coal loader have gathered broad and strong support, yet our Governments have failed to take the commonsense steps to move away from coal dependence, so it is time for the community to take the next step.

The issue of our time demands attention, and we want you to join hundreds of people who have pledged to join Rising Tide in direct action to bring these issues to a head. You have written letters, you have come to rallies, now is the time to take to the water again. We have little to lose, and a living planet to gain by taking action together now, in this unique historical moment.

What will happen?

On Saturday, 3^rd November 2007, Newcastle will again lead by example, and take to the water again, this time to halt the export of coal from Newcastle harbour. Come along and send the message:

– No new coal mines

– No new coal exports

– A just transition to a sustainable future.

Hundreds of people will launch on a variety of craft into the harbour and occupy the shipping channel.

If you put your name down to take part in the flotilla, you will receive updates about what is planned for the day, and training sessions available in the lead up to the blockade.

What do you need to do?

• RSVP to Rising Tide if you are able to come: risingtide@risingtide.org.au so that you can take part in kayak training and find out when and how to be a part of this historic action.

• Source boats, kayaks, wet suits, canoes, yachts, dinghies, inner tubes and other flotation devices. Let us know what you can bring: there will be extra kayaks available for those that have had training, but at the last flotilla, hundreds of people watched from the shore, because we just didn’t have enough boats for everyone.

• Spread the word. Send this alert to your friends and family. This flotilla will be a real blockade, but you and your mum will be in company of hundreds of others: it’s the perfect way to start changing the world.

• There is a lot of preparation work to be done, in promotion, logistics, comforts etc. Get involved in organising by contacting Rising Tide: risingtide@risingtide.org.au