Hundreds to hit the beach in protest of Adani mine
REEF AWARENESS DAY
RELATED:
- Four Mile Beach to signal 'coral not coal'
- Douglas Shire Council opposes Adani coal mine
HUNDREDS are expected to flock to Four Mile Beach tomorrow in protest of the Adani coal mine on the Galilee Basin, and to promote climate awareness.
The Port Douglas climate and reef awareness event will feature a host of special guests, including Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu and the team from Great Barrier Reef Legacy.
Stop Adani skydivers will be overhead, kids are invited to build sand sculptures, and a massive human sign saying ‘coral not coal’ will be formed.
Anita Everett, spokesperson for the Stop Adani Douglas Shire group, said the message was simple.
“Adani is attempting to build one of the world’s largest coal mines in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland financed with $1 Billon dollar loan of tax payer’s money,” she said.
“This threatens our Great Barrier Reef (GBR) directly as it will lead to damaging climate impacts, port expansions and massive shipping through the Great Barrier Reef.
“We have already seen back-to-back bleaching over the last two summers directly caused by climate change warming our oceans. We cannot afford to continue mining and burning coal.”
Roisin Allen, speaking on behalf of the Douglas Shire Sustainability Group, said it was heartening to see so many local and regional groups coming together to support the beach day.
“This obviously reflects the level of concern in the community about the health of the Great Barrier Reef and the immediate threats posed by climate change and pollution,” she said.
“The GBR is the backbone of our local and regional economy, so this is not just about the environmental implications. I think there will be a great turn out on Saturday as people will want to know what they can do to help”.
The Douglas Shire council has publicly opposed Adani $16.5 billion Carmichael coal project, with Mayor Leu using a mayoral minute at a recent council meeting to outline its position. Central to it was the negative impact the mine would have on the Reef.
“The Reef supports 64,000 jobs nationally and many in the Douglas Shire,” Leu said.
“We have significant private investment and confidence in this billion-dollar vital industry, with new and expanded dive adventures and diversification in reef experiences.
“There are more jobs in tourism and the Great Barrier Reef than Adani will ever generate for our region and the Douglas Shire.”
The Climate and Reef Awareness Beach Day kicks off from 11.30am tomorrow from the Port Douglas Surf Lifesaving Club entrance.
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