People occupy coal port

A flotilla of waterborne vessels — kayaks, rafts, canoes and even a yellow rubber duckie — joined in the 'People's occupation of the world's biggest coal port' in Newcastle Harbour on February 10. The protest demanded 'No new coal mines', 'No new coal-fired power stations' and "No new coal loader'.

Rachel Evans, Socialist Alliance candidate for the NSW Legislative Council, was one of the 200 people who occupied the harbour while another 300 supported from the shore. She told the demonstration that 'people are realising that we need renewable energy sources, not coal or nuclear. Coal accounts for 30% of Australia's greenhouse emissions, and the proposed Anvil Hill coal mine in the Hunter would generate over 27 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year alone.'

From GLW issue 698