Werris Creek coal trains occupied

February 26, 2016
Issue 

Two women peacefully occupied a fully-laden coal train in Werris Creek on February 21 and a man occupied the line on February 27 to call for a moratorium on coal and gas production in Australia. They said they wanted to send a message to coal companies and the government.

Elise Chatterton and Monica Haynes from Front Line Action on Coal, climbed onto the roof of a coal train, halting all rail movements for six hours from the six coalmines north of Willow Tree — five Whitehaven and one Idemitsu mine —to the Port of Newcastle, the world's busiest coal port.

“Coal and gas companies are devastating our health, our communities, our water and our wildlife,” said Chatterton.

“With coal and gas prices collapsing globally, we urgently need a transition to clean energy in Australia as well,” said Haynes.

Emil Dacy-Cole, also occupied the train line between Whitehaven mines and the Port of Newcastle for four hours before being removed by Police Rescue.

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