Coal expansion opposed

BRISBANE — Several hundred farmers from the Darling Downs and environmentalists rallied outside State Parliament on August 4 to protest the expansion of the coal and coal seam gas industries in rural Queensland. The rally was sponsored by Friends of the Earth, Save Our Darling Downs, Community Climate Network Queensland, Friends of Felton and the Queensland Conservation Council.

An open letter to ALP Premier Anna Bligh and Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek from the organising coalition said: “Our land, our water and our future are under threat. The expansion of the fossil fuel industry in Queensland is threatening agriculture, food security, groundwater and the environment. It is increasing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Two protesters drew cheers from the audience when they scaled Parliament House to drop a banner that said: “Don’t undermine our farms.” They were later arrested by police.