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 β€” five Whitehaven and one Idemitsu mine β€”to the Port of Newcastle, the world's busiest coal port.

β€œCoal and gas companies are devastating our health, our communities, our water and our wildlife,” said Chatterton.

β€œWith 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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