‘Kids not coal’
When you tuck into a glass of water do you think to yourself, “Ahhh I am so lucky to have this fresh, clean water”?
By Kristen McDonald, of Extinction Rebellion Northern Illawarra
When you tuck into a glass of water do you think to yourself, “Ahhh I am so lucky to have this fresh, clean water”? No, neither do I. Because clean drinking water is a human right and we entrust (and pay) our authorities to provide it. In fact, we forbid public access to our water catchment special areas due to their importance and sensitivity. So if we won’t allow bushwalkers in Greater Sydney Water Catchment’s special areas, why would we allow a large mining operation?
Risky Business
Last month community members were appalled to learn of Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley’s approval for Wollongong Coal’s Russell Vale Colliery to go ahead.
The company plans to mine a seam of coal beneath two previously mined seams, making it a riskier than usual operation and one that may involve the loss of water from the catchment forever. It’s not just our water supply that is under threat due to the risk of subsidence, cracking, water contamination and groundwater and surface water loss. The Russell Vale mine also threatens biodiversity and First Nations heritage sites, it increases the bushfire risk and it is the closest mine to a residential area on this continent, posing air pollution and traffic hazards.
The mine will be responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions at a time when we need to be drastically reducing them. We are very sensitive to the fact that our region is built upon a strong legacy of coal mining and we support everyone’s right to employment.
The good news is the transition to renewable energy industries is happening now, at home and aboard, and it is creating thousands more jobs than the fossil fuel industry.
Renewable energy is skyrocketing – in late September on Australia’s main electricity grid, the share of renewable energy reached 60% for the first time and the output of coal has been sinking to new lows. The positive fact is, we don’t need coal anymore. So why take the risk?
Kids Not Coal
Northern Illawarra residents have been joining groups such as Protect Our Water Alliance, Stop Russell Vale Mine and Extinction Rebellion Northern Illawarra to showcase their opposition to the mine’s approval. Covid-safe mini pickets have been taking place outside Russell Vale Colliery since the announcement was made and we are not giving up. While we might not be able unite in person right now, our outrage and optimism remain high and there is plenty you can do to join the call for no mining in our water catchment.
More info: www.protectourwateralliance.org, www.stoprussellvalemine.org, www.xrnorthernillawarra.org
Faces of the rebellion
XRNI’s Kristen McDonald introduces Sallie Moffatt, of Coledale
Sallie Moffatt from Coledale is an artist who loves walking and working in our surrounding bushland. She wasn’t active in the Extinction Rebellion until recently but was one of many local residents who have joined the decentralised picket outside Russell Vale Coal Mine following the news it will reopen.
“I never saw myself as a glue-myself-to-the-pavement type, so it took a while for me to get involved. But the news that we’re currently on track to 3°C global warming with devastating consequences convinced me that I need to do everything I possibly can right now to prevent that. We need a government and an environment minister who will stand up to fossil fuel interests and make decisions that will protect our kids into the future. We need leadership that will support fossil workers and their communities as we transition to renewables. In particular, the coal at Russell Vale Mine in Bellambi should stay in the ground and the water catchment be protected from the operations. With prolonged droughts predicted in the future, we’ll need a secure water supply more than ever.
“Getting together with locals who care about the impacts of climate change makes you feel empowered and we need to be creative and brave about getting our voices heard. I think the solution to a global problem is to start local and work out from there. With the window to reduce emissions closing fast, now is the time to find some space in your life and do whatever you can. Don’t underestimate the power of a conversation.”
Converse with us! Join Extinction Rebellion Northern Illawarra
