AS many as 20 Novocastrians have joined a front line action to protest the proposed Carmichael coal mine in Northern Queensland.
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The Adani owned mine site, situated in the Galilee Basin, is expected to begin coal exportation from 2020. It will be the largest coalmine in Australia.
The blockaders arrived at a site west Bowen, where rail infrastructure for the mine is being constructed, on December 1.
They have joined 60 to 70 others, where a permanent presence has been maintained since September.
On Decmber 6, two NSW Parliamentarians, Jeremy Buckingham and Dawn Walker, were among 14 arrested for trespass at Belyando Crossing.
Four of those arrested – Tim Buchanan, Jo Hanna Lynch, Curtis Norton and Amy Littlewood - are from Newcastle
Their objections centre on environmental concerns primarily relating to the potential for loss and contamination of ground water, potential damage to the Great Barrier Reef through coal shipping activities at Abbot Point Terminal and the climate impact of burning fossil fuels.
The activists have under-taken walk on actions which have seen individuals lock-on to machinery being used for construction of the railway between the mine site and Abbot Point.
Luci Regan, of Mayfield, is on the ground in Queensland.
“Every time an action takes place, they (Adani workers) stop work for the time of the action,” she said.
“Some people have blockaded a gate with banners. Some of the banners have included where people are from.”
Some people have blockaded a gate with banners. Some of the banners have included where people are from. We have people from America, Spain and various parts of Australia taking part in the campaign.
- Luci Regan
“We have people from America, Spain and various parts of Australia taking part in the campaign.”
Ms Regan said the ultimate aim of the protest was to stop the mine.
The blockade is being organised by Frontline Action on Coal, with local environmental groups.