Thirty Pacific Islanders have converged on the Leard State Forest in an attempt to halt the construction of Whitehaven and Idemitsu Boggabri coal mines.
The ‘Pacific Climate Warriors’ were joined by members of the local community, the Leard Forest Alliance and Front Line Action on Coal, who have been campaigning against the mines for more than two years. Pacific Climate Warriors are concerned about the impact mining has on the climate.
"We have to find ways to keep coal and gas in the ground,” said Mikaele Maiava from Tokelau.
“People all around the world are recognising this and taking action to challenge the power of the fossil fuel industry.
“For us Pacific Islanders, there is nothing more urgent or necessary."
Leard Forest Alliance spokesman Murray Drechsler shared Mr. Malava’s concerns.
“The impacts will be felt the world over, not only in the Pacific nations that are literally sinking as the oceans rise, but here in northwest NSW as a changing climate exacerbates the extremes of drought and flood.”
The Pacific Warriors will attempt to block coal exports out of the Newcastle Port on Friday by paddling canoes into the path of bulk carriers.