Climate Camp Begins With An Afternoon Splash - Daring Woronora Dam Action

Climate Camp Begins with a Splash Undermining our Drinking Water?

Climate Camp 09 has kicked off this afternoon with the unfurling of a banner over the Woronora dam wall this morning, saying, "WATER NOT COAL".

This action brings attention to the recently approved $50million expansion of the Metropolitan Collieries, allowing longwall mining to take place directly underneath the Woronora dam, one of Sydney's most reliable drinking water sources.

Local members of the environmental alliance Rivers SOS have been documenting the cracking of riverbeds, water loss and contamination due to mining in the Southern Coalfields, and would now like to see a moratorium on mining in Sydney and the Illawarra's drinking water catchment.

"While we are faced with increasing drought and population it is insane to keep damaging the city's precious water resources. It's ridiculous. We can't drink coal." says Caroline Graham, of Rivers SOS.

Julie Sheppard, Rivers SOS secretary is angered by the decision. "The integrity of our water supplies has never been more threatened. It is a totally unacceptable and reckless position that the Government has taken. For this reason we welcome the opportunity to unite with the other at Climate Camp in roundly condemning it," said.

"Climate Camp 09 is about ensuring that a healthy, clean and safe life is guaranteed for our kids and communities and we fully support Rivers SOS", says Climate Camp Spokesperson, Jess Miller.

This support is coming from hundreds of climate change activists currently gathering in the nearby town of Helensburgh, south of Sydney. Amongst sustainable living, workshops and festivities, they are planning a peaceful direct action against the expansion of this mine and against the NSW government's increasing investment in coal, at odds with their climate change policies.

Climate Camp spokesperson James Hitchcock is looking forward to the weekend. "Climate Camp '09 is simply about putting the NSW Government's rhetoric on climate change into action."

Miller agrees, "When it comes to water, climate and jobs, our actions will speak louder than their words."

Media contact Naomi Hogan
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SOURCE: Climate Camp 09