March 27, 2017
The controversy over Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine in Central Queensland could spill over to the South Burnett if anti-mine protesters have their way.
A protest group going under the banner of “Galilee Blockade” has vowed to take direct action against mining company Downer, which has a $2b contract from Adani to operate the mine.
Downer is also the operator of the Meandu coal mine at Tarong.
Galilee Blockade claims Downer has ignored calls from the Traditional Owners of the Carmichael mine land to pull out of the Adani contract.
“So our civil resistance campaign will target Downer sites around the country with escalating direct actions. Again and again. Do you know a Downer site/project in your region? Dob them in!” campaign information from Galilee Blockade urges.
The secretive group claims to have 12,000 members around Australia who are ready to take direct action against companies associated in any way with Adani.
“Once we ‘persuade’ Downer to cancel this contact, Adani will need to find another Australian company of similar size and speciality to build and run their mine.
“Any candidates will know we’ve forced Downer out. They’ll also know we’ve got dozens of direct action groups waiting for them which are escalating and becoming more effective. Good luck with that Adani!”
Protest organisers told The Guardian newspaper that members would “occupy work sites, chain themselves to machinery and clog phone lines” to cost Downer money until it abandons the Adani contract.
