A mystery coal ship will try to dock at the port of Paynesville at 10am on Sunday, October 6.
A small armada of kayaks, canoes and paddle boards will block its way in protest.
Rising Tide Gippsland is calling on everyone who wants to see an end to new coal and gas projects in Australia to join this symbolic local climate action.
“This is a fun local event, protesting a most serious issue: the continued mining and export of coal and gas from Australia,” spokesperson Ro Gooch said.
“If you are concerned about climate change and want to see more urgent climate action, then please come along and join us on the water or support us from the shore.”
The purpose for this symbolic local protest is to raise awareness of the national Rising Tide blockade of Newcastle in NSW, the world’s biggest coal port, planned for November 22-24.
The protest demands:
– A 75 per cent tax on fossil fuel export profits to fund the transition to renewable energy and help pay for the growing damage from disasters caused by climate change.
– Stop approval of all new fossil fuel projects.
– End all fossil fuel exports by 2030
“This is a call to action for everyone who cares, to come and join us. We want to give Gippslanders an opportunity to raise their voices to defend the climate for future generations,” Ms Gooch said.
There will be a family-friendly BYO picnic lunch at midday on the Paynesville foreshore, following the blockade, with a chance to learn more about the Rising Tide movement and help plan for the national Climate Justice Action “Protestival” at Newcastle this coming November.
