Last week: Nannas marched for Palestine, met with people behind the win against the Mt Pleasant coal mine, visited an MP and attended a stitch-in at Manly.
Nationwide March for Palestine
Sydney Nannas joined rallies in Sydney, Katoomba, Perth and Moruya on NSW’s south coast. Nannas reported that all the speeches were up lifting, and that in Sydney Grace Tame was phenomenal.
We highly recommend watching this speeded up video of the Sydney March on Instagram – these are the numbers and the diverse community that keeps coming together for Palestine.
Zoom meeting with Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan
On 25 August Nannas from around NSW had an informal Zoom meeting with Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan about the Mt Pleasant coal mine decision in the Court of Appeal.
We knew that they and their legal team had achieved a landmark win in their long battle to stop the expansion of the open cut coal mine not far from their home near Muswellbrook.
The Law Society said of the judgement: This decision sets a crucial precedent for future fossil fuel projects in NSW, indicating that climate harm, including the impacts of Scope 3 emissions, must be specifically and thoroughly considered in environmental impact assessments.
We asked Wendy to tell us more about her story and how she came to be so deeply involved in the campaign to stop the mine. She told us that she moved to Muswellbrook in 1995 to teach, and at that time no coal mines could be seen from the town. Now they surround it. Muswellbrook is about 3km from the Mt Pleasant mine and in the path of the prevailing winds.
Wendy, now retired, is president of the Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMSHEG). In 2022 the Independent Planning Commission approved a huge expansion of the mine and an extension of time until 2048. DAMSHEG appealed the decision to the Land and Environment, but their appeal was dismissed last year. But they vowed to fight on and appealed to the NSW Court of Appeal.
DAMSHEG argued that the effects of the project on the local environment and climate were not properly considered by the IPC, and the three judges agreed with them.
MACH Energy, the owner of the mine, has sought leave to appeal the decision.
To find out more about this case attend the following –
Lock the Gate zoom about Mt Pleasant Decision with Wendy, Tony and a legal adviser 5.30 – 6.30pm
- Evening webinar for community members and supporters
Wednesday 3rd September, 5:30–6:30pm
[Link to RSVP] - Lunch briefing for movement groups and policy people
Thursday 4th September, 12:30–1:30pm
[Link to RSVP]
Nannas visit MP Steve Kamper
Nannas Eurydice and Louise teamed up with Truc Nguyen from Voices for Power to meet with Steve Kamper, the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Sport, Tourism and Crown Lands. They talked about the concerns of frontline community advocates campaigning for a safer climate and a healthy environment.
The Minister spoke about his planned trip to Mudgee with Premier Minns and their families. They will meet with communities concerned about the Bowdens Silver (LEAD) Mine Project. He also indicated that there will be an announcement soon about the Great Koala National Park.
Nannas introduced the Minister to Truc Nguyen from Voices for Power, an initiative of Sydney Alliance. Voices for Power organises diverse cultural, religious and community leaders to advocate for clean, affordable and accessible energy solutions in Australia, particularly in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The work Voices for Power are doing is very relevant to Mr Kamper’s responsibilities for multiculturalism in the state. He asked Truc to arrange another meeting with herself and another member from the Alliance so they could talk in more detail about what they are doing and the support they need.
Menindee Memorial Stitch-in – Manly
Nanna Louise attended Julie Paterson’s stitch-in for the Menindee Memorial Loop at the Manly Art Gallery on 23 August. Nanna Louise described the event as “good for the soul, being with like-minded people, sitting and stitching, in a big group around Julie’s huge Menindee loop”.
There is more to be done. The next stitch-in will be held in Canberra or you can participate from home – you don’t have to be a skilled stitcher. More information on how to participate here.
Nature and Renewables Toolkit
NCC launched a Nature & Renewables Toolkit, developed to help communities in NSW who are grappling with how to achieve a renewables rollout that protects and enhances the local environment, collaborates with Traditional Owners, and benefits communities.
Nannas are reading
Appin Road koala underpass construction delayed south of Sydney (ABC News)
NSW-owned Forestry Corporation charged with 29 offences related to failing to protect threatened species (The Guardian)
Darwin methane leak ‘covered up’ by gas companies and regulators. “What we have here is a cover-up at every conceivable scale, by ConocoPhillips, by Santos and by a range of regulators,” says executive director of the Environment Centre NT, Ms Howey. (ABC News)
Tanya Plibersek approved water plan without reading it, court finds (ABC News)
Simon Holmes à Court has paid $15,000 to secure a mystery flight with Sussan Ley – and put a climate scientist and a young climate organiser on the plane – winning a charity auction at Parliament’s Midwinter Ball. (The Guardian)
Forthcoming Events