[Greens-Media] FW: MEDIA ALERT: 'Greens MP witnesses environmental destruction and police intimidation in Maules Creek and the Pilliga' (Greens NSW Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC)

[Mehreen Faruqi]

From: Mehreen Faruqi
Sent: Wednesday, 12 February 2014 2:26 PM
To: Mehreen Faruqi
Cc: Matthew Hilton
Subject: MEDIA ALERT: 'Greens MP witnesses environmental destruction and police intimidation in Maules Creek and the Pilliga' (Greens NSW Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC)

Media Release
12-2-2014

Greens MP witnesses environmental destruction and police intimidation in Maules Creek and the Pilliga

Greens NSW Environment Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, has praised activists campaigning to stop the Maules Creek coal mine and the Pilliga coal seam gas project. Dr Faruqi has just returned from a two day visit of North West NSW. The Maules Creek coal mine is in the Leard State Forest, and the Pilliga coal seam gas project, in the Pilliga State Forest.

"I have seen for myself what is at stake in the fight against coal seam gas mining and big coal.

"Our threatened species, our clean water, Aboriginal heritage and ultimately a safe climate is under massive threat if these projects go ahead.

"In the Pilliga, farmers and the community are deeply concerned about the impact on agricultural land, water and biodiversity.  In Maules Creek they don't want to see yet another big coal mine on their doorstep, tearing up the last remnants of some critically endangered habitats.

"I also found out that clearing has started in the Leard forest and some sacred sites of the Gomeroi people have already been built over.

"Campaigners from all over Australia have joined the local community to protect our environment and heritage. While they are the communities who will bear the burden of water and air pollution,  ultimately it is the whole of NSW that will suffer.

"The Maules Creek coal mine will dig up and ship out 12 million tonnes of coal every year, contributing hugely to global climate change and its disastrous consequences.

"I also experienced just a taste of the police harassment and intimidation of activists. This morning, my staff member and I were issued with a 'move on' order and verbally intimidated for merely stopping our car to check on the welfare of a campaigner who was being detained by police, and was subsequently released.

"Just a few metres down the isolated road, my car was stopped for a 'random' breath test at 7.30 in the morning and in the middle of Leard State forest. I am worried that police are being unnecessarily heavy handed. This is something I will be investigating.

"The Greens will continue to stand with peaceful direct action campaigners who seek to stop hugely destructive coal mines and coal seam gas rigs in their community."


Media Contact: Matt Hilton 0423106247



Mehreen Faruqi
Greens MP in the NSW Legislative Council
P: (02) 9230 2567 |F: www.facebook.com/mehreenfaruqi<http://www.facebook.com/mehreenfaruqi>  T: @MehreenFaruqi<https://twitter.com/MehreenFaruqi>
NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW, 2000 Australia

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