Two NSW MPs have been charged with trespass while attending an anti-mine protest near the controversial Adani mine site near Bowen in Queensland.
NSW Greens MPs Jeremy Buckingham and Dawn Walker were arrested by Queensland police after taking part in a blockade of the Adani Carmichael coal mine rail construction site at Belyando, 270km west of Bowen.
The MPs and a dozen other climate activists and charged with trespass unlawfully on a place of business.
Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham said: “I’m proud to stand with activists in defence of climate and country, and represent all those people around Australia and internationally who want to stop the Adani coal project.”
“Although we are MPs from NSW this is an issue of national and international significance. Adani represents a line in the sand for all those concerned about climate change who do not want to see a new coal precinct opened up in Australia.”
Greens MP Dawn Walker said: “It was a very important day for me, stopping work on the Adani mine and being arrested with climate activists who understand the importance of preventing this destructive project from going ahead,” said Greens MP Dawn Walker.
“I was proud to stand with traditional owners who have said ‘no means no’ to Adani, and made it clear they will not be surrendering their land and water to this coal corporation.
“I’m appalled by the way this project is tearing indigenous communities apart and offering a sub standard agreement to traditional owners for their land, with little economic opportunity. On every level Adani’s controversial mine does not stack up.”