Day of Action against mining

Southern Downs Protection Group is urging local residents to attend the National Day of Action against Coal Seam Gas on Sunday; a nationwide campaign organised by the Lock the Gate Alliance Inc.
This date coincides with the start of National Water Week from October 16-22 and events have been planned by many groups across many locations, especially on the nation’s east coast, in response to growing community concern about the threats all forms of mining have on our water resources.
A Defend Our Water event will be held in Queens Park, corner of George and Elizabeth Streets, Brisbane on Sunday.
The plan is to gather at the park at 11am to organise all groups for a march through Brisbane streets.
On return to the park, participants will create a human sign in the shape of a water droplet. A helicopter will be flying over to photograph the united group.
There will be speakers, bands and information stalls in the park.
Southern Downs Protection Group founding member Leeanne Undery said it would be fantastic if residents from our Warwick and Stanthorpe regions could join them for the day.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other groups and to share information and show support for each other,” she said.
“Our neighbours from Toowoomba Coal Mine Action Group and Friends of Felton will be there too.
“If you plan to come along, please wear blue if possible or bring something blue to wave to the helicopter.
“Unfortunately, due to our group’s infancy, we don’t have an official banner or resources for an information stall.
“However, if you plan to attend, please feel free to create and bring your own banners or signs – all you need is your imagination, combined with an old sheet, ply or cardboard and some paint.
“Make up your own slogan expressing your thoughts regarding the protection of our water resources and, if possible, please make reference to Southern Downs Protection Group/Warwick/Stanthorpe – whatever you can think of.
“If you’re unable to participate in the whole march, you may be able to find a suitable vantage point along the way to cheer us on.
“I have also heard stories of farmers in other areas who plan to plough/slash messages in their paddocks and some who are piling up hay bales to spell out messages – these will also be filmed by aircraft.”
If you would like to attend, contact the Southern Downs Protection Group by email at sdpg@live.com.au so residents could join together as one collective group.