Climate change activists are planning a
four-day blockade to shut down a major mining conference in Melbourne in
October.
The group is promising an “S11-style protest’’ around the Melbourne Exhibition
and Convention Centre which is hosting the International Mining and Resources
Conference.
Organisers say they wants to challenge industries they say are responsible for
climate destruction. It describes mining companies and governments as
“environmental vandals and climate criminals”.
The Shut Down IMARC Alliance will bring together environmentalists, students,
unionists and other activists for the blockade. The Extinction Rebellion group
is also involved.
In September 2000, up to 10,000 people took part in S11 demonstrations that
dogged the World Economic Forum at Crown casino.
Alliance co-founder Sarah Garnham said the protest would be like “S11 but for
climate’’.
‘With the environment melting down, we need mass civil disobedience,’’ Ms
Garnham said.
“The aim is to shut down the conference because we believe there’s a new moment
to take on those responsible for climate change,’’ Ms Garnham said.
“The companies attending this conference are the mining corporations who are
the biggest climate vandals who are conspiring to warm the planet.
“It’s urgent that we act.’’
Victoria Police said it was aware of a number of groups planning to attend the
MCEC in October.
“Victoria Police respects the right of all persons to protest peacefully
however will act if any laws are broken,’’ a spokesman said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and appropriate resources will be
deployed.”
More than 7000 delegates from more than 100 countries are expected to attend
the conference and expo from October 28 to 31.
Keynote speakers include Victorian Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes, New South
Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro and executives from global mining
corporations including BHP, Rio Tinto and Glencore.
Blockade spokeswoman Maz Heart also condemned the Andrews government for
supporting the conference.
“There is an environmental catastrophe taking place,’’ she said.
“Yet neither Labor nor Liberal will distance themselves from coal or the mining
industry. It’s up to ordinary people to take a stand.’’
