Climate activists lock themselves to train track protesting coal
Saturday, 5 December 2020
Eight people have locked themselves to a Dunedin train track, blocking a train in a protest against coal.
Coal Action Network Aotearoa (CANA), Environmental Justice Ōtepoti and Extinction Rebellion Ōtepoti/Ōtautahi/Waihōpai, locked themselves to the railway tracks outside the Dunedin Railway Station about 7.30am on Saturday, in an attempt to stop the daily coal train running from Bathurst Resources’ Takitimu mine in Southland to Fonterra’s Clandeboye milk factory in Temuka.
About 20 people were on the track, including eight who were locked to it.
Environmental Justice Ōtepoti (Dunedin) member Fiona Clements (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Clan Gordon) said her whakapapa was on the line.
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“This happens on a daily basis past my own home transporting the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel,” she said.
CANA member Michael Fay, 79, was sitting in front of the train on the tracks. He said he was “simply doing what my conscience demands”.
The group had three demands: that the Bathurst mines stop expanding, for Fonterra to quit coal, and for the Government to “stop coal in its tracks”.
A police spokeswoman said officers were at the protest.
“Staff will remain at the site and will continue to respond appropriately to any issues that may arise.
“Police recognise the lawful right to protest, our priority is to ensure safety and uphold the law.”