Members of peace, environment and church groups have started gathering in the Rockhampton region to protest and disrupt the Talisman Sabre war games which started this week.
Calling themselves the Peace Convergence, the network has been encouraging community members to take peace action against the exercises which take place in the Shoalwater region from July 6 – 26.
Several small group actions have already caught the public eye as the Peace Convergence gears up for its main weekend of action - this weekend Friday July 10 – Sunday July 12.
Peace Convergence Weekend July 10-12: Key Events in Central Queensland
6 July: Talisman Sabre war games commence. Protesters arrive in area
10 July: Public meeting: Rockhampton
11 July: World’s Largest Hokey Pokey World Record attempt: at Shoalwater Bay
Military Training Area (media and military invited to participate)
11 July: Peace Vigil at Rockhampton Barracks
12 July: Peace Parade and beachside Peace Concert, Yeppoon.
There will also be support actions in various cities around Australia
Though from a variety of backgrounds, the Peace Convergence share a common desire for peace and belief that we must take action to create peace, sustainability and social justice.
Some major reasons we oppose the Talisman Sabre war games are:
· The political and social impacts of Australia's involvement in US military activities, including and beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan– and the use of Australia as a defacto US military base.
· The environmental impact upon the fragile ecology (fauna, flora & marine life) of the pristine Shoalwater Bay area and the Great Barrier Reef.
· The risks to health from the heavy metals & chemicals released into the atmosphere & environment from the weapons explosions.
· US military use of nuclear powered, and potentially nuclear armed, ships and vessels, and their carriage of depleted uranium weapons puts at risk the Australian public & the environment.
· Disregard of traditional ownership of the land and sea used for military activities, lack of public consultation on the issues, lack of concern for social impacts of military expansion.
For more information or media interviews:
Peace Convergence Brisbane: Robin Taubenfeld 0411 118 737
Peace Convergence Melbourne: Jessica Morrison 0431 519 577
Peace Convergence Sydney: Dr Hannah Middleton 0418 668 098
Peace Convergence Capricornia: Keith Jaffray (07) 4935 1644 or 0448 747 660
Peace Convergence 09
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