Five local community groups are collaborating to bring the thought provoking film, “Bimblebox” to the Fraser Coast next Thursday, 19 July. The film documents the proposal to turn the Bimblebox Nature Refuge into the China First open cut coal mine and explores the big picture issues surrounding coal mining.
“Premier Campbell Newman has recently said that Queensland is “in the coal business”. The Bimblebox film gives us a taste of what this means for communities throughout the state,” explained the event coordinator, Cecile Espigole from the Greater Mary Association Inc.
“Will the Fraser Coast also be in the coal business?” asks Roger Currie from the Wide Bay Burnett Environment Council. “It seems to be a very real possibility given that we are currently waiting for a decision regarding the Colton Coal Mine from the State Government and there is exploration, or applications to explore for coal, to the north south east and west of Maryborough.”
“We are very concerned about the affect this industry would have on the health and lifestyles of locals as well as the clean green image of the Fraser Coast. The Mary River and Great Sandy Strait are also very vulnerable to the impacts of mining,” explained Brian Linforth from Aldershot and District Against Mine (AADAM).
The organizers of the event are delighted to announce that Mr Dylan Tusler from Beyond Zero Emissions will give a special presentation after the film about Beyond Zero Emissions plan for Australia’s future that is not reliant on fossil fuels.
As Mr Tusler explains, “Beyond Zero Emissions has a vision that involves employing at least twice as many people as the entire Australian domestic fossil fuel industry (coal, oil and gas) in generating power without resorting to destroying agriculturally or environmentally sensitive land. We'd like to see Australia become the renewable superpower that it can be and we've worked out how to do it in 10 years.”
In addition to the film and presentation by Beyond Zero Emissions, there will be an update on the current status of mining proposals in the Fraser Coast region, including the proposed Colton Coal mine near Aldershot and the exploration currently being undertaken by Tiaro Coal.
After the film, the audience will have a unique opportunity to ask questions of a panel of special guests, including Mr Tusler. The panel will be followed by a light supper of home baked treats, tea and coffee for all to enjoy.
Tickets are $5 per person. The event commences at 6:00pm at the Brolga Theatre, Maryborough.
Media contacts
Dylan Tusler, Beyond Zero Emissions 043 504 0196
Roger Currie, Wide Bay Burnett Environment Council 044 891 7571
Tanzi Smith, Greater Mary Association Inc. 040 584 8375
Brian Linforth, Aldershot and District Against Mine 07 4122 1011