Locals rally for move beyond coal

As part of the National “Move Beyond Coal” movement, the local Bass Coast Group has organised a rally on Tuesday, June 20.

The rally will target the Wonthaggi branch of the National Australia Bank (NAB), to demand it ceases all financial support for Whitehaven Coal.

Whitehaven is Australia’s largest coal-only corporation and plans to double its coal production by 2023.

“On June 20, we are taking action to fight for a safe and liveable future,” said Joey Thompson from School Strike for Climate, one of the groups involved in the rally.

“As young people, we are demanding that NAB stops funding the destruction of our future.

“We will be sacrificing our education to stand up against NAB's climate crimes and stop funding Whitehaven Coal immediately.”

The group said a new market forces report exposes NAB’s coal lending, and shows that they have been the most regressive bank out of the Big 4, increasing their exposure to coal.

“Whitehaven wants to renew its $110 million loan by the end of July this year, which would allow Whitehaven to go ahead with a larger Vickery coal mine on Gomeroi Land in NSW, producing almost 10 times as much coal,” said Joey.

“We will be rallying at NAB, with speakers, singing, drumming and chalking before marching to pay a visit to ANZ and Westpac around the corner, who have both poured billions of dollars into the fossil fuel industry.”

The group will meet at 10.40am on June 20 at the intersection of Biggs Drive and the Wonthaggi Rail Trail for a pre-action briefing.

The action will start at roughly 11am and finish at approximately 12.30pm.

It will be followed by a debrief and gathering at Apex Park in Wonthaggi, with food provided.

Joey is urging the community to throw their support behind the event.

“The more people that attend, the more power we have.”

To join the rally, please RSVP on this link: www.movebeyondcoal.com/school_students_friends_flood_wonthaggi_nab