Occupation of Mt Augsutus

Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition

Save Happy Valley Coalition members are currently occupying Mt Augustus, halting the mining that is destroying the last remaining habitat of Powelliphanta Augustus.  The campaigners are camped inside Solid Energy's blasting exclusion zone, on public Conservation land.

In nearby Happy Valley, the Coalition's occupation has stopped the development of the Cypress mine for over a year.

"We occupy Happy Valley to protect it from the threat of Solid Energy's digger and dynamite.  Mt Augustus faces exactly the same threat; this destructive, polluting, profit driven state owned company is destroying kiwi habitat and eradicating the last home of the critically endangered Powelliphanta "Augustus," as fast as they can," said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson. "And so, it is time for people to take non violent direct action."

"We aim to provide respite to the snails and kiwi that are otherwise being blasted by state owned coal miner Solid Energy.  Ultimately, we work to protect the last habitat of this species, and so ensure it is not wiped off the face of the earth.

"Solid Energy have tried to greenwash over the effect their operations have on the environment, and have used empty rhetoric to hide the inexcusable fact that they are increasing coal production, despite the great threat that is posed to society and environment alike by climate change.

"We take this action in order to prevent the first state sanctioned species extinction. The Minster of Conservation, DOC and even the Environment Court have failed to save this so-called "absolutely protected" species."

ENDS

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