Activists blockaded train tracks due to imminent environmental threat
Press Release: Save Happy Valley Christchurch

Thursday 13th September
FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Three Save Happy Valley activists will appear in the Christchurch District Court on Friday morning at 10am to face trial for blockading a coal train on Sunday 29th April. Members and supporters of the anti-coal mining group will hold a protest against Solid Energy's destruction of Mt Augustus, outside the District Court from 9am.

Simon Riddell and Gregory Curline blockaded coal trains for more than three hours on the Midland Line, and face charges of Interferes with a Railway Line. Anna-Claire Hunter was a Safety and Liaison person and will be defending a charge of Communicating with a Prisoner; she threw a water bottle to the activists!

"We took direct action because the Government is hypocritically purporting to want to address climate change, whilst simultaneously owning a coal company, encouraging increased extraction and supporting the decimation of Mt Augustus to rip out coal for export," said Mr Ridell.

"Solid Energy, a state owned company, were negotiating sale contracts for coal from Mt Augustus before they even sought permits to move snails in the area. They began mining whilst snails were being shifted, and while the entire devastating project was subject to Environment Court proceedings. Solid Energy have mined 94% of the habitat of Powelliphanta Augustus," said Mr Curline.

Anna-Claire Hunter said "We are regular people who have taken a stand for what we believe in. Its ridiculous to be charged with giving water, but not as outrageous as Solid Energy destroying the irreplaceable Mount Augustus ridgeline for profit. They will be stopped before they extend into the pristine ecological area of Happy Valley. It is too precious to lose."

"Its the end of the line for coal mining, and the sooner the government realise this and acts responsibly to protect the land for future generations, the better," said Mr Riddell/

ENDS

Save Happy Valley Christchurch is a member of the SHV Coalition - a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping Solid Energy's proposed open cast coal mine in Happy Valley (Upper Waimangaroa Valley) on the West Coast. We work to raise awareness on climate change in New Zealand. We are also deeply concerned about the fate of all endangered species under threat from Solid Energy. The Christchurch group has a track record of creative protests, lock-ons and stunts. The Coalition has occupied Happy Valley since January 2006 and produces a variety of informative media. More information about the Coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/aboutus.htm

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