People identifying with a range of faith traditions will join farmers, scientists, students, doctors and conservationists in a march in Sydney, calling on the State Government to choose a clean energy future for NSW.
Buddhists, Muslims, Anglicans, Catholics and others will join the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) in Martin Place at Midday Saturday, March 24th, bringing a colourful array of banners and signs.
“People of faith value the earth's beauty and capacity to sustain life, and we want to see this protected for our children and grandchildren," said Thea Ormerod, President of ARRCC. "Despite assurances from the NSW Government, it's very sad to see all this put at high risk for the greedy few."
"The Berejiklian Government is entirely out of step with community values and instead privileges mining at every possible opportunity."
"The state’s strategic farmland and water resources are in jeopardy from coal mining,” said Georgina Wood, of Lock the Gate, one of the groups organising the Time2Choose rally. “Ten new coal projects in NSW threaten farmland, bush-land and water supplies. Together each year they would extract 75 million tonnes of coal, use 23.5 billion litres of water and emit 181 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.”
“We are at a crossroads. One road leads to clean air, clean water, land, renewable energy, protection of cultural heritage and healthy communities. The other road leads to more coal and gas mining. It’s time to carve out a positive future. It’s our time to choose: clean water, clean air and clean energy.”
“We’re asking people of faith, to join us at the rally. This is about ensuring we have a vibrant future with a diverse economy, a safe climate and clean water across the whole state.”
TIME TO CHOOSE RALLY
WHEN: Saturday March 24, noon to 2pm
WHERE: Martin Place Sydney CBD, marching to Prince Alfred Park
WHAT: Thousands of people from across NSW are calling on politicians to choose a clean air, clean water and clean energy future for NSW. The rally will be led by representatives of Indigenous communities, followed by farmers, graziers, people representing rural towns and urban communities, environmental advocates, health professionals,faith groups and more. The rally will be followed by speeches and music. Horseback riders will travel behind rally participants to Prince Alfred Park.
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://facebook.com/events/892505300914135/
RSVP PAGE: http://www.lockthegate.org.au/time2choose
MEDIA CONTACT: For interviews with ARRCC, contact Thea Ormerod on 0405 293 466. To arrange interviews with participants from other regions across NSW contact Louise Fraser on 0438 993 068 or [email protected]
