Podcast 15 - Grassroots Community Resistance & How To Get Involved

Beyond Mining Series

Hear from some of the incredible grassroots community protectors that are putting themselves in the way of coal mines, gold mines, logging and more. Our presenters will tell some stories of their resistance so you can get ideas for your own projects and learn how to get involved.

PANELISTS

Amy – Frontline Action on Coal

Frontline Action on Coal (FLAC) is a movement, made up of people like you from across the continent, who aim to end the unnecessary extraction of fossil fuels while bringing about climate justice and creating meaningful change in the world. Using collective power to highlight injustices and disrupt the status quo, we are on the frontlines, transforming the way we relate to each other and the world.

Phaedra Press – No Wombat Gold

No Wombat Gold are the community of the Wombat State Forest concerned about a renewal of gold mining in the area. Exploratory drilling began in June 2020 near Blackwood without any community consultation. We are in a water catchment at the source of the Werribee and Lerderderg rivers with endangered species. It is also a popular tourist area. A protest four days later got media and helped drive that company out of the forest for further test drilling. We suspect it was shareholder posturing as other attempts to mine gold in the wider forest have been thwarted by an inability to get a water permit. But another company plans to start exploratory drilling for small scale mining next year. They assure us their style of mining is environmentally sound with no inconvenience to residents. We shall see. As it is unlikely we can stop the exploratory licence drilling, we are getting ready to fight any mining licence application.

Lynn Benn – Knitting Nannas

The Knitting Nannas Against Gas (KNAG) peacefully and productively protest against the destruction of our land and water. KNAG draws on a broad history of knitting used as a tool for non-violent political activism.

Dr Lisa Searle – Forest blockader in Lutruwita/Tasmania.

Alana Mountain – Forest Conservation Victoria

Forest Conservation Victoria is a grassroots group that are taking a stand against the destructive logging that is happening all over Victoria. We practice non-violent direct action to campaign for permanent protection of forests and wildlife.

Alice Hardinge – Protect Warburton Ranges

Protect Warburton Ranges is a local community action group protecting the future of our Warburton Ranges. We take a stand against all native forest logging in the Central Highlands and across Victoria.