Stop Adani Gold Coast protesters slam ‘cheap shots’ by opponents

Stop Adani protesters who conga danced their way to the office of a Gold Coast politician today say their opponents take “cheap shots” out of “desperation” by labelling all activists as unemployed welfare recipients.

STOP Adani protesters who conga danced their way to the office of a Gold Coast politician say their opponents take “cheap shots” out of “desperation” by labelling all activists as unemployed welfare recipients.

Social worker Matt Ross, 33, of Burleigh Heads was one of roughly 60 protesters outside the office of McPherson MP Karen Andrews on Friday, rallying against the Adani Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin, Central Queensland.

The group hoped to draw the attention of the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology by dancing to her office with 1000 postcards from McPherson residents opposed to the project.

Stop Adani Gold Coast protesters form a conga line to the office of McPherson MP Karen Andrews at Varsity Lakes today.

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Cries of “wake up, Karen” rang through the streets of Varsity Lakes, but Ms Andrews could not meet protesters as she wasn’t in her office.

Stop Adani Gold Coast doorknocked more than 2000 homes over about nine months, said spokeswoman Luna Derkley, 30, of Biggera Waters, who attended the protest with her 18-month-old son Atticus.

She said 71 per cent of residents in Currumbin, Elanora, Kirra and Palm Beach polled were not in favour of the mine.

Mr Ross said activists were simply concerned citizens taking action to combat climate change, not unemployed layabouts as they are sometimes portrayed.

“A lot of us have had to take this morning out from work,” he said.

“I think (the stereotyping) shows a bit desperation from our opponents, that they would go with the personal insults.

Stop Adani Gold Coast co-ordinator, social worker Matt Ross, 33, of Burleigh Heads with spokeswoman Luna Derkley, 30, of Biggera Waters.

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“We’re just everyday people. I can see why they’re doing it, but it comes across as desperate – and how do they know our story? How do they know who we are? It’s just generalising.”

Retired electrical fitter mechanic and grandfather of four Dave Norris travelled from the Tweed and said he was afraid climate change would leave the planet wrecked for his young relatives.

“We need to be phasing out coal and both major political parties are refusing to do that. We need change,” the 65-year-old said.

“There’s a move afoot within the younger population and I’ve been told by school teachers there is hope, don’t despair.”

Retired electrical fitter mechanic and grandfather of four Dave Norris, 65, of Pottsville at the Stop Adani Gold Coast protest at Varsity Lakes.

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When asked why the Adani mine was being targeted when others were coming to fruition across the country, Mr Ross said stopping the project would “draw a line in the sand” and potentially stop further opening up of the basin.

The proposed Carmichael mine has been touted as Australia’s biggest coal mine, but Adani suggested late last year a scaled-down version would be constructed.

Ms Andrews has said the mine’s approval were in the hands of Federal Minister for the Environment Melissa Price and the Queensland Government.

She said she welcomed the views of constituents, but did not answer further questions about the mine and the protest.

Stop Adani has been protesting the mine across the country.

Originally published as Stop Adani Gold Coast protesters slam ‘cheap shots’ by opponents