‘Running from a fight’: Adani convoy ‘lite’ comes to QLD post-poll

An Adani convoy “lite” is returning to Queensland but the day it is starting has raised a few eyebrows and led to accusations that promoter Bob Brown is ‘running from a fight’.

AN Adani Convoy “lite” is returning to Clermont but won’t start until just days after the Federal election, sparking accusations from LNP Senator Matt Canavan that the protesters are “running from a fight”.

The Tour de Carmichael is a slow bike ride around the Bravus mine and will take place on May 23, two days after the latest possible date for the election, while the previous year it was held in early May.

It is being organised by Coedie McAvoy of the Wangan and Jagalingou people, but is also being promoted by the Bob Brown Foundation which organised the 2019 anti-Adani Convoy.

The crowd at the indigenous welcome to country event, during the Bob Brown led Anti Adani Convoy, Clermont show grounds, on Sunday April 28, 2019. Picture: Image AAP/Steve Pohlner

Senator Canavan said protesters are more than welcome back and earlier than they have planned, as they helped the Coalition vote in Queensland.

“It would seem as though the Bob Brown team is running, or should I say riding, scared from debating coal with us ahead of the federal election,” he said.

“I’m shattered that Bob Brown’s people won’t be making it to Queensland before the federal election.”

He said he hoped those who attended also spoke to the “hundreds of proud indigenous people working at the Carmichael Adani (Bravus) mine”.

Mr Brown said he was not involved in organising the event, and would be unable to attend himself, but was 100 per cent supportive of it and his foundation was helping promote the event.

LNP Senator Matt Canavan near the Clermont Protest of the Bob Brown led Anti Adani Convoy in 2019. Picture: Image AAP/Steve Pohlner

“Matt (Canavan’s) getting desperate. I’m honoured he keeps referring to the Adani convoy. I’ve never been part of an environmental campaign that was as successful as that convoy since the Franklin (River) campaign,” he said.

“If his hopes are tied to a few good citizens going to see Aboriginal culture when he’s sliding away from what his role as a Senator should be.”

The event’s website describes it as “not a protest but a guided cultural tour on pushbikes” running from May 23 to 27.

The Courier-Mail attempted to contact the event organisers.