Protesters stop coal trains as mine approvals spark snap demonstrations

Climate activists have reacted to a move to extend the operations of three mines in NSW, with protesters halting a coal train near Newcastle.

Climate groups have launched snap action in response to the federal government’s decision to approve multi-decade extensions for three coalmines in NSW.

Rising Tide activists brought to a halt a coal train bound for Newcastle’s port on Wednesday, unfurling a banner that read: “Albo: If you don’t stop new coal, WE WILL!”

The group posted a video showing activists standing on top of a rail wagon packed to the brim with coal.

“We’ve just stopped a coal train,” one of them says to the camera.

“We’ve climbed up on top. We’ve dropped a big banner off the side and we’ve started shovelling off a bit of coal.

“We’re here today sending a message the to the Albanese government because we’re extremely outraged by the approval of three new thermal coalmines.”

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Meanwhile, placard-waving protesters gathered outside the electorate offices of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Victorian MP Peter Khalil, demanding that Labor reverse its decision.

The mine approvals were granted for two mines in the Hunter Valley and one near the northern tip of Pilliga National Park.

Greens leader Adam Bandt called the approvals “a betrayal of everyone who voted for climate action”.

“To have any chance of meeting climate targets there can be no new coal or gas mines, yet Labor has now approved 26 new coal and gas projects since coming to power,” Mr Bandt said late on Tuesday.

He said emissions were now higher than under the former coal-gung-ho Coalition government, and “Labor has made the climate crisis even worse”.

“You can’t put the fire out if you’re pouring petrol on it,” he said.

The approvals will add an extra 30-40 years to the mines’ operations and are tipped to support nearly 2000 jobs.

The government is facing increasing pressure to bolster climate protections. Picture: NewsWire / Peter Lorimer

The government is under pressure to pass environmental law reforms that would tighten rules on big polluters.

Greens environment spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said the government “must rule out approving any new mines until Australia’s environment laws are fixed”.

“The Labor government is deliberately and proactively approving climate wrecking coalmines under laws they know are broken,” she said.

“It’s wrong and irresponsible. This goes to show the Albanese government has zero credibility on the environment this election after approving three coal mine extensions in a single day.”

The government’s proposed reforms have met resistance in the senate, with the Greens calling for a so-called “climate trigger” to block projects over environmental concerns.