Traditional Owners stand ground to enforce eviction of Adani
IMAGES AND VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/12xme1p33d4s9sz/AABuG9BvRxxwwlMTJG06ZJbWa?dl=0
MEDIA RELEASE, Monday 27 August 2020
The Wangan & Jagalingou people have blocked the access road to the Adani coal mine for the last four days, maintaining a spirit fire, which will continue until Adani ceases work and leaves.
The Wangan & Jagalingou people are not blocking access to emergency service vehicles or local farming families. We have been in negotiations with Queensland Police. We are calling on the Premier to come and meet with us, and issue a stop work order immediately.
Adani representatives will continue to be denied access to the site.
Please attribute the following to Adrian Burragubba:
“We stand proud as First Nations people. We, the tribal warriors of the original Wangan and Jagalingou people of west-central Queensland have planted our flag and performed ceremonial dance for our ancient ancestors. We stand to protect our land from Adani’s destruction.
“Four days ago we lit the spirit fire. Through this fire we call on our ancestors to drive Adani from our lands. Adani’s truck and vehicle movement has stopped. The fire burns to mark out cultural sovereignty and our call to national and international allies to aid our fight.
“We call on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to stand with us and to evict Adani from our homelands. Our opposition to Adani has spanned 10 years. We have watched Adani divide our people through lateral violence and corrupt our families with bribes and promises of money.
“It’s time for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to stand with us. The Premier must turn from the false Adani promises; turn from the destruction of our waters; turn from those willing to decimate First Nations culture. It is time for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to step forward, towards justice for First Nations people and to evict Adani from our homelands.
“The Wangan and Jagalingou people strive for economic justice. Our decision to close Adani’s road has not come lightly. We recognise Covid-19 is causing economic distress for Queensland families. But, our communities and families have been struggling since European settlement. Adani’s mine project brings only suffering to our people.
“Our action at the Adani Carmichael Project seeks justice. We stand for equality. We are the voice of our people and we demand Adani pack up and leave our land. Now is the time for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to stand for First Nations people. To stand with the Wangan and Jagalinou people as we strive for protection of our homeland and for justice for our people.
