This blog post appeared on the Save Kimberley website:
Hundreds of Kimberley residents let their voices be heard in a colourful community rally in Broome in Northwest Australia this past Saturday. The battle cry “Gas Free Kimberley! Save our community!” was heard from the town oval all the way to the Civic Centre as the energetic group marched with signs, banners, and even juggling clubs and wildlife creations. A near life-size construction of a humpback whale led the way.
Former shire councilor, Chris Maher emceed the event, which included presentations by Kerry Marvell, from Save the Kimberley, Martin Pritchard from Environs Kimberley, Arnhem Hunter, and local traditional owners Neil McKenzie and Joseph Roe. Musicians Kerrianne Cox, Wil Thomas, Harry Jakamarra, Clint “Westwood” and Steve Pigram inspired the crowd after speeches were made. The message was loud and clear that it’s time for locals to stand up and be heard; the future health of our unique home of Broome and the surrounding region is at stake.
As the Hands Off Country blog summarises, the advice to locals was as follows – “The speakers … urged us to stay strong; to write to the Prime Minister; make this an election issue; beware the social consequences; understand what’s happened in the Pilbara; a wise warning about the drug issues ‘without speed the Burrup would never have been built’; to be informed; to ask questions; understand what real Indigenous employment means; keep looking after country. The message was loud and clear, no one here wants gas in the Kimberley.”
Read more: http://savethekimberley.com/blog/?p=564
