Greenpeace escalates action on export coal as leaders meet at Pacific Island Forum

Currently undergoing a major expansion from 112 to 190 million tonnes per year, the export terminal is already one of the largest in the world.

The activists from countries including New Zealand, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Australia and the Cook Islands have scaled a 50-metre high coal loader and are currently locked on to the structure to stop its operation.  With Kevin Rudd meeting Pacific Island leaders in Cairns this morning, they are ramping up demands that he back Pacific calls to drastically cut emissions.

"Our people are facing the worst effects of climate change every day," said Fijian Campaigner Lagi Toribau from on board the Greenpeace vessel, the Esperanza.  "We are taking action to tell Kevin Rudd that Pacific Islanders will not accept more empty pledges."

In a Tuesday press conference, the Small Island States repeated their call for developed countries to commit to cut their emissions by 45% by 2020.

"Kevin Rudd now has to decide whether to back the Pacific nations or continue this expansion of the coal industry. Time is running out and he needs to make the right choice," said Toribau. "Australia has the opportunity to protect its neighbours and be at the forefront of change, or it can stay mired in a fossil-fuelled past."

For further information contact:
James Lorenz, Media advisor (onboard the Esperanza): 0400 376 021 or satellite phone 0011 47 5140 7986
Elsa Evers, Media advisor (in Mackay): 0438 204 041
Keiller MacDuff, Media advisor (at the Pacific Islands Forum, Cairns): 0429 033 411

Images/Footage:
Abram Powell, Audiovisual coordinator 0409 812 641
http://www.greenpeacemedia.org Username: photos, Password: green