Surf Coast not Coal Coast

Groups launch campaign to replace Anglesea coal mine and power station

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Environment, climate and local community groups have joined forces in a campaign to replace Alcoa's Anglesea power station with renewable energy.

Launching their campaign on World Environment Day at Victorian State Parliament they have called on the Brumby government to not renew aluminium company Alcoa's lease and instead work with the company to invest in renewable energy.

Some participants in the launch dressed in surf and swim wear and held surfboards and banners saying: “Repower Anglesea – Switch off coal” and “Surf Coast not Coal Coast.”

Alcoa's 160 MW power station and brown coal mine in Anglesea provides 40% of the energy to the Pt Henry aluminium plant near Geelong. Alcoa's current agreement with State Government contained in the Mines (Aluminium Agreement) Act 1961 expires in 2011.

“Climate change is already having an enormous impact on human health, economic well being and the world around us. This is a climate emergency and we are running out of time. We know that we have to stop burning coal to solve the problem,” Dr. Merryn Redenbach, of Moreland Climate Action Group said.

“There has been enough talk about climate change from the State Government; there must be a strategy to close existing coal-fired power stations. They should start with Anglesea.”

“Around the world Alcoa has promoted itself as a sustainable company and invested in new renewable energy. It is time they gave the same respect to Australia and Australian workers.”

“Alcoa makes an important contribution to the Anglesea community, but the cost is climate change, air quality and coal dust caused by the mine and the power station.”

“We are asking Alcoa to commit to the community of Anglesea and the workers at Point Henry by investing in energy that is sustainable in the long term.”

“This is a great opportunity for Alcoa to show corporate responsibility and inspiring leadership in the transition to renewable energy and a zero-carbon economy.”

“By shifting to renewable energy Alcoa could maintain a large part of 50-100 strong workforce employed at mine and power station.”

“The Green Paper released this week had no concrete action. We aim to make the Anglesea power station an election issue.” Dr. Merryn Redenbach concluded.

Anglesea residents will launch the campaign in Anglesea this Saturday.

Supporters of the campaign include: Friends of the Earth, Environment Victoria, Greenpeace Asia-Pacific, Victorian Climate Action Centre, Western Region Environment Centre, Yarra Climate Action Now and Moreland Climate Action Group.

For more background on the campaign download the leaflet below or check out the aims and objectives and campaign meeting times here.

For more information:
Dr. Merryn Redenbach 0407 825 046
Damien Lawson 0419 253 342