Brisbanites joined in solidarity with Pacific Islanders fighting against the destruction of climate change in a flotilla on the Brisbane River on Sunday. The event follows a blockade of the Newcastle Coal Port on Friday, lead by 30 Pacific Climate Warriors from 12 different nations. Two of these warriors will joined Sunday’s flotilla creating a colourful, captivating symbol of hope and support.
“For us, climate change is not an event in the future. It’s happening now,” she said. “Residents in Papua New Guinea have already been forced to move due to rising sea level rise. These people have lost their homes, their land and their culture.”
Event coordinator Hope Evans said thousands of Australians around the community were showing solidarity with Pacific communities.
“The actions of the fossil fuel industry in Australia is having a direct impact on the Pacific Islands. Through letting the fossil fuel industry continue to expand Australia is being an extremely bad neighbour.
“It cannot just be up to the Pacific Warriors to stand up for their homes. It is up to Australians to say that good neighbours don’t let their neighbours drown. That is why we’re here today,” Evans concluded.
Meeting at the Maritime Museum in Southbank, the party made its way to Kangaroo Point. Here, sandbags were used to build an Island of Hope to convey a message of steadfast support for the Pacific.
Events in support of Pacific Warriors are taking place all over the country in October. Visit
www.350.org/au for a full schedule.WHAT: Flotilla in support of Pacific Climate Warriors
WHERE: Meeting at Queensland Maritime Museum, South Bank
WHEN: 19 October, from 10am
Contact: Simon Copland, 0401 638 950
, simon@350.org