Just as the Rising Tide People’s Blockade packs up for another year, Demilitarise Newcastle is launching its own action against weapons engineering this week.
The group started its campaign at Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy’s office in Belmont on Monday 1 December after the Shortland MP supported the development of armaments manufacturing in the Hunter.
Locals gathered with banners in the afternoon and called for him to represent the community that elected him.
They also plan to rally at council locales against Astra Aerolab and outside Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon’s Hunter Street headquarters.
A No Coal to Weapons march is planned at the Carrington Coal Facility on Wednesday 3 December, too.
It’s all expected to conclude with a Palestine demonstration on Sunday.
“We’re calling the transition from coal to weapons a transition from ecocide to genocide,” a Demilitarise Newcastle spokesperson said.
“Opponents of the militarisation of the Hunter economy say that taxpayer-funded arms production is a betrayal of communities who have long argued for a switch towards renewable energy.”
One of the organisation’s supporters, 28-year-old Deidre, said Newcastle should be known for its beautiful beaches and thriving “live” music scene.
“Not for our involvement in weapons manufacturing,” she explained.
“The community’s been fighting for a just transition away from coal for years.
“Instead, the government is making a move into weapons manufacturing – a more dangerous and harmful industry that places a target on Newcastle as a weapons hub complicit in genocide.
“This is despicable and completely against what everyone wants.
“The actions this week are about community coming together and standing up for what’s right.
“We want a just transition to renewables, we want weapons out of Muloobinba and we want people to feel empowered to protest against a government that doesn’t have their people’s best interests at heart.”
Her plea was backed up by Rory, 42.
“It’s unacceptable weapons parts are being manufactured in our suburbs: ones we know are being used to commit genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity,” he said.
“Already entrenched in the F35 jet program, the Hunter now faces the necessary transition away from coal.
“We need renewables.
“But, instead, we are rapidly transitioning into a weapons manufacturing hub, with the Astra Aerolab precinct being built at the airport to include missile manufacturing.
“The community rejects becoming a cog in the murder machine.
“So, we’re sending a clear message: We want earthcare, not warfare. Weapons Out of Newcastle.”
For more news stories:
- Seasonal employment improves prospects for young Hunter jobseekers
- Rising Tide claims ‘success’ after coal ship disruptions
- Police launch investigation following five Hunter fires within hours
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
