More than 600 Blue Mountains residents were part of the 60,000 nationwide demanding action on climate change on Sunday.
Rallies were organised in Glenbrook, Springwood, Winmalee, Lawson, Medlow Bath and Blackheath calling for “climate action now” as part of a national day of action.
“Dressed in hot summer colours of red, orange and yellow, the groups attempted to turn up the heat on climate change, ironically on a cold rainy day,” spokeswoman Jan O’Leary said.
Ms O’Leary said about 180 attended the undercover rally in Springwood. Another 80 braved the rain at Summerhayes Park to hear several speakers including local poet, Diana Levy.
Winmalee organiser Lyn Tindall said the “people of Winmalee are especially conscious of what climate change can mean”. Springwood organiser, Matt Toulmin and ‘converted’ mining geologist Peter Green, were two of the speakers who addressed that meeting. In Lawson, Sue Morrison of Climate Action Blue Mountains, addressed a rain-soaked crowd of about 150. Ms Morrison said Mountains residents “know the risks of living in an area that faces higher risks as a result of climate change.”
Contingency plans for the event at Blackheath meant more than 200 attendees enjoyed the relative comfort of the community hall where they were entertained by the climate-themed music of Totally Gourdgeous and Pat Drummond.
Former Federal Court Judge Murray Wilcox told the crowd it was “essential people who understand the damage that will be suffered by our children and grandchildren make their voices heard to our politicians”.
“Australia is not leading the world in carbon pricing but we are the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses per person. We must play a much stronger role than we have been doing,” he added.
A common theme was concern at the Federal Government’s plans to abandon a price on carbon.
