Activists to pay over $4000 in fines for blockade action

Yesterday the court upheld a decision to fine Six Degrees activists Steve and Nathan over $4000 for their role in disrupting coal loading at the Brisbane Coal Port in October. This is a blow to citizens wanting to take real climate action in Queensland.

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In November Steve Skitmore (22) and Nathan Elvery (19) pled guilty to charges of trespass and obstructing a police officer and received $300 fines and good behavior bonds. Without giving any notice to the protesters Queensland Bulk Handling Corporation - the company that profits from shipping millions of tonnes of coal from our shores each year, also made submissions that the men pay over $10000 in damages for repair costs, wages and lost profits. $3400 of this claim was awarded in November by the magistrate at the Wynnum court. One of the protesters, Steve Skitmore, called the claim a tactic to dissuade further climate change protests at a time when they are most needed.

"For fighting to protect society from climate change we are guilty as charged, but having to pay thousands of dollars to a coal company seems unreasonable," said Mr. Skitmore

The pair sought legal advice but after long and convoluted discussions, the legal system got the better of them yesterday. Their legal representative retracted an application to have the case reopened after finally (3 months after our initial request) seeing evidence that substantiated the $10000 claim

During their October protest Mr Skitmore and Mr Elvery were also joined by 20 protesters who kayaked into the port of Brisbane to blockade departing coal ships.

Queensland is the largest coal exporting state in the largest coal exporting country in the world, leading to the emission of over 460 million tonnes of destructive carbon dioxide each year.

Please consider making a donation to help Steve and Nathan cover the compensation claim, by clicking on the paypal link below,  or contacting Six Degrees.

Please note donations for fines are not tax-deductible you can make tax-deductible donations for ongoing campaign costs here