“I’m happy this is finally over. So are the girls," said Colin. "Can’t wait to get back to normal: throw the stick for George the dog, mow the lawn, sleep on my own pillow. My whole life is waiting for me.”

Colin Russell is due to return to Hobart and his home on 2 January, with the departure marking the end of more than 100 days on Russian soil.

As of 3am EST, 15 of the Arctic 30 had departed Russia, with 11 more to exit over the coming days.

"There is a great sense of relief," said Greenpeace Communications Manager James Lorenz. "But this relief is coupled with the knowledge that the Arctic is still under threat from reckless oil drilling and that the campaign must continue. However, right now, we're just delighted that Colin and the rest of the Arctic 30 are finally on their way home."

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

For the last few months, hundreds of farmers, Traditional Owners, locals and activists from all over Australia have been blockading the site and slowing down Whitehaven’s efforts to build the mine. Now, a day before Federal Parliament resumes and legislation is tabled to abolish Australia’s modest carbon price, the CEOs of these groups are at the Maules Creek site to demonstrate the support of their organisations.

“By approving this mine and abolishing climate legislation, the Federal Government has confirmed they have no intention of dealing with climate change – our greatest threat,” said David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “So we are going to tackle the problem at the source by directly challenging Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia."

A helicopter has been made available today to journalists to fly over and verify claims that environmentalists say could bring down this mining project.

“Whitehaven Coal is out of time, out of luck and out of suitable offsets to mitigate destruction of an iconic, sensitive natural area of NSW under significant threat from coal mining,” said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.

"The approval of the controversial Maules Creek coal mine is in tatters and urgent intervention is required by the Federal Environment Minister," said Phil Laird, Lock the Gate campaigner and fifth generation local farmer.

“Today’s findings will be a shot in the arm for ordinary Australians pledging to take non-violent direct action against the expansion of the coal industry on 350.org’s Summer Heat website,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.

“Whitehaven plans to mine a new coal deposit that will be responsible for emitting more than twice the carbon pollution that Greg Hunt’s entire Direct Action Plan might save between 2014 and 2020,” said Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter. “This is why we’re collaborating with this growing movement to deliver our own brand of direct action to oppose this mine.”

A chartered helicopter is also being used to gather evidence required in order to force the federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, to make an urgent decision under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. An urgent protection order requested by Gomeroi Traditional Custodians, has so far been in limbo for 90 days.

For further information, call Julie Macken on 0400 925 217

Speaking alongside his wife Chrissie and daughter Maddie, Colin thanked Australians for their support.

"I'd really like to thank Australia for backing me, looking after my family, mowing my lawns, walking my dog," he explained.

But while the Australian Government "could have done more," Consular Officials were "gems."

"They kept me well informed and kept me supplied with raisins, dried fruits and books," he said.

Chrissie Russell also reserved special mention for the 'amazing' community of Woodbridge in Tasmania which has rallied around her family during the past three months.

Discussing conditions in Russian prison, Colin explained that he had "lost a few kilos," but it had given him ample time "thinking about friends, thinking about the campaign, thinking about the Arctic, thinking about the world."

Reflecting on future prospects Colin stated:

"I've been doing it for 14 years, so I'm not going to stop what I know best. No regrets... I'm trying to give a future to our kids and our grandkids. We all need to stand together for that."

"It's going to be an oil rush in the Arctic, I think it's crazy, the known reserves we have now are enough to throw us over two degrees."

Colin has also expressed concern over the fate of the Greenpeace vessel, the Arctic Sunrise.

"I'm still worried about our ship, the Arctic Sunrise, which remains under Russian control in defiance of international law," he said. "I feel it is not over till the Arctic Sunrise is also released.”

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

PLEASE NOTE: Colin Russell, his wife Chrissie and daughter Madeliene would like to thank the Australian media for their support during his time of illegal imprisonment in Russia and is looking forward to resuming his private life in Tasmania. He requests that media do not seek to contact him or his family directly and instead contact Greenpeace. He will not be immediately available for interview.

Contact:

James Lorenz Greenpeace Communications Manager: +61 (0) 400 376 021.

Greenpeace Press Desk: +61 (0) 418 408 683

Greenpeace International picture desk: +31 20 718 24 71

Greenpeace International video desk: +31 20 718 24 72

Fourteen of the Arctic 30 were given exit stamps in their passports on Boxing Day, the rest will be given their stamps today. The non-Russians will all leave the country in the coming days, many of them as early as today. They will soon be back with their families. Australian Colin Russell will be among the departures and is expected home in Tasmania by 31 December.

"It's wonderful news that Colin will most likely see in the new year at his house in Woodbridge," said Greenpeace Communications Manager James Lorenz. "He has been incredibly strong throughout, never losing his sense of humour, but this final step is undoubtedly a huge relief. It has been a long three months for him and his family and I know he is desperate to get home."

Before taking his seat on the train on the train to Finland, Dima said:

“I’ve never regretted what we did, not once, not in prison and definitely not now. Sometimes you just have to stand up and ask to be counted, and that’s what we did in the Arctic. They didn’t throw us in jail for what we did, they locked us up because of what we stood for. The Arctic oil companies are scared of dissent, and they should be. They may have celebrated when our ship was seized, but our imprisonment has been a disaster for them. The movement to save the Arctic is marching now. Our freedom is the start of something, not the end. This is only the beginning.”

He added:

“We’ve been blessed with support from so many people, and I want to thank everybody who took time to help us, and that includes people in the remarkable beautiful country where I have been held these past months. Now I’m going home to my bed, my wife, my kids and my life. I’m leaving Russia feeling like we won something here. But while the campaign to free us can claim victory, the campaign to save the Arctic can’t, not yet. The oil companies are moving north, the world’s climate is changing, the biggest struggles still lie ahead of us.”

Dima is the fourth generation of his family to be imprisoned for political activity. His great-grandfather Maxim Litvinov opposed Tsar Nichols II before being made Soviet foreign minister. His grandfather Lev Kopelev was imprisoned by Stalin for 10 years for opposing the regime and speaking out against Soviet atrocities against German civilians in World War Two. Lev was imprisoned with his friend Alexander Solzhenitsyn and was the inspiration for the main character in Solzhenitsyn’s novel First Circle.

In 1968 Dima’s father Pavel Litvinov was one of seven people who protested against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in Red Square, an act of defiance for which he was sentenced to internal exile in Siberia when Dima was 6. The family left Russia when he was 11.

 “I’m leaving Russia again, and like that day 39 years ago I don’t know if I will ever be able to return,” said Dima.

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

“I’m happy this is finally over. So are the girls," said Colin. "Can’t wait to get back to normal: throw the stick for George the dog, mow the lawn, sleep on my own pillow. My whole life is waiting for me.”

Colin Russell is due to return to Hobart and his home on 2 January, with the departure marking the end of more than 100 days on Russian soil.

As of 3am EST, 15 of the Arctic 30 had departed Russia, with 11 more to exit over the coming days.

"There is a great sense of relief," said Greenpeace Communications Manager James Lorenz. "But this relief is coupled with the knowledge that the Arctic is still under threat from reckless oil drilling and that the campaign must continue. However, right now, we're just delighted that Colin and the rest of the Arctic 30 are finally on their way home."

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

• Abbot Point coal port T0 terminal expansion.
• Dredging 3 million square cubic metres of seabed within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area at Abbot Point.
• Arrow LNG plant on Curtis Island and a connecting underwater gas pipeline.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s decision to approve the rapid industrialisation of the reef is a massive assault on the environment and places the future of the reef in jeopardy.

Greenpeace Queensland Campaigner, Louise Matthiesson, said Minister Hunt has ignored the evidence and thumbed his nose at the serious concerns of scientists, tourism operators, fishers and the World Heritage watchdog about the impacts of these industrial developments and activities.

“By approving this dredging at Abbot Point, 50km from the Whitsunday Islands, the Environment Minister has clearly put the demands of the coal companies ahead of protecting the Great Barrier Reef,” said Ms Matthiesson, speaking from the Greenpeace ship Esperanza anchored outside Gladstone Harbour today.

“The dredging threatens a $6 billion tourism industry that relies on the reef and Whitsunday tourism operators hold serious concerns on how their businesses will be impacted

“You can’t have a healthy economy without a healthy reef.

“The World Heritage Committee will decide in June next year whether to list the Reef as ‘in-danger’ and this decision will cause alarm among the international community.

“If these plans succeed, and Abbot Point becomes the world’s biggest coal port, Australia will be speeding up the climate crisis that threatens our children’s future.”

Greenpeace Queensland Campaigner Louise Matthiesson and Programs Director Ben Pearson are available for interview.

For more information or to arrange interview contact: Jane Garcia: 0434 489 533.

Note to editors:

Greenpeace ship Esperanza is currently travelling along the Great Barrier Reef coast to investigate the damaging impacts of coal port development and climate change on the Reef.

The ship is currently anchored outside of Gladstone Harbour and plans to document the existing Curtis Island industrial facilities today.

Greenpeace Qld Campaigner Louise Matthiesson, who is travelling on the Esperanza, said GBRMPA should step up in its role as protector of the Great Barrier Reef and reject dumping within the marine park boundary off Abbot Point.

By Christmas eve, GBRMPA must either make a decision on the dumping permit or extend the deadline.

“GBRMPA has been given a huge lump of coal for Christmas. It’s under pressure to allow 3 million cubic metres of mud to be dumped in the Reef’s marine park when there can be no benefit for the health of the Reef,” Ms Matthiesson said.

“The Authority’s being asked to make this significant call on treating the Reef’s waters as a dump without knowing the exact location of the final sites.

“No one wants to see Abbot Point become another Gladstone. GBRMPA should make a wise decision for the future of the reef and reject the dumping permits.”

“Building new coal export terminals at Abbot Point would be a double-whammy for the Reef, since coal is a major driver of climate change – the greatest threat to the Reef’s long term survival.

“The Reef supports a $6 billion tourism industry that provides sustainable long term jobs for Queenslanders, surely the future of the reef is more important than short term profits from polluting coal exports?” Ms Matthiesson said.

File photos from tour available for download, including image of a tombstone in the reef’s waters, inscription reads ‘RIP Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Listing 1981 – 2014?’

File photos and video: www.greenpeacemedia.org
username: photos  password: green

Media contacts: Louise Matthiesson 0406 041 428 / Jane Garcia 0434 489 533

For the last few months, hundreds of farmers, Traditional Owners, locals and activists from all over Australia have been blockading the site and slowing down Whitehaven’s efforts to build the mine. Now, a day before Federal Parliament resumes and legislation is tabled to abolish Australia’s modest carbon price, the CEOs of these groups are at the Maules Creek site to demonstrate the support of their organisations.

“By approving this mine and abolishing climate legislation, the Federal Government has confirmed they have no intention of dealing with climate change – our greatest threat,” said David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “So we are going to tackle the problem at the source by directly challenging Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia."

A helicopter has been made available today to journalists to fly over and verify claims that environmentalists say could bring down this mining project.

“Whitehaven Coal is out of time, out of luck and out of suitable offsets to mitigate destruction of an iconic, sensitive natural area of NSW under significant threat from coal mining,” said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.

"The approval of the controversial Maules Creek coal mine is in tatters and urgent intervention is required by the Federal Environment Minister," said Phil Laird, Lock the Gate campaigner and fifth generation local farmer.

“Today’s findings will be a shot in the arm for ordinary Australians pledging to take non-violent direct action against the expansion of the coal industry on 350.org’s Summer Heat website,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.

“Whitehaven plans to mine a new coal deposit that will be responsible for emitting more than twice the carbon pollution that Greg Hunt’s entire Direct Action Plan might save between 2014 and 2020,” said Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter. “This is why we’re collaborating with this growing movement to deliver our own brand of direct action to oppose this mine.”

A chartered helicopter is also being used to gather evidence required in order to force the federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, to make an urgent decision under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. An urgent protection order requested by Gomeroi Traditional Custodians, has so far been in limbo for 90 days.

For further information, call Julie Macken on 0400 925 217

Maules Creek is the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia. Farmers, national and local environment groups and local residents have been blockading Whitehaven’s construction efforts. Today’s agreement with Traditional Owners marks an unprecedented escalation in the campaign against Maules Creek campaign, which is fast becoming seen as an historic and iconic battle against the coal industry.

The signing of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Environmental Protection Agreement is taking place on the sixth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation.

Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter, said this agreement represents an historic moment that sees sometimes long estranged communities coming together with a common goal to protect country, water, air and climate from the enormous threat posed by coal mining.

 “I am enormously proud to sign on to an agreement with Traditional Owners, farmers and friends in the environment movement to work together with respect and recognize that we come together on the country of the Gomeroi Traditional Owners who have a unique spiritual and cultural connection to this area.”

“As someone who began his career as a lawyer working on native title in Western Australia many years ago, I have a deep appreciation of just how important these historic moments are to all Australians. For all of us who truly love this land and who look for an Australia where respect for each other is the norm and our care for country is central, this is a moment to celebrate.”

Gomeroi woman, Dolly Talbott said, “It’s ironic that Whitehaven Coal has been the catalyst for such long overdue change and dialogue and perhaps finally some reconciliation and understanding of each other and healing between traditional and local land holders and farmers will result.”

Images will be available on: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leardstateforest/

Aerial footage available on request

The full text of the agreement between Gomeroi Traditional Owners, Maules Creek landholders, Lock the Gate and conservation groups is available here: http://www.lockthegate.org.au/leard_forest_protection_treaty

For further information:

Dolly Talbot 0413131983

Greenpeace media officer, Julie Macken 0400 925 217

“Hours after US Secretary of State John Kerry called climate change a weapon of mass destruction, Australia risks shooting itself in the foot by appointing a climate sceptic to review our renewable energy target,” said Greenpeace Programme Director Ben Pearson.

“If this review is fair dinkum it will find that the RET is good for the environment, good for jobs and good for growth in regional and rural NSW. It will find that the RET helps reduce the price of solar PV for ordinary Australians and all this for an insignificant increase in annual electricity bills”.

In the press conference announcing the review the Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, estimated that the RET increases average prices by only 3% - a tiny amount given the enormous contribution the policy makes.

“Australia has almost unparalleled capacity to harness renewable energy but today we are lagging far behind countries such as China and Germany,” continued Pearson. “The Government should introduce policies that drive the uptake of renewables, not reviews by climate sceptics that provide cover to sabotage existing policies.”

“We all know that moving swiftly to clean energy is vital to combat climate change,” said Pearson. “But already in Australia, tens of thousands of jobs have been created in the sector, particularly in rural and regional areas. And unlike the declining fossil fuel industry, renewables will keep on growing in the future. This is not just of benefit to the economy, but also to the pockets of all Australians, because as renewable energy gets bigger, it will also get cheaper. Renewable energy is a huge opportunity for Australia; we need to grasp it with both hands.”

Fourteen of the Arctic 30 were given exit stamps in their passports on Boxing Day, the rest will be given their stamps today. The non-Russians will all leave the country in the coming days, many of them as early as today. They will soon be back with their families. Australian Colin Russell will be among the departures and is expected home in Tasmania by 31 December.

"It's wonderful news that Colin will most likely see in the new year at his house in Woodbridge," said Greenpeace Communications Manager James Lorenz. "He has been incredibly strong throughout, never losing his sense of humour, but this final step is undoubtedly a huge relief. It has been a long three months for him and his family and I know he is desperate to get home."

Before taking his seat on the train on the train to Finland, Dima said:

“I’ve never regretted what we did, not once, not in prison and definitely not now. Sometimes you just have to stand up and ask to be counted, and that’s what we did in the Arctic. They didn’t throw us in jail for what we did, they locked us up because of what we stood for. The Arctic oil companies are scared of dissent, and they should be. They may have celebrated when our ship was seized, but our imprisonment has been a disaster for them. The movement to save the Arctic is marching now. Our freedom is the start of something, not the end. This is only the beginning.”

He added:

“We’ve been blessed with support from so many people, and I want to thank everybody who took time to help us, and that includes people in the remarkable beautiful country where I have been held these past months. Now I’m going home to my bed, my wife, my kids and my life. I’m leaving Russia feeling like we won something here. But while the campaign to free us can claim victory, the campaign to save the Arctic can’t, not yet. The oil companies are moving north, the world’s climate is changing, the biggest struggles still lie ahead of us.”

Dima is the fourth generation of his family to be imprisoned for political activity. His great-grandfather Maxim Litvinov opposed Tsar Nichols II before being made Soviet foreign minister. His grandfather Lev Kopelev was imprisoned by Stalin for 10 years for opposing the regime and speaking out against Soviet atrocities against German civilians in World War Two. Lev was imprisoned with his friend Alexander Solzhenitsyn and was the inspiration for the main character in Solzhenitsyn’s novel First Circle.

In 1968 Dima’s father Pavel Litvinov was one of seven people who protested against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in Red Square, an act of defiance for which he was sentenced to internal exile in Siberia when Dima was 6. The family left Russia when he was 11.

 “I’m leaving Russia again, and like that day 39 years ago I don’t know if I will ever be able to return,” said Dima.

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

“I’m happy this is finally over. So are the girls," said Colin. "Can’t wait to get back to normal: throw the stick for George the dog, mow the lawn, sleep on my own pillow. My whole life is waiting for me.”

Colin Russell is due to return to Hobart and his home on 2 January, with the departure marking the end of more than 100 days on Russian soil.

As of 3am EST, 15 of the Arctic 30 had departed Russia, with 11 more to exit over the coming days.

"There is a great sense of relief," said Greenpeace Communications Manager James Lorenz. "But this relief is coupled with the knowledge that the Arctic is still under threat from reckless oil drilling and that the campaign must continue. However, right now, we're just delighted that Colin and the rest of the Arctic 30 are finally on their way home."

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

With the Royal Botanic Gardens having confirmed the identity of one of these species, Greenpeace is calling on Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to stop Whitehaven’s bulldozers until an investigation is carried out.

“We are revealing new evidence that the approval for Whitehaven to turn the Leard State Forest into a coal mine was and is totally inadequate and that the company’s off-set strategy is a lie,” said Greenpeace Campaigner Nic Clyde. “It’s time for Environment Minister Greg Hunt to step in, do his job and call a halt to the bulldozers before it’s too late.”

On the request of the previous Environment Minister, Whitehaven were required to commission an independent report into the ‘quantity and quality’ of biodiversity on land bought by the company in order to ‘offset’ destruction of the Leard State Forest.  Despite preparing the report and submitting it to Greg Hunt’s department, Whitehaven continue to refuse to release the findings publicly.

“Whitehaven Coal is bulldozing nationally significant biodiversity, in some of Australia’s rarest woodlands, destruction they have failed to ‘offset’,” said ecologist, Phil Spark. “They are determined to hide the evidence and trash this forest before the truth is revealed. We cannot allow this to happen.”

Today’s action comes less than a week after a prominent ecologist released a report providing further evidence the mine’s approval is based on false information. (1) A research briefing summarising the issues and controversy surrounding the Biodiversity Offset Strategy for Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek mine is available here. (2)

John Hunter – a leading expert on the vegetation of the Liverpool Plains – has found that 95 per cent of the White Box critically endangered ecological community (CEEC) that Whitehaven has claimed as an offset in order to get their approval past the regulators, does not exist in the area independently surveyed. There is only 0.1 per cent of this vegetation type left in Australia.

“With an independent review the company does not want to release, the world’s slowest departmental investigation, and an expert’s report finding a 95 per cent error rate in the crucial biodiversity offsets that got this mine approved, Greg Hunt must revoke Whitehaven’s approval,” concluded Clyde

Greenpeace calls on Minister Hunt to:

1. Release - as a matter of priority - the Independent Review required under Condition 10 of the Maules Creek Mine approval
2. Indicate what he intends to do in relation to the compelling and building independent expert evidence about the inadequacies of the offsets proposal and the likelihood that the offset conditions of the Maules Creek mine approval are not being met
3. Require Whitehaven Coal to immediately stop any works that would destroy the specimens of Tylophora linearis until an impacts assessment has been submitted to him and appropriate protections have been put in place
4. Require Whitehaven Coal to undertake a thorough assessment of Tylophora linearis and the Large-eared Pied Bat over the Maules Creek mine site and report to him so that he can satisfy his obligations under the EPBC Act and the approval as stipulated in conditions 32 and 37 of the approval.

Photos and video will be made available later in the day.

NOTES:
1.  http://www.scribd.com/doc/207517928/John-Hunter-Offset-Assessment-Report-13-Feb-2014-Final
2. www.greenpeace.org/australia/Global/australia/Media/Maules_Creek_Offsets_Brief_040220.pdf

Speaking alongside his wife Chrissie and daughter Maddie, Colin thanked Australians for their support.

"I'd really like to thank Australia for backing me, looking after my family, mowing my lawns, walking my dog," he explained.

But while the Australian Government "could have done more," Consular Officials were "gems."

"They kept me well informed and kept me supplied with raisins, dried fruits and books," he said.

Chrissie Russell also reserved special mention for the 'amazing' community of Woodbridge in Tasmania which has rallied around her family during the past three months.

Discussing conditions in Russian prison, Colin explained that he had "lost a few kilos," but it had given him ample time "thinking about friends, thinking about the campaign, thinking about the Arctic, thinking about the world."

Reflecting on future prospects Colin stated:

"I've been doing it for 14 years, so I'm not going to stop what I know best. No regrets... I'm trying to give a future to our kids and our grandkids. We all need to stand together for that."

"It's going to be an oil rush in the Arctic, I think it's crazy, the known reserves we have now are enough to throw us over two degrees."

Colin has also expressed concern over the fate of the Greenpeace vessel, the Arctic Sunrise.

"I'm still worried about our ship, the Arctic Sunrise, which remains under Russian control in defiance of international law," he said. "I feel it is not over till the Arctic Sunrise is also released.”

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

PLEASE NOTE: Colin Russell, his wife Chrissie and daughter Madeliene would like to thank the Australian media for their support during his time of illegal imprisonment in Russia and is looking forward to resuming his private life in Tasmania. He requests that media do not seek to contact him or his family directly and instead contact Greenpeace. He will not be immediately available for interview.

Contact:

James Lorenz Greenpeace Communications Manager: +61 (0) 400 376 021.

Greenpeace Press Desk: +61 (0) 418 408 683

Greenpeace International picture desk: +31 20 718 24 71

Greenpeace International video desk: +31 20 718 24 72

Greenpeace Qld Campaigner Louise Matthiesson, who is travelling on the Esperanza, said GBRMPA should step up in its role as protector of the Great Barrier Reef and reject dumping within the marine park boundary off Abbot Point.

By Christmas eve, GBRMPA must either make a decision on the dumping permit or extend the deadline.

“GBRMPA has been given a huge lump of coal for Christmas. It’s under pressure to allow 3 million cubic metres of mud to be dumped in the Reef’s marine park when there can be no benefit for the health of the Reef,” Ms Matthiesson said.

“The Authority’s being asked to make this significant call on treating the Reef’s waters as a dump without knowing the exact location of the final sites.

“No one wants to see Abbot Point become another Gladstone. GBRMPA should make a wise decision for the future of the reef and reject the dumping permits.”

“Building new coal export terminals at Abbot Point would be a double-whammy for the Reef, since coal is a major driver of climate change – the greatest threat to the Reef’s long term survival.

“The Reef supports a $6 billion tourism industry that provides sustainable long term jobs for Queenslanders, surely the future of the reef is more important than short term profits from polluting coal exports?” Ms Matthiesson said.

File photos from tour available for download, including image of a tombstone in the reef’s waters, inscription reads ‘RIP Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Listing 1981 – 2014?’

File photos and video: www.greenpeacemedia.org
username: photos  password: green

Media contacts: Louise Matthiesson 0406 041 428 / Jane Garcia 0434 489 533

For the last few months, hundreds of farmers, Traditional Owners, locals and activists from all over Australia have been blockading the site and slowing down Whitehaven’s efforts to build the mine. Now, a day before Federal Parliament resumes and legislation is tabled to abolish Australia’s modest carbon price, the CEOs of these groups are at the Maules Creek site to demonstrate the support of their organisations.

“By approving this mine and abolishing climate legislation, the Federal Government has confirmed they have no intention of dealing with climate change – our greatest threat,” said David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “So we are going to tackle the problem at the source by directly challenging Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia."

A helicopter has been made available today to journalists to fly over and verify claims that environmentalists say could bring down this mining project.

“Whitehaven Coal is out of time, out of luck and out of suitable offsets to mitigate destruction of an iconic, sensitive natural area of NSW under significant threat from coal mining,” said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.

"The approval of the controversial Maules Creek coal mine is in tatters and urgent intervention is required by the Federal Environment Minister," said Phil Laird, Lock the Gate campaigner and fifth generation local farmer.

“Today’s findings will be a shot in the arm for ordinary Australians pledging to take non-violent direct action against the expansion of the coal industry on 350.org’s Summer Heat website,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.

“Whitehaven plans to mine a new coal deposit that will be responsible for emitting more than twice the carbon pollution that Greg Hunt’s entire Direct Action Plan might save between 2014 and 2020,” said Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter. “This is why we’re collaborating with this growing movement to deliver our own brand of direct action to oppose this mine.”

A chartered helicopter is also being used to gather evidence required in order to force the federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, to make an urgent decision under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. An urgent protection order requested by Gomeroi Traditional Custodians, has so far been in limbo for 90 days.

For further information, call Julie Macken on 0400 925 217

Speaking alongside his wife Chrissie and daughter Maddie, Colin thanked Australians for their support.

"I'd really like to thank Australia for backing me, looking after my family, mowing my lawns, walking my dog," he explained.

But while the Australian Government "could have done more," Consular Officials were "gems."

"They kept me well informed and kept me supplied with raisins, dried fruits and books," he said.

Chrissie Russell also reserved special mention for the 'amazing' community of Woodbridge in Tasmania which has rallied around her family during the past three months.

Discussing conditions in Russian prison, Colin explained that he had "lost a few kilos," but it had given him ample time "thinking about friends, thinking about the campaign, thinking about the Arctic, thinking about the world."

Reflecting on future prospects Colin stated:

"I've been doing it for 14 years, so I'm not going to stop what I know best. No regrets... I'm trying to give a future to our kids and our grandkids. We all need to stand together for that."

"It's going to be an oil rush in the Arctic, I think it's crazy, the known reserves we have now are enough to throw us over two degrees."

Colin has also expressed concern over the fate of the Greenpeace vessel, the Arctic Sunrise.

"I'm still worried about our ship, the Arctic Sunrise, which remains under Russian control in defiance of international law," he said. "I feel it is not over till the Arctic Sunrise is also released.”

The Arctic 30 were seized by armed commandos in international waters on September 19 after attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. They were granted amnesty by the Duma (Russian parliament) following a global campaign to free them. They were unable to leave Russia until the authorities gave them the correct exit visas in their passports.

PLEASE NOTE: Colin Russell, his wife Chrissie and daughter Madeliene would like to thank the Australian media for their support during his time of illegal imprisonment in Russia and is looking forward to resuming his private life in Tasmania. He requests that media do not seek to contact him or his family directly and instead contact Greenpeace. He will not be immediately available for interview.

Contact:

James Lorenz Greenpeace Communications Manager: +61 (0) 400 376 021.

Greenpeace Press Desk: +61 (0) 418 408 683

Greenpeace International picture desk: +31 20 718 24 71

Greenpeace International video desk: +31 20 718 24 72

Greenpeace Qld Campaigner Louise Matthiesson, who is travelling on the Esperanza, said GBRMPA should step up in its role as protector of the Great Barrier Reef and reject dumping within the marine park boundary off Abbot Point.

By Christmas eve, GBRMPA must either make a decision on the dumping permit or extend the deadline.

“GBRMPA has been given a huge lump of coal for Christmas. It’s under pressure to allow 3 million cubic metres of mud to be dumped in the Reef’s marine park when there can be no benefit for the health of the Reef,” Ms Matthiesson said.

“The Authority’s being asked to make this significant call on treating the Reef’s waters as a dump without knowing the exact location of the final sites.

“No one wants to see Abbot Point become another Gladstone. GBRMPA should make a wise decision for the future of the reef and reject the dumping permits.”

“Building new coal export terminals at Abbot Point would be a double-whammy for the Reef, since coal is a major driver of climate change – the greatest threat to the Reef’s long term survival.

“The Reef supports a $6 billion tourism industry that provides sustainable long term jobs for Queenslanders, surely the future of the reef is more important than short term profits from polluting coal exports?” Ms Matthiesson said.

File photos from tour available for download, including image of a tombstone in the reef’s waters, inscription reads ‘RIP Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Listing 1981 – 2014?’

File photos and video: www.greenpeacemedia.org
username: photos  password: green

Media contacts: Louise Matthiesson 0406 041 428 / Jane Garcia 0434 489 533

For the last few months, hundreds of farmers, Traditional Owners, locals and activists from all over Australia have been blockading the site and slowing down Whitehaven’s efforts to build the mine. Now, a day before Federal Parliament resumes and legislation is tabled to abolish Australia’s modest carbon price, the CEOs of these groups are at the Maules Creek site to demonstrate the support of their organisations.

“By approving this mine and abolishing climate legislation, the Federal Government has confirmed they have no intention of dealing with climate change – our greatest threat,” said David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. “So we are going to tackle the problem at the source by directly challenging Maules Creek – the largest coal mine currently under construction in Australia."

A helicopter has been made available today to journalists to fly over and verify claims that environmentalists say could bring down this mining project.

“Whitehaven Coal is out of time, out of luck and out of suitable offsets to mitigate destruction of an iconic, sensitive natural area of NSW under significant threat from coal mining,” said Pepe Clarke, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.

"The approval of the controversial Maules Creek coal mine is in tatters and urgent intervention is required by the Federal Environment Minister," said Phil Laird, Lock the Gate campaigner and fifth generation local farmer.

“Today’s findings will be a shot in the arm for ordinary Australians pledging to take non-violent direct action against the expansion of the coal industry on 350.org’s Summer Heat website,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.

“Whitehaven plans to mine a new coal deposit that will be responsible for emitting more than twice the carbon pollution that Greg Hunt’s entire Direct Action Plan might save between 2014 and 2020,” said Greenpeace CEO, David Ritter. “This is why we’re collaborating with this growing movement to deliver our own brand of direct action to oppose this mine.”

A chartered helicopter is also being used to gather evidence required in order to force the federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, to make an urgent decision under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. An urgent protection order requested by Gomeroi Traditional Custodians, has so far been in limbo for 90 days.

For further information, call Julie Macken on 0400 925 217

High res photos of Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download and publication here.

The Boomerang Alliance, consisting of 27 environment groups including Greenpeace, Clean Up Australia and the Total Environment Centre, are calling on state and federal governments to introduce a cash for containers scheme. The Alliance will use the most compelling #trashyselfies in a targeted advertising campaign.   

Ms Laura Wells, Australia’s leading plus-sized model who has a degree in environmental science and law said:

“The number one item tossed away as rubbish is beverage containers which can be recycled.

“Australians litter and throw into landfill the equivalent of around 15,000 bottles and cans every minute – totalling more than 8 billion per year.

“Beverage container recycling schemes, which already exist in South Australia and the Northern Territory, show how simple but effective they are in reducing litter in our parks, oceans and rivers.

“Clean Up Australia Day provides people with a great opportunity to use their #trashyselfie to call on State Premiers to make cash-for-containers a reality across the nation.”

Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said:

“For the first time in 20 years beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.

 “Polling shows 84 per cent of Australians are thirsty for a national cash for containers scheme but only South Australia and the Northern Territory have them.  

“The momentum for a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia has never been greater.

“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine continues to express his support for a cash for containers scheme, NSW Government backbenchers are behind it and Tasmania is undertaking a cost-benefit analysis.

“South Australia boasts a recycling rate for beverage containers of 80 per cent which is double the national average and in the Northern Territory recycling rates have trebled since its introduction.

“Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if cash for containers was brought in nationally.” Note 1.

For more information: Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 1040432 332 104, alison.orme@greenpeace.org

For more information about the #trashyselfie campaign visit www.stoptrashingaustralia.org

Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf

Note 1: http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.pdf