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

The announcement from Anglo Coal means two of the three companies involved in AP-X have now pulled out, with the third saying it can’t rule out abandoning the project. The London-based company yesterday told Bloomberg News that it has informed the Queensland government of its withdrawal from the AP-X coal terminal development.

“The stench around the Abbot Point developments has driven yet another company away,” said Greenpeace campaigner Louise Matthiesson. “Building one of the world’s largest coal ports in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area was always an appalling idea. It’s time for Jeff Seeney to draw a line under it and focus on issues that benefit all Queenslanders, rather than his mining industry cronies.”

While controversy rages over proposed dredging for the Terminal 0 and Terminal 3 projects at Abbot Point, beside the Great Barrier Reef, plans for the next stage of the port’s expansion, known as ‘AP-X’ were supposed to be taking shape.

Deputy Premier Seeney announced the AP-X project in December 2012, and two preferred proponents, Anglo American and Northhub (a joint venture between Aurizon and Lend Lease), were selected in April 2013.

Lend-Lease announced last week that following an internal review the infrastructure giant had allowed their partnership with Aurizon on the project to lapse, and were “therefore no longer involved in the AP X project at Abbot Point.”

The Financial Review reported that Aurizon was considering all options after Lend Lease’s announcement took them by surprise.

On top of the troubles with AP-X, the Terminal 2 project at Abbot Point is also without a developer after  BHP Billiton’s decision in November last year to withdraw the proposal and surrender their development rights.

The situation leaves Indian billionaires G.V. Krishna Reddy and Gautam Adani as the last major investors still looking at extending the terminal.

The AP-X project is much larger than the other plans underway for the site, with berths for 6 or more coal tankers.

For comment contact:

Louise Matthiesson, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner, Brisbane: 0406 041 428

Lawyers acting on behalf of the group say their abduction by armed Russian security agents in international waters and subsequent imprisonment for a peaceful protest breached two key provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. Russia acceded to the convention in 1998.

Lawyer Sergey Golubok, acting on behalf of the Arctic 30, said:

“We think the Arctic 30 were apprehended and detained in flagrant violation of applicable international and Russian laws, and that's why we have submitted a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights.”

"The reaction of the Russian authorities was completely disproportionate to the peaceful protest that took place. These activists tried to shine a light on the risks of Arctic oil drilling, and yet they were met with a response that bore no relation to their actions."

The application asks the European Court to make a ‘declaratory judgment’ that the Russian Federation breached their rights under the ECHR: to liberty (Article 5)  and freedom of expression (Article 10).

Lawyers argue that all thirty men and women were unlawfully deprived of their liberty for more than two months – from the 18 and 19 September 2013 until they were released on bail between the 20 November and 28 November 2014.

According to the complaint, Russia also breached their right to freedom of expression by taking ‘grossly excessive’ measures against a peaceful protest, and by boarding the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise before detaining the crew first at sea and then in Russian jail for over two months.

They are seeking compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of being unlawfully detained and costs and expenses associated with defending their cases in Russia and bring their case to the European Court.

It could take a year or more for the European Court to communicate the case to Russia, based on past cases. However, Greenpeace urges the Court to take up the case as soon as possible.

Contact:
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Alison Orme 0432 332 104
International press desk: +31 20 718 24 70 or pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org


Greenpeace International picture desk: +31 20 718 24 71


Greenpeace International video desk: +31 6 4619 7322

NOTES
* The Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise continues to be detained in Murmansk after being towed to the port city in September. It has now been in the custody of Russian authorities for nearly six months.

* Last week, a St Petersburg court denied Greenpeace International’s formal petition to seek access to the ship which has been left in freezing waters to determine whether necessary maintenance has been conducted after the arrest of the ship and during the ongoing investigation.

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

“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

This follows BHP Billiton’s decision in November last year to withdraw their proposal to build the Terminal 2 project at Abbot Point and surrender their development rights, ruling out greenfield coal infrastructure developments in a slumping coal market.

In 2012 Rio Tinto cited ‘economic uncertainty’ for shelving plans for its port development at Fitzroy Delta in Central Queensland.
 
This means the only companies still pursuing coal terminal developments at Abbot Point are Indian giants Adani (Terminal-Zero) and GVK (Terminal 3) in partnership with Hancock Coal Infrastructure. The health of their financial projects has been assessed as poor.
 
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner Louise Matthiesson said, “Proponents of coal terminal expansion at Abbot Point are increasingly recognising the environmental, reputational, material and financial risks of developing these damaging projects, acknowledging there is no business case to proceed, and pulling out.
 
A 2013 report by the US Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) found that Adani’s Carmichael coalmine, rail and terminal project in Queensland is “uncommercial”. Similarly, another IEEFA report in 2013 examined GVK’s $10bn Alpha coalmine, rail and terminal project, finding it was “uneconomic” and a “quagmire not an investment”, and warning that “no investor should take part”.
 
When questioned during today’s half yearly investor briefing, Lend Lease CEO Mr Steve McCann confirmed that following an internal review Lend Lease has allowed their partnership with Aurizon on the project to lapse, and were “therefore no longer involved in the AP-X project at Abbot Point.”

Greenpeace has calculated that the AP-X development would require up to 13 million cubic metres of dredging in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, on top of the 3 million cubic metres of dredging already approved for the GVK and Adani projects.  The Lend Lease-Aurizon partnership ‘North-Hub’ was shortlisted to develop the huge new coal terminal in April 2013 by the Queensland Government.

The development of AP-X would require several million tonnes of seabed dredging and dumping in Reef waters. It would lead to thousands of additional ship movements each year, risking damage to the Reef, its coral and wildlife. The expansion of Abbot Point would enable the escalation of coal mining in the Galilee and Bowen Basins in central Queensland.

Greenpeace congratulates the Australian Youth Climate Coalition for their work in pressuring Lend Lease to withdraw from the AP-X development due to its potential impacts on the world’s climate and the Great Barrier Reef.

Further information: Louise Matthiesson Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0406 041 428

The Boomerang Alliance is also encouraging people to take a #trashyselfie as part of the campaign to pressure State governments to get on board.

Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said, “For the first time ever beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.[1]

“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.”

Mr Jeff Angel, Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance said, “There’s significant momentum in support of a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia.

“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has been vocal in support of a Cash for Containers scheme, some NSW Government backbenchers are backing it and Tasmania is investigating its cost-benefits.

“What’s clear is that Cash for Containers works - South Australia recycles its beverage containers at double the national average at 80 per cent.

“Our environment and our economy will reap the benefits. Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if a national Cash for Containers was introduced.”[2]

The Boomerang Alliance is asking Australians to take a #trashyselfie of themselves holding used bottles and cans as part of Clean Up Australia Day, for a social media campaign aimed at State Premiers. The most compelling #trashyselfies will be used 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.”

For more information and interviews: Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104

Photos: High res photos of environmental scientist and top model Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download here: http://tiny.cc/tzbrbx.

[1] Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf
[2] http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.pdf

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

“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

This follows BHP Billiton’s decision in November last year to withdraw their proposal to build the Terminal 2 project at Abbot Point and surrender their development rights, ruling out greenfield coal infrastructure developments in a slumping coal market.

In 2012 Rio Tinto cited ‘economic uncertainty’ for shelving plans for its port development at Fitzroy Delta in Central Queensland.
 
This means the only companies still pursuing coal terminal developments at Abbot Point are Indian giants Adani (Terminal-Zero) and GVK (Terminal 3) in partnership with Hancock Coal Infrastructure. The health of their financial projects has been assessed as poor.
 
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner Louise Matthiesson said, “Proponents of coal terminal expansion at Abbot Point are increasingly recognising the environmental, reputational, material and financial risks of developing these damaging projects, acknowledging there is no business case to proceed, and pulling out.
 
A 2013 report by the US Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) found that Adani’s Carmichael coalmine, rail and terminal project in Queensland is “uncommercial”. Similarly, another IEEFA report in 2013 examined GVK’s $10bn Alpha coalmine, rail and terminal project, finding it was “uneconomic” and a “quagmire not an investment”, and warning that “no investor should take part”.
 
When questioned during today’s half yearly investor briefing, Lend Lease CEO Mr Steve McCann confirmed that following an internal review Lend Lease has allowed their partnership with Aurizon on the project to lapse, and were “therefore no longer involved in the AP-X project at Abbot Point.”

Greenpeace has calculated that the AP-X development would require up to 13 million cubic metres of dredging in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, on top of the 3 million cubic metres of dredging already approved for the GVK and Adani projects.  The Lend Lease-Aurizon partnership ‘North-Hub’ was shortlisted to develop the huge new coal terminal in April 2013 by the Queensland Government.

The development of AP-X would require several million tonnes of seabed dredging and dumping in Reef waters. It would lead to thousands of additional ship movements each year, risking damage to the Reef, its coral and wildlife. The expansion of Abbot Point would enable the escalation of coal mining in the Galilee and Bowen Basins in central Queensland.

Greenpeace congratulates the Australian Youth Climate Coalition for their work in pressuring Lend Lease to withdraw from the AP-X development due to its potential impacts on the world’s climate and the Great Barrier Reef.

Further information: Louise Matthiesson Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0406 041 428

The Boomerang Alliance is also encouraging people to take a #trashyselfie as part of the campaign to pressure State governments to get on board.

Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said, “For the first time ever beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.[1]

“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.”

Mr Jeff Angel, Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance said, “There’s significant momentum in support of a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia.

“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has been vocal in support of a Cash for Containers scheme, some NSW Government backbenchers are backing it and Tasmania is investigating its cost-benefits.

“What’s clear is that Cash for Containers works - South Australia recycles its beverage containers at double the national average at 80 per cent.

“Our environment and our economy will reap the benefits. Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if a national Cash for Containers was introduced.”[2]

The Boomerang Alliance is asking Australians to take a #trashyselfie of themselves holding used bottles and cans as part of Clean Up Australia Day, for a social media campaign aimed at State Premiers. The most compelling #trashyselfies will be used 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.”

For more information and interviews: Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104

Photos: High res photos of environmental scientist and top model Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download here: http://tiny.cc/tzbrbx.

[1] Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf
[2] http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.pdf

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

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Occupying both of the company’s compounds erected deep in the Leard State Forest, the concerned citizens have been able to disrupt work on the mine. They intend to remain on site for as long as possible.

The action comes as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change identifies risks for Australia, including:

    - The possibility of widespread and permanent damage to coral reef systems (increased coral bleaching), particularly the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo in Western Australia (high confidence);
    - Some native species could be wiped out (high confidence);
    - Increased frequency and intensity of flood damage to infrastructure and settlements in Australia (high confidence);
    - Increasing risks to coastal infrastructure and low-lying ecosystems in Australia, with widespread damage towards the upper end of projected sea-level-rise ranges (high confidence).

“It is not possible to both take climate change seriously and continue to dig new coal mines in this country. They are now mutually exclusive activities,” said Julie Macken, spokesperson for Greenpeace.

“Whitehaven’s proposed Maules Creek mine brings together the most destructive elements of climate change,” continued Macken. “It will generate 900 Mt of carbon pollution – twice the amount the Prime Minister’s Direct Action plan could save from 2014 to 2020.”

“It will undermine the integrity of one of our country’s most important food bowls at a time when the IPCC is warning of the impact of climate change on food security. Together with the two neighbouring mines, it may cause a cumulative drawdown of water in the adjacent hard rock aquifer in excess of 10 m and imperil over 30 endangered species, whilst dumping tonnes of coal dust on surrounding communities every year.”

“But the truly ugly truth about this proposed mine is that its construction is a declaration by the company and the State and Federal Coalition governments who approved it, that they believe the world will not take action to tackle climate change, that business as usual will persist and we will reap the terrible future laid out today by the IPCC.”


For further information contact:


Julie Macken at Maules Creek 0400 925 217

James Lorenz in Sydney 0400 376 021

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

This follows BHP Billiton’s decision in November last year to withdraw their proposal to build the Terminal 2 project at Abbot Point and surrender their development rights, ruling out greenfield coal infrastructure developments in a slumping coal market.

In 2012 Rio Tinto cited ‘economic uncertainty’ for shelving plans for its port development at Fitzroy Delta in Central Queensland.
 
This means the only companies still pursuing coal terminal developments at Abbot Point are Indian giants Adani (Terminal-Zero) and GVK (Terminal 3) in partnership with Hancock Coal Infrastructure. The health of their financial projects has been assessed as poor.
 
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner Louise Matthiesson said, “Proponents of coal terminal expansion at Abbot Point are increasingly recognising the environmental, reputational, material and financial risks of developing these damaging projects, acknowledging there is no business case to proceed, and pulling out.
 
A 2013 report by the US Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) found that Adani’s Carmichael coalmine, rail and terminal project in Queensland is “uncommercial”. Similarly, another IEEFA report in 2013 examined GVK’s $10bn Alpha coalmine, rail and terminal project, finding it was “uneconomic” and a “quagmire not an investment”, and warning that “no investor should take part”.
 
When questioned during today’s half yearly investor briefing, Lend Lease CEO Mr Steve McCann confirmed that following an internal review Lend Lease has allowed their partnership with Aurizon on the project to lapse, and were “therefore no longer involved in the AP-X project at Abbot Point.”

Greenpeace has calculated that the AP-X development would require up to 13 million cubic metres of dredging in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, on top of the 3 million cubic metres of dredging already approved for the GVK and Adani projects.  The Lend Lease-Aurizon partnership ‘North-Hub’ was shortlisted to develop the huge new coal terminal in April 2013 by the Queensland Government.

The development of AP-X would require several million tonnes of seabed dredging and dumping in Reef waters. It would lead to thousands of additional ship movements each year, risking damage to the Reef, its coral and wildlife. The expansion of Abbot Point would enable the escalation of coal mining in the Galilee and Bowen Basins in central Queensland.

Greenpeace congratulates the Australian Youth Climate Coalition for their work in pressuring Lend Lease to withdraw from the AP-X development due to its potential impacts on the world’s climate and the Great Barrier Reef.

Further information: Louise Matthiesson Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0406 041 428

The Boomerang Alliance is also encouraging people to take a #trashyselfie as part of the campaign to pressure State governments to get on board.

Mr Ian Kiernan AO, Chairman of Clean Up Australia said, “For the first time ever beverage containers have outstripped cigarette butts as the top rubbish item nationally, making up 36 per cent of all rubbish.[1]

“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.”

Mr Jeff Angel, Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance said, “There’s significant momentum in support of a 10c Cash for Container recycling scheme in Australia.

“Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has been vocal in support of a Cash for Containers scheme, some NSW Government backbenchers are backing it and Tasmania is investigating its cost-benefits.

“What’s clear is that Cash for Containers works - South Australia recycles its beverage containers at double the national average at 80 per cent.

“Our environment and our economy will reap the benefits. Recycling companies have vowed to invest $500 million and create 3,500 new jobs if a national Cash for Containers was introduced.”[2]

The Boomerang Alliance is asking Australians to take a #trashyselfie of themselves holding used bottles and cans as part of Clean Up Australia Day, for a social media campaign aimed at State Premiers. The most compelling #trashyselfies will be used 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.”

For more information and interviews: Alison Orme Greenpeace Australia Pacific 0432 332 104

Photos: High res photos of environmental scientist and top model Laura Wells holding 10c lying amidst cans and plastic bottles OR her own #trashyselfie available for download here: http://tiny.cc/tzbrbx.

[1] Clean Up Australia 2013 National Rubbish Report: http://www.cleanup.org.au/files/2013-national.pdf
[2] http://www.revive-recycling.com.au/Revive%20Media%20Release%209-4-13.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