Protesters prepare to rock CSG
ORGANISATIONS and community members traditionally divided by politics will stand side by side at Lismore's biggest anti-coal-seam gas protest so far, CSG-Free Lismore media spokesperson John McPherson said.
Next Saturday more than 5000 people are expected to come from as far north as Central Queensland and Coffs Harbour in the south for the Rock the Gate rally.
At 9am, protesters will meet in Riverside Park before walking through Lismore CBD and re-convening at the park for speeches, music and other activities.
Lismore City Council and local police have approved the event and rally organisers were yesterday in the process of making banners.
"The most stunning thing is that support has come from all parts of the community and people who traditionally class themselves as conservative, academics, office workers, road workers, building contractors and all manner of people are standing up in support of the community," Mr McPherson said.
The protest was named Rock the Gate because live music will feature through out the day.
"What started as a rally with a few musicians has quickly evolved into a mini-Woodford [Folk Festival]," Rock the Gate organiser Elly Bird said.
Twenty-five bands will perform across two stages for free.
Mr McPherson said Lismore was chosen to host the rally because it was a central location and the home base of Federal MP Janelle Saffin and NSW MP Thomas George.
"The fact that the local members, both Federal and State, have their offices here is important," he said.
"Essentially, we're trying to indicate to the State Government that there's no social licence to come into this area."
