Occupation of Happy Valley
Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition
25th January 2006

From Saturday 28th January Save Happy Valley Coalition members and supporters will be indefinitely occupying the site of Solid Energy's planned opencast coal mine in Happy Valley near Westport on the West Coast.

"This mine will be such an ecological disaster that we are left with no choice but to use non-violent direct action to stop Solid Energy's destruction of such a pristine environment." said Frances Mountier spokesperson for the Coalition.

"The Happy Valley mine will destroy the habitat of numerous endangered species including great spotted kiwi and the carnivorous snail Powelliphanta patrickensis, release 12 million tonnes of climate changing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere from the burning of the coal, and pollute local waterways with acid mine drainage." said Frances Mountier.

"Despite having the power to stop this mine, the Labour government is actively pursuing a path of environmental destruction for the sake of profit. This mine is a rejection of any commitment by Labour to stop climate change or protect the endangered kiwi."

"We will occupy the mine site until Solid Energy and the Government propose plans for sustainable West Coast development that do not include mining Happy Valley. We invite members of the public to come and join us," said Frances Mountier.

Media Contact:
Frances Mountier
021 1757484
www.savehappyvalley.org.nz

After Saturday, cellphone coverage in Happy Valley is only available in specific places.  If you cannot get hold of us, leave a message in Frances's voice box and we will return your calls at 10am and 3pm daily.

Note:

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping Solid Energy's proposed open cast coal mine in Happy Valley (Upper Waimangaroa Valley) on the West Coast. The coalition is made up of West Coast locals, students, workers and the general public. The group has a track record of creative protests, occupations and lock-ons as well as producing a variety of informative media. More information about the coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org .nz/aboutus.htm