Lock the Gate Alliance national president, Drew Hutton will be the subject of next Monday’s (August 4) Australian Story program on the ABC.
The Lock the Gate campaign was launched on 22 November, 2010 when farmers from south-east Queensland gathered in Brisbane around a farm gate, vowing to take a stand to protect their farms and communities from inappropriate mining.
The Lock the Gate Alliance is now a national alliance of more than 200 grassroots group and more than 32,000 supporters comprising farmers, landholders, conservationists and Traditional Owners. The group transcends political divides and is unprecedented in the history of Australian social movements.
Mr Hutton has paid a heavy personal toll during the many years he has devoted to environmental and community activism. He describes himself as “an ordinary Australian” but he has achieved extraordinary things, including galvinising traditional right and left in the battle against invasive mining.
“My story is of an ordinary Australian who loves his country, doesn't want to see it ripped up for short term gain for a few and is prepared to stand up to those bullies who want to force us into that future. Fortunately I am not alone in this,” Mr Hutton said.
“I and all those at Lock the Gate are worried about the impact of mining on our food lands, our access to clean water, our regional communities and our sense of a fair go.”
Also appearing on the program will be former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, outspoken radio presenter, Alan Jones and environmentalist Dr Bob Brown.
See ABC promo for ABC’s Australian Story.