Lock the Gate Alliance is calling on politicians to stop fueling the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis as Cyclone Alfred barrels towards South East Queensland and North East NSW, causing extreme anxiety for millions of residents who are desperately preparing their homes.
Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal and most of this coal is mined in - and exported from - NSW and Queensland. Together, these states exported 338 million tonnes of coal in 2023–24. Queensland also exports tens of millions of tonnes of gas from coal seam gas fields between Toowoomba and the state’s Central Highlands each year.
It is extremely rare for cyclones to threaten South East QLD and North East NSW. Government predictions suggest there is a higher likelihood of tropical cyclones impacting south of the tropics as the climate warms.
In 2024, sea surface temperatures around Australia reached record highs. Rising ocean surface temperatures combined with a warmer, wetter atmosphere provide a larger source of energy for tropical cyclones to draw on once they are formed.
Lock the Gate Alliance spokesperson and Brighton local Zaida Variava said, “Here in Brighton we’re anxiously preparing for the cyclone. The majority of people in our communities have never experienced a cyclone and we're really scared. It’s very difficult wondering whether your home will still be intact in a few days time.
“We can’t say for certain that any one extreme weather event is caused by global warming, but what we do know is that the mining and burning of massive volumes of Queensland coal and gas by companies like Glencore, Whitehaven, BHP, Santos, and Shell is making extremely destructive and costly weather-disasters more likely.
“What we’ve learnt locally through previous floods is that neighbours helping each other is what really makes a difference. I’m connecting with people in my area to respond not just to this event but to make our community more resilient into the future.
“I believe it’s hypocritical for Labor and LNP politicians to act all concerned in front of the cameras while at the same time approving new coal and gas projects that contribute to worsening extreme weather.”
Video grabs are available here.
ENDS