Protesters Gather at Westpac Branches to Oppose Coal Mine

Protesters on Monday, February 20, voiced their opposition to a possible investment by bank Westpac into Adani’s Carmichael coal mine project.

A rally in Melbourne was held in conjunction with protests at other Westpac branches in major cities around Australia. Demonstrators argued that the $22 billion Queensland coal mine would be an environmental disaster.

Footage shows Julian Vincent from Market Forces speaking to a crowd of protesters who shout “Stop Adani.”

According to the Newcastle Star, environmentalists believe the mine could further endanger the health of the Great Barrier Reef and Galilee Basin.

Adani, a multinational company based in India, is planning to build what would be Australia’s largest coal mine in the Galilee Basin near Rockhampton. The company is seeking investors, including Australian banks.

According to The Australian, the project has been ruled out by National Australian Bank but Westpac is still considering it. Credit: Facebook/John Englart via Storyful