Many of you will have heard of Acland, the Queensland town almost erased by New Hope Coal for their New Acland Mine Stage 3. It’s not even approved yet but they have bought up the town and emptied it out.
A few scraps not worth selling off or not movable show where once where houses — and people.
Only one landowner, Glenn Beutel, remains. See my past post, Acland, death by coal.
The Park and whatever Glenn owns are still cared for by him; they look loved and used by people. There’s a war memorial in the Park, but just across the road the concrete slabs and garden edges are poignant memorials to past villagers.
All of you will know that next Tuesday, 9th August, is national census night. Brisbane Friends of the Earth’s climate action arm, Six Degrees, has come up with a great idea to ‘repopulate’ Acland.
They are inviting any and every one to join them in spending census night in Acland to show the government that people prefer community to coal.
Where: intersection of Acland Road and Francis St, Acland
?When: Tuesday 9 August from 6pm
?Bring: a plate of food to share for dinner, camping gear and warm clothes
(Any questions or if you’re driving and have a spare seat or need a lift, please email Shani
So if you live anywhere in striking distance (it’s not far north of Toowoomba) or are passing through, why not stand up (or lie down) and be counted for Acland — in Acland — on Tuesday night? Say ‘Hi’ to Glenn for me if you do.