Elizabeth Dyer definitely does not have the power to make a call on climate change.
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But at just five years of age, this little girl is one of the faces of one of Australia’s most alarming concerns.
Elizabeth, of Singleton, and her mother Thoraiya Dyer joined more than 80 concerned residents at Maitland Park yesterday for the city’s contribution to the National Day of Climate Action.
“I’ve been snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and I’m worried it will be dead by the time Elizabeth is old enough to experience the same thing,” Ms Dyer said. “It is so important for Elizabeth to come along to something like this.
“Out of everyone here she will be one of the ones most affected by what we do or don’t do.”
Event organiser Cate Green said yesterday’s rally was held in solidarity of other events staged across the country.
“I decided to organise a Maitland gathering because I believe our government is overlooking what is good for the people and the world generally and as soon as we announced this event people were just really willing to come on board,” Ms Green said.
The event also included an open microphone section where residents were encouraged to speak about their concerns.
Issues raised included coal seam gas exploration, the availability of public transport, protection of national and state forests and the introduction of more coal mines.
“The government continues to support national and international companies in developing new coal mines without firm controls thus further polluting the atmosphere,” Ms Green said.
“If everyone could think locally then globally we would be protected.”