Future Sooner has been awarded the prestigious 2022 Environmental Justice Award in recognition of the achievements of the group and supporters over the past year.
The award was presented by Environmental Justice Australia co-CEOs Elizabeth McKinnon and Nicola Rivers to acknowledge Future Sooner “going above and beyond in their work for environmental justice”.
Future Sooner spokesperson Gary Blaschke said he and Dr Ian Charlton and Dr Merlene Thrift were thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the group.
“It was awarded to us because of the work the group has been doing to protect the health of the Central Coast and Lower Lake Macquarie from what comes out of coal-fired power stations like Vales Point – work that encompasses environmental justice principles,” he said.
“This is an important award as it highlights the successes Future Sooner members and our supporters have achieved over the year.
“2023 has been a big year for Future Sooner.
“We hosted a public meeting with the United Nations Special Rapporteur, which was a great success and reinforced our concerns.
“And now the CEO of the Environment Protection Authority, Tony Chapel, has agreed to attend a public meeting on December 1 at Chain Valley Bay Community Hall to listen and hear more about what the community is facing.
“It will be a good opportunity for him to explain what the EPA can do.”
Source:
Future Sooner