Protesters dressed in quirky, cone-shaped outfits, big hats and waving placards paraded Goulburn's main street on Wednesday morning.
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Twenty members of the group, Extinction Rebellion, gathered outside Hume MP Angus Taylor's office as part of a protest about gas projects. Earlier they had draped the former AMP building with a sign - 'Now we're cooking with gas.'
Spokesman Josh Winestock said the group, which backed action on climate change and halting biodiversity loss, wanted to "put the focus on Angus Taylor."
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"We certainly don't think he's doing a good job in reducing carbon emissions," he said.
"...He is totally supporting gas-led projects despite the fact scientists don't support them and they will drive up emissions."
Mr Winestock highlighted Mr Taylor's backing of the Santos' Narrabri coal seam gas project, which would involve drilling 850 wells. He said the plan would result a loss of biodiversity in the Pilliga forest.
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"He's endorsed it and the buck stops with him," he said.
"...We think we're in a climate emergency and the government and the National COVID Coordination Commission (aimed at economic and social recovery) is locking us into a future that's not sustainable."
Extinction Rebellion is calling for a greater focus on renewable energy "to get Australia out of its energy slump."
The group's distinctive outfits, with hoop-shaped skirts, were designed for "social distancing." Participants walked Auburn Street wearing signs stating 'gas is for old farts' and 'we need water, not gas,' before regathering outside Mr Taylor's office and dancing to environmental-themed songs.
Mr Taylor was not at his office. The Post has requested comment on the group's claims.
The spectacle drew mixed responses. Watching on, Goulburn man Steve Picker said it was "great."
"I'm all for it," he said.
"Goulburn is coming of age. We need more renewable energy. The message is to save the planet. We saw during lock-down how much emissions dropped.
"I'm a supporter; it's peaceful and they're doing it in just the right spot."
But others shook their head in disapproval and noted the protesters were "from out of town." Mr Winestock said they came from Sydney, Canberra "and everywhere in between."
Police attended but Sergeant Scott Marsh said there were no issues and it was a peaceful protest.
"It's an unauthorised public assembly but there is provision within that to protest. It is orderly," he said.
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