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Revision as of 17:59, 2 April 2024
</image> <label>Performers</label> <label>Date</label> <label>Location</label> </infobox>The Franklin River Campaign was a massive protest wave and blockade that occurred in Tasmania and Victoria, Australia that successfully stopped of the construction of a controversial dam over the Gordon River, Tasmania. The campaign began in 1976 with the announcement of dam construction, and ended in 1983 with the dam project being ended.
Background
The dam was proposed in 1976 and immediately faced controversy and dissent. Protesters from the unsuccessful anti-dam Lake Pedder Campaign began to reassemble and plan out more actions.[1]
The discovery of ancient aboriginal paintings in caves around the river (Tasmanian Aboriginals had been exterminated in a genocidal war in the 1830s) in 1981 further raised tensions. The colonial government of Tasmania did not care about the exterminate of culture for further profits.[2]
Events
The campaign began with the creation of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, a nonviolent protest group that focused on 'raising awareness' by placing posters, pamphlets, tours of the river, thousands-strong protest marches in cities and calling representatives. This was completely ineffective, as the Tasmanian government announced a referendum and ignored the most popular options, (showing the state is an insult to democracy).
The most effective action took place on the 14th of December, 1982, where 2,500 occupied the dam construction site. Forming a human chain through the forest to prevent construction workers from entering the site. The blockade also occurred on a flotilla and canoes prevented police from bringing construction machinery to the site by barge. Around 1,440 people were arrested by police (for what? protecting their community? protecting the environment? police do not serve the people, they serve the state). Folk singer Shane Howard wrote the official anthem of the campaign, titled “Let the Franklin Flow”.
On the 1st of March 1983, 231 people were arrested in their boats on the Gordon River and the Wilderness Society's flag was flown above the Hydro Electric Commission building in Hobart.[2]
Results
The construction of the dam was blocked, and ended the construction of new dams across Australia. The action also won $270 million in grants to environmental protection groups in Tasmania and inspired further anti-dam actions across the world.[2]