NSW TREASURER Michael Costa traded barbs with Camp for Climate organisers and the Greens yesterday over the legitimacy of tomorrow's planned blockage of the Port Waratah coal line.
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The day began with Camp for Climate organisers inviting Mr Costa to take part in a Wickham Park forum about the Hunter's potential as a renewable energy hub.
"We think it would be really constructive for him to come down to the camp and hear about the alternative and positive future . . . if we move away from coal," Camp for Climate spokeswoman Georgina Woods said.
A spokeswoman for Mr Costa said he had been unaware of the invitation before receiving it via The Herald, but he would not attend any event where people were encouraged to break the law.
Up to 100 activists from around Australia are expected to block the coal line at Selwyn Street, Mayfield after marching from Islington Park.
In a media release, Mr Costa the NSW Greens for promoting the blockade on their website.
"It's outrageous, but not surprising, that the Greens would be behind this push to break the law," he said.
"The Greens must remove the link to this event from their website immediately.
"Police have got better things to do than waste their time and risk injury because of the Greens' pathetic street theatre."
Up to 160 police will be on standby for tomorrow's protest, including members of the dog and riot squads and water police.
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon called on police not to use excessive force.
Mr Costa said the protest could disrupt coal exports worth more than $34 million dollars per day.
