PROTESTORS hostile to the Carmichael Mine and the burning of coal have targeted the Abbot Point coal terminal near Bowen in central Queensland.

A statement from a group labelling itself as Frontline Action said two people, Jeanette Kemp, an ecologist from Townsville and Rupert Russell, an 81-year-old naturalist from Mount Molloy, near Cairns, were stopping work by attaching themselves to coal loading infrastructure.

Both Ms Kemp and Mr Russell reportedly walked onto the site around 7.15am AEST Friday, attaching themselves to the coal loading infrastructure — effectively stopping the coal conveyor belts from operating.

A spokesperson for Queensland Police confirmed their officers had responded to an incident at Abbot Point.

“The incident ended at 9am and a man and a woman are assisting police with their inquiries,” the police spokesperson said.

Abbot Point is a major coal terminal and key to unlocking the export potential of the Adani Group’s Carmichael mine, albeit also contributing to the burning of fossil fuels.

In a statement, Ms Kemp outlined the reasons for her actions.

“I know a fair bit of that country where the mine is and got to know the vegetation through my work as an ecologist,” she said.

“It’s just crazy to me that we’re going to dig up this whole area. There are too many mines that are damaging our land, and I just don’t want to see Queensland go that way.”

Mr Russell, a retiree, urged others to act.

“I’m in a very lucky position: I don’t have to worry about my job so I have the time to do this,” he said.

“It’s only by having enough people taking the time to commit to this kind of action that the message of ‘the people don’t want coal to continue’ can be heard”.

Ms Kemp said she did fear for her job.

“Taking part in an action like this does get me a little worried, but in some way, it shows how important it is: that I’m willing to risk my reputation and those sorts of things,” she said.

“It just shows people that anyone can do this, just take time off work — it all contributes and makes people stand up and notice.”