COPS CHECK ACTIVISTS’ HIGH JINKS
POLICE are investigating if activists broke the law by placing a banner on the heritagelisted Castle Hill yesterday.
Early yesterday protest group Frontline Action on Coal posted a photo on Twitter of a # StopAdani banner which was placed above the iconic “saint” graffiti on the monolith that towers over Townsville.
Stop Adani Townsville spokeswoman Wendy Tubman said the banner was placed on the hill by a “local group of concerned citizens”.
She said the activists installed the banner as part of a campaign against Adani and preventing climate change.
Townsville Inspector Roger Whyte said police were investigating the incident.
“Inquiries are continuing … as to whether any offences were committed,” he said.
Ms Tubman said the action was connected to the ALP’s State Conference in Townsville, which starts today.
Ms Tubman said Adani was betting on a $ 1 billion loan from the NAIF.
“There is no question that our region needs investment in infrastructure but there is no way that the ( Queensland) Government can defend back- ing a $ 1 billion loan for a billionaire,” she said.
“The Government should instead support those projects that deliver long- term jobs in sustainable industries like renewable energy, agriculture and tourism – these are the sectors worthy of NAIF funding.”
The Castle Hill banner was removed by 8.45am.
Protesters, including Stop Adani and GetUp! members, are planning to stage a demonstration at the Townsville entertainment Centre this morning as delegates arrive for the conference.