Activist arrivals rile up Bowen
BOWEN residents are threatening to blockade anti- Adani protesters at their accommodation south of the town as tensions build ahead of a weeklong activist “training camp” beginning this weekend.
Bowen social media pages have featured locals congratulating businesses for refusing to serve protesters and others trying to organise counterprotests against the 100- plus anti- Adani brigade’s activities, planned for September 16- 23.
It is understood a high- profile protester has been spotted in Bowen as the rest of the activists make their way to the area today and tomorrow.
There are concerns protests could extend to Adani’s headquarters in South Townsville, but most action will take place in Bowen and at the miner’s Abbot Point coal terminal.
Whitsunday Regional Council staff visited Glen Erin Farmstay yesterday after the council this week warned housing 100 people would breach its 40- person permit limit and lead to a $ 500,000 fine.
It is understood farmstay owner Lyn Kelly fell ill on Wednesday night and was not at the property yesterday.
Cr Mike Brunker said the community was up in arms over the protests, with talks of blockades and counter rallies.
“There’s certainly a lot of talk by locals about blockading that road, to block the greenies in where they are,” he said.
“It’s created a lot of angst. I think someone is trying to organise a pro- Adani rally as well.”
Cr Brunker said the council would follow through with fines and court action if the farmstay breached its limit.
“The owners have been told and they will be told again about the strict requirements on the numbers ( they) can have,” he said.
“Using the excuse that she ( Ms Kelly) is renting them a paddock next door, that is still attached to her facility and it’s still on that block of land.
“It’s not a matter of us sending the storm troopers in to kick them off.
“We will have to go through a legal process where she is served a cause notice.
“They will receive a fine if they are found guilty and we will pursue it through the courts.” PROMINENT Stop Adani activist Wendy Tubman yesterday insisted a training camp near Bowen would be peaceful.
Ms Tubman ( right) travelled to the Glen Erin Farmstay yesterday and said a “large number” of Townsville residents were attending.
“We’re expecting to go down and learn more about the mine and its impact and then plan and undertake some peaceful actions,” she said.
“I absolutely do see them being peaceful, that’s the condition. It’s a non- violent event.”
Ms Tubman, who was let go without a conviction or fine on Tuesday after being arrested at Adani’s headquarters last month, said some of the actions would be planned.
“There won’t be violence as far as we are concerned,” she said. “It’s just ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It will not impact the Bowen Family Fishing Classic and we will be respectful of where we are.”
Adani spokesman Ron Watson said the Indian miner accepted and supported the “democratic right” to protest. “These activists have the right to demonstrate, not intimidate, as was the case recently when two men wearing Stop Adani shirts confronted a mother and toddler at their home,” he said.
“Activists are advised that Abbot Point Port is a heavy industrial site with trains, stackers, trucks and bulk carrier ships.
“The surrounds including the sea and mangroves are also dangerous areas, with crocodiles and sharks spotted recently.”
DOMANII CAMERON