Police watch tightens Extra cops called in amid fears of Carmichael mine protest clashes
AN estimated 70 extra police arrived in Bowen over the weekend to ensure a weeklong protest by opponents to the development of Adani’s Carmichael mine does not get out of hand.
A “lantern parade” at Bowen’s Queens Beach featuring more than 80 activists last night was described by protest group Frontline Action on Coal as “the start of a week of peaceful, non- violent direct action to protect the reef, climate and local communities from Adani’s plans”.
A spokeswoman from Frontline last night said she could not elaborate on what “non- violent direct action” might involve. “That is still all being planned,” she said.
Speculation that high- profile activists were in the Bowen area could not be confirmed. Late yesterday, Inspector Steven O’Connell from the Mackay Police District said police had no information about high- profile activists and who might plan more extreme protest events.
Insp O’Connell said the weekend had been quiet and that police were continuing to monitor proceedings.
Bowen woman Elvyn Smith is the spokeswoman for all of the protesters.
The protesters call the gathering a “convergence”.
Ms Smith, who is “nearly 70”, has been “around the block” when it comes to protests. She was one of the leaders in the protests against the failed Chalco alumina refinery planned for Bowen more than a decade ago. At Queens Beach yesterday, Ms Smith and self- declared “greenie” David Avenell, 65, said they opposed the Adani mine because it was bad for the environment.
Mr Avenell was keen to talk about the planet and how it might suffer if the Adani mine happens.
“It is one planet. We only have one planetary earth support system. This is Space Ship Earth. It has less lifeboats than the Titanic,” he said.
Ms Smith said there were an estimated 150 people in the area for the week.
“Mining companies come and go, leaving a legacy of broken promises,” she said. “But we’re here for the long FEDERAL Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will visit Townsville tonight to host a town- hall meeting with local residents.
Mr Shorten said that to learn what would make a positive difference in people’s lives he had to get out of Canberra.
“Politics is all about listening and learning from people and their experiences,” he said.
“In April this year, I heard from people about their rising energy costs and water secur- haul. Adani is not a company our community can trust. Our politicians aren’t protecting us, so we’re standing up to protect everyone’s future by stopping this mine.”
Ms Smith said protesters had arrived from Townsville, Mackay and interstate.
She said “crowdfunding” campaigns had been held to help people travel to the protest camp site at the Glen Erin Farmstay south of Bowen.
Whitsunday Regional Council has warned the farmstay that it faces fines of more than $ 500,000 if it exceeds its limit of 40 guests.
Mr Avenell said protesters were trying to raise awareness about the mining project. “We want to awaken people to the ity. A month later, Labor announced $ 100 million for water security infrastructure for Townsville and $ 200 million towards hydro- electric power infrastructure at the Burdekin Falls Dam.
“These are vital projects which will go a long way to provide jobs and water security for Townsville.”
Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said the meeting at Mundingburra would be informal, with situation we are in. This planet might be the only one in the universe that supports higher life form,” he said.
Juru tribal elder Carol Prior said the Adani mine would destroy indigenous people’s spiritual and cultural connections to their land.
“We are here ( last night) as first nation’s people to protect people, protect our cultural heritage, our sacred sites, and water,” she said.
Megan Armstrong, from Townsville, said she would sooner not be protesting in Bowen but felt she had no choice. “I don’t have a choice. The future of our local communities, land, water, and reef are all on the line if this project goes ahead,” she said. residents urged to ask whatever questions they wished.
“Energy will certainly come up and we are very mindful of that,” she said. “We are very focused on rebuilding our vocational education system as well as higher education.
“There will be genuine opportunity for people to ask questions.”
The forum, open to all residents, will be held at the Jubilee Bowls Club from 6.30pm.