Two protesters who chained themselves to bulldozers at Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine site have been charged.
The 53-year-old male from Parramatta Park in Queensland and a 21-year-old female from Elands in NSW, were charged with hindering the working of mining equipment and entering closed lands.
They were given conditional bail to appear in Narrabri Local Court on February 25.
Police were called to the site near Boggabri yesterday morning after the two entered the private land.
Leard Forest Alliance supporters have vowed to continue similar protests. They remained at the entrance to the site throughout the day.
“As far as we’re concerned we don’t want the forest cleared and this is the only thing that’s going to stop it,” said spokesperson Georgina Woods.
The group was joined by two Maules Creek locals who fear the mine will affect the wellbeing of the community. Their story will appear in Thursday’s Courier.
Police from Narrabri and Moree were at the site throughout the
day.
“The government has approved the mine, some in the community want it and others oppose it. We’re stuck in the middle trying to keep the peace,” Inspector John Ridley said.
“Police don’t object to people protesting, they have a lawful right to do that, apart from when they start to commit criminal offences.”