Repost from "Keep The Scenic Rim Scenic" Face Book Page:
Introduction by Heidi Ross:
Brilliant read: Di Perkins' reflections on yesterday's first Court appearances of those arrested in the Kerry Blockade. I have to admit it brought me to tears because it touches on the stuff we often don't show - the personal sacrifice of this fight. Why do we do it? because we have much to loose if we do not. United we stand! Heidi
Dear Friends,
My interest in arresting the continuation of CSG until reasonable safeguards have been explored and implemented, continues. While I recognise there have to be trade-offs between the financial and the environment, the imbalance of the present situation has worried me for some time. Following the protesters, I am learning a lot about endurance, ultruism and a willingness for quiet folks to stand up to be counted. There is a sense of "If the governments aren't listening, we are going to push our case for the future of Australia. Only then can we rest at night, knowing that we have fought for the viability of the future of our homeland." Have included a recount of yesterday's proceedings.
Di
BEAUDESERT COURT APPEARANCES
1.2.12
9.00 am, Tuesday morning and the precincts of the Court House in William Street are crowded. From a distance it appears there is a press conference in session or a bridal photo being taken.
Akubras dominate the scene as I walk closer and there is the familiar face of gifted artist, Jan Drynan, with her husband Ken and I recognize Innis who was the leader of the Kerry Blockade against CSG. These aren’t the type of folks you would expect would contravene the law and end up in court: conservative, middle-aged, open country people who would do anything for their neighbour, people who would have voted for the old national party as a matter of pride, people whose uncles and father fought in the wars to protect Australia. The tattooed, scruffy folks to the side of the main group were, stereotypically, the ones whom you would expect to appear before a magistrate.
Before the court cryer came out to summon individuals, the anti-CSG group was addressed. A remarkable woman called June Norman was introduced and her contribution to the cause was outlined. A well-weathered, determined woman perhaps in her seventies, June intends to complete a 500km walk along the proposed gas pipeline from Kumbarilla, starting on Thursday, 9th February. Her arrival at Gladstone a month later will coincide with that of the UNESCO contingent that will asses the impacts of mining industries on the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. June’s challenging feat will necessitate walking 29km each day. With steel-resolve to participate in activities to bring governments to their senses about what they are doing to Australia, June reveals that her grandchildren are proud of her endeavours.
Heidi was bright, energetic and one of the organizers; her husband Stephen Ross was designated to appear in court. This couple have a property at Lamington on which they are establishing a “wilderness camp”, with advanced eco-tourism, exclusive accommodation. Ironically, they received a $18 000 feasibility grant from DEEDI as well as a $110 000 Federal Government TQUAL grant to facilitate this venture which could put Australia on the map as a country that values its environment. Does it seem anomalous that these same governments have given out licences for drilling and mining that will essentially destroy this fragile environment?
Linda is to appear in the Ipswich Court next Tuesday on a more serious charge of contravening the Petroleum Act; the five folks arraigned here today are on the simple charge of contravening police directions to move on. Speaking with Linda, I appreciated she was an individual of strong conviction, a woman who has felt proud to be Australian but now feels so disillusioned with the direction in which our rudderless governments are leading us, that she feels it is time for the Eureka flag to be flown. As I rubbed shoulders with these strong, intelligent, country women, it occurred to me that the writing is on the wall for both State and Federal governments since genuine folks are in revolt. Speaking with Aidan McLindon I asked how difficult it would be for new governments to revoke or alter contracts already in place. His reply was that there would have to be a royal commission to analyse the intricate details of the contracts.
Moving into the court-house to listen to the charges against three of the protesters, I shared a chair with a fresh-faced woman as the benches were packed. The first protester pleaded guilty, stating in his defence: “I believed that what I was doing was correct. I did not see that I was hurting anyone. I was just doing what I believed in and I will continue doing what I believe in.” The Magistrate stated gently: “You see the police have to do their job and they have entered this plea?” An affirmative was given. One could reasonably query whether the police were employed by the State Government to keep the peace or whether they were paid by Arrow Resources to ensure the drilling proceeded. This conflict of duty has not been explored by the media, despite revelations at the hearing of Drew Hutton in Dalby in December that police were ostensibly acting as the arm of QGC. Since this gentleman had one previous for obstructing police, he was given “No conviction recorded” and a $250 fine.
The second individual to stand in front of the Magistrate was a well-dressed young mother, Ms Holden, who chose to represent herself. Her voluntary guilty plea was queried and confirmed by the Magistrate who came across with a sense of affinity and gentleness. A sole parent undertaking University studies and living at the other end of the Border Ranges, Ms Holden explained her concern was the contamination of water supplies since CSG has a history of it. She stated that under the Geneva Convention we have a right to have appropriate access to clean water and she believed this was under threat with CSG. Ms Holden stood unwavering, tall and proud. As the silence lengthened, it was clear the Magistrate equivocated on what to hand down to this ultruistic woman. He explained that while he understood she was protesting for her beliefs, the police had their job to do. Because there were no previous convictions, Ms Holden was fined $200 with no conviction recorded.
The third individual was Stephen Ross mentioned above who had prepared a document of explanation and defence along with character references from previous employers, for the Magistrate. A retiring man in his forties, Ross maintained it was out of character for him to protest. His and Heidi’s dream of establishing their wilderness business was really on the line - effectively, the issue is one of survival for many of these families and individuals. The magistrate was most understanding and almost commended Ross “You have expressed your belief and the reason for your concerns which have led to your protest against CSG in this area. I understand your concerns.” Once more there was a $200 fine with no conviction.
The inner conflict these honest country folk are enduring is this: they have always been law-abiding; they have taught their children to be law-abiding; now they are prepared to break the law and pay the price. Politicians are being put on notice: CSG and Foreign Ownership are Eureka topics and there is rebellion from the most conservative quarters. Only by standing united, by making their voices heard before the elections, will this ground-swelling protest movement achieve the purity of Australia’s water, the viability of Australian soil, and the integrity of Australian ownership.
Di Perkins
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