Western Downs AlliancePeoples Blockade-Day 26
Today we headed off to Bryce’s property with the intention of measuring the width of the area QGC have destroyed.
The gate we usually enter was locked, so we opened the other one. QGC security stepped in front of the gate and our vehicles to try and deny us access as we attempted to enter Bryce’s property.
So we opened the other side and drove in anyway.(we have the property owner’s permission to be there)
We set about doing what we came to do. We took measurements, and we believe some of the clearing to be nearly 40 meters wide including the access Road and Pipeline corridor .We believe this to be a clear breach of the compensation agreement with the landowner
More QGC security arrived,and the grader driver that was right near the fence where our cars were parked was told to move away from the protestors. (I wonder if somebody has caught them up on safety procedures)
There wasn’t too much of a wait before Barry (our friendly police officer) arrived with 2 other police officers in tow.
We informed Barry and company what we were doing and of our intention to leave once we had done that.
Having done what we came to do, we proceeded to leave the property. QGC cars were waiting at the entrance as well as a couple more police officers. QGC were taking down our number plates as usual, and when Barry was asked how many police were here today he answered “I can’t tell you that.”
Hmmmm………….. Perhaps the Tactical Response team are hiding in the bushes?
DERM have sent out 3 experts from the EPA to investigate.
We have discussed our concerns with them, and they could NOT answer any of our questions regarding illegal activities done by QGC on Bryce’s property.
The standard response appeared to be-“ I don’t know at the moment, you will have to send me an email” (we all know what happens when you send a government department an email- you don’t get an answer)
The EPA confirmed that QGC had been informed they were coming out today to investigate illegal mining activities. (I’m guessing that’s why the sudden compliance with safety procedures)
Barry Naylor was all set to enter the property to TRY to serve us with his paperwork, but he didn’t get the satisfaction of doing that as we were already leaving the property.
MEANWHILE BACK AT BASECAMP……………….
We have had a relaxing afternoon, some of us went for a spot of shopping and some even went fishing. (Just as well Narelle wasn’t counting on cooking fish for dinner, cause they didn’t catch anything)
An early night all for everybody tonight, it has been an interesting week!!!