BY LEONIE EASTMENT
BRISBANE — Since June 13, protesters have maintained a 24-hour protest camp outside the Narangba site that Steritech proposes to build a food irradiation plant upon.
Although the protesters managed to delay construction of the plant for two weeks, earthworks are now underway, and it is likely that the concrete will soon be poured for the foundation.
A Bikes Against Nukes event held on June 29 was attended by at least 100 cyclists, who rode from Brisbane CBD to the site.
On July 8, seven activists, including myself, accused of obstructing police at the site faced the Caboolture Magistrates Court: Queensland Greens activist Drew Hutton was fined $150, and Greg Brown was fined $200, four activists had their cases dismissed and I entered “no plea” and will have my case heard on October 9.
The protesters have faced harassment, including homemade bombs thrown into the camp, sabotage and the false accusation from the local media that we are just “rent-a-crowd”. The last is particularly frustrating because it is Steritech who is paying people to stand on the other side of the picket line.
Responsible anti-nuclear activists are invited to join the camp roster. For those unable to get there, help is needed in the form of food, water, rubbish removal, printing of information, donating equipment and legal assistance. To get involved phone 0421 990 703 or (07) 3888 8123.
From 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, July 24, 2002.
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