45D hits Hindmarsh

By Anthony Thirlwall

ADELAIDE -- Residents, conservationists and unionists involved in protests against the building of the Hindmarsh Island bridge will be sued for unspecified damages by property developers Tom and Wendy Chapman.

Demonstrations against construction of the bridge began last year, largely focused on Aboriginal concerns that important sacred sites will be destroyed if the bridge is built. On October 1, pickets were established that have halted work since.

Those under threat include the Friends of Goolwa and Kumarangk, as well as the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).

Federal Court orders have also been issued under section 45D of the Trade Practices Act forbidding individual residents, unionists and their organisations from doing anything which could hinder construction of the bridge. This includes restrictions on the right to picket the site, to make public statements to the media or lobbying parties involved.

Similar court orders attacking the SA Conservation Council have been dismissed.

Aboriginal groups, who were not consulted about the bridge's impact on heritage sites, are still fighting against the project.

The United Trades and Labor Council on April 22 unanimously passed motions calling for the withdrawal of all writs and an end to work at the site until the impact on sacred sites is assessed, and supporting the community picket.

On April 19 by the state Transport Ministry who have asked the Aboriginal affairs minister for official permission to breach the Aboriginal Heritage Act and build on sacred sites.

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