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 Green Left Weekly, July 24, 2002.
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