BRISBANE — Construction of Steritech's food irradiation facility at Narangba has resumed after police broke a protest picket on August 13. No work had been done at the site since 200 people picketed on August 7.

The August 13 picket was called in response to news that trucks would be moving in on that day. From 6am, protesters surrounded the construction site and blocked every entrance. Police tried to negotiate on behalf of the Statham Construction.

At midday, as several trucks approached the site, police ordered the picketers off the site. Some people then chained themselves to the gates. Others attempted to blockade the road.

Police used unnecessary force to remove the picketers and at least seven people were arrested. Once police had broken up the protest, the trucks entered the site. Soon after, the concrete foundation for the plant was poured.

The next day, a vehicle crashed into a power pole, cutting electricity to the construction site. Energex workers are refusing to repair the lines because the electrical and plumbing division of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union has placed industrial bans on the construction.

The protest camp across the road from the site continues to be maintained. Phone 0411 118 737 or email <stopfialliance@yahoo.com.au> to get involved.

From Green Left Weekly, August 21, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

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