THE Leard Forest anti-coal mine protest could be headed for the courts.
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Leard Forest Alliance spokeswoman Helen War said her organisation was today seeking legal advice after a “notice of intent” had been issued to Maules Creek farmer Clifford Wallace by Narrabri Shire Council.
Mr Wallace, a supporter of the protest against Whitehaven Coal’s Leard Forest coal mine, offered his property as a refuge for protestors following their eviction from their road-side campsite last month.
A new camp has been set up on Mr Wallace’s land, 15kms from the original site, but this has drawn complaints from neighbouring landholders.
According to Narrabri Shire Council, “numerous complaints from residents in relation to the increase in traffic, dust and noise” had been received, prompting it to write to Mr Wallace asking that they [the protestors] vacate his land.
A statement issued by Narrabri Shire Council yesterday states, it had “no choice but to investigate the legality of the camp once the complaints were received”.
The notice flags the possible eviction of the protestors from Mr Wallace’s property if they do not leave voluntarily.
Ms War today refuted claims that up to “50 vehicles were going up and down the road” since the camp was relocated to Mr Wallace’s property.
“That is not true, there are eight cars here this morning and while the numbers of people supporting our protest fluctuate, there is nowhere near that many vehicles using this road,” Ms War said.
“There has been increased traffic but perhaps they’re taking into account the number of police vehicles now using the road.
“I have no doubt there is incredible pressure being put on the council by different parties, including those mining companies.
“The notice of intent tells Clifford that a formal order is imminent to allow him to make representations before a decision is made,” she added.
“Mr Wallace has been a long-standing ally of the protestors and we thank him for that support.
“Projections indicate that 18,000 tonnes of coal dust will rain down each year on his property if Whitehaven’s planned $767 million mine goes ahead.”