LIMESTONE Coast police have reported an anti-gas mining protester for an aggravated assault and trespassing incident at Beach Energy’s drilling site north of Mount Gambier.
Police allege an “altercation” occurred between a Limestone Coast man, 32, and a security guard at the Haselgrove-3 conventional well site during a group protest.
The alleged scuffle occurred during a rally organised by the Limestone Coast Protection Alliance (LCPA), which coincided with flaring activities at the site.
The alliance yesterday moved quickly to distance itself from the individual protester, revealing the reported man was not a member of the environmental action group.
It is the first time police – who have at times had a heavy presence at the rallies – have reported a protester for breaking the law at the site.
Limestone Coast Police officer-in-charge Superintendent Grant Moyle said the man had been reported for aggravated assault and trespassing.
He said the alleged incident occurred last Wednesday during a protest of around 30 people.
Revealing the behaviour of protesters at the site had been “quite good”, Supt Moyle described the reported matter as “disappointing” given it was an alleged aggravated assault.
He said there were also numerous signs at the site warning people not to trespass onto the property.
Supt Moyle said police would continue to ensure the rights of both the protesters and the operators of the site were protected.
Beach Energy regional manager Glenn Toogood said he was “disappointed” with the alleged behaviour of the protester.
“We always respect the right of people to protest, but if they breach the law this is beyond the level of protesting activity,” Mr Toogood said.
He revealed the alleged incident involved a security worker positioned at the front gate.
“We do not expect any of our workers to be assaulted when they go to work,” said Mr Toogood, who explained the safety of its workers was paramount.
Mr Toogood said the company had harboured some concerns over protest activity at the site.
He said the safety situation was heightened given the site was off the Riddoch Highway, which was a “high speed” area.
“We always respect the right of people to protest, but we have a legal entitlement to undertake our operations on the site,” Mr Toogood said.
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance committee member Merilyn Paxton said the alliance had strict rules to ensure there was no violence.
“The alliance is as disappointed as the police and Beach that someone who attended one of our peaceful protests would behave outside of our rules,” Ms Paxton said.
“The alleged offender is not a member of the LCPA and acted entirely on his own volition.”
She said the association had a list of 10 strict rules for people who wanted to be involved with its protests.
“We will reiterate this to people who wish to be involved in future action,” Ms Paxton said.
“We had a short debrief after the protest and made the decision that in future we will meet off-site, circulate our list of rules and make sure that people are prepared to behave properly or not attend our protest.”
The group’s rules are based on “non-violent-direct-action” where protesters must be passive, not use offensive or insulting language, no touching or pushing police as well as no malicious damage.
Participants must also keep an eye on other protesters to ensure a peaceful protest.
