Updates and video from the QGC Blockade in Tara, Queensland.
Greedy Liars Summit?
Date: Thu 02-Jun-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
The Protestors were even prepared to follow them from From the Sofitel to Customs House for a CSG dinner, just to reinforce the fact WE WILL NOT BE GOING AWAY, WE WILL JUST KEEP GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER AND BIGGER until the Government starts paying attention and LISTENS to THE PEOPLE! (continues)
Welcoming protest at CSG Summit
Date: Thu 02-Jun-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Over 100 people from all over Australia turned out to be part of the welcoming commitee for mining bosses' at their annual CSG conference in Brisbane.
Police formed a line to keep the protestors away from the mining bosses and QLD Environment Minister Kate Jones, who preferred to stay inside the Sofitel rather than face the protestors.
Dayne 'The Frackman' Pratzky attempted to 'LOCK THE GATE', on the conference room doors by chaining them shut but was quickly subdued by police, handcuffed and taken away, where he was later released without charge... (continues)
Day 80
Date: Wed 01-Jun-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today is Day 80 since QGC began their pipeline operations through the estate, (it was only supposed to take 21 days)and they still have not completed it.
Yesterday we had Jorge and Tanya from Bulga in the Hunter Valley call in for a brief visit to witness the devestation in our area caused by QGC. The rain had come in by the time we set out,and it was rather wet and muddy. On the plus side though, it disrupted QGC operations as it was just too muddy to continue trying to lay the pipes under the road... (continues)
CSG Protest Rally's
Date: Mon 30-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
There were at least 3 protest rally's against CSG over the weekend, with people turning out on in the thousands as awareness of the risks associated with this industry grows... (continues)
British Gas is imploding!
Date: Sun 29-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Part 2: Treachery and Deceit!
It appears even QGC local managers have had their reputations undermined and compromised by British Gas Management. QGC local managers and DEPT mines officials had been given a verbal undertaking by BG that their would be no more activity on the residential estates, and that the estates were now a no go zone, and having already passed this information on to residents it appears that perhaps this was just a ploy by BG to have the local managers gain the trust of landowners, and then they come in and walk all over not just the residents, but their own people.
All this has only just come to light as residents were sent letters stating the intention to further develope the Codie gas field into a full fledged coal seam gas developement, and arranging for land consultants to meet with land owners.
Obviously Deceit and Treachery is the name of the game, and British Gas dont care who they "frack up' along the way!!!
British Gas is imploding!
Date: Sun 29-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Part 1: THE BLAME GAME
We have been delivered an interesting piece of correspondence from QGC local employees, putting the blame for incidents that have occured and incidents they believe will occur, onto British Gas, and yet after a conversation between one of our members and QGC/BG's Jerry Maher, it was admitted some serious mistakes have happened but according to Jerry, all mistakes have been made by QGC.
SO let the blame game begin!
At least both sides agree on one thing....SERIOUS mistakes have been made with SERIOUS impacts, and it is now up to British Gas to take responsibility and fix it! (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 71
Date: Tue 24-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Our crew has braved the chilly morning to head out bright and early to disrupt QGC pipeline operations again.
News soon came in of the gas well blow out near Dalby, which happened around 9am Sunday morning, and the landowner Tom O'Connor was not notified until around 2:30pm Sunday.
This is the fourth time such an incident had occurred on his farm, the latest being only 5 kms from his homestead.
The O'Connor family, farm cattle and grow grain while raising four kids, and are understandably concerned about this industry and angry that the Government has allowed them onto his property.
'We wish the company and their wells weren't here," he said. "Someone's going to get hurt or worse if this continues."... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 70
Date: Sun 22-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
I have decided rather than bore you all when we arent really doing anything, i will now blog only when an opportunity arises for us to do something.
AS day 70 has arrived we felt we should do a simple disruption to QGC, just to show we are still around, and remind them we are up to day 70, when it was only supposed to take 21 days at the most!
QGC activity in the estates has become minimal as most of the work on this particular section of the pipeline has been completed, so we have to make the most of any opportunity that presents itself... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 68
Date: Fri 20-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
I have been very busy today, out checking up on a few things.
It appears QGC dont like trees! If they're not bulldozing them, they're imprisoning them by putting fences around them!!!
This photo was taken today at one of their well sites.Those trees are inside the fence!
It makes you wonder what damage the tree root system will do to cement casings underground! (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 67
Date: Fri 20-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Hmmmm quite an interesting day today.
We have had some interesting conversations about QGC anticts, and a lot of stuff to follow up on over the coming days.
The 'Lock the Gate' campaign sees protest rallys popping up all over Australia in the coming weeks, where they will all try to have record crouds after 3000 turned out at Murwillumbah... (continues)
Greens welcome magistrate's ruling
Date: Thu 19-May-11
Author: The Chronicle
PROCEEDINGS at the Chinchilla Magistrates Court yesterday highlighted the contentious nature of coal seam gas operations in the region, the Greens claim.
Protestors Bob Irwin, Libby Connors and Thomas Brookes, who had been arrested outside QGC's Kenya gasfield in April, were heard by the magistrate collectively.
Bob Irwin fined over blockade
Date: Wed 18-May-11
Author: AAP via Herald Sun
ENVIRONMENT campaigner Bob Irwin has been hit with a $300 fine for his part in a protest against the construction of a coal seam gas pipeline in southern Queensland.
Mr Irwin, the father of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, was fined in Chinchilla Magistrates Court today after rejecting an offer to sign a good behaviour bond because it would restrict him from taking part in further protests.
Peoples Blockade - Day 66
Date: Wed 18-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today, Bob Irwin, Libby Connors, Drew Hutton and Thomas Brookes attended Chinchilla Magistrates Court, having been arrested supporting the Peoples Blockade at Tara.
The Magistrate appeared to be sympathetic, and though he had his own personal opinions on the CSG industry, he still had a job to do.
Bob has copped a $300 fine for refusing to comply with a police instruction. He was offered a good behaviour bond, but declined because it would restrict his participation in further protests against the CSG industry,he chose to accept the $300 fine instead.
Bob said, 'I'm not going to be on my best behaviour for the next 12 months, I'm going to do it again'."
Libby and Thomas both accepted the good behaviour bond, Whilst Libby mentioned to the judge about the stress caused by the strict bail conditions imposed on her by the previous magistrate.Conditions that restricted her from being anywhere near a QGC building, QGC employee, QGC mining activity etc. This would have made it virtually impossible for her to travel anywhere within the state... (continues)
Bob Irwin fined over gas protest
Date: Wed 18-May-11
Author: ABC News
Environmental campaigner Bob Irwin has been fined $300 for his part in a coal seam gas protest on the Western Darling Downs.
Mr Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin, pleaded guilty in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court to contravening a police directive at a rally at Tara last month.
A fine's fine, says Bob Irwin
Date: Wed 18-May-11
Author: AAP via Nine News
Environment campaigner Bob Irwin has copped a $300 fine for refusing to comply with a police instruction at a coal seam gas blockade.
Irwin, 70, was offered a good behaviour bond in court on Wednesday, but declined because it would restrict his participation in further protests against the coal seam gas (CSG) industry, Friends of the Earth campaigner Drew Hutton said.
Bob Irwin to front court over gas protest
Date: Wed 18-May-11
Author: Sam Burgess (ABC)
The father of the late Steve Irwin is due to appear in court today charged with disobeying police during an anti-coal seam gas rally on Queensland's western Darling Downs.
Bob Irwin was arrested last month at a Queensland Gas Company work site at Tara.
Crocodile Hunter dad in court over protest
Date: Wed 18-May-11
Author: AAP via Nine News
The father of late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin will appear in court on Wednesday over a coal seam gas protest.
Bob Irwin will appear in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court along with Friends of the Earth's Drew Hutton and Queensland Greens spokesperson Libby Connors.
Peoples Blockade - Day 65
Date: Tue 17-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Looks like QGC are pretty much just about finished.
They have pulled most of their security guards out of the estate.
The site offices are gone from most of the gates as well.
This does NOT mean the Peoples Blockade is ending!
QGC have more gas wells in the estate they will want to connect- The Codie field for instance.
Our fight is far from over... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 64
Date: Tue 17-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
QGC are close to completing work on Bryce's property.
They still have plenty to do though, so plenty of opportunity to hold them up.
Drew Hutton who is Acting president of the Lock the Gate Alliance spoke from the floor at the Sydney forum on Coal Seam Gas Environmental Risks, held tonight, May 16 2011 to address environmental risks associated with coal seam gas and coal mining in NSW.
Drew will be attending Chinchilla Magistrates Court on Wednesday, along with Libby, Thomas and Bob Irwin after being arrested supporting the Peoples Blockade at Tara... (continues)
Blockade brings fracking protest
Date: Tue 17-May-11
Author: The Northern Star
MEMBERS of the Tara Blockade brought their concerns about coal seam gas extraction to Ipswich on Friday.
The group has been protesting against the drilling of gas wells at Tara Estate, three hours west of Ipswich.
(Audio) Bob Irwin on coal seam gas
Date: Mon 16-May-11
Author: Madonna King (612 ABC Brisbane)
Bob Irwin isn't the type of bloke you would expect to find in court - but at 72, that's where he will be this week.
Steve's dad and the lifelong environmentalist will feature on Australian Story tonight.
Peoples Blockade - Day 63
Date: Mon 16-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
As of today it has taken QGC 3 times longer than the 21 days stated by QGC to connect the gas wells to the pipeline, and it still isnt completed. QGC continue to work flat out, one would only hope they dont decide to take a few shortcuts to meet their deadlines.
Our Rock the Gate/ Lock the Gate festival has been quite the talking point throughout Australia, with lots of positive feedback.
Here is a report by Kate Ausburn from Sydney who attended the Festival... (continues)
Protestors prepare to face court
Date: Mon 16-May-11
Author: The Chronicle
FOUR Lock the Gate protesters involved in the blockade of a coal seam gas project at Tara will appear in the Magistrate's Court in Chinchilla this Wednesday.
Wildlife campaigner Bob Irwin, veteran environmental campaigner Drew Hutton, Queensland Greens spokesperson Libby Connors and environmental activist Thomas Brookes will all appear.
Peoples Blockade - Day 62
Date: Sun 15-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
WOW what a day!
Over 3,000 people from all over Australia attended the rally in Murwillumbah today to call for an end to the CSG mining industry.
There were farmers, environmentalists, townspeople, country folk, veterans from the old forest campaigns in northern NSW during the 1970s and 1980s, and our very own crew from Tara.
Speaker after speaker called on landowners to 'lock the gate'. The Lock The Gate campaign has certainly gained momentum, We have became an UNSTOPPABLE MOVEMENT as more and more landowners are jumping on board over concerns about impacts caused by the gas industry... (continues)
Rock the Gate festival success in Tara
Date: Sat 14-May-11
Author: Mike Crook (Green Left Weekly)
Campaign groups Western Downs Alliance and Six Degrees combined with a number of other activists and organisations to bring us the Rock the Gates Festival at Tara showgrounds from April 29 to May 4.
The festival was organised to elicit support for, educate and inform about the Lock the Gates campaign which is aimed stopping the corporate destruction of the land and groundwater caused by the search for and extraction of coal seam gas in and around Tara.
Frontline of a coal seam gas war
Date: Sat 14-May-11
Author: Kate Ausburn (Green Left Weekly)
After 12 hours on the road, travelling 800 kilometres from Newcastle through Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree and Goondiwindi, just after sundown, our big blue bus pulled into Tara showground for four days of workshops and direct action as part of the Rock the Gate festival against coal seam gas mining.
Peoples Blockade - Day 61
Date: Fri 13-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today we have kept up surveilance of QGC/BG Group operations, and have devised some rather amusing plans to keep them on their toes. We have a crew headed down to CSG protest rally-UNITED COMMUNITY GATHERING AGAINST COAL SEAM GAS MINING! (fracking) beingheld at Knox Park in Murwillumbah on Saturday, May 14 - 11:00am - 2:00pm and there will still be many in attendance at BASECAMP, So please feel free to come along, we welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
A few links that may be of interest... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 60
Date: Fri 13-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today has seen us out and about, in various placing causing quite a stir to security guards and police, just to let QGC/BG Group know that we are still around, and that we havent gone away!
After a previous attempt of intimidation by QGC/BG Group, having the letter reader Barry Naylor chase a protestor up the pipeline corridor on Bryce's property (where we had permission to be), yelling "Whats your name, whats your name, we have video evidence of you obstructing a mining activity and you WILL be arrested as per section 805 of the mining act." (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 59
Date: Thu 12-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another bright sunny day sees QGC flat out again,with the spider trencher getting closer to Bryce's property.
Still a bit of work to be done though.
Our sources tell us there is a real possibility that the recent allegations about QGC breaching more environmental laws are a real possibility, and we have people looking into it.
Last week, we launched OPERATION PEOPLE POWER, which had many landowners getting in contact with QGC asking legitimate questions about gas operations, and has left many landowners disappointed. They were unable to get answers to their questions. QGC staff just don't know anything! (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 58
Date: Wed 11-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
I am sure QGC are glad to see the sunshine today.
We are now up to day 58 and work that was supposed to take no longer than 21 days is still not completed!
If QGC didnt know already, they should know by now, we are not going to let them turn our estate into a gasfield without fighting them(NON VIOLENTLY of course) EVERY step of the way!
Terra the tree is still imprisoned.........QGC must be a bit worried about the poor tree as not only is the tree imprisoned, Terra now has its very own security guard to keep an eye on it! (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 57
Date: Tue 10-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
It started out as another wet gloomy day..........and has continued with pouring rain........(Just what we need to keep QGC held up for a while)
We are still talking with many landowners throughout the area, and have found this to be quite informative. You would be surprised......(hmmmm....perhaps not, given what we have already experienced).......at the nerve of some of these people from the gas industry.
We have reports of gas company vehicles parking in school bus stops, and forcing not only the school buses off the road, but also many other vehicles due to their dangerous driving... (continues)
(Audio) Coal Seam Gas: Interview With Bob Irwin
Date: Mon 09-May-11
Author: Radio Adelaide Breakfast
Coal seam gas is a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds that has, in recent decades, become an important source of energy in many countries, including Australia. In Queensland particularly, CSG is an important energy resource and production of this gas now makes up an increasing proportion of Queensland gas demand. The Queensland Government recognises that landholders face increasing pressure for access to their land for gas and other resources exploration and development. Tara, in the Darling Downs, 300 km Southwest of Brisbane, is one such place that is rich in this ever expanding resource and is also the site of recent protests against the CSG industry as it plans to expand production. Last month one such protest involving Landholders and concerned residents saw the arrest of many including long time environmentalist, Bob Irwin. Jess wingard spoke to Bob Irwin and she asked him what his concerns were about this form of mining.
Peoples Blockade - Day 56
Date: Mon 09-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Well...... It looks like Mother Nature intends to give us a hand again in delaying QGC' work throughout the Estates.
More rain is causing delays to QGC operations this afternoon, and it looks like it might hold them up for a little while.
That gives us the time to focus on the landowners who have recently contacted us with information.
BASECAMP is operational, and has been quite busy with supporters coming and going.
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 55
Date: Sat 07-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
While QGC are working flat out trying to complete work in the estate, we have recently obtained info that has us taking a closer look at QGC operations as it has been alleged that QGC may again be in breach of its environmental authority.
We have been very busy, out and about meeting with many landowners and obtaining information.
Lock the Gate is gaining momentum as more and more concerned landowners are signing up.
BASECAMP has become very busy, with many people wanting to offer support.
So please feel free to come along, we welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 54
Date: Sat 07-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Lots of QGC vehicles throughout the estate this morning, with QGC still flatout trying to get work completed.
Terra the tree remains imprisoned behind the fence QGC have erected to stop protestors from getting back up the tree.
Bryce is still in dispute with QGC over their breach of contract, while QGC still continue to destroy his property.
Peoples Blockade Day - 53
Date: Fri 06-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
QGC are flat out yet again, trying to make up for time lost due to the wet weather and delays caused by residents.
We remain vigilant, and are ready for when an opportunity arises for us to cause a halt to QGC operations to prevent them from turning our residential estates into a gasfield.
BASECAMP is busy, with people coming and going.
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
CSG protestors turned away at Chinchilla - by mining sponsored Rotary
Date: Fri 06-May-11
Author: Independent Australia
On Monday, anti coal seam gas (CSG) protesters claim they were turned away from Labour Day celebrations in Chinchilla, Queensland, because mining companies sponsored the event. Here's a full wrap of events.
(Audio) Going west with Lara Wilde
Date: Thu 05-May-11
Author: Lara Wilde (612 ABC Brisbane)
How are developments going in western Queensland? On the one hand coal and gas mining have been quietly going on for years, but what of the benefits for them as promised to the people in the Tara region? Also since the rail line closed west of Quilpie, has this meant there have been greater opportunities for road transport? Lara Wilde is on the road travelling towards Mitchell.
Peoples Blockade - Day 52
Date: Thu 05-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
With a very successful festival now behind us, we have BASECAMP operating at full capacity once again.
The weather is still rather gloomy, and QGC operations are still held up due to the boggy ground.
So for now we will keep up surveilance and discuss strategies once again and prepare ourselves for the next round.
The festival has gained us more support then ever, with many quite distressed at the level of destruction being done by this industry.
So we will continue with the Peoples Blockade indefinitly, confident in the knowledge that help will be at hand when it is needed.
Come on down to BASECAMP whenever you have the time, We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Joyce draws line on CSG battle
Date: Thu 05-May-11
Author: Troy Rowling (Queensland Country Life)
BARNABY Joyce says while he is "not blind" to the controversy surrounding coal seam gas expansion across south-west Queensland, the onus falls on the state government to find a compromise between battling landholders and expanding mining interests.
The federal senator, who has recently expressed interest in the gas field-rich federal seat of Maranoa currently held by fellow-LNP politician Bruce Scott, claims while he is concerned about the property rights of landholders impacted on by CSG expansion, the federal government cannot intervene.
Despite claiming his hands were tied on the matter, Mr Joyce met with representatives from the Lock the Gate campaign during the "Rock the Gate" political planning and music festival at Tara at the weekend.
Peoples Blockade - Day 51 / Lock the Gate Festival
Date: Tue 03-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
It has been an inspirational weekend!
This morning about 30 protestors braved the cold and headed over to Wieambilla Rd and proceeded to hold up QGC's work for about 2 and a half hours before QGC called in Barry-the letter reader.
Our festival has come to an end, with everyone packing up and heading home.
The weather has turned rather gloomy and wet. Just in time to hold up QGC operations again!
QGC stated it would take them 14-21 days to connect the pipes into the few wells around Robbo's Rd and Mary Rd,
we are now up to Day 51 and they have still not completed the work!!!
BASECAMP is fully operational, with many supporters choosing to return there after the festival... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 50 / Lock the Gate Festival
Date: Tue 03-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another beautiful day for our festival.
This morning we went to Kenya and protested outside the gates there for a while, and then we headed to Chinchilla to participate in the May Day Celebrations as we had received permission from the Chinchilla Rotary Club to march in the May Day street parade... (continues)
Gas protesters' fury at lock-out
Date: Tue 03-May-11
Author: John Farmer (The Chronicle)
A DARLING Downs club has defended its decision to lock coal seam gas protesters out of a community event sponsored by the company the protesters are lobbying against.
The protesters, most from rural-residential estates near Tara, were blocked from entering the Chinchilla Showgrounds yesterday where the town's annual May Day celebrations were being held.
Peoples Blockade - Day 49 / Lock the Gate Festival
Date: Mon 02-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another beautiful day today, even the weather agrees with what we are doing!
More people have turned out again today, with most taking a tour of Bryce's property and being blown away at the devestation.
It was good for them to see first hand what this industry does. Seeing the destruction has been the turning point for a lot of people who were not totally convinced about commiting to this issue.
Today has been more of a consolodation of peoples commitment. This is the cause to be active in as this is the key issue for our time... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 48 / Lock the Gate Festival
Date: Sun 01-May-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
People have arrived from everywhere to attend our festival.
A great turn out today, with even more expected again tomorrow, with most camping at the showgrounds, accomodation in town has been well utulised also.
Our kitchen has been flat out, with many mouths to feed, A BIG THANKYOU to Narelle and her crew for pitching in and making sure no-one goes hungry... no fights over dishes,with so many volunteers only too happy to pitch in... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 47
Date: Fri 29-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
QGC are still hard at work, in a hurry to get finished before our deluge of supporters turn up for our Lock the Gate/Rock the Gate Festival.
One can only hope that any work they do is "up to industry standards" unlike many of the gas wells in the area which Ross Dunn of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association claimed that some of the wells leaking gas were not up to industry standards... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 46
Date: Fri 29-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
QGC security had an inspirational early morning reading of THE LORAX written by Dr Seuss,which was the copy that the EPA library cancelled.
(It was noted that one of the security guys even had a tear in his eye!)
The Lorax is a children's book, written by Dr. Seuss and first published in 1971. It chronicles the plight of the environment and the Lorax, who speaks for the trees against the greedy Once-ler. As in most Dr. Seuss works, most of the creatures mentioned are original to the book... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 45
Date: Wed 27-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
THEY"RE BACK!!!
QGC have returned to work today. The spidertrencher has been spotted on our side of Wieambilla Road.
When our residents stopped on the side of the road to take a photo, security turned up from everywhere.
It would seem you cant even stop on the side of the road and take photos anymore.......what happened to Australia being a free country???
Its pretty sad when the mining companies can even impact on residents taking a simple photo!
Who gave contol of our basic human rights to the mining companies??? (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 44
Date: Wed 27-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Still no QGC activity.......hmmm......perhaps they are still out hunting Easter Eggs???
BASECAMP is a hum of activity, with everyone getting prepared for our festival and dramas in the gasfield.
We would like to welcome our new arrivals, and invite anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION to come along to BASECAMP!
Tara set to Rock the Gate
Date: Wed 27-Apr-11
Author: The Chronicle
PROPONENTS of the Lock the Gate campaign will be holding a Rock the Gate festival in Tara this weekend as part of an ongoing blockade against attempts by coal seam gas company QGC to build a pipeline onto a residential estate.
"Rock the Gate" will be held from SaturdayApril30 until MondayMay2 and will consist of a concert, entertainment, forums and workshops.
Peoples Blockade - Day 43
Date: Mon 25-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
WOW!
We have been at this 43 days with still lots of support, and QGC thought it was only going to take 14-21 days. (Just goes to show they completly underestimated us AND the weather- which seems to be on our side)
BASECAMP is VERY busy, with people arriving to support us before attending the Lock The Gate/Rock The Gate Festival on the weekend.
Its certainly shaping up to be quite an event.
Anybody wishing to view photos taken throughout the Peoples Blockade can view them here: http://web.archive.org/web/20110713215414/http://www.flickr.com/photos/lockthegate
GASLAND will be screening on SBS 1, May 1st 2011 at 9:35pm
Peoples Blockade - Day 42
Date: Sun 24-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Terra the tree is still standing, for all those people who have been wondering.
The Easter Bunny visited BASECAMP, leaving ALL supporters Easter Eggs.
We have many new supporters turn up to help with the Lock the Gate/Rock The Gate Festival on the weekend.
we have busloads of people coming from right across Australia. (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 41
Date: Sun 24-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Still no sign of QGC.
We have more arrivals at BASECAMP, ready to support us when we need them, and also attend the Lock the Gate/Rock the Gate Festival next weekend.
We have people travelling from all over Australia to attend our festival.
Lock the Gate has certainly gained NATIONAL attention!
BASECAMP is still operational, so feel free to drop in and stay a while.
I would like to take this oportunity to wish everyone a VERY SAFE AND HAPPY EASTER, I hope the Easter Bunny is good to you all!!!
Peoples Blockade - Day 40
Date: Sat 23-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Still quiet, nothing to report.
BASECAMP is still operational, and many supporters are still in attendance.
So come on down, meet great people, have a few laughs and help fight to keep CSG out of residential areas.
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 39
Date: Thu 21-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another quiet day, still no sign of QGC, although we are still keeping an eye out for any sign of activity.
Preparations for the Lock The Gate/Rock the gate festival are well in hand, just putting the final touches on our program before it gets distributed.
We have a few transport options available from some areas, contact us for details.
We will remain vigilant over the holiday and BASECAMP will remain operational, so feel free to come along and have some fun.
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 38
Date: Wed 20-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Looks like QGC has gone on holidays early.
I wonder if the Easter Bunny will bring them eggs.......rotten eggs......( certainly all they deserve!)?
Hmmm.......perhaps we could have an Easter Egg hunt on Bryce's property and hide the eggs in the trees.......oh thats right........QGC has destroyed most of the trees on Bryce's property! ....oh well, perhaps we could hide them in the dirt???
We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Easter, and reassure everyone we have NOT given up. We will remain vigilant over the holiday and call on our people as they are needed.
Meanwhile BASECAMP remains operational, so feel free to come along and have some fun.
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 37
Date: Wed 20-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today was rather quiet as far as QGC activity.
We have been out and about today, keeping up our surveillance of QGC, and updating our people on what is happening.
We are expecting more arrivals over the next few days, all set for the coming week and the Lock the Gate/Rock The Gate Festival on the long weekend.
We have received more phone calls from landowners over the last few days as QGC notify more landowners in the area of their intention to move onto their properties.
Looks like our Lock The Gate Campaign is gaining more and more momentum as people are becoming aware of the problems landowners are encountering with this industry.
BASECAMP is still operating, so come on down, meet great people, have a few laughs and help fight to keep CSG out of residential areas.
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 36
Date: Tue 19-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another rainy day has called a halt to QGC's operations yet again.
Scott has joined Ivan the wildlife carer in a meeting with QGC's environmental person, and although QGC have stated the tree will remain, they are NOT prepared to put it in writing.
In news today,the federal environment department issued QGC with three penalty infringement notices totalling $19,800 for clearing up to six kilometres of vegetation, to lay a gas pipeline, without the department's approval.
"The notices given to QGC send a strong signal to companies that the department takes compliance with national environment law very seriously with penalties and breaches enforced," Ms Webb said... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 35
Date: Sun 17-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
It would appear QGC have been flat out working , getting as much as they can done so that as soon as the letter writer and the police come and move us on, they can lay the pipes where Terra the tree is.
Ivan the wildlife rescuer has a meeting with QGC tomorrow, to determine the fate of Terra the tree.
QGC have now erected a fence within 50 meters of the tree, and apparently we are NOT to be within 100 meters of their mining activity.
And it appears that Bryce is still waiting for QGC and DERM/EPA to address his concerns over QGC's breach of contract.
Last night on ABC there was an interview with Ben Kele, a CQ University scientist.He says he has developed a water cleaning method that could help allay farmers' concerns about coal seam gas (CSG) exploration... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 34
Date: Sun 17-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Not much to report today.
Good news,QGC have pulled their heavy machinery out of Bryce's due to the rain.
Terra the tree is still standing,with our smurfs still in it, and as long as we are there, they cant put the pipes in that particular area until they get the police and the letter writer in to move us on.
We remain vigilant, still prepared for whatever may happen next.
BASECAMP is still the place to be, great people, great food and LOTS of fun!!!
So come on down to BASECAMP, meet new people, have some fun, and fight for communities throughout Australia, who will suffer the same fate as Tara, if we lose!
We welcome anyone who wants to support our NON-VIOLENT ACTION!
Peoples Blockade - Day 33
Date: Fri 15-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
"Terra" the tree has lived to see another day.
Quite an uneventful day today. QGC are working flat out trying to get their project finished. No police presence today though, I guess QGC are trying to bluff their way through the weekend.
They are claiming if we go within 100 meters of where they are working, we will be charged for impeding a mining activity regardless of the fact we have not been asked to move or given a letter advising us we are impeding the activity. ( I wonder just how that would work on a 30 acre property.......they would be arresting the landowner for impeding a mining activity just by them living there.)
It would be interesting to test this one out.
Our understanding, and even the police inspector as well, is that we have to be issued with the letter and be informed we are impeding a mining activity. QGC have even locked its own contractors out of Bryce's property.
One contractor turned up today to work, and couldn't get in. He had to use the track that was made so Bryce could get access to his own property....A BIG NO NO as far as we are concerned, they have an access road to use, they have no need to access any more of Bryce's property other than what is in the contract... (continues)
The Age of the Professional Protest? (Audio)
Date: Fri 15-Apr-11
Author: Belinda Sanders (612 ABC Brisbane)
If you think about Angelina Jolie and the UN or Darryl Hannah and the Sea Shepherd Society...
It seems that you can't have a campaign right now without a celebrity to back it...
This is something that's been highlighted at the protests against coal seam gas in Tara... Bob Irwin and Drew Hutton getting on board.
Peoples Blockade - Day 32
Date: Fri 15-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
The tree, (which we have now named "Terra" after protestors was told by police that they could be charged under the state's anti-terror legislation if our smurfs didnt come down) is still standing, with our smurfs still in it.
Due to QGC locking the gate on Bryce's property, it would appear that they have locked Bryce out of his own property yet again.
Bryce has been given a key that fits one of the locks, but QGC have 2 locks on the gate and have failed to give him the key to the second lock. ANOTHER clear breach of Bryce's contract!!!
When the issue was raised with the police inspector, the response was to contact DERM, which will be done as per his advice.
We had a rather dramatic incident today involving QGC, but we cant provide details at this stage as we have our legal team working on it... (continues)
Protesters threatened with terror charge
Date: Thu 14-Apr-11
Author: AAP
QUEENSLAND coal seam gas protesters sitting in a gum tree, in the path of bulldozers, claim police have threatened them with terrorism charges.
Farmers and environmentalists have been blockading at the Tara Estate, south of Chinchilla, since the middle of last month.
They are trying to stop coal gas seam explorer QGC from building a 16km pipeline to take coal seam gas from five wells on the estate to the nearby Kenya gas processing plant.
Friends of the Earth spokesman Drew Hutton said a Queensland police officer told protesters yesterday that they could be charged under the state's anti-terror legislation.
Peoples Blockade - Day 31
Date: Wed 13-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
The police task force decided on a change of venue again today, setting up at the local fire shed.(Hmmm..... I wonder if they make better sandwiches than QGC, perhaps they supply cake and bickies too?)
We have been out and about today, with our supporters keeping an eye on QGC activities.
Some went to Chinchilla Court house to support our guys over there, others went to Camp Bravo to stand vigil at the site of the last, lonely remaining tree, so QGC doesnt sneak their bulldozers in to bulldoze it down.
We had our smurfs up in the tree just in case we were all moved along.
Good news though, Ivan the wildlife rescuer has negotiated with QGC to have the tree left standing.
We have had various discussions around that tree and we have decided the QLD government should recognise that, we the protestors, have contributed to lessening the unemployment rate.
If not for the Peoples Blockade, QGC would not be employing all the extra security to stand at every single gate... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 30
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
This morning saw the welcome arrival of BOB IRWIN, LIBBY CONNORS AND AIDAN McLINDON and many more to show support for the Peoples Blockade.
It appears QGC are not working in the estate today.They were obviously worried, and packed up all their toys and locked them away so no one else could play!
Even the police task force moved from the pipe yard and headed back to Kenya.....(hmmmm....i guess they preferred the easier access to QGC's sandwiches........where's ours???.......protestors get hungry too you know)
So we did the only thing we could do, we headed off to QGC's(Qld Gas Chambers) Kenya gas field offices in a 20+ car convoy,including 3 police cars.(Thanks for joining in our protestors convoy fellas, we know you really care), where we proceeded to make our presence known,which we did, thanks to our supporters chanting HANDS OFF TARA, the smurfs who came out to play singing "NO FRACKING WAY" and to Bob, Libby and Thomas as they refused to obey a police order to move on.
They were charged with contravening a police direction and will appear in court next month... (continues)
Steve would have been proud: Bob Irwin
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: AAP via SMH
Veteran wildlife campaigner Bob Irwin reckons his late famous son would have been proud of his arrest at a coal seam gas (CSG) protest in Queensland.
Mr Irwin has been charged with ignoring police orders to remove himself from a road blockade aimed at stopping the construction of a 16-kilomtre gas pipeline in the state's south.
Bob Irwin arrested at gas protest
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: ABC News
Environmentalist Bob Irwin says his arrest at a coal seam gas protest will not stop him from speaking out against the industry.
Mr Irwin and two colleagues were detained this morning at Tara on Queensland's western Darling Downs.
They were charged with contravening a police direction and will appear in court next month.
Bob Irwin arrested at protest
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: Ipswich Advertiser
Veteran wildlife campaigner and father of Steve, Bob Irwin, has been arrested while taking part in a blockade of gas mining company QGC at Tara today.
Mr Irwin is a revered figure in nature conservation circles and widely respected in the community.
Bob Irwin arrested at gas protest
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: Lisa Martin (AAP via Courier Mail)
VETERAN wildlife campaigner Bob Irwin has been arrested at a protest against the coal seam gas industry in southern Queensland, a state MP says.
Landholders and environmentalists have been protesting at the Tara Estate, south of Chinchilla, since mid-March.
Peoples Blockade - Day 29
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Lots of activity today with QGC working flat out between Wieambilla Road and Robbo's Road.
We went back to Bryce's property, and sent the bulldozers and the excavator packing and saved one of the huge old trees from being bulldozed.
Our friendly police officers Barry and Simon called in at BASECAMP ROMEO today. Perhaps they were on a fishing expedition........funny thing though they didnt have their fishing rods.............We have lots of people expected overnight and tomorrow ready to show some support.
Please remember though, this blockade will be on going so if you can't make it tomorrow or the next day, just come on down to BASECAMP whenever you can.
QGC have stepped up security throughout the estate, and we are expecting a HUGE police presence tomorrow... (continued)
Heavy-hitters to stop CSG pipeline in Qld
Date: Tue 12-Apr-11
Author: Nine News
Veteran wildlife campaigner Bob Irwin, Queensland Party leader Aidan McLindon and Queensland Greens spokesperson Libby Connors are joining a blockade in southern Queensland on Tuesday to stop the development of the coal seam gas industry.
Peoples Blockade - Day 28
Date: Sun 10-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
More surveillance today, followed by more strategy meetings.
New arrivals again today, ready for action during the week.
It appears QGC have cameras throughout the estates to spy on residents.
LOSS OF LAND MEANS LOSS OF PRIVACY!!!
We can not move now, without QGC knowing about it... Talk about intimidation!!!
This would have to be classed as an invasion of privacy... and to think our Government allows it!!!
Where are QGC's MORALS? ...
Peoples Blockade - Day 27
Date: Sun 10-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
We have been out and about today, keeping up our surveillance of QGC, and updating our people on what is happening.
We are expecting more arrivals over the next few days, all set for the coming week.
I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the message that the Peoples Blockade is NON-VIOLENT but determined. There will be plenty of ways that people can participate in the activities without getting arrested. Some, however, will be practising non-violent civil disobedience.
This does NOT include abusing ANY QGC workers, despite a recent report from one resident who is pro CSG, falsely claiming we have abused the workers.(Hmmmmm how he would even hear anything over the noise of the machinery is to be questioned, and as we only saw QGC workers and police, he must have really good hearing.)...
Peoples Blockade - Day 26
Date: Fri 08-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today we headed off to Bryce's property with the intention of measuring the width of the area QGC have destroyed.
The gate we usually enter was locked, so we opened the other one. QGC security stepped in front of the gate and our vehicles to try and deny us access as we attempted to enter Bryce's property.
So we opened the other side and drove in anyway.(we have the property owner's permission to be there)
We set about doing what we came to do. We took measurements, and we believe some of the clearing to be nearly 40 meters wide including the access Road and Pipeline corridor .We believe this to be a clear breach of the compensation agreement with the landowner... (continues)
QGC under fire again
Date: Fri 08-Apr-11
Author: Troy Rowling (Queensland Country Life)
QUEENSLAND Gas Company has again been called to explain its actions after another landholder has accused the mining company of breaching its access agreement.
Friends of the Earth campaigner Drew Hutton, who was arrested last week after disobeying a police order to move on from the site, said lawyers for landowner Bryce Keating had complained that QGC had breached its agreement by clearing vegetation for a road wider than the 20 metres stated in their contract.
Peoples Blockade - Day 25
Date: Thu 07-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today was rather quiet on the estate as far as QGC activity. Perhaps QGC were questioned over their machinery drivers not having the correct qualifications, after being found out yesterday.
There is a QGC security guard posted outside Bryce's property, as if to keep us from entering the property, when in fact it is QGC who no longer have permission from the property owner to be there. The police tactical response unit is still in the area, ready to act whenever QGC need them to.
So for the moment we remain vigilant, and do regular patrols to make sure we know what's going on... (continues)
Peoples Blockade - Day 24
Date: Thu 07-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
This morning we intended to go and set up Camp Bravo again, but we have been illegally locked out of Bryce's property despite Bryce giving us permission to be there.
The police are still acting on behalf of QGC and not the landowner.
Bryce's property has been destroyed. The devastation QGC has caused is unbelievable!
If his was a 30 acre block as most blocks in the estate are, there would be nothing left.
There is still a strong police presence in the estate, especially on Mary Road where we made it clear we are still in the area, and keeping an eye on QGC operations! (continues... )
Peoples Blockade - Day 23
Date: 05-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today we headed off from BASECAMP ROMEO in an eight car convoy to go and form a welcoming committee for our Prime Minister Julia Gillard as she visits the Darling Downs Power Station.
With around 20 people all armed with "Our water, our future", "Lock the gate" and "QGC don't gas Tara" signs. We set about making our presence heard, until Julia disappeared inside. Meanwhile our friendly policeman Simon appeared as well as four others, to keep us under control. (Not that they were needed)
I find it quite odd that only 5 police officers were there to keep us under control around the Prime Minister and yet 40+ in attendance when its QGC... makes you wonder just who is controlling whom!!!
On the way home, I called in at various places where there were QGC workers, and conducted a survey. The workers only agreed to participate if it was anonymous. I questioned 36 workers, and this is the result... (continued)
Coal seam gas protesters wait for PM
Date: 05-Apr-11
Author: AAP via SMH
Protesters opposed to the development of the coal seam gas industry have gathered in the Queensland town of Dalby ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
About 20 protesters are at the gates of the Darling Downs Power Station, where Ms Gillard is due to arrive mid-morning.
Police criticised over CSG protest handling
Date: 05-Apr-11
Author: Francis Tapim (ABC News)
Environmental campaigner Drew Hutton has accused police of acting like paramilitaries for the coal seam gas (CSG) mining company involved in a dispute in Queensland's southern inland.
Mr Hutton says 30 officers yesterday dismantled a protest blockade and a camp site on private property near Tara, north-west of Toowoomba, and ordered demonstrators to leave.
Police dismantle Tara blockade
Date: 04-Apr-11
Author: AAP via The Australian
POLICE have moved in and dismantled a blockade established by protesters trying to stop a gas pipeline entering their rural residential estate near Tara, west of Brisbane.
A witness, who did not wish to be named, estimated that 20 to 30 police officers moved against about a dozen protesters at around 1pm (AEST) today.
Peoples Blockade - Day 22
Date: 04-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
This morning we started out at Camp Bravo listening to the devastating noise of the bulldozers, drowning out the peaceful sounds of the surrounding wildlife. The bulldozers were coming within 20cm of our blockade. (Somehow I don't think workplace health and safety would approve)
We had managed to hold the line for 5 ½ hours before we received reports that QGC vehicles were headed our way.
When they did turn up, they had their new security team -the QLD police with them.
As it turns out, QGC have decided to push through the property despite negotiations being underway with our land owner and using the police to have us removed.
Barry Naylor, attempted to hand out his letter ordering us to move, but nobody was interested in either reading the letter or having him read to them, as we believe QGC to be in breach of s804 of the petroleum and gas act...
Around 30 police moved onto Bryce Keating's property this morning to remove Camp Bravo - the Tara blockade. QGC had indicated to the police that despite the fact that Bryce considered further work on his own property to be trespass and outside the terms of the landholder agreement, they planned to 'roll through anyway'. The Qld Police force obliged. We are, and shall remain, resolute.
So please put the call out through all your networks, we need more people to come and participate in our NON VIOLENT peoples blockade!
[Debbi Orr on the Lock The Gate Facebook Group]
Call for better communication between farmers, miners
Date: 04-Apr-11
Author: Troy Rowling (Queensland Country Life)
IN A month that has seen civil disobedience at Tara, the shutdown of a gas pipeline and a series of angry protest rallies, it can be difficult to see a compromise between farmers and miners on the horizon.
But Queensland Resources Council chief executive, Michael Roche, extended an olive branch of sorts to the agriculture sector during a speech at Toowoomba last Friday, calling for a new age of communication between the rivalling industries.
Qld landowners fight coal seam gas miners (Video)
Date: 03-Apr-11
Author: ABC News
The stand-off between coal seam gas (CSG) miners and residents at Tara on Qld's Western Downs is now likely to be headed for the civil courts.
Peoples Blockade - Day 21
Date: 03-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Our friends from Nimbin are quite settled over at Camp Bravo,holding the line with their caravan and tents.
There are many photos on their facebook page - Nimbin Enviro Centre.
We remain vigilant, with some supporters leaving us, with more arriving to take their place.
Our Frackman will be visiting the Northern Rivers area over the next week, taking part in post-film Q&A sessions when Gasland screens next Tuesday, April 5, at the Dendy in Byron Bay; on Wednesday, April 6, at Ballina Fair Cinema; and on Thursday, April 7, at Birch Carroll & Coyle in Lismore. All sessions start at 6.45pm. He will also be drumming up more support for The Peoples Blockade at Tara.
Ambushes, arrests in battle for Tara
Date: 03-Apr-11
Author: Ewan Saunders (Green Left Weekly)
Residents of Queensland's Western Downs and their supporters have witnessed arrests, police harassment and some exciting victories over the past week in their fight to prevent coal seam gas expansion on the Tara estate, near Chinchilla.
During a protest organised by Lock the Gate Alliance on March 29 Friends of the Earth campaigner and Queensland Greens co-founder Drew Hutton was arrested and charged with impeding the construction of a coal seam gas pipeline.
Peoples Blockade - Day 20
Date: 03-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today our friends from Nimbin have held the line at Camp Bravo, giving some our regulars a chance to relax, catch up on sleep, even catch some more yabbies.
QGC are continuing with the destruction, leaving a devastating scar on our estate, as they clear the path for the pipeline. They can only go as far as Bryce's property though, where we have them held up.
Dayne experienced some Chai tea from the Original Chai Tent Recipe, and then someone had to ask "where do Chai people come from?" causing fits of laughter all round!
Blockaders claim victory at Tara: QGC in breach of environmental authority
Date: 03-Apr-11
Author: Lock The Gate Alliance
The blockaders at the Tara residential estate claimed victory today in their campaign to stop QGC (British Gas) from building a pipeline on to their estate.
The police have packed up and left, telling the protest group this was a "civil matter now". QGC have stopped all work on the pipeline...
Peoples Blockade - Day 19
Date: 01-Apr-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
All is quiet.
QGC are continuing with the pipeline on QGC owned property, adjacent to Wieambilla Road, but have for now, pulled out of the estate(with the exception of the security guards that do regular checks at the gas well at the Camp Bravo site.)
The police presence has gone from 100 police officers in the area to 0. And we have found out that they are calling this particular assignment- Operation Juliet Quetch. So we have renamed BASECAMP and now it's called ROMEO, because we all know what ROMEO did to JULIET!
We continue our surveillance, and are remaining vigilant, having made sure we have crews at both camps as well as out and about.
Today has seen some of our visitors relaxing and catching yabbies, without the noise of the destructive bulldozer destroying more bush land.
New troops have arrived from Nimbin, and for all those following Six Degrees on Facebook, Rhia Rainbow has arrived...
I don't think it is too big a call to claim victory for the Tara blockade.
The police have packed up their gear and moved out and British Gas (QGC) have all but stopped work. What finally pulled them up was that our lawyers presented QGC with a letter on behalf of the landowner complaining that they were breaching their contract with him by having road and pipeline corridors that were much wider than he had agreed to.
The ah-ha moment for BG came when they realised that, if they had done that with Bryce, they probably have done it with many other landowners and even breached their environmental authorities. My arrest was under S805 of the Petroleum and Gas Act which says I cannot obstruct them without "reasonable excuse".
I shall use the reasonable excuse phrase to claim I had this by virtue of having the landowner's permission to be there, that he was very unhappy with the way he had been treated by the company and that I would not move until he was satisfied with the outcome of his negotiations with the company.
A victory on this will have massive ramifications well beyond Tara.
Any landowner will be able to obstruct a gas company on the basis that their "unreasonable interference" (S804) gives them a "reasonable excuse" to act in this manner. The pipeline made it onto the Tara estate but is blocked at Bryce's place, well before they have made it to any wells. They can't move.
[Drew Hutton on the Lock The Gate Facebook Group]
Peoples Blockade - Day 18
Date: 31-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
WONDERFUL NEWS TODAY!!!
Our legal team have bamboozled QGC and the QLD police!
QGC has finally been pulled up. Our lawyers presented QGC with a letter on behalf of the landowner complaining that they were breaching their contract with him by having road and pipeline corridors that were much wider than he had agreed to. The ah-ha moment for BG came when they realised that, if they had done that with Bryce, they probably have done it with many other landowners and even breached their environmental authorities.
This has now become a civil matter to be played out in the court, not by QGC's new security team-The QLD Police Force, who have packed up their gear and moved out.
We have now reclaimed our camp site on Bryce's property, again with permission and appropriately named it CAMP BRAVO, and we will continue to occupy CAMP BRAVO until we are 100% certain that QGC will fight it out in the courts...
Drew Hutton out on bail
Date: 31-Mar-11
Author: The Westender
Chinchilla magistrate releases environmental campaigner Drew Hutton on bail - "unable to ascertain" why Drew is a threat
Charged Green won't take foot off the gas
Date: 31-Mar-11
Author: Daniel Hurst (SMH)
Veteran environmental campaigner Drew Hutton has vowed to keep protesting against gas companies accessing rural properties, despite his arrest at a blockade in southwest Queensland.
Mr Hutton, who co-founded the Australian Greens and Queensland Greens, was yesterday granted bail after appearing in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court charged with "obstruction of a petroleum authority holder".
Coal-seam gas protester charged and freed
Date: 31-Mar-11
Author: Jared Owens (The Australian)
Greens co-founder Drew Hutton has been released from a Queensland watchhouse, charged with impeding the construction of a coal-seam gas pipeline on the Darling Downs.
Mr Hutton, 64, was arrested on Tuesday while protesting at a property near Chinchilla, where the Queensland Gas Company's 16km pipeline is being built.
Peoples Blockade - Day 17
Date: 30-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Wow, what a day!!!
Police were everywhere,(about 100 police in the Tara and Chinchilla area) as we all went off to Chinchilla Court House to show support for our Super Granny June and our Dear friend Drew, who not only got arrested for us, but was also prepared to go on a hunger strike as well.
Quite pleased with the outcome, as June received a $200 fine for disobeying a police instruction, no conviction recorded and Drew has been released from custody and with no bail conditions. Hearing is set for April.
QGC are full steam ahead with their destruction of our estates, but we have not given up!
Back at BASECAMP, we have discussed different strategies and we are quite confident we can keep the Peoples Blockade going for as long as we need to...
Drew Hutton granted bail
Date: 30-Mar-11
Author: AAP via SMH
Greens co-founder Drew Hutton has been granted bail after being arrested at an anti-coal seam gas blockade west of Brisbane. He will reappear on April 13.
Fellow protester, 70-year-old great grandmother June Norman was fined $200 but no conviction was recorded.
Activist arrested at coal seam gas blockade
Date: 30-Mar-11
Author: Sam Burgess (ABC News)
Environmental activist Drew Hutton has been granted bail after his arrest at an anti-coal seam gas blockade on Queensland's Western Downs yesterday.
Up to his old tricks again
Date: 30-Mar-11
Author: Westender
Drew Hutton, June Norman and Dayne Pratzky will face the Chinchilla Magistrates Court today for their involvement with the Lock the Gate Campaign.
Peoples Blockade - Day 16
Date: 29-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
This morning there was an extremely strong police presence throughout the estate, and it is rather disappointing to find that they appear to be harassing residents. They have been pulling over most vehicles throughout the day, requesting names and addresses of the cars occupants and questioning what they are doing in the street, also giving some of the vehicles a good going over.
Some of us started the day on private property at Robbo's Road. Soon the peaceful sounds of the birds chirping were drowned out by the destructive sound of a bulldozer destroying nearby bushland...
Greens founder Drew Hutton arrested in coal seam gas protest
Date: 29-Mar-11
Author: Brooke Baskin and Lizzie Stafford (The Courier-Mail)
GREENS founder Drew Hutton has been arrested during a protest against the coal seam gas industry on a property near Tara in southwest Queensland.
Greens spokeswoman and Mr Hutton's wife, Libby Connors, said her husband had been arrested and charged after a "heavy-handed" police presence appeared on the property around 3pm.
"I say heavy-handed because there were two or three police for every protester," Ms Connors said.
Activist charged at Qld CSG protest
Date: 29-Mar-11
Author: AAP via SMH
An environmental activist has been arrested at a human blockade protesting against the construction of a coal seam gas pipeline on Queensland's Western Downs.
Friends of the Earth campaigner Drew Hutton was arrested at 2.20pm (AEST) on Tuesday at the Tara Estate, south of Chinchilla.
Greens founder charged after gas blockade arrest
Date: 29-Mar-11
Author: Daniel Hurst (Brisbane Times)
Veteran environmental campaigner Drew Hutton has been arrested and charged after protesting against the coal seam gas industry on a property near Tara in southwest Queensland.
Police this evening confirmed Mr Hutton had been charged with the "obstruction of a petroleum authority holder" and would appear in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Drew Hutton arrested at Gas Pipeline Blockade
Date: 29-Mar-11
Author: Libby Connors
Drew Hutton, spokesperson for Friends of the Earth and leading campaigner for the national Lock the Gate campaign, was arrested this afternoon.
In a heavy-handed police action, forty police moved on to private property to shut down the blockade camp on a landholder's property.
The landholder was unhappy with his treatment by the gas company and had invited the blockaders onto his land.
Fears gas protests could come here
Date: 29-Mar-11
Author: The Northern Star
GAS exploration company Metgasco has said it will try to come up with workable solutions to land access issues if its proposed Lions Way pipeline goes ahead.
This comes after a woman chained herself to a bulldozer to stop a gas company building a pipeline through a rural residential property on Queensland's Western Downs.
Protesters formed a human barricade at the Tara Estate, south of Chinchilla, yesterday to stop the Queensland Gas Company (QGC) building a 16km pipeline to take coal seam gas from five wells already in the estate to the nearby Kenya gas processing plant.
Peoples Blockade - Day 15
Date: 28-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
QGC have successfully bulldozed their way across Wieambilla Road into the residential estates, using the police to keep us at bay.
Again a HUGE police presence throughout the estate.
QGC had made it through to Robbo's Road, where we discovered one of their bulldozers sitting on the roadside on public land, and so we proceeded to chain and lock on the lovely Cassie to the bulldozer. This was not without incident though, as one of QGC's employees got a bit violent toward one of our residents, as QGC employees have been known to do. (That makes 3 violent incidents at 3 separate actions, and two of those times on the same person, makes you wonder if perhaps he's a target?)...
Woman chains herself to bulldozer in protest
Date: 28-Mar-11
Author: Kym Agius (AAP Via news.com.au)
A WOMAN has chained herself to a bulldozer to stop a gas company building a pipeline through a rural residential property on Queensland's Western Downs.
Protesters formed a human barricade at the Tara Estate, south of Chinchilla, on Monday to stop the Queensland Gas Company (QGC) building a 16km pipeline to take coal seam gas from five wells already in the estate to the nearby Kenya gas processing plant.
Event co-organiser and local Michael Bretherick said QGC today tried to begin clearing a path for the pipeline on the estate.
Residents to reactivate blockade
Date: 28-Mar-11
Author: John Farmer (The Chronicle)
DESPERATE Western Downs residents are today preparing for round two in an ongoing fight to keep a gas giant from "invading" their homes.
Residents from Tara's rural-residential estates will reactivate a blockade at Wieambilla Rd in an attempt to prevent QGC from building a gas pipeline near their homes.
Pipeline protest heats up in Qld
Date: 27-Mar-11
Author: AAP via SMH
Protesters say they'll form a human barricade to stop a coal seam gas pipeline being built through their rural residential estate on Queensland's western downs.
Friends of the Earth says Queensland Gas Company (QGC) is due to start building the 16km pipeline through the Tara estate, south of Chinchilla.
Peoples Blockade - Day 14
Date: 27-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
We have discovered an increase in QGC vehicle activity throughout the estate today.
No police presence so far, perhaps the government has realised what a total waste of resources it is to have them here.
Another lovely feast cooked again by Narelle,and i think that its probably Frackmans turn to do the dishes!
Lots of campfire yarns, keeping everyone entertained.
Supporters are in good spirits, almost ready to call it a night and see what tomorrow brings.
Peoples Blockade - Day 13
Date: 27-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
As QGC get even closer to Wieambilla Road, we had discussions with our supporters and everyone appears to be well prepared.
We took old Barry and a few others for a bushwalk, to give them a feel of what will be lost if QGC are successful in destroying our estates by turning them into gas fields.
We sat watching the Kookaburras who drop down from the trees to pick up a mouse, the king parrots even did a fly bye.
Morale took a bit of a hit tonight, as we all sat and reflected on the day and talked about the devastation that is already being done, and that will only get worse if we lose...
Peoples Blockade - Day 12
Date: 26-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
We hired a helicopter again to do more reconnaissance work today.
Our number 2 camera man turned a lovely shade of green at about 6000ft, and if possible even worse when the pilot told them they were literally falling out of the sky.
Video footage (soon to be uploaded to Youtube) shows the destruction we are trying to avoid in the residential estates, and how this area is starting to look like the gas fields in America.
QGC have sent out more propaganda in the mail, telling residents how good they are to the community.
As QGC near Wieambilla Road, we are expecting the government will waste more resources and send out the Tactical Response Unit again, perhaps to eat more sandwiches provided by QGC and to arrest some more great grandmothers, all the while allowing QGC to get away with more violence upon residents.
Hmmmm.........Perhaps we should get a few bodyguards?
MEANWHILE BACK AT BASECAMP...
Peoples Blockade - Day 11
Date: 25-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today QGC have cleared acres of bush land as they get closer to crossing Wieambilla Road to turn our residential estates into a gas field.
A front page newspaper article in Chinchilla newspaper today claims that a question was posted on the 'Yahoo Answers' web site asked "HOW DO I BLOW UP A CSG WELL?" [the question has since been deleted by Yahoo!]
Jack Spratt was his username, and he claims he is a Tara resident involved in the protest against the gas industry.
I can confidently say that there were no Tara residents at our recent protests against QGC, who would even contemplate blowing up a gas well.
We are a non violent action group, and any violence is not condoned in any way...
Peoples Blockade - Day 10
Date: 24-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
The rain has stopped, and as expected QGC are on the move.
A lot of QGC vehicles on and around Wieambilla Road today, but no sign of the heavy machinery.
Good news in the media today, with the announcement that QGC have had to halt operations on their pipeline near Dalby as land was cleared without appropriate approvals. QGC claims a 'contractor' may have breached federal and state environmental conditions.
It would appear that QGC have no control over their contractors, and do not keep regular checks and oversee just what their contractors are up to...
Peoples Blockade - Day 9
Date: 23-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another day and QGC are still stuck in the mud!
The police tactical response unit has been spotted in Chinchilla, and there is still a strong police presence in our area.
QGC must be just a little bit rattled, as they have felt the need to ramp up their advertising campaign in all local newspapers.
Quite a few visitors to BASECAMP especially since our leaflet has been distributed...
Peoples Blockade - Day 8
Date: 21-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Another wet miserable day, but at least it has caused QGC delays to their operations as it is too wet for them to move their heavy machinery.
There is still a security guard posted at the pipe yard, and this morning even a couple of police officers on Wieambilla Road, proving yet again they have no idea what we will do next.
Today began the start of our leaflet delivery, distributed throughout the shire via Australia Post, to raise awareness and find even more people who are impacted. We have had an overwhelming response...
Peoples Blockade - Day 7
Date: 20-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Still raining! We have been out and about today, checking out QGC activities.
QGC are still unsure of just what we are up to, or what we will do next, which i guess explains the poor security guy standing outside the gate of the pipe yard, in the rain.
The dramatic police presence in the estate has been removed, i guess the government just couldnt justify the total waste of police resources any longer, especially as we have proven it is totally unneccessary...
Gas vs people - Tara ignites the fight
Date: 20-Mar-11
Author: Ewan Saunders (Green Left Weekly)
More than 100 protesters joined a March 14 blockade of the Queensland Gas Corporation (QGC) gasworks on the QGC-owned property "Kenya" near Tara, 300 kilometres west of Brisbane.
The Kenya blockade, which received coverage on all major news networks, covered a number of entrances to the vast property. It was the first widely-publicised action of civil disobedience in the national "Lock The Gate" campaign.
The "Lock The Gate" campaign - an alliance of farmers, landholders and environmentalists - is demanding a moratorium on coal seam gas (CSG) mining.
Peoples Blockade - Day 6
Date: 20-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today it is raining, so all we can do is keep up our surveillance of QGC, and keep our people updated on what is happening.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our residents and our supporters from all over Australia, and even from New Zealand. We really appreciate all your support.
Peoples Blockade - Day 5
Date: 19-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
All is quiet. QGC are still at a stand still.
We have spent the day making sure we are fully prepared for when they reach our estate.
It looks like rain, so that will cause them more delays if it happens.
Blockade to stop Tara gas pipeline
Date: 19-Mar-11
Author: Carly Morrissey (Gympie Times)
AS the coal seam gas debate heats up, the Gympie region is jumping on board to show its support for Tara landowners trying to stop Queensland Gas Company (QGC) linking a pipeline in their rural residential estate.
Gympie's Graham Coombs and Jeff Douwes drove out to Tara this week to take part in a blockade at the QGC Kenya office.
Fractures appear in coal-seam industry
Date: 19-Mar-11
Author: Andrew Fraser (The Australian)
THE Tara-Chinchilla road in western Queensland is hardly a bustling thoroughfare at the best of times, less so on a Tuesday morning, when the passage of a car going the other way every couple of minutes is the only movement on the dry, flat landscape -- usually brown but now green from the recent rains.
But last Tuesday, when a bus carrying management from the Queensland Gas Co and journalists stopped at an intersection with a small side road to allow someone to pick up their car, a hired utility suddenly came round the front of the bus, blocking its way forward, while another car locked in behind the bus. A third four-wheel drive appeared beside the bus, completely locking it in.
Peoples Blockade - Day 4
Date: 18-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
We hired a helicopter to do an arial reconnaissance in our area. The destuction and what is planned for the residential estates is an abomination and totally immoral.
It would seem the construction of the pipeline isn't going quite as QGC planned. There is a spider trencher(one of only two in Australia) sitting idle on QGC land. QGC has accused residents of throwing rocks and sabotaging machinery by removing wheel nuts from a grader.
I know we have SUPER GRANNY but we do draw the line at sabotage...
Groundwater plan for Surat Basin
Date: 18-Mar-11
Author: The Chronicle
A PLAN to protect the Surat Basin's groundwater from the ill-effects of coal seam gas mining came into effect today.
The Surat Basin has been named Queensland's first Cumulative Management Area in an effort to hold CSG companies accountable for damage to the region's precious natural resources.
Peoples Blockade - Day 3
Date: 17-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Today we have changed tactics, we have avoided Kenya, thought we might give QGC and the police something to worry about,which obviously worked because we now have the police tactical response unit set up on Wieambilla Road and a very strong police presence throughout the estate (we would hate to think they were trying to intimidate us)...
Alternative Energy
Date: 16-Mar-11
Author: 6PM With George Negus (TEN)
Why cleaner, greener energy is not always a friendly option. Video of the Tara Blockade.
Arrests begin at Tara gas pipeline blockade
Date: 16-Mar-11
Author: Indy Media
Up to 70 protesters have gathered at Tara to physically blockade the Queensland Gas Company workers moving in to build a gas pipeline. Some have climbed trees near a key access road, holding banners that say: "Don't gas Tara".
Gas company blamed for woes in Qld
Date: 16-Mar-11
Author: AAP via SMH
A coal seam gas company says it's happy to buy a padlock for a Queensland property owner who claims he's been locked out of part of his property.
But the Queensland Gas Company (QGC) won't discuss the resident's offer to sell them his land at a fraction of its value.
Peoples Blockade - Day 2
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Despite QGC's claims that we are a LOUD MINORITY group, it would seem they must be just a little bit concerned as they have stepped up their police presence outside their Kenya gas field offices since yesterday.
This morning we decided to take a skeletal crew over to the Kenya gas field, to try to speak to Bruce Coates-QGC's representative who told the media that landholders had been consulted and has no problem having his kids live near a gas well (hmmm, I wonder how true that is, every QGC employee we have spoke to says they wont have a gas well on their property).
Protesters Blockade Queensland Coal Seam Gas Project
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: Joel Scanlon (A to Z of Mining)
Queensland Gas Company workers may have to face a human blockade if they try to build a gas pipeline at Tara. Carrying placards and banners that say - "Don't gas Tara", the protestors have said that they are willing to put their bodies on the line to prevent coal seam gas development northwest of Brisbane. They intend to camp overnight to stop company workers from entering their properties. The protestors are made up of farmers, residents of the rural community of Tara and the Greens.
Great-granny arrested in gas blockade
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: Lisa Martin (AAP via Nine News)
A Brisbane great-grandmother has become the first protester arrested at a blockade to stop a major coal seam gas development at Tara in southeast Queensland.
June Norman, 70, was arrested before midday on Tuesday at the blockade site and taken to the Chinchilla police station.
Pipeline showdown west of Brisbane nears
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: AAP via The Age
Protesters are preparing for a showdown with gas pipeline workers to stop a major coal seam gas development at Tara west of Brisbane.
Tara residents, farmers and green groups say they will lock their farm gates if the Queensland Gas Company (QGC) tries to enter properties to lay the pipes.
Great Grandmother the First Arrested at Tara Coal Seam Gas Blockade
Date: Tue 15-Mar-11
Author: Lock The Gate Alliance Inc.
A 70 year-old great-grandmother was the first person to be arrested at the Tara blockade. A large police contigent was present at the site, including the public order response team, mounted police and plain clothes detectives. She was arrested when she refused an order from a plain clothed policeman to move while she was blockading a large bulldozer from entering the QGC site at Kenya.
Company rejects protest against coal seam gas project
Date: Tue 15-Mar-11
Author: Sam Burgess (ABC News)
A resources company says protesters have no right to impede a coal seam gas (CSG) project in southern inland Queensland.
Landholders at Tara say they will lock their farm gates if the Queensland Gas Company tries to enter their property to lay gas pipes.
Protesters won battle but not war
Date: Tue 15-Mar-11
Author: Jim Campbell (The Chronicle)
PROTESTERS say they've won round one of a war against gas giant QGC after a non-violent blockade near Tara yesterday.
Friends of the Earth spokesman Drew Hutton said about 50 residents of the Tara rural residential estate and supporters dug in in an attempt to block QGC's plan to build a new gas pipeline.
Qld protesters stage gas blockade
Date: Mon 14-Mar-11
Author: AAP via SBS
Protesters have accused the company planning a pipeline through their rural residential community near Tara of breaching Queensland's criminal law.
.A letter delivered to the Queensland Gas Company (QGC) said its plans constitute "common nuisance" under section 230 of Queensland's criminal code.
"We ask the police to investigate the criminal offence of common nuisance," the letter said.
Peoples Blockade - Day 1
Date: Mon 14-Mar-11
Author: Western Downs Alliance
Our day started at 5:30 am ready to set up our blockade on Wieambilla Road by 6:30am.
We had a second group go over to QGC's office in Chinchilla to deliver a letter to management, without comment.
Meanwhile we had a third group go to the Kenya gasfields to set up outside the offices there, whilst a fourth and fifth group setup outside gates further down the Kenya site.
Protesters stage Queensland coal gas blockade
Date: Mon 14-Mar-11
Author: Petrina Berry And Jess Marszalek (SMH)
Protesters say they will put their bodies on the line to save their land and homes from a coal seam gas development northwest of Brisbane.
Up to 70 protesters have gathered at Tara and say they will form a human blockade to stop Queensland Gas Company workers moving in to build a gas pipeline.
Anti-coal seam gas industry blockade begins
Date: Mon 14-Mar-11
Author: Debra Nowland (ABC World Today)
Now to that blockade outside a property in southern Queensland, where protesters are demonstrating against coal seam gas mining. Farmers have joined forces with environmentalists to try to prevent the Queensland Gas Company from gaining access to a site at Tara on the Western Downs.
The company wants to build a pipeline to link to gas wells already on the site, as Debra Nowland reports.
Human blockade to stop Queensland Gas Company at Tara
Date: Mon 14-Mar-11
Author: Petrina Berry And Jess Marszalek
PROTESTERS say they will put their bodies on the line to save their land and homes from a coal seam gas development northwest of Brisbane.
Up to 70 protesters have gathered at Tara and say they will form a human blockade to stop Queensland Gas Company workers moving in to build a gas pipeline. Some have climbed trees near a key access road, holding banners that say: "Don't gas Tara".
Activists threaten to block miners in land dispute
Date: Mon 07-Mar-11
Author: Karen Berkman (ABC Lateline)
A conflict between a coal seam gas company and land owners west of Toowoomba is threatening to come to a head as miners and farmers clash.
Great Grandmother arrested at Tara Blockade
Great Grandmother June arrested, protesting at Kenya Gas field near Tara, Queensland.
© Lock The Gate 2011
Toowoomba Community Cabinet Protest
Toowoomba Community Cabinet protest Sunday 13th March.
© Lock The Gate 2011
Courage versus Respectability
Environmental Campaigner Drew Hutton giving a speech at the Toowoomba Community Cabinet Meeting on the 13th March, 2011 on the topic of Courage versus Respectability
© Lock The Gate 2011
Protesters continue coal seam gas blockade
Landholders who have staged a blockade of a coal seam gas company at Tara on Qld's western Darling Downs say they are in for the long haul.
© ABC TV 2011
Why Tara is Blockading QGC
The Residents of the Tara Estate near Chinchilla, Queensland have decided enough is enough and are blockading QGC from entering their estate. They have Locked Their Gates.
© Lock The Gate 2011
Arrest of Drew Hutton at Tara blockade
Lock The Gate campaign organiser, Drew Hutton, as he is led from the blockade at the Tara Estate on 29/03/2011.
© Lock The Gate 2011
Qld landowners fight coal seam gas miners
The stand-off between coal seam gas (CSG) miners and residents at Tara on Qld's Western Downs is now likely to be headed for the civil courts.
© ABC News 2011
Irwin Arrested
Wildlife campaigner Bob Irwin has been arrested at a coal seam gas protest near Chinchilla.
© TEN News 2011
Bob Irwin Arrested in Tara
Bob Irwin has been a long term environmental activist. he was visibly distraught as he recalls his reasons for joining the peaceful protest at Tara on the Darling Downs, Queensland, against the toxic effects of coal seam gas mining.
© EddieDowd 2011
Lock The Gate - Tara - May 2011
A short film by Dave Moore about the Tara Blockade against QGC in Queensland.
© mooro2258 2011
