Updated
A woman is being treated for suspected spinal injuries after she was struck by a gate during a confrontation between a horse rider and anti-Adani protesters in central Queensland.
Key points:
- The rider was taken into custody just after 4:00pm
- The 62yo NSW woman was part of the convoy protesting against Adani’s proposed coal mine
- The Stop Adani convoy arrived in town on Saturday to a frosty reception from local pro-coal supporters
The 62-year-old New South Wales woman was part of the 400-person strong Bob Brown convoy, which had travelled to the coal mining town of Clermont from Tasmania.
The group were at the Clermont Showgrounds about 3:30pm on Sunday when a man on a horse rode into the area where some of the protesters were gathered to watch live music.
Queensland Police said the man was attempting to exit the ring when the woman and others attempted to close a gate.
The horse then struck the gate, which collided the woman, police said.
Video of the incident captured calls to “open the gate, open the gate” before a bang and screams were heard.
The woman was flown from Clermont Hospital to Mackay Base Hospital with suspected spinal injuries, a Mackay hospital spokeswoman said.
She also suffered bruising and abrasions.
Police took the rider into custody just after 4:00pm. He is assisting with enquiries.
‘This act is deplorable’: local mayor
Former Greens leader Bob Brown, who led the “Stop Adani” convoy 5,000 kilometres from Tasmania to Queensland to protest against a coal mine proposed for the Galilee Basin, addressed the media shortly after the incident.
“There is no place for that behaviour … no place for out-of-control yahoo-ism and the actuality of violence which has come onto this field because we’re simply discussing the future.
“It is an assault on this lady who is in her 60s and it could have been worse.”
Isaac Region Mayor Anne Baker said the actions of the lone rider did not reflect the local community.
“This rogue act by an individual does not reflect the community of Clermont or the wider Isaac region,” Mayor Baker said.
“We made it absolutely clear from the outset that disruptive behaviour from any party or person would not be tolerated.
“This rider has ignored the shared expectation for an environment of mutual respect.
“I expect they will face the full force of the law for their actions and the injury caused.”
Mayor Baker said the council’s thoughts were with the injured woman and wished her a speedy recovery.
Pro-coal locals turned out to greet visitors
The Stop Adani convoy arrived in town on Saturday to a frosty welcome from pro-coal locals.
Clermont has about 3,000 residents and is the closest major town to the proposed mine site.
Police have already been investigating reports of a firecracker being set off near where the activists were staying overnight.
Mr Brown said the activists had also been threatened with “obscene language, people banging on their cars and stones being thrown”.
In a counter-rally effort, some local businesses closed their doors to the protesters over the weekend and held pro-coal demonstrations of their own.
Local opposition to the convoy has garnered support from across the political spectrum, with Resources Minister Matthew Canavan, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and United Australia Party leader Clive Palmer all making the trip to Clermont.
Topics:
First posted
from Trend Gossip Now http://bit.ly/2XWqrcp
0 Comments