❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses alleged incidents of harassment and vandalism against the Chester Forest Rescue Camp and local environmentalists. The Police Minister's response indicates a lack of formal reports to police regarding most of the alleged incidents, and outlines standard police patrols and communication with camp organizers.
AnsweredQoN 789Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the protest, currently being conducted at Chester Forest Rescue Camp, and ask -
(1) Is the Minister aware of reports made to police concerning, -
(a) an incident where a gun was fired by a person driving by Chester Forest Rescue Camp;
(b) an incident where a fire was lit near the camp;
(c) incidents of bottles being hurled into the camp;
(d) incidents of signs at the camp being run down; and
(e) incidents of tyre slashing of cars in Manjimup that display stickers with Greens or environmental messages?
(2) Regarding the reports described in (1), -
(a) has an investigation into each of these reports taken place; and
(b) have any of these incidents resulted in charges being laid?
(3) What if any steps are being taken by police to protect the Chester Forest Rescue Camp and local environmentalists from vigilantism?
(1) Is the Minister aware of reports made to police concerning, -
(a) an incident where a gun was fired by a person driving by Chester Forest Rescue Camp;
(b) an incident where a fire was lit near the camp;
(c) incidents of bottles being hurled into the camp;
(d) incidents of signs at the camp being run down; and
(e) incidents of tyre slashing of cars in Manjimup that display stickers with Greens or environmental messages?
(2) Regarding the reports described in (1), -
(a) has an investigation into each of these reports taken place; and
(b) have any of these incidents resulted in charges being laid?
(3) What if any steps are being taken by police to protect the Chester Forest Rescue Camp and local environmentalists from vigilantism?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 August 2009
Responded by
Minister for Energy representing the Minister for Police
Response time
56 days
(1a) On 18 April 2009 Margaret River Police received a telephone call from a woman who was staying at the Chester Forest Rescue Camp. The complainant stated that she heard what she believed to be gunshots followed by the sound of a car heading along Brockman Highway towards Nannup. No vehicle was seen by the complainant so there was no description available for broadcast. At no time was it suggested by the complainant that shots had been fired at the camp site.
(1b) On 21 April 2009 Bunbury Police received a call from Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) staff in respect of a fire on DEC land south of Brockman Highway, near Chester Forest. The fire was approximately 2 kilometres south of the Chester Forest Camp and there were DEC firefighters present. Police attended Chester Forest Camp with DEC staff and advised the people present of the threat of the fire.
The fire was not reported to Augusta Police as being suspicious in nature and there is no evidence that the fire was deliberately lit. At the time of the incident there were pre-frontal winds and lightning strikes in the area. The Officer In Charge of Augusta Police has discussed the matter with the camp organiser.
(1c) There have been no reports to local Police of bottles being thrown at the camp.
(1d) There have been no reports to local Police about signs at the camp being run down.
(1e) There have been no reports to Manjimup Police of tyres being slashed on vehicles displaying Green's stickers or environmental messages.
(2a) See answers to question 1.
(2b) There is no evidence in respect of matters that have been discussed with Police and as result no persons has been charged.
(3) Augusta Police conducts normal patrols of the area and regularly call in to speak to people at the Chester Forest Rescue Camp. Police have a good relationship with the camp organiser, as well as other permanent and semi-permanent occupants at the Camp. There are currently no extra measures being taken by Police in respect to protection of the Camp as there is no anecdotal evidence or complaints to suggest additional protection is required.
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(1b) On 21 April 2009 Bunbury Police received a call from Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) staff in respect of a fire on DEC land south of Brockman Highway, near Chester Forest. The fire was approximately 2 kilometres south of the Chester Forest Camp and there were DEC firefighters present. Police attended Chester Forest Camp with DEC staff and advised the people present of the threat of the fire.
The fire was not reported to Augusta Police as being suspicious in nature and there is no evidence that the fire was deliberately lit. At the time of the incident there were pre-frontal winds and lightning strikes in the area. The Officer In Charge of Augusta Police has discussed the matter with the camp organiser.
(1c) There have been no reports to local Police of bottles being thrown at the camp.
(1d) There have been no reports to local Police about signs at the camp being run down.
(1e) There have been no reports to Manjimup Police of tyres being slashed on vehicles displaying Green's stickers or environmental messages.
(2a) See answers to question 1.
(2b) There is no evidence in respect of matters that have been discussed with Police and as result no persons has been charged.
(3) Augusta Police conducts normal patrols of the area and regularly call in to speak to people at the Chester Forest Rescue Camp. Police have a good relationship with the camp organiser, as well as other permanent and semi-permanent occupants at the Camp. There are currently no extra measures being taken by Police in respect to protection of the Camp as there is no anecdotal evidence or complaints to suggest additional protection is required.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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