A parliamentary question addresses environmental protestors camping in the Ludlow forest, questioning the legality and potential implications of their activities. The Minister's response emphasizes the right to peaceful protest as long as it doesn't impede lawful activities or impact forest values.

AnsweredQoN 533Legislative Council
Asked
30 June 2004
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Why is the minister allowing protestors to set up camp in the treetops of the Ludlow forest, along with their mattresses, running water, telephones, laptop computers and chemical toilets? (2) What are the current laws relating to unauthorised camping on crown land? (3) If the protestors are not removed, does this mean that anyone can erect visitor signs and offer free tea and coffee, along with a 30-table restaurant, to welcome members of the public to their camp? Hon KIM CHANCE

AnswerView source ↗

Again, I think the last part of the question was particularly eloquent. On behalf of Hon Tom Stephens, the Minister for the Environment has provided the following response - (1)-(3) The Government respects the right of members of the public to engage in peaceful protest action. The protestors are not currently impeding any Department of Conservation and Land Management, Forest Products Commission or mining activity, and are not impacting on forest values or impeding people undertaking lawful activities. The protestors have been provided with advice by CALM on forest safety issues. The situation will be reviewed when mining activities commence. Lawfully approved activities should not be obstructed.
(2) What are the current laws relating to unauthorised camping on crown land? (3) If the protestors are not removed, does this mean that anyone can erect visitor signs and offer free tea and coffee, along with a 30-table restaurant, to welcome members of the public to their camp? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: Again, I think the last part of the question was particularly eloquent. On behalf of Hon Tom Stephens, the Minister for the Environment has provided the following response - (1)-(3) The Government respects the right of members of the public to engage in peaceful protest action. The protestors are not currently impeding any Department of Conservation and Land Management, Forest Products Commission or mining activity, and are not impacting on forest values or impeding people undertaking lawful activities. The protestors have been provided with advice by CALM on forest safety issues. The situation will be reviewed when mining activities commence. Lawfully approved activities should not be obstructed.
(3) If the protestors are not removed, does this mean that anyone can erect visitor signs and offer free tea and coffee, along with a 30-table restaurant, to welcome members of the public to their camp? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: Again, I think the last part of the question was particularly eloquent. On behalf of Hon Tom Stephens, the Minister for the Environment has provided the following response - (1)-(3) The Government respects the right of members of the public to engage in peaceful protest action. The protestors are not currently impeding any Department of Conservation and Land Management, Forest Products Commission or mining activity, and are not impacting on forest values or impeding people undertaking lawful activities. The protestors have been provided with advice by CALM on forest safety issues. The situation will be reviewed when mining activities commence. Lawfully approved activities should not be obstructed.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: Again, I think the last part of the question was particularly eloquent. On behalf of Hon Tom Stephens, the Minister for the Environment has provided the following response - (1)-(3) The Government respects the right of members of the public to engage in peaceful protest action. The protestors are not currently impeding any Department of Conservation and Land Management, Forest Products Commission or mining activity, and are not impacting on forest values or impeding people undertaking lawful activities. The protestors have been provided with advice by CALM on forest safety issues. The situation will be reviewed when mining activities commence. Lawfully approved activities should not be obstructed.
Again, I think the last part of the question was particularly eloquent. On behalf of Hon Tom Stephens, the Minister for the Environment has provided the following response - (1)-(3) The Government respects the right of members of the public to engage in peaceful protest action. The protestors are not currently impeding any Department of Conservation and Land Management, Forest Products Commission or mining activity, and are not impacting on forest values or impeding people undertaking lawful activities. The protestors have been provided with advice by CALM on forest safety issues. The situation will be reviewed when mining activities commence. Lawfully approved activities should not be obstructed.
(1)-(3) The Government respects the right of members of the public to engage in peaceful protest action. The protestors are not currently impeding any Department of Conservation and Land Management, Forest Products Commission or mining activity, and are not impacting on forest values or impeding people undertaking lawful activities. The protestors have been provided with advice by CALM on forest safety issues. The situation will be reviewed when mining activities commence. Lawfully approved activities should not be obstructed.

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