Around 40 private security guards descended on the peaceful Wallum protest vigil located at the edge of the contentious Wallum site in Brunswick Heads yesterday (June 26) at about 5am.
Those present said the security guards were clad in black attire and several sported full face coverings and they came from all sides. The Save Wallum community action group quickly rallied in response, with over 100 community protectors coming to the site as new fencing was erected by Clarence Property contractors across the cul de sac at Omega Circuit and the Save Wallum welcome hut was dismantled.
‘However, the Sacred Fire still burns and the vigil continues 24/7 on the site,’ said a Save Wallum spokesperson.
Arrest
Maria, a 33-year-old from Ocean Shores, locked onto a vehicle at the access point to the Wallum site for around four hours. Police arrived at the site at around 7am and Maria was arrested and taken to Byron Police Station and charged with remaining on inclosed lands and hindering a police officer.
‘As a bush regenerator I am compelled to act in the protection of sacred land and endangered species. The community will continue their efforts to protect Wallum. Pulling down the welcome hut and further fencing will not perturb the community striving to protect this special environment,’ says Maria.
Speaking to The Echo Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe of the Tweed Byron Police said, ‘I think the protestors have been compliant and respectful. Obviously where we have complaints of criminal events being committed, from either side, they will be investigated.’
Iconic support
After hearing the news of the raid on the Save Wallum camp, environmental pioneers and hosts of the iconic Terania Creek protest in 1979, Nan and Hugh Nicholson (74 and 78 respectively), drove from their home near The Channon to the site.
Sitting at the Wallum Sacred Fire, Nan, offering support to the group, said, ‘with this particular patch of coastal ecosystem we are so far past the point of balance we just have to say no more… we cannot lose another tree,’ shared Nan Nicholson. ‘I encourage you all to keep showing up.’
Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe and the Wallum police liaison officer have both confirmed that there were no police reports of a resident being assaulted.
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