Weld Valley Camp raided(Australia)

Weld Valley Community Camp raided by 60 police, 3 activists arrested.

Wednesday at 3:30pm , members of the Weld Community Action were confronted with a raid by 60 police. Forestry and Police entered the area, declaring the public forest around the new road , an 'exclusion zone'. This means that anyone found in the area is liable for fines of up to $2000 and / or six months in jail.

After 31 days of stopping work on a new road and bridge into the spectacular Weld Valley, community members were faced with a large police operation to close camp. Police set up road blocks over a 4 km radius of the site, halting all public access. Media and support crew were refused
entry. During the operation, police arrested our camera man and two police liaisons for trespass. This was an obvious tactic to remove key people and to deny us footage of the event. The large police numbers was designed to intimidate and members of the camp were given little time to consider
options or to even understand the legal situation they were in.

As part of the camp, an ex-forester and long time local to the area, Tim, was locked on to a car preventing access to the road. Several other non-violent delay devices were also in place, including a static lock on. These were all dismantled over a period of 5 hours , while those who were
not arrested watched on, under police guard. Once the roading equipment had been moved and camp dismantled , activists left the area to reassess future options.

Community members have voiced their commitment to continuing direct action as part of a campaign to protect this magnificent valley. The bridge and road is still to be finished and activists are already planning to re-enter
the area once work re-commences.

All the people involved in the camp would like to thank those of you who have sent emails and donations to help us. Support has come from all corners of the globe and right around Tasmania. The forests here have had a long sad history of destruction and it is wonderful that so many people have shown they care. The camp itself has had hundreds of visitors, either staying the night or turning up for community barbecue days. This action has just been the start of the campaign and we all look forward to such wonderful support.

For the forests,

Adam Burling
Native Forest Network
PO Box 433
Huonville, Tasmania 7109
Australia