PROTEST and environment groups against Mantle Mining’s exploratory drilling program in Bacchus Marsh fear they are being intimidated by the state government after several members were visited by government intelligence officers two weeks ago.
Friends of the Earth activists Shaun Murray and Paul Connor said that last Wednesday, at about 4pm, two plain-clothed officers from a police security intelligence group arrived on their doorstep unannounced.
Mr Murray said the officers refused to specify which department or group they worked for.
“They basically said they didn’t want to see any of our protests escalate, which is bizarre because we have no history of any of that kind of protest,” he said.
“We have previously had a very amicable relationship with the police, and have been in ongoing contact with them when we have staged lock-ons.
“Clearly, we pose a political threat to the government and their mandate to start brown coal exports. It’s their imperative for our activities to be monitored and contained – obviously it’s an intimidation tactic.”
Several other members of Friends of the Earth and the Quit Coal campaign had received phone calls from intelligence officers, he claimed.
On Monday, Mr Murray locked himself to the stairs of a foyer in South Melbourne where Mantle Mining held its annual general meeting for shareholders.
“We just want to demonstrate the strong opposition to mining plans in the foodbowl region of Bacchus Marsh,” he said. “We want to raise awareness about their plan to destroy the Bacchus Marsh farmland and to demonstrate the strong community opposition.”
Police were called to the scene and Mr Murray unlocked himself at around 2.30pm once the meeting had concluded.
Last Thursday, The Age revealed the country’s leading counter-terrorism agency ASIO had been providing intelligence to the federal government on environmental groups that campaign against coalmining.
It comes after federal Energy and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson warned that protests at power stations and coal export terminals could have “life-threatening” consequences and “major trade and investment implications”.
Moorabool Environment Group president Kate Tubbs said it was “an interesting revelation”.
“You wouldn’t get a group of less threatening people than us. They consider us a danger when we consider that their decisions should be held more accountable,” she said.
“All we’re concerned about is that coal is extracted from viable areas where it is appropriate. Bacchus Marsh is an inappropriate area in so many ways. I see this as spying which is very cloak and dagger when there is nothing cloak and dagger about this.”
A spokeswoman for Mr Ferguson said she could not comment on Mr Murray and Mr Connor’s visit.
New Federal Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt said state and federal governments should not be engaging in intimidation of peaceful protesters. “People concerned about climate change are wanting to safeguard the planet for future generations and should not be treated like potential criminals.”
