NSW:Activists charged for break-in at NSW mine

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2010
NSW:Activists charged for break-in at NSW mine

SYDNEY, Dec 4 AAP - Two activists have been charged after breaking into a Hunter Valley
mine site and attaching themselves to a conveyor belt.

Two activists from Camp for Climate Action 2010 chained themselves to a conveyor belt
that transports coal to the Bayswater power station at about 9.30am (AEDT) on Saturday.

Police Rescue arrived and after a three-hour operation the men were removed.

They were arrested and charged with the offences of remain on enclosed lands and enter
enclosed lands.

Both men have been granted bail and will appear in Muswellbrook Local Court on January 4.

Protesters say Xstrata's Ravensworth open-cut mine - that directly feeds the Bayswater
power station - is Australia's largest single source of carbon pollution.

About 40 people are protesting with placards at the site, supporting the two activists.

But police have renewed their warning to anyone attending Climate Camp 2010 at Muswellbrook
this weekend.

The Hunter Valley local area commander, Superintendent Des Organ, has reminded protesters
that anti-social or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

"Anyone found to be breaching the peace, damaging property, or acting in an anti-social
manner will be arrested and placed before the courts," Supt Organ said in a statement.

AAP lxs/mp

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