Arrow protest gains local support
MEMBERS of a local anti-mining group have leapt to the support of neighbours in Beaudesert.
Southern Downs Protection Group's Leeanne Undery and Dawn Heath joined a blockade of Arrow Energy's CSG drill rig at Kerry.
It was news of the arrest of nine locals last Thursday morning that caused Ms Undery and Ms Heath to support the locals.
In an email to the Daily News, Ms Undery described the moment one protester scrambled to the top of the rig, where he stayed for 26 hours without access to water or shelter.
"His action stopped Arrow in their tracks and opened up an opportunity for negotiations," Ms Undery said.
"His passion and courage which led him to this action is to be admired.
"He requested that he be able to speak to a representative of Arrow Energy, after which he would agree to come down from the rig. A fire engine arrived early Saturday afternoon and he was taken into custody via the engine's crane."
It was reported yesterday discussions between the anti-coal seam gas protesters and Arrow Energy were stuck at a stalemate because the parties couldn't agree on a time and place for talks.
The blockade was set up last Thursday by landowners angry at Arrow's plan to conduct exploratory drilling in the area.
Arrow Energy said it had offered to meet with the protesters at Beaudesert.
