Protestors occupy Wonthaggi
The occupy movement hits Wonthaggi.
IT MAY not have attracted quite as many supporters as Occupy events in Wall Street or Melbourne, but the Occupy Wonthaggi movement was a step in the right direction, according to organiser Jessica Harrison.
There was also far less hostility. The peaceful affair at Apex Park on Saturday resulted in 10 speakers talking about climate change, coal seam gas, the desalination plant, natural disasters, refugees and constitutional law.
“The police have no problems with us here, and no one that has been passed has had any problem,” Mrs Harrison said.
“A lot of these issues are important to the community, and it’s good to be able to have this stage where we can voice our opinions.
“It’s important people realise that the Occupy movement isn’t fading away; it’s actually growing.”
Ken Irwin, part of the United Christian Constitutional Law Group, influenced the crowd, discussing land rights and constitutional law.
“I’ve had run-ins with the council. It’s gone on for near two years now,” he said.
“I’m glad to be able to get a chance to come here today and see the mood of the people, and hear how they think the council is performing.
“I understand that complaining doesn’t do anything, so it’s all about taking some action.”
Neil Rankine, the endorsed Greens Party candidate for Bass at the previous state election, was another to attract attention when he spoke.
He touched on issues with coal seam gas. He plugged a ‘Farmers do have Rights’ event to be held on February 1 in Wonthaggi, an information session that will let farmers know their rights in relation to coal seam gas.
Such was the success of the event, many speakers and supporters have voted to hold another event on March 3.
The event will start at 10.30am at Apex Park.
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