Two anti-logging protesters have avoided conviction at the Coffs Harbour Court House following arrests on June 23 in Pine Creek State Forest.
Indiah West, 21, had four charges delivered after suspending herself in a structure 30 metres high to stop logging machinery entering the forest, while Vivien, 21 was delivered 5 charges after locking herself onto logging harvesting machinery.
Indiah and Vivien were part of a group of 30 protesters blocking logging vehicles who were ordered to move on by police.
Indiah pled guilty to all charges, receiving an outcome of a 3-month conditional release order with no conviction or fine. Vivien was granted an adjournment until September.
The Order had the conditions that Indiah would not commit any offence in the next three months and appear before court if called upon.
“I am deeply concerned about the destruction of forests and the accelerating climate and ecological crisis,” Indiah said.
“I accept the consequences of my decision. I also stand by the reasons that led me to make it.”
“The forests shouldn’t be logged. Elders should be consulted about country and country should be given back to its proper owners.”
A Friends of Pine Creek spokesperson said they will be investigating other “innovative”and non-violent means to stop logging in the Pine Creek Forest.