2/9/03

TOMALPIN VIGIL CONTINUES DESPITE GUARD DOGS

Residents who are holding a peaceful vigil at Tomalpin Industrial Estate in the Hunter Valley are fearful there may be an attempt to 'move them on' at 6am Wednesday 3rd September.

Spokesperson James Ryan said some residents in the community had been ‘tipped off’ and the Construction Contractors had also indicated they planned to start work on Wednesday on the access road into the controversial 900 ha Estate.

‘Word has been spreading through the community like wildfire.’ said Mr Ryan ‘There are many people who are upset about this Industrial estate being sited in busland that contains 28 threatened species and is an ecological 'hotspot' in the Hunter Valley. These people may well turn up to greet the Contractors despite the presence of patrolling Security Guards and Guard Dogs.’

‘We believe both the Construction Certificate as well as the original consent for the Road may be invalid. We have lodged an appeal in the Land and Environment Court and will be seeking an Injunction to prevent clearing occurring onsite until we can present our case to court.’ Mr Ryan said. ‘We will be making our point known to the Construction crew and we will ask them to not begin work until a Judge has heard the case.’

James Ryan Spokesperson Friends Of Tumblebee HESEG Inc