Two arrested at bridge protest
By John Nebauer
ADELAIDE — Builders are preparing to sink pylons for the controversial Hindmarsh Island bridge, sparking a new outbreak of anti-bridge protests.
Two people were arrested at a protest near the building site on November 3. At least one of the arrests occurred when protesters sought to prevent Alexandrina Council staff taking possession of protest banners. The Alexandrina Council claimed that it had not given planning approval for them.
One of the arrested persons, Darrell Sumner, a Ngarrindjeri man, blocked the council vehicle. Council staff called in the police, who then requested that Sumner move to allow the vehicle to pass. He refused.
Sumner said that after his arrest, he was taken to the police station and charged, to appear in court in December.
However, it seems that nature is not cooperating with the building. For example, a meeting of local ratepayers was told on October 22 that builders were having difficulty in finding a secure bed for the bridge pylons. Engineers have tested to a depth of over 30 metres and still haven't struck rock, which is necessary for secure pylons.
A big weekend is planned at Amelia Park in Goolwa on November 20-21. All supporters of the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional owners of Hindmarsh Island, are encouraged to travel to the site for a peaceful protest to express solidarity. For details, phone Tom Trevorrow on 0409 961933 or 8575 1557 or Matt Rigney on 8269 1011.