14 May 2009
CALL TO DROP ATTACK ON SUGARLOAF WORKERS
Melbourne Water is calling for pipeline opponents to drop trespass charges against individual workers on the Sugarloaf Pipeline Project.
Seven Sugarloaf Pipeline workers and contractors are today being prosecuted by protest group Plug the Pipe for criminal trespass charges. The charges stem from the group’s claims that Melbourne Water does not have the power to construct the Sugarloaf Pipeline.
Melbourne Water Project Director Rod Clifford said the charges should be dropped because they had no legal justification.
“This is a mean-spirited publicity stunt that is extremely stressful to the workers involved.
“Plug the Pipe opposes the decision to build the Sugarloaf Pipeline as part of much needed water security plans and also opposes Melbourne Water’s role in building it,” Mr Clifford said.
“Instead of going after the Victorian Government or Melbourne Water, they are going after ordinary workers and contractors by pursuing criminal charges that carry up to six months jail.
“These charges are already wreaking havoc on the personal and professional lives of these workers. They are playing the man and not the ball,” Mr Clifford said.
“The workers and contractors had a crystal clear right to enter the properties in question, particularly since the notice requirements under the Water Act were meticulously followed.
“Plug the Pipe will have an opportunity to make their case on June 9 when an obstruction charge against a pipeline opponent is heard. That will allow the magistrate to rule on the broader legal point of Melbourne Water’s powers to construct the pipeline,” he said.
“I urge Plug the Pipe to drop these charges today, and allow these men to get on with their lives without the prospect of criminal convictions hanging over them.
“Let’s have the argument about the Water Act on June 9 as scheduled, and leave innocent workers and contractors out of it,” Mr Clifford said.
Construction on the Sugarloaf Pipeline is progressing well, with over half of the 70km pipeline now laid.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846