Perth Voice Interactive

A VOICE reader’s tongue-in-cheek inquiry to Perth city council about camping on Heirisson Island reveals the capital seems at a loss at how to deal with the remaining 60-odd protest campers.

The reader had forwarded his sarky inquiry having noticed the campers on the island, and asking the PCC how he could go about pitching a tent.

“Do I need a permit and is there a monetary charge or do I just rock up with the family and equipment and erect the tent in my place of choice,” his inquiry asked.

The response from the PCC’s Rebecca Moore, forwarded to us by the reader, states: “As you have pointed out there are people camping on Heirisson Island however this is not permitted by the city.

“The issues that have led to the encampment on Heirisson Island are complex. Most of the issues are political in nature and fall outside of the city’s authority. The city is working with the federal and state governments to resolve these issues.”

Camping on the island is prohibited by council rules but Aboriginal activists say their historical connection to the area, known to them as Matagarup, overrides local bylaws.

“On many occasions the city has met with and attempted to negotiate with protest leaders to bring an end to illegal camping and prevent further damage to the island,” Ms Moore’s response says.

“Unfortunately, these discussions have not been successful to date and as such, the city is exploring other options with the state government and WA Police.”

Attempts to unseat the campers have failed, and raids to confiscate camping goods seemingly petered out last August (and those confiscations and apparently illegal disposal of goods has sparked a new round of legal headaches for authorities).

by DAVID BELL