Emails from Hawkesbury Resident Mr Colin Hawkins to Mayor Ford
25 September, 2014
Dear Mayor,
I noticed you interview in this weeks Gazette where you describe the CAWB occupation of Thompson's Square in Windsor as being "illegal".
For anything to be 'illegal' it must, by definition, be in breach of some law. I would appreciate you advising me of the specific 'law' that is being broken by these people ?
Can you also please tell me why, if an illegal act is being committed, the Police have not been called to evict these 'illegal' occupiers ?
I look forward to your response
Regards
Colin Hawkins
Hawkesbury resident
26 September, 2014
Dear Mr Hawkins,
Thompson Square is Crown Land with Council having been appointed the Trustee of the area. This effectively means for general day to day purposes and in the context of a property the Council is in effect the “land owner” controlling the use of the area.
The activity being undertaken by CAWB in Thompson Square, which is in the form of an ongoing peaceful protest, requires the approval of the Police to conduct a “Public Assembly” and I think is generally referred to as a Schedule 1 approval.
CAWB have submitted applications to the Police over the period of its occupation for a “Public Assembly”, which has been approved by the Police (this is to conduct a public assembly not to occupy the Square) subject to a number of conditions. One of these conditions requires that “The organiser obtains written approval from Hawkesbury City Council to occupy the parkland and erect a small marquee.” I understand these approvals are time limited and are regularly renewed and include this condition.
CAWB representatives have not requested nor received Council’s approval to occupy the Square or erect the marquee as required by the Police approval for the “Public Assembly”. In that case I consider their activity to be “illegal” just as it would be considered to be “illegal” for a group to occupy your property without your approval, particularly if required by the Police.
This has been discussed with the Police on a number of occasions and in view of the circumstances and the fact that it is a “peaceful protest” Council has not taken any further action at this stage. However, this does not alter the fact that the area is being occupied without the Council’s approval notwithstanding a Police requirement for this to be obtained.
Yours truly
Kim Ford
Mayor
Hawkesbury City Council
from 4dee on the run.
Dear Mr Hawkins,
Thompson Square is Crown Land with Council having been appointed the Trustee of the area. This effectively means for general day to day purposes and in the context of a property the Council is in effect the “land owner” controlling the use of the area.
The activity being undertaken by CAWB in Thompson Square, which is in the form of an ongoing peaceful protest, requires the approval of the Police to conduct a “Public Assembly” and I think is generally referred to as a Schedule 1 approval.
CAWB have submitted applications to the Police over the period of its occupation for a “Public Assembly”, which has been approved by the Police (this is to conduct a public assembly not to occupy the Square) subject to a number of conditions. One of these conditions requires that “The organiser obtains written approval from Hawkesbury City Council to occupy the parkland and erect a small marquee.” I understand these approvals are time limited and are regularly renewed and include this condition.
CAWB representatives have not requested nor received Council’s approval to occupy the Square or erect the marquee as required by the Police approval for the “Public Assembly”. In that case I consider their activity to be “illegal” just as it would be considered to be “illegal” for a group to occupy your property without your approval, particularly if required by the Police.
This has been discussed with the Police on a number of occasions and in view of the circumstances and the fact that it is a “peaceful protest” Council has not taken any further action at this stage. However, this does not alter the fact that the area is being occupied without the Council’s approval notwithstanding a Police requirement for this to be obtained.
Yours truly
Kim Ford
Mayor
Hawkesbury City Council
from 4dee on the run.