as posted here
This evening I visited 'the tree' (right click here) on my way home from work and was surprised to see an ugly 'cyclone fence' erected around what the Gosnells City Council consider to be their property.
Eureka Stockade
Neighborhood: 100, Hume Road, Thornlie
Supporters in Richard Pennicuik's 'camp' see things differently and consider this to be a violation of their rights under Commonwealth Law.
Cameron Johnson still remains parked up the beloved yellow box tree. A number of supporters are within the fence.
All in 'base camp' are rallying as much support as they can muster and inciting as many as hundreds of people to surround the tree from first light tomorrow. They will welcome anyone who wants to turn up in their support.
If the tree gets cut down I will feel like wailing.
It is a magnificent, gracious indigenous yellow box tree who recently survived Perth's 'storm of the century' intact, without shedding as much as a leaf.
Richard, and his team have a number of arborists' reports attesting to the integrity and safety of the tree.
There are many dangerous trees in the City of Gosnells that the City Council has made no attempt to prune or cut down recently. There are trees endangering small children and traffic that the City Council has chosen to ignore.
They seem to be targeting the tree that has become known as the Thornlie Tree Man, Richard Pennicuik's tree.
This is a 'call to arms': to save this beautiful, old and indigenous Australian tree and to protect what many believe to be their constitutional rights against illegally operated City Councils.
For those of you interested in the constitutional argument refer to the links in my previous article which has been linked in the first sentence. here.
Of particular ecological interest are the daily movements of the indigenous birds that Richard daily observed during his 108 day vigil in the tree. Richard even noticed how the black cockatoos that are endangered traverse 'his tree' at particular times of the day
as posted here
Local news in and around the City of Gosnells, Perth Western Australia (Now on Facebook, GosnellsNewsOnline)
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Police called to tree man's home
as posted here
Police and security guards have been called to the home of Thornlie's tree man, Richard Pennicuik.
Mr Pennicuik's partner Rose Malumbrus told thewest.com.au that the City of Gosnells had erected a fence on their front yard.
Related content: Gallery: Tree man's journey | Video: Tree man comes down | Protest ends | New tree protest
Protesters flocked to the home, prompting police and security guards to head to the Hume Road address. They linked arms around the trunk of the tree.
Only one of two protesters who yesterday vowed to tough it out up the tree throughout winter is currently sitting in the eucalyptus melliodora.
That protester, Cameron Johnson, was served with an official warning, saying he faced prosecution if he remained up the tree.
The City of Gosnells also revealed that it would continue to pursue Mr Pennicuik throught the courts, claiming he continued to obstruct council's attempts to remove the tree.
A spokesman for the council confirmed a fence had been erected around the tree to define the area as a work zone. People who enter the work zone without authorisation may face prosecution, the spokesman said.
The council also issued a notice to remove a platform that has been erected in the tree. The protesters have 24 hours to remove the platform, which has previously been removed.
The council wants to remove the tree, claiming it poses a danger.
Mr Pennicuik sat in the tree for 110 days in protest of the council's decision. He says the tree is safe and should not be removed, adding it survived one of the worst storms to lash Perth in decades
as posted here
Police and security guards have been called to the home of Thornlie's tree man, Richard Pennicuik.
Mr Pennicuik's partner Rose Malumbrus told thewest.com.au that the City of Gosnells had erected a fence on their front yard.
Related content: Gallery: Tree man's journey | Video: Tree man comes down | Protest ends | New tree protest
Protesters flocked to the home, prompting police and security guards to head to the Hume Road address. They linked arms around the trunk of the tree.
Only one of two protesters who yesterday vowed to tough it out up the tree throughout winter is currently sitting in the eucalyptus melliodora.
That protester, Cameron Johnson, was served with an official warning, saying he faced prosecution if he remained up the tree.
The City of Gosnells also revealed that it would continue to pursue Mr Pennicuik throught the courts, claiming he continued to obstruct council's attempts to remove the tree.
A spokesman for the council confirmed a fence had been erected around the tree to define the area as a work zone. People who enter the work zone without authorisation may face prosecution, the spokesman said.
The council also issued a notice to remove a platform that has been erected in the tree. The protesters have 24 hours to remove the platform, which has previously been removed.
The council wants to remove the tree, claiming it poses a danger.
Mr Pennicuik sat in the tree for 110 days in protest of the council's decision. He says the tree is safe and should not be removed, adding it survived one of the worst storms to lash Perth in decades
as posted here
Tree Man Protest Is A Farce
AS POSTED HERE ---> Tree Man Protest Is A Farce
Didn't Richard Pennicuik scrub up a treat yesterday?
Resplendent he was in tie, suit, shave and polyester Hushpuppies, courtesy of a Perth commercial radio station.
And, lest the erstwhile 'Tree Man' be accused of selling out, he issued a stark warning.
"You do know I'm going to use this," he announced ominously over the airwaves.
"There are big things to come."
Mr Pennicuik was true to his word.
For even before the clippers had descended upon his wiry sideburns, two of his supporters had scaled the Thornlie gum he vacated on Friday after his four-month arboreal protest against its felling.
There's a lesson in this for the next local council vexed with a similar tree man and/or woman.
And that is, the moment the gum-nut finally winches themselves down from their lofty perch, act swiftly to fell their chloro-filled tower of babble.
Gosnells City Council contends tree surgeons were in short supply after last Monday's mega storm.
But surely, some trees were being lopped in the area, post storm. And surely the one outside Mr Pennicuik's Hume Road home should have been made a priority, with a special penalty rate paid to the successful lopper.
Certainly his neighbours - who've been bedevilled day and night by TV crews, vandals and passing bogans (or perhaps a bizarre intersection set of all three) - would have supported a bounty being placed on the errant eucalypt.
Let's remember, the tree in question is not a West Australian native.
The species is an introduced weed - an Eastern states eucalpyt among several dubbed 'widow-makers' because their hefty limbs tend to crash unexpectedly to the ground.
And the council was planning to plant new - probably WA native - trees anyway.
Instead, due to council procrastination, the farcical stalemate will drag into a fifth month - with those who've stepped into the shoes of the 'Tree Man' saying they're prepared to ride out the winter.
And with Mr Pennicuik now taking a leaf from Darryl Kerrigan's book and quoting chunks of the Australian Constitution, Perth Airport could be next on his hit-list
Didn't Richard Pennicuik scrub up a treat yesterday?
Resplendent he was in tie, suit, shave and polyester Hushpuppies, courtesy of a Perth commercial radio station.
And, lest the erstwhile 'Tree Man' be accused of selling out, he issued a stark warning.
"You do know I'm going to use this," he announced ominously over the airwaves.
"There are big things to come."
Mr Pennicuik was true to his word.
For even before the clippers had descended upon his wiry sideburns, two of his supporters had scaled the Thornlie gum he vacated on Friday after his four-month arboreal protest against its felling.
There's a lesson in this for the next local council vexed with a similar tree man and/or woman.
And that is, the moment the gum-nut finally winches themselves down from their lofty perch, act swiftly to fell their chloro-filled tower of babble.
Gosnells City Council contends tree surgeons were in short supply after last Monday's mega storm.
But surely, some trees were being lopped in the area, post storm. And surely the one outside Mr Pennicuik's Hume Road home should have been made a priority, with a special penalty rate paid to the successful lopper.
Certainly his neighbours - who've been bedevilled day and night by TV crews, vandals and passing bogans (or perhaps a bizarre intersection set of all three) - would have supported a bounty being placed on the errant eucalypt.
Let's remember, the tree in question is not a West Australian native.
The species is an introduced weed - an Eastern states eucalpyt among several dubbed 'widow-makers' because their hefty limbs tend to crash unexpectedly to the ground.
And the council was planning to plant new - probably WA native - trees anyway.
Instead, due to council procrastination, the farcical stalemate will drag into a fifth month - with those who've stepped into the shoes of the 'Tree Man' saying they're prepared to ride out the winter.
And with Mr Pennicuik now taking a leaf from Darryl Kerrigan's book and quoting chunks of the Australian Constitution, Perth Airport could be next on his hit-list
Monday 29 March 2010
New Thornlie tree protest
as posted here
Tree man Richard Pennicuik might have ended his protest by coming down from the eucalyptus melliodorain in his front yard on Friday - but the fight goes on.
Cameron Johnson, a Pennicuik supporter, telephoned media this morning to announce he had climbed the tree at 2am and was prepared - with the assistance of unnamed supporters - to stay up indefinitely.
He is in the tree with another man who lives near Mr Pennicuik's home. They said there were exercising their "constitutional right" to occupy the tree.
Mr Johnson said the tree did not pose a danger and Gosnells City Council should not cut it down.
"The council will have a pretty hard time getting that tree down," Mr Johnson said.
"There's more than one of us up there."
Mr Pennicuik ended his 110-day vigil up the tree on Friday afternoon. Within hours, Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle confirmed the council would proceed with its plan to cut the tree down.
Sporting a new Studio Italia suit, haircut and freshly trimmed beard courtesy of a Perth commercial radio station, Mr Pennicuik today said he would resume his position in the tree again but would not say whether he would stay for another lengthy sit-in.
"I'm not going to head up there at any time in particular, I'm just going to head up when I'm needed," Mr Pennicuik said.
"It could be anything, I'm prepared for anything, I'm just going to go to the doctor and make sure I'm fit and healthy.
Mr Pennicuik said the protest was "all about freedom".
Supporter James Dean said protesters in the tree would probably stay up indefinitely.
He said the group was basing its actions not on just the campaign to save the tree but a "constitutional challenge that councils are illegal".
The council had threatened legal action against Mr Pennicuik but it is unclear how it will respond to this new protest.
as posted here
Tree man Richard Pennicuik might have ended his protest by coming down from the eucalyptus melliodorain in his front yard on Friday - but the fight goes on.
Cameron Johnson, a Pennicuik supporter, telephoned media this morning to announce he had climbed the tree at 2am and was prepared - with the assistance of unnamed supporters - to stay up indefinitely.
He is in the tree with another man who lives near Mr Pennicuik's home. They said there were exercising their "constitutional right" to occupy the tree.
Mr Johnson said the tree did not pose a danger and Gosnells City Council should not cut it down.
"The council will have a pretty hard time getting that tree down," Mr Johnson said.
"There's more than one of us up there."
Mr Pennicuik ended his 110-day vigil up the tree on Friday afternoon. Within hours, Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle confirmed the council would proceed with its plan to cut the tree down.
Sporting a new Studio Italia suit, haircut and freshly trimmed beard courtesy of a Perth commercial radio station, Mr Pennicuik today said he would resume his position in the tree again but would not say whether he would stay for another lengthy sit-in.
"I'm not going to head up there at any time in particular, I'm just going to head up when I'm needed," Mr Pennicuik said.
"It could be anything, I'm prepared for anything, I'm just going to go to the doctor and make sure I'm fit and healthy.
Mr Pennicuik said the protest was "all about freedom".
Supporter James Dean said protesters in the tree would probably stay up indefinitely.
He said the group was basing its actions not on just the campaign to save the tree but a "constitutional challenge that councils are illegal".
The council had threatened legal action against Mr Pennicuik but it is unclear how it will respond to this new protest.
as posted here
Thornlie Tree Man update, request for support!
This post is from an email sent by thornlietreeman@gmail.com
Richard Pennicuik better known as the "Thornlie Tree Man" would like to thank you for your support.
He would ask for you to continue giving him your support to protect the tree, his rights and your rights from being bullied away by authoritarian body that has no right to have any authority over any commonwealth land.
Commonwealth lands, like the road and verge, are owned by the collective wealth of all Australians, both you and me!
The tree is still at risk and anyone who can lend their presence and support to stop the Constitutionall In-valid Council from chopping it down.
There is a threat that an attempt to chop it down will be made very early (7am or earlier) Monday 29 March 2010.
Please help and tell all others that you know are in support that Richard needs your help!!!
Richard needs a regular presence of support at the tree on 100 Hume Road, Thornlie.
Richard also asks you to let the Constitutionally In-valid CITY OF GOSNELLS COUNCIL know that they should back off because they are wrong and becuase they don`t have any legal right to have any authority over Commonwealth Land, the road and verge.
The constitutionally in-valid CITY OF GOSNELLS COUNCIL has in all this time not produced a single piece of credible evidence to support their claims that the tree Richard was in was dangerous. Nor for any of the other many trees they wrongly removed.
They did not produce any credible evidence because they don`t have any!!!
(1) The trees life has not seen any limb failure.
(2) An scientific arborists report, proves it is a safe tree.
(3) The storm of the century proves it is a safe tree.
(4) Another recent arborists report completed after the storm also proves it is a safe tree. (Just sent to constitutionally in-valid councilors and constitutionally in-valid council.)
This is about the rights of a person, a ratepayer, an Australian Citizen and the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth is the will of the people of Australia, the supreme set of guidelines and laws that govern the way Australia operates.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth can be purchased from the Australia Post and other book stores reasonably cheaply.
Or you can download it from, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/
The truth of the matter is that the constitutionally in-valid CITY OF GOSNELLS COUNCIL and all constitutionally in-valid local governments (councils) in Australia are just that, constitutionally in-valid.
You don`t have to pay them any rates, as they are not recognised by the Australian people, by the Australian Constitution of the Commonwealth.
This, Australia`s fundamental rule book (law) is the strongest set of rule (laws) in Australia. No other laws can over-ride them in any way.
The only way this Commonwealth Constitution can be changed in any way in by a nation wide referendum or vote.
In 1988, one of these referendums (national vote) was conducted. One of the questions that the Australian people were asked were,
Question Three, "To alter the Constitution to recognise local government." "Do you approve this proposed alteration?"
The people of every state in Australia voted not to recognise local governments or local councils in the Australian Commonwealth Constitution.
The Australian Commonwealth Constitution, or the people of Australia only agreed to recognise federal and state governments.
The police are Constitutionally recognised, but the local council ranger is not. Therefore you are under no legal obligation to recognise a local council ranger in any official manner.
Unless they and the local government or local councils can prove that they are recognised in the Australian Commonwealth Constitution. They can`t because their not!
Please support Richard`s (treeman`s) efforts to protect his rights, your rights and every Australian`s rights!!!
We have started fund raising to cover the costs of this action, as it has and will continue to cost money.
We have opened a joint account with the Bank of Bendigo (Gosnells) for the short term until we form a non-profit association with tax deductible status.
We will be telling you more through upcoming you tube films and written information very soon.
Watch this space!!!
Also listen to Monday morning`s 92.9 fm broadcast for Richard. He be in the studio telling the saga
This post is from an email sent by thornlietreeman@gmail.com
Richard Pennicuik better known as the "Thornlie Tree Man" would like to thank you for your support.
He would ask for you to continue giving him your support to protect the tree, his rights and your rights from being bullied away by authoritarian body that has no right to have any authority over any commonwealth land.
Commonwealth lands, like the road and verge, are owned by the collective wealth of all Australians, both you and me!
The tree is still at risk and anyone who can lend their presence and support to stop the Constitutionall In-valid Council from chopping it down.
There is a threat that an attempt to chop it down will be made very early (7am or earlier) Monday 29 March 2010.
Please help and tell all others that you know are in support that Richard needs your help!!!
Richard needs a regular presence of support at the tree on 100 Hume Road, Thornlie.
Richard also asks you to let the Constitutionally In-valid CITY OF GOSNELLS COUNCIL know that they should back off because they are wrong and becuase they don`t have any legal right to have any authority over Commonwealth Land, the road and verge.
The constitutionally in-valid CITY OF GOSNELLS COUNCIL has in all this time not produced a single piece of credible evidence to support their claims that the tree Richard was in was dangerous. Nor for any of the other many trees they wrongly removed.
They did not produce any credible evidence because they don`t have any!!!
(1) The trees life has not seen any limb failure.
(2) An scientific arborists report, proves it is a safe tree.
(3) The storm of the century proves it is a safe tree.
(4) Another recent arborists report completed after the storm also proves it is a safe tree. (Just sent to constitutionally in-valid councilors and constitutionally in-valid council.)
This is about the rights of a person, a ratepayer, an Australian Citizen and the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth is the will of the people of Australia, the supreme set of guidelines and laws that govern the way Australia operates.
The Constitution of the Commonwealth can be purchased from the Australia Post and other book stores reasonably cheaply.
Or you can download it from, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/coaca430/
The truth of the matter is that the constitutionally in-valid CITY OF GOSNELLS COUNCIL and all constitutionally in-valid local governments (councils) in Australia are just that, constitutionally in-valid.
You don`t have to pay them any rates, as they are not recognised by the Australian people, by the Australian Constitution of the Commonwealth.
This, Australia`s fundamental rule book (law) is the strongest set of rule (laws) in Australia. No other laws can over-ride them in any way.
The only way this Commonwealth Constitution can be changed in any way in by a nation wide referendum or vote.
In 1988, one of these referendums (national vote) was conducted. One of the questions that the Australian people were asked were,
Question Three, "To alter the Constitution to recognise local government." "Do you approve this proposed alteration?"
The people of every state in Australia voted not to recognise local governments or local councils in the Australian Commonwealth Constitution.
The Australian Commonwealth Constitution, or the people of Australia only agreed to recognise federal and state governments.
The police are Constitutionally recognised, but the local council ranger is not. Therefore you are under no legal obligation to recognise a local council ranger in any official manner.
Unless they and the local government or local councils can prove that they are recognised in the Australian Commonwealth Constitution. They can`t because their not!
Please support Richard`s (treeman`s) efforts to protect his rights, your rights and every Australian`s rights!!!
We have started fund raising to cover the costs of this action, as it has and will continue to cost money.
We have opened a joint account with the Bank of Bendigo (Gosnells) for the short term until we form a non-profit association with tax deductible status.
We will be telling you more through upcoming you tube films and written information very soon.
Watch this space!!!
Also listen to Monday morning`s 92.9 fm broadcast for Richard. He be in the studio telling the saga
This post is from an email sent by thornlietreeman@gmail.com
Sunday 28 March 2010
18th birthday party in Maddington ends in wild brawl | Perth Now
AS POSTED HERE ---> 18th birthday party in Maddington ends in wild brawl | Perth Now: "FOUR people were injured in a wild brawl involving up to 100 people after a group of youths attempted to gatecrash an 18th birthday party in Maddington last night.
Police said a man, who is understood to be well-known to residents in the area, was refused to entry to the party in Kirin Way before 10pm.
He returned a short time later with a group of about 30 others but was again refused entry.
A brawl then followed and spilled onto the street, with partygoers and neighbouring residents throwing glass bottles and sticks at one another.
Two people were taken to Royal Perth Hospital, one with neck injuries and another with head injuries. Two others were taken to Armadale Hospital with glass wounds.
Armadale Detectives were last night questioning a man over the incident."
Police said a man, who is understood to be well-known to residents in the area, was refused to entry to the party in Kirin Way before 10pm.
He returned a short time later with a group of about 30 others but was again refused entry.
A brawl then followed and spilled onto the street, with partygoers and neighbouring residents throwing glass bottles and sticks at one another.
Two people were taken to Royal Perth Hospital, one with neck injuries and another with head injuries. Two others were taken to Armadale Hospital with glass wounds.
Armadale Detectives were last night questioning a man over the incident."
Friday 26 March 2010
Tree man's protest ends
as posted here
Thornlie's tree man Richard Pennicuik has ended his 110 day protest and climbed down from the 20m-high eucalyptus melliodorain on the front verge of his home.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the tree outside his Hume Road home since early December, including during Monday's devastating hail storm that swept across Perth and caused more than $200 million damage.
The City of Gosnells wants to remove the tree, claiming it poses a danger.
Mr Pennicuik claimed he won the moral battle before doing a lap around the tree and heading inside his home to have a shower.
He initially released a four paragraph statement, but re-emerged to speak to reporters, saying he felt great.
"The tree weathered the worst storm to hit Perth ever and it's in good condition, it has proven itself," Mr Pennicuik said.
"It is worth it because we have shown the people of Australia they need the constitution, they can't do without it.
"I think I have (proven my point) I think the tree has."
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle today welcomed the Mr Pennicuik's decision to come down from the tree, but confirmed the council would go ahead with plans to chop it down.
Ms Searle would not give a date for when the tree would come down and said legal action against Mr Pennicuik would be reviewed.
"The city is delighted that residents of Hume Road have their street back after all the disruption they have suffered," Ms Searle said.
"Trees of the same age and species as the one occupied by the protester have suffered 20 catastrophic failures in the past five years."
Mr Pennicuik said people had to "wake up" and see that the State Government was all people had.
He described himself as a normal person and said he was already adjusted to life back on earth.
In his statement, Mr Pennicuik said he had decided to end his constitutional right to occupy and protect his tree on his land from "unconstitutional local governments".
"To cut down this beautiful tree now would be a crime against nature, which Kevin Rudd says he is trying to protect by ripping more taxes off us for global warming," he said.
"We have won the constitutional and moral victory by protecting this tree which has become a symbol of our freedom to rule ourselves by our constitution and not be ruled over by politicians who rule under the guise of serving.
"I hope to gain my strength after spending 106 (sic) days in the tree, a tree that forms part of our wealth in common, this is why Australia is called the Commonwealth."
Frustrated neighbours turned on reporters who flocked to the home.
The council is now taking legal action against Mr Pennicuik. He faces a $5000 fine and penalties of $500 for every day he remains up the tree.
as posted here
Thornlie's tree man Richard Pennicuik has ended his 110 day protest and climbed down from the 20m-high eucalyptus melliodorain on the front verge of his home.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the tree outside his Hume Road home since early December, including during Monday's devastating hail storm that swept across Perth and caused more than $200 million damage.
The City of Gosnells wants to remove the tree, claiming it poses a danger.
Mr Pennicuik claimed he won the moral battle before doing a lap around the tree and heading inside his home to have a shower.
He initially released a four paragraph statement, but re-emerged to speak to reporters, saying he felt great.
"The tree weathered the worst storm to hit Perth ever and it's in good condition, it has proven itself," Mr Pennicuik said.
"It is worth it because we have shown the people of Australia they need the constitution, they can't do without it.
"I think I have (proven my point) I think the tree has."
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle today welcomed the Mr Pennicuik's decision to come down from the tree, but confirmed the council would go ahead with plans to chop it down.
Ms Searle would not give a date for when the tree would come down and said legal action against Mr Pennicuik would be reviewed.
"The city is delighted that residents of Hume Road have their street back after all the disruption they have suffered," Ms Searle said.
"Trees of the same age and species as the one occupied by the protester have suffered 20 catastrophic failures in the past five years."
Mr Pennicuik said people had to "wake up" and see that the State Government was all people had.
He described himself as a normal person and said he was already adjusted to life back on earth.
In his statement, Mr Pennicuik said he had decided to end his constitutional right to occupy and protect his tree on his land from "unconstitutional local governments".
"To cut down this beautiful tree now would be a crime against nature, which Kevin Rudd says he is trying to protect by ripping more taxes off us for global warming," he said.
"We have won the constitutional and moral victory by protecting this tree which has become a symbol of our freedom to rule ourselves by our constitution and not be ruled over by politicians who rule under the guise of serving.
"I hope to gain my strength after spending 106 (sic) days in the tree, a tree that forms part of our wealth in common, this is why Australia is called the Commonwealth."
Frustrated neighbours turned on reporters who flocked to the home.
The council is now taking legal action against Mr Pennicuik. He faces a $5000 fine and penalties of $500 for every day he remains up the tree.
as posted here
Tree Man Claims He Was Struck by Lightning
as posted here
A Western Australian man who spent the last 105 days perched in a Eucalyptus tree, claims he was struck by lightning during Perth's violent storm Monday - but even that was not enough to bring him down from the tree he was trying to save.
Tree man Richard Pennicuik, 57, told PerthNow his metal harness was hit by lightning, "which sent bolts through me.
"My mate was in the backyard and he saw the lightning hit the tree and spread out like a fire cracker,'
"The lightning came down my cable, into my neck, down my right arm and out my leg.
"It came out of nowhere and it was frightening. But I'm alright", he said.
Pennicuik said that the fact that the storm caused no damage to the tree shows that local government is wrong to claim the tree is a hazard to property and the public.
Three supporters gave Pennicuik a large piece of plywood to shelter him from hail, wind and rain.
"It crossed my mind to come down when I looked down and saw the three of them. I felt like I should come down but I'm glad I didn't.
"If the storm can't bring me down, nothing will bring me down," he added
The local government intended to chop down the tree in front of Pennicuik's home in Thornlie, near Perth, deeming it a danger to property and the public.
Pennicuik recently rejected advice from his lawyer to end his protest.
He could face a fine of AU$5,000 Australian dollars (US$4,600) and penalties of up to $500 a day if he refused.
as posted here
A Western Australian man who spent the last 105 days perched in a Eucalyptus tree, claims he was struck by lightning during Perth's violent storm Monday - but even that was not enough to bring him down from the tree he was trying to save.
Tree man Richard Pennicuik, 57, told PerthNow his metal harness was hit by lightning, "which sent bolts through me.
"My mate was in the backyard and he saw the lightning hit the tree and spread out like a fire cracker,'
"The lightning came down my cable, into my neck, down my right arm and out my leg.
"It came out of nowhere and it was frightening. But I'm alright", he said.
Pennicuik said that the fact that the storm caused no damage to the tree shows that local government is wrong to claim the tree is a hazard to property and the public.
Three supporters gave Pennicuik a large piece of plywood to shelter him from hail, wind and rain.
"It crossed my mind to come down when I looked down and saw the three of them. I felt like I should come down but I'm glad I didn't.
"If the storm can't bring me down, nothing will bring me down," he added
The local government intended to chop down the tree in front of Pennicuik's home in Thornlie, near Perth, deeming it a danger to property and the public.
Pennicuik recently rejected advice from his lawyer to end his protest.
He could face a fine of AU$5,000 Australian dollars (US$4,600) and penalties of up to $500 a day if he refused.
as posted here
Saturday 20 March 2010
Teen dies after being hit by car | Perth Now
AS POSTED HERE ---> Teen dies after being hit by car | Perth Now:
"A 19-year-old man died this morning when he was hit by a car as he walked with family in Huntingdale.
The man was walking across Warton Road with his cousins returning from another family member's house just after 1am this morning when he was struck by a car being driven by a woman.
The man died at the scene.
17-year-old Aaron Johnson saw the man get hit by the car as he rode home on his scooter with his girlfriend.
``I heard a big bang and looked behind me and I saw him go flying over the pedestrian island,'' Aaron said at the scene of the accident.
``He was just walking across the road and the car cleaned him up but the car took ages to stop.
``I said to the driver you just hit someone... I ran back to where he was and I checked for a pulse but there was nothing.
``His injuries were terrible.
``I was just out for a quiet night and I didn't expect to see this.''
Constable Callan Tucker from the South East Metro Police said the man was flung about 15m.
It's understood the man had just arrived in Perth a few weeks ago."
"A 19-year-old man died this morning when he was hit by a car as he walked with family in Huntingdale.
The man was walking across Warton Road with his cousins returning from another family member's house just after 1am this morning when he was struck by a car being driven by a woman.
The man died at the scene.
17-year-old Aaron Johnson saw the man get hit by the car as he rode home on his scooter with his girlfriend.
``I heard a big bang and looked behind me and I saw him go flying over the pedestrian island,'' Aaron said at the scene of the accident.
``He was just walking across the road and the car cleaned him up but the car took ages to stop.
``I said to the driver you just hit someone... I ran back to where he was and I checked for a pulse but there was nothing.
``His injuries were terrible.
``I was just out for a quiet night and I didn't expect to see this.''
Constable Callan Tucker from the South East Metro Police said the man was flung about 15m.
It's understood the man had just arrived in Perth a few weeks ago."
Council to express concerns on draft industrial strategy
as posted here
The City of Gosnells agrees with community concern over suggestions that Orange Grove may be suitable for investigation into its potential for industrial development.
The Council has considered the Department of Planning’s draft Industrial Land Strategy (ILS) and resolved to make a submission to the State Government outlining a series of concerns.
Residents also presented a petition with 179 signatures against the proposal at the Ordinary Council Meeting on March 9.
The petition states residents object on the grounds that the proposed strategy has the potential to destroy a unique rural environment that provides a habitat for vulnerable and endangered fauna.
The draft ILS seeks to ensure an ongoing supply of industrial land in the Perth and Peel regions to cater for forecast business demand for the next 20 years and beyond, with four sites identified in the City of Gosnells for potential industrial development.
"Our main concerns with the strategy are in relation to the suggestion that Orange Grove may be suitable for industrial development in the future,” Mayor Olwen Searle said.
"Council objects to the identification of Orange Grove as a potential industrial area as it goes against our planning strategy that recommends the area remain rural.
"The local community has come out and strongly expressed a very similar view.”
The Mayor said she believes it is vital that the Department of Planning listens to the local community and consults with them correctly.
About 300 people attended a recent meeting on the subject with many voicing objections to the draft plans.
"It is absolutely critical that plans are put in place to provide for economic development of our City,” the Mayor said.
“And we appreciate that recognition has been given in the draft strategy about the potential to develop places for business and employment in areas like Maddington and Southern River.
"It is however more urgent and important that the State Government look at ways to help overcome the constraints that are delaying plans to bring forward development in areas where it is needed and wanted by the local community."
Mayor Searle said the Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area is a case in point.
The area has been identified in the draft strategy for industrial development and many landowners have told the City they are keen to see the development occur.
"The development of this area will be of immense value to our City and the broader economy," the Mayor said.
as posted here
The City of Gosnells agrees with community concern over suggestions that Orange Grove may be suitable for investigation into its potential for industrial development.
The Council has considered the Department of Planning’s draft Industrial Land Strategy (ILS) and resolved to make a submission to the State Government outlining a series of concerns.
Residents also presented a petition with 179 signatures against the proposal at the Ordinary Council Meeting on March 9.
The petition states residents object on the grounds that the proposed strategy has the potential to destroy a unique rural environment that provides a habitat for vulnerable and endangered fauna.
The draft ILS seeks to ensure an ongoing supply of industrial land in the Perth and Peel regions to cater for forecast business demand for the next 20 years and beyond, with four sites identified in the City of Gosnells for potential industrial development.
"Our main concerns with the strategy are in relation to the suggestion that Orange Grove may be suitable for industrial development in the future,” Mayor Olwen Searle said.
"Council objects to the identification of Orange Grove as a potential industrial area as it goes against our planning strategy that recommends the area remain rural.
"The local community has come out and strongly expressed a very similar view.”
The Mayor said she believes it is vital that the Department of Planning listens to the local community and consults with them correctly.
About 300 people attended a recent meeting on the subject with many voicing objections to the draft plans.
"It is absolutely critical that plans are put in place to provide for economic development of our City,” the Mayor said.
“And we appreciate that recognition has been given in the draft strategy about the potential to develop places for business and employment in areas like Maddington and Southern River.
"It is however more urgent and important that the State Government look at ways to help overcome the constraints that are delaying plans to bring forward development in areas where it is needed and wanted by the local community."
Mayor Searle said the Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area is a case in point.
The area has been identified in the draft strategy for industrial development and many landowners have told the City they are keen to see the development occur.
"The development of this area will be of immense value to our City and the broader economy," the Mayor said.
as posted here
Thursday 18 March 2010
The daily news: Roaches, mice, dirt: half Perth restaurants will make you sick
AS POSTED HERE ---> The daily news: Roaches, mice, dirt: half Perth restaurants will make you sick
Roaches, mice, dirt: half Perth restaurants will make you sick
MORE than half the restaurants and food outlets in the City of Perth failed basic hygiene inspections last year.
And other councils across the state reported poor standards at hundreds of food outlets.
In the worst cases, restaurant workers were caught preparing food in kitchens infested with rats and mice, food was exposed to dust and "foul odours" and diners were expected to use filthy toilets without toilet paper.
One restaurant did not have hot water to clean dishes or for guests to wash their hands.
Health Department bosses - who described the breaches as inexcusable - said restaurants were also keeping food for up to a month when it had a 24-hour shelf life, putting Perth diners at risk of food poisoning.
WA's leading public health expert, Mike Daube, has called for restaurants that flout health regulations to be shut down.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Of the 700 registered food businesses in the city, 387 were issued with work orders from Perth City Council environmental health officers in the 2008-09 financial year.
Since September 2008, seven city food outlets have been prosecuted and fined a total of $63,500.
The Cloud 9 Karaoke Restaurant in East Perth was among the worst, with dead cockroaches found on a kitchen bench, and dirty walls, floors, cookers and food-handling equipment.
Inspectors said the toilets were filthy and the venue had no hot water.
Owners Eastern Legend International Group were fined $10,000 with $2301 costs in November last year.
The venue - under previous management - had been warned four times to clean up before it was prosecuted.
Eastern Legend is one of a host of companies named and shamed on a Department of Health website.
Perth City Council carries out the inspections quarterly and "health directions" are issued to premises found wanting.
Inspectors make follow-up visits to check the breaches have been rectified.
Perth City Council said it inspected 2303 food premises last financial year.
Health Department food-unit manager Stan Goodchild said he was concerned by the number of breaches, which could cause outbreaks of bacteria like salmonella and listeria.
"We've had incidents like restaurants pre-preparing toppings for food and keeping it for a month where it should have been kept for a day or two at maximum," he said.
"We've had issues where a product has been cooked and it has been a bit dry so to moisten it there has been raw material put back into the product."
Subiaco Council estimated that up to half its 250 outlets required second visits from health officers in 2008-09. The Town of Vincent said about 15 per cent of its 332 food businesses were either issued with improvement notices or were re-inspected after "unsatisfactory findings".
Joondalup Council said 72 of its 702 registered eateries failed inspections in the past two financial years and were ordered to take immediate action. .
Fremantle City Council issued eight work orders for non-compliance in 2008-09, without any prosecutions.
Prof Daube said if food outlets could not comply with basic hygiene rules they should not be in business.
"It is staggering that more than 150 years after WA's first regulations on public hygiene we are still allowing our health to be put at risk," he said.
"This is fundamental health protection.
"We need regular inspections, prompt remedial action and penalties for non-compliance that are tough enough to make food outlets sit up and take notice.
"I don't want to eat at a restaurant where people don't wash their hands, food may be contaminated, and nobody even clears away the dead cockroaches, and I suspect that most Perth residents feel the same."
Prof Daube said restaurants that continually broke hygiene rules should be forced to erect signs out the front listing their failings.
NAMED AND SHAMED PROSECUTIONS IN 2010
Japanese Kitchen, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Vermin on premises, failing to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. Fine: $5500
Miss Saigon, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failing to protect food from vermin, dust, animals, offensive fumes and foul odours. Fine: $1200
Hong Kong Chinese Foods, Spencer Village
Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failure to protect food, eradicate vermin and to keep the business in a clean and sanitary condition.
Fine: $1500
Straits Cuisine, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failure to protect food, eradicate vermin and to keep the business in a clean and sanitary condition. Fine: $1000
Ya Kwang, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failure to protect food, eradicate vermin and to keep the business in a clean and sanitary condition. Fine: $7500
Dong Hiep Asian Grocery,
70 Marangaroo Drive, Marangaroo.
Worst Breaches: Six offences of failing to ensure food was stored at a safe temperature.
Fine: $3751
Hung Phat Oriental Foods, Shop E2, Koondoola Plaza Shopping Centre,
Koondoola.
Worst Breaches: 12 charges relating to
incorrect food labelling. Fine: $11,426
Roaches, mice, dirt: half Perth restaurants will make you sick
MORE than half the restaurants and food outlets in the City of Perth failed basic hygiene inspections last year.
And other councils across the state reported poor standards at hundreds of food outlets.
In the worst cases, restaurant workers were caught preparing food in kitchens infested with rats and mice, food was exposed to dust and "foul odours" and diners were expected to use filthy toilets without toilet paper.
One restaurant did not have hot water to clean dishes or for guests to wash their hands.
Health Department bosses - who described the breaches as inexcusable - said restaurants were also keeping food for up to a month when it had a 24-hour shelf life, putting Perth diners at risk of food poisoning.
WA's leading public health expert, Mike Daube, has called for restaurants that flout health regulations to be shut down.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Of the 700 registered food businesses in the city, 387 were issued with work orders from Perth City Council environmental health officers in the 2008-09 financial year.
Since September 2008, seven city food outlets have been prosecuted and fined a total of $63,500.
The Cloud 9 Karaoke Restaurant in East Perth was among the worst, with dead cockroaches found on a kitchen bench, and dirty walls, floors, cookers and food-handling equipment.
Inspectors said the toilets were filthy and the venue had no hot water.
Owners Eastern Legend International Group were fined $10,000 with $2301 costs in November last year.
The venue - under previous management - had been warned four times to clean up before it was prosecuted.
Eastern Legend is one of a host of companies named and shamed on a Department of Health website.
Perth City Council carries out the inspections quarterly and "health directions" are issued to premises found wanting.
Inspectors make follow-up visits to check the breaches have been rectified.
Perth City Council said it inspected 2303 food premises last financial year.
Health Department food-unit manager Stan Goodchild said he was concerned by the number of breaches, which could cause outbreaks of bacteria like salmonella and listeria.
"We've had incidents like restaurants pre-preparing toppings for food and keeping it for a month where it should have been kept for a day or two at maximum," he said.
"We've had issues where a product has been cooked and it has been a bit dry so to moisten it there has been raw material put back into the product."
Subiaco Council estimated that up to half its 250 outlets required second visits from health officers in 2008-09. The Town of Vincent said about 15 per cent of its 332 food businesses were either issued with improvement notices or were re-inspected after "unsatisfactory findings".
Joondalup Council said 72 of its 702 registered eateries failed inspections in the past two financial years and were ordered to take immediate action. .
Fremantle City Council issued eight work orders for non-compliance in 2008-09, without any prosecutions.
Prof Daube said if food outlets could not comply with basic hygiene rules they should not be in business.
"It is staggering that more than 150 years after WA's first regulations on public hygiene we are still allowing our health to be put at risk," he said.
"This is fundamental health protection.
"We need regular inspections, prompt remedial action and penalties for non-compliance that are tough enough to make food outlets sit up and take notice.
"I don't want to eat at a restaurant where people don't wash their hands, food may be contaminated, and nobody even clears away the dead cockroaches, and I suspect that most Perth residents feel the same."
Prof Daube said restaurants that continually broke hygiene rules should be forced to erect signs out the front listing their failings.
NAMED AND SHAMED PROSECUTIONS IN 2010
Japanese Kitchen, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Vermin on premises, failing to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. Fine: $5500
Miss Saigon, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failing to protect food from vermin, dust, animals, offensive fumes and foul odours. Fine: $1200
Hong Kong Chinese Foods, Spencer Village
Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failure to protect food, eradicate vermin and to keep the business in a clean and sanitary condition.
Fine: $1500
Straits Cuisine, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failure to protect food, eradicate vermin and to keep the business in a clean and sanitary condition. Fine: $1000
Ya Kwang, Spencer Village Food Hall, Thornlie.
Worst Breaches: Failure to protect food, eradicate vermin and to keep the business in a clean and sanitary condition. Fine: $7500
Dong Hiep Asian Grocery,
70 Marangaroo Drive, Marangaroo.
Worst Breaches: Six offences of failing to ensure food was stored at a safe temperature.
Fine: $3751
Hung Phat Oriental Foods, Shop E2, Koondoola Plaza Shopping Centre,
Koondoola.
Worst Breaches: 12 charges relating to
incorrect food labelling. Fine: $11,426
Tree man Richard Pennicuik looks for deal to end saga, save tree | Perth Now
AS POSTED HERE ---> Tree man Richard Pennicuik looks for deal to end saga, save tree | Perth Now
PERTHS tree man has put a compromise deal to the City of Gosnells and Premier Colin Barnett in an effort to end the four-month-saga.
Richard Pennicuik’s lawyer John Hammond will today send a letter to the City and the Premier outlining the deal.
Mr Pennicuik has demanded that:
* An independent arborist be appointed to assess the state of the tree.
* In the event that the independent arborist concludes that any limbs of the tree are dangerous the City proceed to remove the limbs of the tree regarded as dangerous.
* The costs of the arborist are met by the City.
* The parties abide the arborist’s report.
* The City desist from any litigation whatsoever against him in relation to his occupancy of the tree.
* In the event that the City has commenced proceedings against Mr Pennicuik, the proceedings are discontinued with no order as to costs.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, has been camped in a tree on the verge outside his Hume Rd in Thornlie since December 7.
The council says the tree poses danger to property and the public and must be cut down.
Mr Hammond said that if the offer was accepted, Mr Pennicuik would immediately descend from the tree outside his home.
But the City today gave little hope of a resolution.
City of Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie said the council would discuss the issue if Mr Pennicuik came down from the tree.
``The constant adding of new pre-conditions by the protestor does not help move the process forward,’’ he said.
``If he wishes to discuss the issue he needs to come down from the tree immediately, as he has been advised to do by his lawyer, his neighbours, the City and the Premier.
``Anyone witnessing the behaviour of the protestor’s supporters on Friday will appreciate negotiations at the tree would be impossible, as the City has said all along.
``The City has a copy of an existing independent arborist’s report commissioned by the protestor or his supporters, which sets out a series of recommendations if the tree were to remain.
``The City estimates the cost of these works to ratepayers would be around $4,000 per tree initially and a total of around $10,000 per tree over a four year period. The City will not inflict these costs on ratepayers.
``The current legal process will continue in regards to the latest structure placed in the tree and in the case of obstruction. These processes will only be reviewed if the protestor leaves the tree.
``Any other people taking up the protest will be subject to the same legal action.’’
PERTHS tree man has put a compromise deal to the City of Gosnells and Premier Colin Barnett in an effort to end the four-month-saga.
Richard Pennicuik’s lawyer John Hammond will today send a letter to the City and the Premier outlining the deal.
Mr Pennicuik has demanded that:
* An independent arborist be appointed to assess the state of the tree.
* In the event that the independent arborist concludes that any limbs of the tree are dangerous the City proceed to remove the limbs of the tree regarded as dangerous.
* The costs of the arborist are met by the City.
* The parties abide the arborist’s report.
* The City desist from any litigation whatsoever against him in relation to his occupancy of the tree.
* In the event that the City has commenced proceedings against Mr Pennicuik, the proceedings are discontinued with no order as to costs.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, has been camped in a tree on the verge outside his Hume Rd in Thornlie since December 7.
The council says the tree poses danger to property and the public and must be cut down.
Mr Hammond said that if the offer was accepted, Mr Pennicuik would immediately descend from the tree outside his home.
But the City today gave little hope of a resolution.
City of Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie said the council would discuss the issue if Mr Pennicuik came down from the tree.
``The constant adding of new pre-conditions by the protestor does not help move the process forward,’’ he said.
``If he wishes to discuss the issue he needs to come down from the tree immediately, as he has been advised to do by his lawyer, his neighbours, the City and the Premier.
``Anyone witnessing the behaviour of the protestor’s supporters on Friday will appreciate negotiations at the tree would be impossible, as the City has said all along.
``The City has a copy of an existing independent arborist’s report commissioned by the protestor or his supporters, which sets out a series of recommendations if the tree were to remain.
``The City estimates the cost of these works to ratepayers would be around $4,000 per tree initially and a total of around $10,000 per tree over a four year period. The City will not inflict these costs on ratepayers.
``The current legal process will continue in regards to the latest structure placed in the tree and in the case of obstruction. These processes will only be reviewed if the protestor leaves the tree.
``Any other people taking up the protest will be subject to the same legal action.’’
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Woman trapped in Maddington crash - The West Australian
AS POSTED HERE ---> Woman trapped in Maddington crash - The West Australian
Emergency Services have been called to the scene of a serious crash in Thornlie.
The two-car crash, which occurred about 3.45pm on the corner of Burslem Drive and Spencer Road, has left a woman trapped.
Police said she has suspected leg injuries.
Fire and Emergency Services Authority personnel are on scene attempting to cut the woman from the car.
Burslem Drive has been closed to traffic between Olga Road and Spencer Road.
Emergency Services have been called to the scene of a serious crash in Thornlie.
The two-car crash, which occurred about 3.45pm on the corner of Burslem Drive and Spencer Road, has left a woman trapped.
Police said she has suspected leg injuries.
Fire and Emergency Services Authority personnel are on scene attempting to cut the woman from the car.
Burslem Drive has been closed to traffic between Olga Road and Spencer Road.
Barnett tells tree man to 'give up' - The West Australian
AS POSTED HERE ----> Barnett tells tree man to 'give up' - The West Australian
Premier Colin Barnett weighed into the ongoing Thornlie tree man saga, saying it was time Richard Pennicuik climbed out of his tree and let the City of Gosnells cut down his home of the past three months.
The council will be keeping "a watching brief" on supporters of Mr Pennicuik who had been joining him for stints in the tree.
A spokesman said the council "was not going to stand at the bottom of the tree" but if someone was there on a regular basis then they could also be in line for prosecution.
Mr Pennecuik's friends and supporters had called on the Premier to intervene in the long-running battle to save the yellow-scented gum that the council claims is too dangerous to remain standing but Mr Barnett was not exactly on-side.
"What? Climb up the tree and drag him down?" said Mr Barnett when asked if he would intervene.
"That's what I'd like to do. Look, I think he's made his point. I think everyone's getting a bit tired of the tree man."
Mr Barnett said the State Government was not going to get involved in the stand-off but had some words of advice for Mr Penneciuk.
"Give up and let the tree be chopped down," he said.
Mr Pennicuik said he had been joined in the tree with a supporter, who he declined to name, but he had gone down by midday.
He maintained the platform was built over the weekend while he was sleeping.
A Gosnells spokesman said lawyers were still preparing a writ to be been lodged with Armadale Magistrate's Court seeking a fast-tracked court date for a hearing on charges Mr Pennicuik was obstructing the council by remaining in the tree.
Mr Pennicuik said he had no intention to come down in the immediate term. He was not concerned but “annoyed” at the council's prosecution.
Premier Colin Barnett weighed into the ongoing Thornlie tree man saga, saying it was time Richard Pennicuik climbed out of his tree and let the City of Gosnells cut down his home of the past three months.
The council will be keeping "a watching brief" on supporters of Mr Pennicuik who had been joining him for stints in the tree.
A spokesman said the council "was not going to stand at the bottom of the tree" but if someone was there on a regular basis then they could also be in line for prosecution.
Mr Pennecuik's friends and supporters had called on the Premier to intervene in the long-running battle to save the yellow-scented gum that the council claims is too dangerous to remain standing but Mr Barnett was not exactly on-side.
"What? Climb up the tree and drag him down?" said Mr Barnett when asked if he would intervene.
"That's what I'd like to do. Look, I think he's made his point. I think everyone's getting a bit tired of the tree man."
Mr Barnett said the State Government was not going to get involved in the stand-off but had some words of advice for Mr Penneciuk.
"Give up and let the tree be chopped down," he said.
Mr Pennicuik said he had been joined in the tree with a supporter, who he declined to name, but he had gone down by midday.
He maintained the platform was built over the weekend while he was sleeping.
A Gosnells spokesman said lawyers were still preparing a writ to be been lodged with Armadale Magistrate's Court seeking a fast-tracked court date for a hearing on charges Mr Pennicuik was obstructing the council by remaining in the tree.
Mr Pennicuik said he had no intention to come down in the immediate term. He was not concerned but “annoyed” at the council's prosecution.
Monday 15 March 2010
Huntingdale man dies in police custody
as posted here
A PERTH man has died in police custody after twice being taken to hospital for medical check-ups.
Sergeant Greg Lambert said police internal affairs unit would investigate the death of the 33-year-old in the Perth watch-house on Sunday night.
Officers provided first aid before he was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, Sgt Lambert said.
The man, from Huntingdale in Perth's south, was first admitted to the watch-house soon after midnight on Sunday.
``Upon his initial assessment at the watch-house, it was identified that the man had a pre-existing medical condition that required treatment,'' Sgt Lambert said.
``He was assessed by the nurse on duty and was taken to hospital for a further check-up.
``Later the same day he was again taken to hospital for a check-up of his medical condition.''
A report for the coroner will be prepared by the police.
as posted here
A PERTH man has died in police custody after twice being taken to hospital for medical check-ups.
Sergeant Greg Lambert said police internal affairs unit would investigate the death of the 33-year-old in the Perth watch-house on Sunday night.
Officers provided first aid before he was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, Sgt Lambert said.
The man, from Huntingdale in Perth's south, was first admitted to the watch-house soon after midnight on Sunday.
``Upon his initial assessment at the watch-house, it was identified that the man had a pre-existing medical condition that required treatment,'' Sgt Lambert said.
``He was assessed by the nurse on duty and was taken to hospital for a further check-up.
``Later the same day he was again taken to hospital for a check-up of his medical condition.''
A report for the coroner will be prepared by the police.
as posted here
Sunday 14 March 2010
Tree man Richard Pennicuik for mayor?
as posted here
"TREE man" Richard Pennicuik intends to run for City of Gosnells mayor, describing the council as a "shambles".
"The current regime is laughable and unworkable and I want to get in there, if I have enough supporters, to run the council the way it should be run," the environmental crusader said yesterday.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, has been camped in a tree on the verge outside his Hume Rd home in Thornlie since December 7.
The 96-day stand-off reached a climax yesterday when police and council tree-loppers arrived at the scene.
The council says the tree poses danger to property and public and must be cut down. It officially warned Mr Pennicuik to come down within 15 minutes, but he remained defiantly aloft, rejecting even his own lawyer's advice to end his protest.
Mr Pennicuik said he was after an honourable solution with the council, but refused to say what that was.
"I am currently working with my supporters on a solution," he said. "I hoped a couple of days ago to be down within a week, and I do not want to see this drag on, but I will stay in this tree for as long as it takes. It is not coming down."
as posted here
"TREE man" Richard Pennicuik intends to run for City of Gosnells mayor, describing the council as a "shambles".
"The current regime is laughable and unworkable and I want to get in there, if I have enough supporters, to run the council the way it should be run," the environmental crusader said yesterday.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, has been camped in a tree on the verge outside his Hume Rd home in Thornlie since December 7.
The 96-day stand-off reached a climax yesterday when police and council tree-loppers arrived at the scene.
The council says the tree poses danger to property and public and must be cut down. It officially warned Mr Pennicuik to come down within 15 minutes, but he remained defiantly aloft, rejecting even his own lawyer's advice to end his protest.
Mr Pennicuik said he was after an honourable solution with the council, but refused to say what that was.
"I am currently working with my supporters on a solution," he said. "I hoped a couple of days ago to be down within a week, and I do not want to see this drag on, but I will stay in this tree for as long as it takes. It is not coming down."
as posted here
Saturday 13 March 2010
Tree man claims win as opponents retreat
as posted here
Protester Richard Pennicuik, who has lived up a tree for 98 days in a bid to stop it being chopped down, today vowed to stay there and win his fight.
The father-of-two said tree-loppers, police and council officials had "retreated" after arriving at the tree outside his home in Hume Road, Thornlie, yesterday.
Mr Pennicuik said it was a victory in his campaign to save a 20m-plus eucalyptus melliodora, which the City of Gosnells wants to cut down.
After trying unsuccessfully to coax the 57-year-old out of the tree yesterday, the council staff will now seek to take legal action to get Mr Pennicuik out of the tree.
"The council left last night with all their minions," Mr Pennicuik said today. "We were on the battlefield and they left so we won under admiralty law. We don't know what they are going to do next. I'm going to stay up here today."
Mr Pennicuik began his protest in the tree on December 7 after learning it was one of 22 the City of Gosnells planned to cut down. Following failed negotiations, the council ordered Mr Pennicuik remove a makeshift tree house before threatening to take him to court this week.
as posted here
Protester Richard Pennicuik, who has lived up a tree for 98 days in a bid to stop it being chopped down, today vowed to stay there and win his fight.
The father-of-two said tree-loppers, police and council officials had "retreated" after arriving at the tree outside his home in Hume Road, Thornlie, yesterday.
Mr Pennicuik said it was a victory in his campaign to save a 20m-plus eucalyptus melliodora, which the City of Gosnells wants to cut down.
After trying unsuccessfully to coax the 57-year-old out of the tree yesterday, the council staff will now seek to take legal action to get Mr Pennicuik out of the tree.
"The council left last night with all their minions," Mr Pennicuik said today. "We were on the battlefield and they left so we won under admiralty law. We don't know what they are going to do next. I'm going to stay up here today."
Mr Pennicuik began his protest in the tree on December 7 after learning it was one of 22 the City of Gosnells planned to cut down. Following failed negotiations, the council ordered Mr Pennicuik remove a makeshift tree house before threatening to take him to court this week.
as posted here
Same schools, different rules
as posted here
SCHOOLS with comparable literacy and numeracy rates teaching similar groups of students are treated differently under the $540 million partnership between the federal, state and territory governments intended to improve pupils' skills.
Even being in the same town with similar student test results does not ensure schools are selected for the crisis funding package, which is distributed by the state and territory governments and school sectors.
At Queensland's Bundaberg Central State School, more than half the students -- up to 60 per cent in Year 7 -- perform at or below minimum benchmarks on national literacy and numeracy tests, yet it received no funding.
But Bundaberg North State School, where up to 45 per cent of Year 5 students struggle in reading, and Avoca State School, also in Bundaberg, which has slightly better results, both got money.
ICSEA (index of community socio-educational advantage), the measure of social and educational disadvantaged used on the My School website, is lower for Bundaberg Central at 913 than for Bundaberg North at 935 or Avoca at 974.
Similarly, at Queens Park Primary School in Perth, more than half the students are at or below benchmark -- and as many as 80 per cent in some years -- but it received no funding, while south of Perth, Maddington Primary School with similar results was granted extra funding. The ICSEA measure for Queens Park is 890, while Maddington's is 902.
In the Northern Territory, Bakewell Primary School in Palmerston, where 30-40 per cent of students are at or below the benchmarks, received no funding while Braitling Primary School in Alice Springs, with a similar proportion of struggling students, is included in the literacy and numeracy partnership.
Education Minister Julia Gillard said the bulk of the funding, $350m, was reserved for reward payments to states and school sectors and would be paid on their ability to improve the literacy and numeracy results in their schools.
"The Rudd government is rightly proud of doubling the funding to schools," she said. "This government is putting more money into school education than ever before."
NT Education Minister Chris Burns said the partnership funding would work in tandem with education programs and increasing school attendance as well as more housing, health and early childhood development programs to help boost results.
And Education Queensland regional director for the north coast Greg Peach said Bundaberg Central was receiving additional support to improve its literacy and numeracy results.
as posted here
SCHOOLS with comparable literacy and numeracy rates teaching similar groups of students are treated differently under the $540 million partnership between the federal, state and territory governments intended to improve pupils' skills.
Even being in the same town with similar student test results does not ensure schools are selected for the crisis funding package, which is distributed by the state and territory governments and school sectors.
At Queensland's Bundaberg Central State School, more than half the students -- up to 60 per cent in Year 7 -- perform at or below minimum benchmarks on national literacy and numeracy tests, yet it received no funding.
But Bundaberg North State School, where up to 45 per cent of Year 5 students struggle in reading, and Avoca State School, also in Bundaberg, which has slightly better results, both got money.
ICSEA (index of community socio-educational advantage), the measure of social and educational disadvantaged used on the My School website, is lower for Bundaberg Central at 913 than for Bundaberg North at 935 or Avoca at 974.
Similarly, at Queens Park Primary School in Perth, more than half the students are at or below benchmark -- and as many as 80 per cent in some years -- but it received no funding, while south of Perth, Maddington Primary School with similar results was granted extra funding. The ICSEA measure for Queens Park is 890, while Maddington's is 902.
In the Northern Territory, Bakewell Primary School in Palmerston, where 30-40 per cent of students are at or below the benchmarks, received no funding while Braitling Primary School in Alice Springs, with a similar proportion of struggling students, is included in the literacy and numeracy partnership.
Education Minister Julia Gillard said the bulk of the funding, $350m, was reserved for reward payments to states and school sectors and would be paid on their ability to improve the literacy and numeracy results in their schools.
"The Rudd government is rightly proud of doubling the funding to schools," she said. "This government is putting more money into school education than ever before."
NT Education Minister Chris Burns said the partnership funding would work in tandem with education programs and increasing school attendance as well as more housing, health and early childhood development programs to help boost results.
And Education Queensland regional director for the north coast Greg Peach said Bundaberg Central was receiving additional support to improve its literacy and numeracy results.
as posted here
Friday 12 March 2010
Crunch time in Thornlie tree saga
as posted here
THE City of Gosnells will go to court to force Richard Pennicuik down from the gum tree that has been his home since December 7.
A City officer, tree specialists, a traffic management team and security guards attended Mr Pennicuik’s Hume Road property earlier today.
Mr Pennicuik refused their formal request to end his vigil.
Last last year, the City removed several trees on Hume Road because of safety concerns. Mr Pennicuik has refused to leave the tree outside his home over the past three months.
Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie said the City now had little choice but to take the matter to court.
“We have made every effort to avoid court action against the protester, but he has refused to listen to reason, even ignoring the advice of his own lawyer," he said.
"Now the protester faces fines of up to $5000 initially and up to $500 for each day the protest continues.
“Other residents have had their lives turned upside down by this protest. They have been the innocent victims of abuse and bullying.
“The City tried everything to bring this to a conclusion and to offer the man a dignified end to his protest.
"However, every offer we made, including a three-month breathing space to allow the man to come down, was rejected. We will now proceed to court and let the law takes its course."
He said the City of Gosnells would poll Hume Road residents to select replacement trees for the street.
as posted here
THE City of Gosnells will go to court to force Richard Pennicuik down from the gum tree that has been his home since December 7.
A City officer, tree specialists, a traffic management team and security guards attended Mr Pennicuik’s Hume Road property earlier today.
Mr Pennicuik refused their formal request to end his vigil.
Last last year, the City removed several trees on Hume Road because of safety concerns. Mr Pennicuik has refused to leave the tree outside his home over the past three months.
Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie said the City now had little choice but to take the matter to court.
“We have made every effort to avoid court action against the protester, but he has refused to listen to reason, even ignoring the advice of his own lawyer," he said.
"Now the protester faces fines of up to $5000 initially and up to $500 for each day the protest continues.
“Other residents have had their lives turned upside down by this protest. They have been the innocent victims of abuse and bullying.
“The City tried everything to bring this to a conclusion and to offer the man a dignified end to his protest.
"However, every offer we made, including a three-month breathing space to allow the man to come down, was rejected. We will now proceed to court and let the law takes its course."
He said the City of Gosnells would poll Hume Road residents to select replacement trees for the street.
as posted here
Convicted criminals lose asset battle
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A convicted murderer and child sex offender have lost their legal fight to stop WA'S Director of Public Prosecutions seizing some of their assets.
Gary White is serving a life jail term for murdering Anthony Tapley at a Maddington property in 2001, while Aaron Bowers was convicted sexually abusing a young girl.
The men's crimes were not committed at properties they own but under the state's criminal confiscation laws, the DPP wanted to take more than $100,000 from White and a house part owned by Bowers.
Last year, a judge dismissed the DPP's application but that decision was overturned today by the Court of Appeal.
Bowers' lawyer says he will take the matter to the High Court.
as posted here
A convicted murderer and child sex offender have lost their legal fight to stop WA'S Director of Public Prosecutions seizing some of their assets.
Gary White is serving a life jail term for murdering Anthony Tapley at a Maddington property in 2001, while Aaron Bowers was convicted sexually abusing a young girl.
The men's crimes were not committed at properties they own but under the state's criminal confiscation laws, the DPP wanted to take more than $100,000 from White and a house part owned by Bowers.
Last year, a judge dismissed the DPP's application but that decision was overturned today by the Court of Appeal.
Bowers' lawyer says he will take the matter to the High Court.
as posted here
Tree man remains defiant
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Neighbours have turned on tree man Richard Pennicuik after he refused to end his 95-day bid to save a tree from council tree loppers.
As Mr Pennicuik stood defiant in his tree, he spoke of multiculturalism and youth affairs.
"I am the living man in the living tree," Mr Pennicuik told a crowd that gathered below his tree.
"I believe in the youth of Australia. You have the solution in your hands."
But he was receiving a hostile reaction from neighbours. One neighbour told ABC an overwhelming number of residents wanted the tree removed as it posed a danger.
The neighbour told ABC that a branch from a similar tree had fallen on his daughter's car, causing $1500 damage.
Mr Pennicuik's comments came after he refused a request to climb down from the eucalyptus melliodora and allow tree loppers to remove the tree, which they say is dangerous.
Police and council workers arrived at Mr Pennicuik's Thornlie home about 11am. The area was declared a work zone and reporters were moved away.
A council representative went up to Mr Pennicuik in a cherry picker and urged him to come down. However, he refused.
The council will start legal action in a Perth court as soon as possible. Council officials want to take the matter to court as soon as this afternoon and want the courts to expedite proceedings.
This week, council threatened Mr Pennicuik with a $5000 fine and a $500 penalty for every additional day he spends up the tree.
Mr Pennicuik was first given 15 minutes to consider his options. That 15 minute window was extended as Mr Pennicuik could not hear what the council worker had to say amid the commotion from supporters, neighbours, reporters, police and council workers.
Another tree that Mr Pennicuik fought to protect, located on the same street, has been cut down.
There are reports that a supporter was involved in a physical altercation with a council worker.
The 57-year-old lived in the eucalyptus melliodora since December, refusing council requests to come down. During that time he unsuccessfully attempted to have the tree heritage listed.
The council argues that the tree could be dangerous because of falling limbs.
Yesterday, Mr Pennicuik's lawyer John Hammond advised him to come down from the tree after the council threatened to issue a $5000 fine. The council could further fine Mr Pennicuik $500 for every day he remained up the tree after the $5000 fine was issued.
Mr Pennicuik remained defiant, saying he would only end his protest on his own terms.
as posted here
Neighbours have turned on tree man Richard Pennicuik after he refused to end his 95-day bid to save a tree from council tree loppers.
As Mr Pennicuik stood defiant in his tree, he spoke of multiculturalism and youth affairs.
"I am the living man in the living tree," Mr Pennicuik told a crowd that gathered below his tree.
"I believe in the youth of Australia. You have the solution in your hands."
But he was receiving a hostile reaction from neighbours. One neighbour told ABC an overwhelming number of residents wanted the tree removed as it posed a danger.
The neighbour told ABC that a branch from a similar tree had fallen on his daughter's car, causing $1500 damage.
Mr Pennicuik's comments came after he refused a request to climb down from the eucalyptus melliodora and allow tree loppers to remove the tree, which they say is dangerous.
Police and council workers arrived at Mr Pennicuik's Thornlie home about 11am. The area was declared a work zone and reporters were moved away.
A council representative went up to Mr Pennicuik in a cherry picker and urged him to come down. However, he refused.
The council will start legal action in a Perth court as soon as possible. Council officials want to take the matter to court as soon as this afternoon and want the courts to expedite proceedings.
This week, council threatened Mr Pennicuik with a $5000 fine and a $500 penalty for every additional day he spends up the tree.
Mr Pennicuik was first given 15 minutes to consider his options. That 15 minute window was extended as Mr Pennicuik could not hear what the council worker had to say amid the commotion from supporters, neighbours, reporters, police and council workers.
Another tree that Mr Pennicuik fought to protect, located on the same street, has been cut down.
There are reports that a supporter was involved in a physical altercation with a council worker.
The 57-year-old lived in the eucalyptus melliodora since December, refusing council requests to come down. During that time he unsuccessfully attempted to have the tree heritage listed.
The council argues that the tree could be dangerous because of falling limbs.
Yesterday, Mr Pennicuik's lawyer John Hammond advised him to come down from the tree after the council threatened to issue a $5000 fine. The council could further fine Mr Pennicuik $500 for every day he remained up the tree after the $5000 fine was issued.
Mr Pennicuik remained defiant, saying he would only end his protest on his own terms.
as posted here
Police called as council moves to cut down tree
as posted here
TREE-man Richard Pennicuik says he is ready for a stand-off today with police and loppers.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, told PerthNow police car were converging at the Thornlie site where he has been protesting among the branches since December 7.
“I am being told that the police are here to control traffic while the loppers are here,” he said.
“The police have already turned up, so that’s a sign.”
Mr Pennicuik said he wanted an amicable solution with Gosnells Council.
But he now says he is more determined than ever to maintain his protest in the eucalyptus on the verge of his Hume Road home.
“They have come here to bully an ordinary man in the street who is standing up for his basic constitutional rights,” he said.
“I said yesterday I wanted a peaceful and honourable solution with the council and this does not look like it, does it?
“I am peaceful and honourable but…I am going to stay in the tree and keep out of trouble and not be a bad person.
“I am not coming down.”
The council says the tree poses a danger to property and public from falling limbs and intends to cut it down.
Mr Pennicuik says he has not seen evidence from the council to back this up and wants it to stay.
Mr Pennicuik’s high-profile lawyer John Hammond this week advised him to give up the protest - or face hefty fines for obstruction.
Mr Pennicuik was forced by council to remove a tree-house where he sat and excercised in January.
Subsequent attempts to have a permanent barrier built around the trunk and to have the tree heritage listed have failed.
Council spokesman Bob Figg would not confirm when the approach would be made, but said council officers and tree loppers would soon visit the tree ask Mr Pennicuik to climb down.
Mr Figg said if the tree man refused, the council would start a prosecution that could cost him a $5000 fine and up to $500 for every day he remains in the tree.
Mr Figg said the council would not name the day the loppers would visit the site as they would not be responsible for any ``media circus’’.
as posted here
TREE-man Richard Pennicuik says he is ready for a stand-off today with police and loppers.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, told PerthNow police car were converging at the Thornlie site where he has been protesting among the branches since December 7.
“I am being told that the police are here to control traffic while the loppers are here,” he said.
“The police have already turned up, so that’s a sign.”
Mr Pennicuik said he wanted an amicable solution with Gosnells Council.
But he now says he is more determined than ever to maintain his protest in the eucalyptus on the verge of his Hume Road home.
“They have come here to bully an ordinary man in the street who is standing up for his basic constitutional rights,” he said.
“I said yesterday I wanted a peaceful and honourable solution with the council and this does not look like it, does it?
“I am peaceful and honourable but…I am going to stay in the tree and keep out of trouble and not be a bad person.
“I am not coming down.”
The council says the tree poses a danger to property and public from falling limbs and intends to cut it down.
Mr Pennicuik says he has not seen evidence from the council to back this up and wants it to stay.
Mr Pennicuik’s high-profile lawyer John Hammond this week advised him to give up the protest - or face hefty fines for obstruction.
Mr Pennicuik was forced by council to remove a tree-house where he sat and excercised in January.
Subsequent attempts to have a permanent barrier built around the trunk and to have the tree heritage listed have failed.
Council spokesman Bob Figg would not confirm when the approach would be made, but said council officers and tree loppers would soon visit the tree ask Mr Pennicuik to climb down.
Mr Figg said if the tree man refused, the council would start a prosecution that could cost him a $5000 fine and up to $500 for every day he remains in the tree.
Mr Figg said the council would not name the day the loppers would visit the site as they would not be responsible for any ``media circus’’.
as posted here
Tree man's showdown looms
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Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik's 95 day protest could end today, with police and tree-loppers believed to be heading to his property this morning.
Mr Pennicuik has staged a protest at a City of a Gosnells plan to cut down a eucalyptus melliodora at the front of his home.
The 57-year-old has lived in the tree since December, refusing council requests to come down. During that time he unsuccessfully attempted to have the tree heritage listed.
The council argues that the tree could be dangerous because of falling limbs.
Yesterday, Mr Pennicuik's lawyer John Hammond advised him to come down from the tree after the council threatened to issue a $5000 fine. The council could further fine Mr Pennicuik $500 for every day he remained up the tree after the $5000 fine was issued.
Mr Pennicuik remained defiant, saying he would only end his protest on his own terms.
as posted here
Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik's 95 day protest could end today, with police and tree-loppers believed to be heading to his property this morning.
Mr Pennicuik has staged a protest at a City of a Gosnells plan to cut down a eucalyptus melliodora at the front of his home.
The 57-year-old has lived in the tree since December, refusing council requests to come down. During that time he unsuccessfully attempted to have the tree heritage listed.
The council argues that the tree could be dangerous because of falling limbs.
Yesterday, Mr Pennicuik's lawyer John Hammond advised him to come down from the tree after the council threatened to issue a $5000 fine. The council could further fine Mr Pennicuik $500 for every day he remained up the tree after the $5000 fine was issued.
Mr Pennicuik remained defiant, saying he would only end his protest on his own terms.
as posted here
Thursday 11 March 2010
'Tree man' to come down soon
as posted here
Tree man Richard Pennicuik will come down from his tree, but not today.
He said this morning it was his "intent to come down" but he now needed to work out "the best course of action" for how to do it.
Mr Pennicuik said he was up until 4am with friends and family discussing what to do.
"What we're looking to do is we're looking to get down and we're going to pursue it in the right direction to get down and that's going to take us a little while," he said.
"I'm not going to come down when people tell me.
"I'm going to come down when I want, I'm going to come down on my terms.
"I can't come down looking like an idiot."
Mr Pennicuik said yesterday that he needed "time" to think and talk to his friends and family after receiving legal advice that he should come down from a tree he has called home for three months.
Following a brief telephone conversation just after noon with his lawyer John Hammond, who called him from a neighbour's house, Mr Pennicuik looked down at the gathered media pack yesterday to declare he was staying put.
But this morning he said: "It's my every intent to come down."
"Whether it happens or not is another thing but that is my intent."
Mr Hammond advised his client to come down after he received a letter from the City of Gosnells warning Mr Pennicuik could be fined $5000 fine and $500 for every subsequent day he stayed up.
Mr Pennicuik said this morning discussions last night focused on a track "that was completely wrong" but he would not say what that was. He said it was later ruled out.
Early yesterday speculation was growing that Mr Pennicuik would end his now 94-day protest.
But following the conversation with Mr Hammond, Mr Pennicuik said he did not want the council to make an example of him if he came down.
He said he was prepared to go to jail - a possibility if he failed to pay any fines - over his environmental crusade. He said he was also told his house could be seized.
Mr Pennicuik admitted he could not afford the cost of the fines, but insisted: "I can stay up here for the next 20 years."
He said the council had reneged on a three-month moratorium to take no action.
But the council has said Mr Pennicuik shifted the goal posts when he made new demands for other trees to be spared and a barrier to be erected around the tree outside his house.
The council has maintained the eucalyptus melliodora has a history of being dangerous.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said yesterday she was disappointed Mr Pennicuik had not taken his lawyer's advice.
She said the council intended to visit him and ask him formally to come down, though she would not say when or give a timeframe for cutting down the tree.
Any prosecution would be determined in the courts.
"All the council has ever endeavoured to do is to get Richard to come out of the tree and talk to us and we have given him every opportunity," she said.
Mr Hammond said it was up to Mr Pennicuik whether to heed his advice.
"He is facing prosecution by the City of Gosnells, so Richard needs to make a call on that," he said.
"If Richard wants to remain in the tree he can but there's going to be legal consequences in doing that."
Mr Pennicuik was already forced to remove a tree house in January and had an application to the Heritage Council rejected.
as posted here
Tree man Richard Pennicuik will come down from his tree, but not today.
He said this morning it was his "intent to come down" but he now needed to work out "the best course of action" for how to do it.
Mr Pennicuik said he was up until 4am with friends and family discussing what to do.
"What we're looking to do is we're looking to get down and we're going to pursue it in the right direction to get down and that's going to take us a little while," he said.
"I'm not going to come down when people tell me.
"I'm going to come down when I want, I'm going to come down on my terms.
"I can't come down looking like an idiot."
Mr Pennicuik said yesterday that he needed "time" to think and talk to his friends and family after receiving legal advice that he should come down from a tree he has called home for three months.
Following a brief telephone conversation just after noon with his lawyer John Hammond, who called him from a neighbour's house, Mr Pennicuik looked down at the gathered media pack yesterday to declare he was staying put.
But this morning he said: "It's my every intent to come down."
"Whether it happens or not is another thing but that is my intent."
Mr Hammond advised his client to come down after he received a letter from the City of Gosnells warning Mr Pennicuik could be fined $5000 fine and $500 for every subsequent day he stayed up.
Mr Pennicuik said this morning discussions last night focused on a track "that was completely wrong" but he would not say what that was. He said it was later ruled out.
Early yesterday speculation was growing that Mr Pennicuik would end his now 94-day protest.
But following the conversation with Mr Hammond, Mr Pennicuik said he did not want the council to make an example of him if he came down.
He said he was prepared to go to jail - a possibility if he failed to pay any fines - over his environmental crusade. He said he was also told his house could be seized.
Mr Pennicuik admitted he could not afford the cost of the fines, but insisted: "I can stay up here for the next 20 years."
He said the council had reneged on a three-month moratorium to take no action.
But the council has said Mr Pennicuik shifted the goal posts when he made new demands for other trees to be spared and a barrier to be erected around the tree outside his house.
The council has maintained the eucalyptus melliodora has a history of being dangerous.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said yesterday she was disappointed Mr Pennicuik had not taken his lawyer's advice.
She said the council intended to visit him and ask him formally to come down, though she would not say when or give a timeframe for cutting down the tree.
Any prosecution would be determined in the courts.
"All the council has ever endeavoured to do is to get Richard to come out of the tree and talk to us and we have given him every opportunity," she said.
Mr Hammond said it was up to Mr Pennicuik whether to heed his advice.
"He is facing prosecution by the City of Gosnells, so Richard needs to make a call on that," he said.
"If Richard wants to remain in the tree he can but there's going to be legal consequences in doing that."
Mr Pennicuik was already forced to remove a tree house in January and had an application to the Heritage Council rejected.
as posted here
Fines over edge protection prompt falls warning
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Construction company Morago Nominees (trading as Gavin Constructions) was fined $4000 and the subcontract bricklaying company Airdas (trading as Tyrone Bricklaying) was fined $2000 in the Armadale Magistrates Court in Western Australia for failing to provide edge protection on a building site.
In 2008, two WorkSafe inspectors visited a site where a community centre was being built for the City of Gosnells and found that there were several areas on the first floor of the building that did not have the required edge protection, putting workers at risk of falls of between 2.9 and 3.1 m.
Morago Nominees had previously been issued with five improvement notices and three prohibition notices between December 2007 and February 2008, all relating to the risk of falls.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said that falls were one of the most significant causes of workplace death in the construction industry: “Seven Western Australian workers have died over the past 15 months as a result of falls. An average of a further 1295 are injured each year, many seriously and permanently.
“Plenty of information is readily available on the prevention of falls, and I would expect building companies and bricklayers to be acutely aware of the need to prevent falls. In particular, there was an area on this site where workers were pushing wheelbarrows up a ramp with no edge protection. Around 3 m below them was the concrete ground floor slab onto which they could have fallen.
“In addition, Morago nominees had already been issued with eight notices for offences relating to a lack of fall protection, and obviously had not got the message. We hope the fact that they have been prosecuted will finally get the message through.
“This case also illustrates the value of WorkSafe’s proactive inspection work, as the companies were pulled up on their shoddy work practices before anyone was injured or killed.
“A code of practice on fall prevention has existed in WA for the past 19 years, with the original code being initiated in response to the number of fatalities being recorded in the construction industry at that time.
“The current code is comprehensive - providing information on the identification of common fall hazards and the use of fall restraint and fall arrest equipment - and I urge all employers with workplaces that may contain fall hazards to ensure copies of the code are readily available at their workplaces.”
as posted here
Construction company Morago Nominees (trading as Gavin Constructions) was fined $4000 and the subcontract bricklaying company Airdas (trading as Tyrone Bricklaying) was fined $2000 in the Armadale Magistrates Court in Western Australia for failing to provide edge protection on a building site.
In 2008, two WorkSafe inspectors visited a site where a community centre was being built for the City of Gosnells and found that there were several areas on the first floor of the building that did not have the required edge protection, putting workers at risk of falls of between 2.9 and 3.1 m.
Morago Nominees had previously been issued with five improvement notices and three prohibition notices between December 2007 and February 2008, all relating to the risk of falls.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said that falls were one of the most significant causes of workplace death in the construction industry: “Seven Western Australian workers have died over the past 15 months as a result of falls. An average of a further 1295 are injured each year, many seriously and permanently.
“Plenty of information is readily available on the prevention of falls, and I would expect building companies and bricklayers to be acutely aware of the need to prevent falls. In particular, there was an area on this site where workers were pushing wheelbarrows up a ramp with no edge protection. Around 3 m below them was the concrete ground floor slab onto which they could have fallen.
“In addition, Morago nominees had already been issued with eight notices for offences relating to a lack of fall protection, and obviously had not got the message. We hope the fact that they have been prosecuted will finally get the message through.
“This case also illustrates the value of WorkSafe’s proactive inspection work, as the companies were pulled up on their shoddy work practices before anyone was injured or killed.
“A code of practice on fall prevention has existed in WA for the past 19 years, with the original code being initiated in response to the number of fatalities being recorded in the construction industry at that time.
“The current code is comprehensive - providing information on the identification of common fall hazards and the use of fall restraint and fall arrest equipment - and I urge all employers with workplaces that may contain fall hazards to ensure copies of the code are readily available at their workplaces.”
as posted here
West Australian tree man Richard Pennicuik continues protest
as posted here
A WESTERN Australian man has refused to abandon his perch in a gum tree, despite his high-powered attorney advising him to end his 93-day protest.
Lawyer John Hammond met his client, tree-man Richard Pennicuik, to read him a section of the Local Government Act which spelled out the city's wide-ranging prosecution powers.
"It is that very broad spectrum that makes it difficult for him to stay up there, unless he wants to take them (the council) on," Hammond said.
Pennicuik, 57, began camping in the canopy of the gum tree near his home in Thornlie, near Perth, on December 7.
The local government intended to cut it down because it believes falling limbs could become a danger to property and the public.
Yesterday, the city said it would take Pennicuik to court for obstruction unless he climbed down and allowed contractors to lop the tall Eucalyptus.
He could face a fine of $5000 and penalties of up to $500 a day if he refused.
Pennicuik said he could not say if he would obey or maintain his protest.
"I don't know what's going on at the moment," he said.
"He (Hammond) thinks I should come down, but I still want time to think about it," Pennicuik said.
"I am not ready to give up.
"I am going to stay up here and think about it. I’m not going to be pressured by anyone."
He said he wanted to discuss the matter with his supporters and friends before making a decision.
"I could stay up another 20 years if I had to," he said.
The government forced Pennicuik to remove a tree house in January.
as posted here
A WESTERN Australian man has refused to abandon his perch in a gum tree, despite his high-powered attorney advising him to end his 93-day protest.
Lawyer John Hammond met his client, tree-man Richard Pennicuik, to read him a section of the Local Government Act which spelled out the city's wide-ranging prosecution powers.
"It is that very broad spectrum that makes it difficult for him to stay up there, unless he wants to take them (the council) on," Hammond said.
Pennicuik, 57, began camping in the canopy of the gum tree near his home in Thornlie, near Perth, on December 7.
The local government intended to cut it down because it believes falling limbs could become a danger to property and the public.
Yesterday, the city said it would take Pennicuik to court for obstruction unless he climbed down and allowed contractors to lop the tall Eucalyptus.
He could face a fine of $5000 and penalties of up to $500 a day if he refused.
Pennicuik said he could not say if he would obey or maintain his protest.
"I don't know what's going on at the moment," he said.
"He (Hammond) thinks I should come down, but I still want time to think about it," Pennicuik said.
"I am not ready to give up.
"I am going to stay up here and think about it. I’m not going to be pressured by anyone."
He said he wanted to discuss the matter with his supporters and friends before making a decision.
"I could stay up another 20 years if I had to," he said.
The government forced Pennicuik to remove a tree house in January.
as posted here
Wednesday 10 March 2010
'Tree man' remains defiant...and up his tree
as posted here
Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik has met with his lawyer and decided to remain up his tree as he considers whether he will end his three-month protest.
His lawyer John Hammond met with him at 12.10pm. The meeting concluded at 12.17pm, with Mr Penniciuk saying he would think about whether to end his protest.
Mr Penniciuk said he was prepared to go to jail over environmental issues and would not be pressured by anyone.
He wanted gathered media to clear from the scene before discussing his options with his friends.
Mr Hammond advised hs client to come down after he received a letter sent by the City of Gosnells ordering him to come down or face a $5000 fine.
Mr Pennicuik yesterday vowed to remain in the tree outside his home despite the council threatening to take him to court.
Losing patience with Mr Pennicuik's 93-day protest, the city's lawyers have sent him a letter saying the council intended to cut down the Hume Road tree. It warned Mr Pennicuik he would be prosecuted for causing an obstruction if he had not come down by the time the lopper arrived. There was no date for the tree lopping.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, could be fined $5000 and $500 for every subsequent day he stays up the tree if the court agrees with the council.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the eucalyptus melliodora since December 7.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said yesterday that subsequent requests from Mr Pennicuik through his lawyer John Hammond to save neighbouring trees annulled the council's three-month moratorium, due to expire later this month, to take no action.
"The city has waited three months for the protester to respond to its invitation for independently mediated talks at a neutral venue," she said.
"The only formal response has been made through a lawyer which has added to the conditions for the protest to end including the building of a permanent barrier around the tree."
Ms Searle said the tree was dangerous and claimed there had been 20 "catastrophic failures" of that species of similar age in the past five years.
Mr Pennicuik was forced to comply with another council order and remove a makeshift tree house in January. He said yesterday he had no intention of reacting to what he described as "just a letter".
"I just think it's despicable," he said.
Mr Hammond said the council's approach was "extremely heavy-handed" as his client was prepared to talk to them about a "peaceful solution".
Last month, the Heritage Council rejected an application to have the tree heritage-listed.
as posted here
Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik has met with his lawyer and decided to remain up his tree as he considers whether he will end his three-month protest.
His lawyer John Hammond met with him at 12.10pm. The meeting concluded at 12.17pm, with Mr Penniciuk saying he would think about whether to end his protest.
Mr Penniciuk said he was prepared to go to jail over environmental issues and would not be pressured by anyone.
He wanted gathered media to clear from the scene before discussing his options with his friends.
Mr Hammond advised hs client to come down after he received a letter sent by the City of Gosnells ordering him to come down or face a $5000 fine.
Mr Pennicuik yesterday vowed to remain in the tree outside his home despite the council threatening to take him to court.
Losing patience with Mr Pennicuik's 93-day protest, the city's lawyers have sent him a letter saying the council intended to cut down the Hume Road tree. It warned Mr Pennicuik he would be prosecuted for causing an obstruction if he had not come down by the time the lopper arrived. There was no date for the tree lopping.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, could be fined $5000 and $500 for every subsequent day he stays up the tree if the court agrees with the council.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the eucalyptus melliodora since December 7.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said yesterday that subsequent requests from Mr Pennicuik through his lawyer John Hammond to save neighbouring trees annulled the council's three-month moratorium, due to expire later this month, to take no action.
"The city has waited three months for the protester to respond to its invitation for independently mediated talks at a neutral venue," she said.
"The only formal response has been made through a lawyer which has added to the conditions for the protest to end including the building of a permanent barrier around the tree."
Ms Searle said the tree was dangerous and claimed there had been 20 "catastrophic failures" of that species of similar age in the past five years.
Mr Pennicuik was forced to comply with another council order and remove a makeshift tree house in January. He said yesterday he had no intention of reacting to what he described as "just a letter".
"I just think it's despicable," he said.
Mr Hammond said the council's approach was "extremely heavy-handed" as his client was prepared to talk to them about a "peaceful solution".
Last month, the Heritage Council rejected an application to have the tree heritage-listed.
as posted here
Hoon driver fined, licence suspended
as posted here
A 26-year-old man has been fined $1500 for test driving a Mini Cooper S at 170 km/h on Roe Highway.
Steven James Atkinson failed to appear in the Perth Magistrate's Court today on a charge of reckless driving and was convicted and sentenced in his absence.
The speed limit for that part of the highway is 100 km/h.
The court was told he had been driving 170 km/h on the highway in Beckenham at 3.44pm on January 30, when he was caught speeding by a multanova.
Auto Classic in Burswood was forced to surrender the $45,000 Mini to police under the State's anti-hoon laws.
Dealer principal Darrin Brandon appealed the confiscation but was told that the bid had failed because he did not qualify for the hardship provisions of the law.
Magistrate Joe Randazzo said: "You wouldn't want to be over on that part of the road at 3.44pm on that Saturday".
He noted that it was Atkinson's first offence but said it had been a dangerous crime.
"To drive at that speed in these circumstances is to court disaster," the magistrate said.
He fined Atkinson $1,500 and disqualified his licence for 10 months - the minimum disqualification is 6 months.
Mr Randazzo said the extra period of disqualification was to act as a punishment and to reflect the need to protect the community.
as posted here
A 26-year-old man has been fined $1500 for test driving a Mini Cooper S at 170 km/h on Roe Highway.
Steven James Atkinson failed to appear in the Perth Magistrate's Court today on a charge of reckless driving and was convicted and sentenced in his absence.
The speed limit for that part of the highway is 100 km/h.
The court was told he had been driving 170 km/h on the highway in Beckenham at 3.44pm on January 30, when he was caught speeding by a multanova.
Auto Classic in Burswood was forced to surrender the $45,000 Mini to police under the State's anti-hoon laws.
Dealer principal Darrin Brandon appealed the confiscation but was told that the bid had failed because he did not qualify for the hardship provisions of the law.
Magistrate Joe Randazzo said: "You wouldn't want to be over on that part of the road at 3.44pm on that Saturday".
He noted that it was Atkinson's first offence but said it had been a dangerous crime.
"To drive at that speed in these circumstances is to court disaster," the magistrate said.
He fined Atkinson $1,500 and disqualified his licence for 10 months - the minimum disqualification is 6 months.
Mr Randazzo said the extra period of disqualification was to act as a punishment and to reflect the need to protect the community.
as posted here
Lawyer urges Richard Pennicuik to end tree protest
as posted here
THE high-profile lawyer for tree man Richard Pennicuik will advise him to climb down today and end his 93-day protest.
John Hammond confirmed he would meet Mr Pennicuik at noon today and read him a section of the Local Government Act which spells out the City of Gosnells wide-ranging proscution powers.
“It is that very broad spectrum that makes it difficult for him to stay up there, unless he wants to take them (the council) on,” Mr Hammond said.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, has been camped in the canopy of the gum tree on the verge of his Hume Road home in Thornlie since December 7.
Gosnells Council intends to cut it down because it believes falling limbs could become a danger to property and the public.
The city yesterday said it would take Mr Pennicuik to court for obstruction unless he climbed down and allowed contractors to lop the tall Eucalyptus.
He faces a fine of $5,000 and daily penalties of up to $500 a day if he refuses.
Mr Pennicuik told PerthNow he could not say if he would obey or maintain his protest.
“I don’t know what’s going on at the moment,” he said.
“I need time to think about everything.”
Mr Pennicuik was forced by council to remove a tree-house in January.
Subsequent attempts to have a permanent barrier built around the trunk and to have the tree heritage listed have failed.
Mr Hammond said the council has never provided an arborist’s report stating the tree was dangerous.
“It has been a long-running protest but I think Richard has a lot of support from the community,” he said
as posted here
THE high-profile lawyer for tree man Richard Pennicuik will advise him to climb down today and end his 93-day protest.
John Hammond confirmed he would meet Mr Pennicuik at noon today and read him a section of the Local Government Act which spells out the City of Gosnells wide-ranging proscution powers.
“It is that very broad spectrum that makes it difficult for him to stay up there, unless he wants to take them (the council) on,” Mr Hammond said.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, has been camped in the canopy of the gum tree on the verge of his Hume Road home in Thornlie since December 7.
Gosnells Council intends to cut it down because it believes falling limbs could become a danger to property and the public.
The city yesterday said it would take Mr Pennicuik to court for obstruction unless he climbed down and allowed contractors to lop the tall Eucalyptus.
He faces a fine of $5,000 and daily penalties of up to $500 a day if he refuses.
Mr Pennicuik told PerthNow he could not say if he would obey or maintain his protest.
“I don’t know what’s going on at the moment,” he said.
“I need time to think about everything.”
Mr Pennicuik was forced by council to remove a tree-house in January.
Subsequent attempts to have a permanent barrier built around the trunk and to have the tree heritage listed have failed.
Mr Hammond said the council has never provided an arborist’s report stating the tree was dangerous.
“It has been a long-running protest but I think Richard has a lot of support from the community,” he said
as posted here
'Tree man' may come down today
as posted here
Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik may end his three-month protest today.
His lawyer John Hammond is expected to meet with his client at noon to advise him on a letter sent by the City of Gosnells ordering him to come down.
It is understood the legal advice is likely to end the protest and bring Mr Penniciuk down from the tree.
Mr Pennicuik yesterday vowed to remain in the tree outside his home despite the council threatening to take him to court.
Losing patience with Mr Pennicuik's 93-day protest, the city's lawyers have sent him a letter saying the council intended to cut down the Hume Road tree. It warned Mr Pennicuik he would be prosecuted for causing an obstruction if he had not come down by the time the lopper arrived. There was no date for the tree lopping.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, could be fined $5000 and $500 for every subsequent day he stays up the tree if the court agrees with the council.
He said this morning that he had not made a decision and would wait for Mr Hammond's advice.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the eucalyptus melliodora since December 7.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said yesterday that subsequent requests from Mr Pennicuik through his lawyer John Hammond to save neighbouring trees annulled the council's three-month moratorium, due to expire later this month, to take no action.
"The city has waited three months for the protester to respond to its invitation for independently mediated talks at a neutral venue," she said.
"The only formal response has been made through a lawyer which has added to the conditions for the protest to end including the building of a permanent barrier around the tree."
Ms Searle said the tree was dangerous and claimed there had been 20 "catastrophic failures" of that species of similar age in the past five years.
Mr Pennicuik was forced to comply with another council order and remove a makeshift tree house in January. He said yesterday he had no intention of reacting to what he described as "just a letter".
"I just think it's despicable," he said.
Mr Hammond said the council's approach was "extremely heavy-handed" as his client was prepared to talk to them about a "peaceful solution".
Last month, the Heritage Council rejected an application to have the tree heritage-listed.
as posted here
Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik may end his three-month protest today.
His lawyer John Hammond is expected to meet with his client at noon to advise him on a letter sent by the City of Gosnells ordering him to come down.
It is understood the legal advice is likely to end the protest and bring Mr Penniciuk down from the tree.
Mr Pennicuik yesterday vowed to remain in the tree outside his home despite the council threatening to take him to court.
Losing patience with Mr Pennicuik's 93-day protest, the city's lawyers have sent him a letter saying the council intended to cut down the Hume Road tree. It warned Mr Pennicuik he would be prosecuted for causing an obstruction if he had not come down by the time the lopper arrived. There was no date for the tree lopping.
Mr Pennicuik, 57, could be fined $5000 and $500 for every subsequent day he stays up the tree if the court agrees with the council.
He said this morning that he had not made a decision and would wait for Mr Hammond's advice.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the eucalyptus melliodora since December 7.
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said yesterday that subsequent requests from Mr Pennicuik through his lawyer John Hammond to save neighbouring trees annulled the council's three-month moratorium, due to expire later this month, to take no action.
"The city has waited three months for the protester to respond to its invitation for independently mediated talks at a neutral venue," she said.
"The only formal response has been made through a lawyer which has added to the conditions for the protest to end including the building of a permanent barrier around the tree."
Ms Searle said the tree was dangerous and claimed there had been 20 "catastrophic failures" of that species of similar age in the past five years.
Mr Pennicuik was forced to comply with another council order and remove a makeshift tree house in January. He said yesterday he had no intention of reacting to what he described as "just a letter".
"I just think it's despicable," he said.
Mr Hammond said the council's approach was "extremely heavy-handed" as his client was prepared to talk to them about a "peaceful solution".
Last month, the Heritage Council rejected an application to have the tree heritage-listed.
as posted here
Innocent victims of the Tree Man's crusade
as posted here
"Paula" deserves better than to live across the road from Richard Pennicuik.
While he's grabbing the limelight for his three-month protest to save a gum tree, she's fighting for her sanity, her privacy and her home.
Pennicuik has been conducting a one-person campaign to prevent the Gosnells Council from cutting down the last of 22 eucalypts that have been found in dangerous condition on Hume Road, Thornlie.
While he's been bleating about persecution, having now been warned by the council he'll cop a $5000 fine plus $500 a day, this old lady tells a tale of threats by his supporters, sleepless nights and vandalism of her property.
"I was told to go back into my house and die," she told me on talkback radio this week.
Who's breaking the law in this dispute?
Last I checked, the tree was owned by the council on council property.
That makes Pennicuik the offender, who has been trespassing since he climbed onto his perch on December 7 last year.
Despite his protestations, there is no evidence that the council is engaged in a hate campaign against trees.
It's a matter a public safety, following several incidents when large branches fell on properties and the roadway.
Council's initial plan to replace the 22 decaying eucalypts with 35 jacarandas has even been superseded, with an offer to choose replacement varieties.
It's time that common sense returned to Hume Road.
Richard Pennicuik and his tree hugging mates need to be brought down from their cloud cuckoo land.
as posted here
"Paula" deserves better than to live across the road from Richard Pennicuik.
While he's grabbing the limelight for his three-month protest to save a gum tree, she's fighting for her sanity, her privacy and her home.
Pennicuik has been conducting a one-person campaign to prevent the Gosnells Council from cutting down the last of 22 eucalypts that have been found in dangerous condition on Hume Road, Thornlie.
While he's been bleating about persecution, having now been warned by the council he'll cop a $5000 fine plus $500 a day, this old lady tells a tale of threats by his supporters, sleepless nights and vandalism of her property.
"I was told to go back into my house and die," she told me on talkback radio this week.
Who's breaking the law in this dispute?
Last I checked, the tree was owned by the council on council property.
That makes Pennicuik the offender, who has been trespassing since he climbed onto his perch on December 7 last year.
Despite his protestations, there is no evidence that the council is engaged in a hate campaign against trees.
It's a matter a public safety, following several incidents when large branches fell on properties and the roadway.
Council's initial plan to replace the 22 decaying eucalypts with 35 jacarandas has even been superseded, with an offer to choose replacement varieties.
It's time that common sense returned to Hume Road.
Richard Pennicuik and his tree hugging mates need to be brought down from their cloud cuckoo land.
as posted here
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Council steps up action against tree man
as posted here
The City of Gosnells has stepped up its action against Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik, threatening to take him to court unless he comes down from the tree.
In a letter sent by its lawyers, the council has said it intends to cut down the Hume Road tree and warned that Mr Pennicuik would be charged with causing an obstruction if he has not come down by the time the lopper arrives.
A council spokesman confirmed this morning that if Mr Pennicuik still refused to come down it would prosecute him through the courts.
However "there is no fixed date" on when it intends to remove the tree.
It is understood Mr Pennicuik could be fined $5000 and $500 for every day he breaches the order to come down.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the eucalyptus melliodora since December 7.
This morning Mr Pennicuik vowed to carry on his fight.
He said the legal threat was overkill and evidence of the council "throwing its weight around".
“I haven’t done anything wrong,” he told 6PR. “They want to make a lesson out of me to the public – if you stand up to the guys in Gosnells council, this is what you’ll get.
“I mean, the council destroyed the amenity of the whole of Hume Road OK by cutting down 19 magnificent gum trees.”
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said subsequent requests from Mr Pennicuik through his lawyer John Hammond to save neighbouring trees effectively annulled the council's three month moratorium, which was due to expire later this month.
"The city has waited three months for the protestor to respond to its invitation for independently mediated talks at a neutral venue," she said.
"The only formal response has been made through a lawyer which has added to the conditions for the protest to end including the building of a permanent barrier around the tree."
Ms Searle said the tree was dangerous and claimed there had been 20 "catastrophic failures" of that species of similar age in the past five years.
But Mr Hammond said the council's approach was "extremely heavy-handed" as Mr Pennicuik was prepared to talk to them about "peaceful solution".
"To start saying that the full weight of the law should be applied is draconian, it's just going too far," he said
Mr Hammond, who is in Busselton for a court case, said he had not seen the letter but it could be challenged on legal grounds.
Last month the Heritage Council has rejected an application by Mr Pennicuik to have the tree outside his home heritage-listed.
Council executive director Graeme Gammie said the State Register of Heritage Places was reserved for places of significant cultural value to WA and the eucalyptus melliodora Mr Pennicuik was staying in was not rare as a verge tree in Australia.
as posted here
The City of Gosnells has stepped up its action against Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik, threatening to take him to court unless he comes down from the tree.
In a letter sent by its lawyers, the council has said it intends to cut down the Hume Road tree and warned that Mr Pennicuik would be charged with causing an obstruction if he has not come down by the time the lopper arrives.
A council spokesman confirmed this morning that if Mr Pennicuik still refused to come down it would prosecute him through the courts.
However "there is no fixed date" on when it intends to remove the tree.
It is understood Mr Pennicuik could be fined $5000 and $500 for every day he breaches the order to come down.
Mr Pennicuik has been living in the eucalyptus melliodora since December 7.
This morning Mr Pennicuik vowed to carry on his fight.
He said the legal threat was overkill and evidence of the council "throwing its weight around".
“I haven’t done anything wrong,” he told 6PR. “They want to make a lesson out of me to the public – if you stand up to the guys in Gosnells council, this is what you’ll get.
“I mean, the council destroyed the amenity of the whole of Hume Road OK by cutting down 19 magnificent gum trees.”
Gosnells mayor Olwen Searle said subsequent requests from Mr Pennicuik through his lawyer John Hammond to save neighbouring trees effectively annulled the council's three month moratorium, which was due to expire later this month.
"The city has waited three months for the protestor to respond to its invitation for independently mediated talks at a neutral venue," she said.
"The only formal response has been made through a lawyer which has added to the conditions for the protest to end including the building of a permanent barrier around the tree."
Ms Searle said the tree was dangerous and claimed there had been 20 "catastrophic failures" of that species of similar age in the past five years.
But Mr Hammond said the council's approach was "extremely heavy-handed" as Mr Pennicuik was prepared to talk to them about "peaceful solution".
"To start saying that the full weight of the law should be applied is draconian, it's just going too far," he said
Mr Hammond, who is in Busselton for a court case, said he had not seen the letter but it could be challenged on legal grounds.
Last month the Heritage Council has rejected an application by Mr Pennicuik to have the tree outside his home heritage-listed.
Council executive director Graeme Gammie said the State Register of Heritage Places was reserved for places of significant cultural value to WA and the eucalyptus melliodora Mr Pennicuik was staying in was not rare as a verge tree in Australia.
as posted here
AC/DC fan glassed in the neck outside rock concert
as posted here
as posted here
AC/DC fan glassed in the neck outside rock concert
AJA STYLES
March 9, 2010 - 9:33AMPolice tape ropes off the street outside the Irish Club in Subiaco, where the attack occurred. Photo: Channel Ten
A 39-year-old AC/DC fan is undergoing surgery after being glassed to the neck in a fight outside the band's final Australian rock concert at Subiaco Oval last night.
The Thornlie man and his mates could not afford concert tickets and so parked their van outside the Irish Club on Townshend Road, cranked the band's tunes and started drinking, police said.
Just before 1am, another group, who knew the men, approached and a fight broke out.
The 39-year-old fell to the ground during the fracas and was stabbed to the neck with what police believe was a broken bottle.
The man's friends grabbed him and drove him to Sir Charles Hospital but he was later transferred to Royal Perth Hospital for surgery.
His injuries were described as serious.
The eight men believed to be involved in the fight were still to be questioned by police.
The legendary Aussie rock band returned to the home of original frontman Bon Scott to play two concerts, one on Saturday and the second last night, to finish their mammoth Australian tour.
The concerts saw an army of almost 100,000 black-clad fans descend on Subiaco, but up until last night there were no reports of violence.
Police said there were notably a lot less families at Monday night's concert, which drew 46,000 fans.
Consequently there were increased incidents of street drinking and "a significant number" of small volatile groups were ejected from the concert for disorderly behaviour, police said.
as posted here
Monday 8 March 2010
Islamic school leaders accused of fraud
as posted here
as posted here
Islamic school leaders accused of fraud
KATE CAMPBELL, The West AustralianMarch 8, 2010, 1:47 pm
Three Islamic school leaders are on trial accused of defrauding the state and commonwealth governments out of millions of dollars by inflating student numbers to claim extra government subsidies.
Founder of the three Islamic college campuses in Thornlie, Dianella and Kewdale, Abdallah Magar and principles Mark Brian Debowski and Aziz Magdi are standing trial in the District Court on a combined total of 27 fraud charges.
It is alleged students who had left or never attended the school were included on state and federal government census claim forms in order to receive overpayments in government grants.
State prosecutor Paul Yovich said on occasions the false claims were on a "grand scale". He said Mr Magar was the driving force behind the fraud which was designed to make up the colleges fee shortfall in order to balance their budgets.
It is alleged Dr Debowski and Dr Magdi signed the claim forms knowing they were false. Mr Yovich said the colleges did not receive fees from more than half of the student population, many of whom were from poor families.
He said the all the money went to the colleges and the men did not use the funds for personal gain.
Mr Yovich said in some cases the college claimed grants for students who had not been at the college since 2002 or students who have done their entire secondary schooling at other high schools.
He told the jury religion was a non-issue in this trial and it did not matter if it was a Catholic or Presbyterian college at the centre of these allegations.
Major fraud squad officers raided the colleges in January 2007 and charged the three men in 2008.as posted here
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Thankyou for your enquiry. Council meetings are conducted under the provisions of the City of Gosnells Standing Orders Local Law 2003, a co...
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as posted here Armadale, Thornlie trains cancelled this weekend STAFF REPORTER January 4, 2010 - 11:28AM All passenger services on the Ar...
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was originally posted on West but has been removed .. A 31-year-old high school teacher pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court today t...
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as posted here Two Gypsy Joker bikies have been jailed for bashing a man outside a Gosnells nightclub. Dean Alan Adams and Peter Floyd Ro...