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