Climate Activists Fined for Attempted Protest at Woodside CEO's Home

Three activists received fines for planning to spray paint and block access to the home of Meg O'Neill, as part of a campaign against Woodside Energy's Burrup Hub project.

• Activists Jesse Noakes, Matilda Lane-Rose, and Emil Davey were fined between $2,000 and $2,500 after pleading guilty to attempted trespass and unlawful damage.
• The protest, planned for August 2023, was stopped by counter-terrorism police who were aware of the activists' intentions in advance.
• The group targeted Meg O'Neill's home to draw attention to Woodside's Burrup Hub project, which they claim poses significant environmental risks and threatens ancient Indigenous petroglyphs.
• The magistrate criticized the decision to protest at a private residence, stating it crossed a line, but acknowledged the planned damage was minimal.
• Two activists were granted spent convictions to avoid criminal records, while a fourth participant, Gerard Mazza, awaits sentencing later this month.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Guardian The Sydney Morning Herald