Golden Bay dune protesters condemn arson attack

Singleton residents Judy and Murray Henderson are part of a group that has been protesting the clearing of sand dunes for a residential development, but say they are distraught after a deliberately lit fire caused upwards of $400,000 worth of damage at the site.

“It makes us look like s**t because someone has taken matters into their own hands,” Mr Henderson said.

“It was a completely peaceful protest until this happened and now it has been discredited.”

Mrs Henderson said there was a feeling of anger toward the arsonist throughout the protest group.

“We’re distraught and really upset, but most of all we’re just angry that someone out there thinks this is the solution,” she said.

“We’re hoping when people come back to protest they bring signs saying ‘arson is not the answer’.

“There are so many better ways to go about fighting for a cause.”

Forensics scoured the scene of the fire on Thursday morning as work continued around the damaged machinery.

Mandurah Detectives are investigating the incident, which was reported about 9.45pm after security services at the site spotted the blaze.

Protesters have been demonstrating at the development since last Friday, saying it would destroy unique dunes and native wildlife.

Peet Limited, which co-owns the development with the state government, said the project was subject to strict standards of environmental conservation and management.

“Measures have been taken throughout the life of the Golden Bay project to protect local wildlife from the impacts of development,” chief executive Brendan Gore said.

“Local fauna such as kangaroos are able to move freely away from the clearing on Lot 3 to nearby areas of natural bush. The animals are able to move freely between Golden Bay and Madora Bay and are not fenced in by the development in any way.”

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online to crimestopperswa.com.au