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Network spokesman Gavan McFadzean said 20 anti-logging protesters were injured in the attack, with four men and a woman being treated at Lorne and Geelong hospitals. Injuries included bruises and cuts, and a man's finger was broken. The raid happened at the Middle Spur camp, 50km southeast of Colac.
It followed the sabotage of last weekend's Apollo Bay music Festival. Two power poles near the town were felled, cutting electricity to the area. Police confirmed that friction over logging could be a motive. Police Minister Andre Haermeyer today said a permanent police presence near the camp might be needed to prevent further violence.
Protester Dave Hope said he ran for his life. "They tore down most of our camp," Mr Hope said "A knife was pulled out on one woman, and (they) threatened to cut oh her dress and rape her. "Numerous threats were made to kill people. "I ran for my life. One person was knocked unconscious and was on a ventilator when the ambulance took him away."
Mr McFadzean said the loggers gave the protesters until noon today to
pack up and leave. He said the loggers threatened to return in greater
force. "We've blockaded a bulldozer and a log carrier and they used
the excuse that they wanted them back to go into our camp and bash people,"
he said. "Police just said not to hurt anyone or they would be summonsed."
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