Trespass notices issued to Greenpeace protestors

Media Statement

18 July 2007

Trespass notices issued to Greenpeace protestors

As part of its efforts to protect its property and staff from potentially dangerous protest action, Genesis Energy has today served trespass notices on nine Greenpeace activists.

The trespass notices warn the nine people to stay out of Genesis Energy’s Huntly Power Station and its coal supply systems.

Genesis Energy Chief Executive Murray Jackson said he had very real concerns over the safety of the company’s employees, the activists and members of the public.

The trespass notices are issued following a security review after an incident in February when the nine people illegally entered the Huntly Power Station and climbed to the top of a 150m chimney and the 25m coal conveyor. Wind at the top of the chimney, although not apparent at ground level, caused an injury to one of the Greenpeace climbers and forced them to abort their attempts to unfurl a banner.

Mr Jackson said, “Greenpeace activists may be climbing experts but they cannot be experts in our power station and do not understand the risks involved when climbing or entering power station assets.”

The February action did not immediately halt production of electricity, however Genesis Energy did consider shutting down part of the station as activists were putting themselves, Genesis Energy staff and Police at risk.

Last week Genesis Energy managers met with Greenpeace climate change campaigners and stressed that while Genesis Energy was more than happy to discuss climate change issues and the steps Genesis Energy is taking to reduce its carbon emissions with Greenpeace, it was not prepared to see the security of electricity supply or human safety put at risk by irresponsible activism.

ENDS

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