Logging contractors face court Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 25, 2023 TWO men appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court on June 14 in relation to an incident in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest in June 2020. Michael Luigi Vitali from South Grafton is charged with common assault against local ecologist Mark Graham. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Grafton man Rodney James Hearfield is charged with common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm against Andre Johnston. Both men pleaded ‘not guilty’ and the matter will be heard next in Coffs Harbour on August 16. A spokesperson for Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) said it was aware of the incident involving third-party contractors and a community member who had entered a worksite where authorised forestry operations were taking place. The spokesperson said FCNSW took this matter extremely seriously and it was referred to NSW Police immediately. The individuals were employed by a contractor, not by FCNSW. By Andrew VIVIAN
The video shows that the incident occurred on the public roadway. The protesters were not on a ‘worksite’ as the article states, – unless the contractors had a road closure permit and clearly identified signage. Reply
