The Northern Territory Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, was targeted by anti-fracking protesters during the West Macs Monster trail running festival. The incident occurred during the final 5 kilometres of the 25km race, with a group of protesters chasing Ms Fyles with anti-fracking signs as she reached the finish line. Police were called to the scene, but no arrests were made. The protest was organised by the Central Australian Frack Free Alliance, which opposes the NT government’s green-lighting of a full-scale onshore gas industry in the Beetaloo Basin.
Ms Fyles was left in tears after the incident, and she later spoke to the ABC, saying that it wasn’t “the time or place” for the protest. She also expressed disappointment for the race organisers who had put so much effort into making it a professional event. The event organisers released a statement expressing their disappointment with the protesters’ actions, saying that it was not aligned with the safe community spirit of the event that they strive to deliver.
The protest was not an isolated incident, as almost 200 protesters also gathered outside the Alice Springs Convention Centre on Friday to protest the issue. Federal politicians, including Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, have called for an urgent halt on mining approvals in the Beetaloo following concerns that the recommendations to reduce fracking risks in the region haven’t been met. These concerns are being echoed by local protesters who claim that the chief minister has been telling “blatant lies” about the project’s emissions and veto rights for traditional owners.
The West Macs Monster trail running festival is one of Australia’s toughest outback events, with hundreds of runners descending on the Larapinta Trail each year. The festival wrapped up on Sunday with hundreds crossing the finish line. Alice Springs local Simon Duke smashed the course record for the 231km Sonder Monster, recording a time of 39 hours, 56 minutes, and 26 seconds. Meanwhile, New South Wales ultra-trail runner Meghann Coffey set a new course record in the female category of the Sonder Monster, running 47 hours, 11 minutes, and 38 seconds.
In conclusion, the incident involving the anti-fracking protesters targeting the Northern Territory Chief Minister during the West Macs Monster trail running festival has caused controversy. While protesters have the right to express their views, the timing and location of their protest have been called into question. The event organisers have expressed their disappointment with the protesters’ actions, saying that it was not aligned with the safe community spirit of the event that they strive to deliver. The issue of fracking in the Beetaloo Basin remains a contentious issue, with federal politicians and local protesters calling for an urgent halt on mining approvals in the region.