ACT Policing issue stern warning to Convoy to Canberra protesters

ACT Policing have issued stern warnings against camping to the Convoy to Canberra protesters ahead of the weekend.

ACT Policing has issued a stern warning to protesters attached to the Convoy to Canberra movement planning to visit Canberra to seek proper accommodation.

In a statement issued on their Facebook page on Thursday, Police warned camping outside of a designated campsites are an offence and stated anyone found camping illegally will be asked to move on.

“Those who refuse to do so may be subject to fines and/or arrest,” the statement said.

“Venues Canberra has advised that camping will not be permitted at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) during the month of March.

“The ACT has limited camping availability with many sites at or near capacity.

“People looking to camp in regions surrounding the ACT are reminded to check with Local Government authorities regarding availability of lawful camping areas.”

Convoy to Canberra protesters gather at Parliament House on February 8 2022. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Across the border in NSW the Yass Valley Council shared ACT Policing’s post and issued a statement on Thursday via Facebook with a similar warning.

“We are expecting a large number of protesters to seek accommodation in Yass Valley as a result of the closure of Exhibition Park in Canberra,” the statement said.

“Our rangers will be patrolling recreational areas for illegal camping and working with police to move on anyone who (don't) comply with our rules.

“We would like to remind protesters that Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds are not approved for camping and that police moved protesters on from the area last time.

“We also remind protesters that Yass Showground is not operated by us and is closed this weekend due to Yass Show.”

An aerial view of ‘Camp Freedom’ at Exhibition Park In Canberra on February 8 2022. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

A spokesman from the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council told The Canberra Star said some “rural-residential properties have been targeted by campers seeking accommodation in Queanbeyan-Palerang”.

“Staff have begun investigations into these sites,” the spokesman said.

“We would like to remind the community that establishing a camping ground on private property is not permitted without Council approval.

“The Queanbeyan Showground is not available to campers and has been locked to entry.”

In recent months ACT Policing have carried out multiple operations to move on protesters camping illegally in Canberra.

Protesters aligned with the “Sovereign Nation” movement, who camped illegally outside Old Parliament, House, Parkes, were booted out in mid-January.

During February police moved on Convoy to Canberra protesters camped on the Patrick White Lawns, Parkes, and most recently police ordered protesters to move out of EPIC.

Convoy to Canberra affiliated protest activities are expected to run from Friday to Sunday.

Previous Convoy to Canberra protests have caused widespread disruption in the city.