Activist faces court after Carmichael Rail Project blockade

The 63-year-old told the Bowen court she took part in a blockade to show her children ‘I’m doing my best to fight for a certain future for them’.

Carine Marie Visschers was arrested at a Carmichael Rail Project construction site in April. Picture: Facebook.

A 63-year-old environmental activist has defended her role in a blockade at a Bravus construction site, saying her actions were "necessary" in the face of an "imminent climate breakdown".

Carine Marie Visschers, from Cairns, appeared at Bowen Magistrates Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to one charge of trespassing and one charge of contravening directions from police at Bravus' Carmichael Rail Project construction site on April 9.

The court heard a group of protesters attended at the Mount Coolon site about 6am, erecting anti-Adani signs and banners which blocked workers' access to the site.

At the time of her arrest about 9.30am, Ms Visschers was inside the construction site, sitting on a camping chair blocking the path of vehicles attempting to work on the coal exporting rail line.

The court heard she refused to leave the site of her own accord, despite repeated warnings from security guards and police.

Arresting officers took Ms Visschers to Collinsville Police Station, confiscating the camping chair, as well as three anti-Adani banners and signs, a flashing beacon light and a walkie talkie, before releasing her on bail.

Representing herself in court, Ms Visschers read a prepared statement when invited to speak.

The statement explained Ms Visschers had been a law-abiding citizen all her life, but had decided to participate in "non-violent civil disobedience" at the Bravus site out of desperation to address the "climate crisis".

"It is my conviction that my action was necessary," Ms Visschers told the court.

"The usual legal and socially acceptable methods of political engagement such as petitions, marches and calls to local representatives have [produced] very little results."

Ms Visschers said she had taken steps to minimise the impact of her actions on individuals working at the construction site, and had been polite and cooperative with police.

She asked Magistrate Ron Muirhead to consider the "time, financial, and emotional costs" she had already experienced in being taken into police custody, and travelling to Bowen from Cairns for her court appearance.

She also asked if she could have her camping chair back, as it was "in really good condition" and she did not want to see it go to waste.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors called for the forfeiture of all the confiscated property, and said Ms Visschers should receive a fine as a deterrent to other protesters.

"The inconvenience caused by these protesters at sites like this is great," Sgt Myors said.

"They essentially stop employees being able to carry on with their lawful duties."

Mr Muirhead acknowledged Ms Visschers' "personal beliefs," and lack of criminal history, but told her: "The bottom line is, you broke the law".

He elected not to record a conviction, but did impose a $600 fine.

He also denied Ms Visschers' request for the return of her property, telling her any items used in the commission of an offence must be forfeited, "unless there's a very good reason not to".

Originally published as Adani protester seeks camping chair return after guilty plea

Originally published as Activist faces court after Carmichael Rail Project blockade