Firecrackers and stones thrown, threats made as convoy reaches Clermont

A woman has been struck by horse at an anti-Adani protest in Clermont in central Queensland. Picture: ABC News

A WOMAN has been struck by horse at an anti-Adani protest in Clermont in central Queensland this afternoon. 

About 3.40pm emergency services were called to the Clermont Showgrounds after reports of a woman being struck by a horse ridden by a man. 

The woman, aged 62, fell to the ground and suffered injury to her back, before being taken to the Clermont Hospital in a stable condition. 

A man, believed to be a supporter of the Adani megamine, was being interviewed by police.

Frame grab of the incident at Clermont. Picture: ABC News

The woman, who was participating the anti-Adani rally from New South Wales, has been airlifted to Mackay Hospital for further treatment.

 The man riding the horse was a 41-year-old Queensland man, who is believed to live locally to the Clermont Showgrounds. 

He was taken into police custody at around 6.30pm. 

A police spokesman said the rider would likely be charged with dangerous driving, as well as a potential further charge of trespassing.

Some witnesses have told police the woman was partially hit by a swinging gate as the horse entered the showground, however others have said she was trampled on by the horse.

Police say it's currently unclear if the incident was intentional.  

The incident happened amid tensions between pro- and anti-Adani protesters as a green convoy converged on the community closest to the contentious coalmine project.

Earlier, the leader of the convoy and former Greens leader Bob Brows claimed firecrackers and rocks had been thrown at anti-Adani protesters in Clermont.

But Mr Brown said no one was hurt and he does not believe anyone should be arrested.

Bob Brown, speaks at a press conference during the Clermont Anti Adani Convoy, at the show grounds in Clermont, on Sunday April 28th, 2019 (Image AAP/Steve Pohlner)

Angry scenes erupted in the central Queensland town late on Saturday as hundreds of locals gathered on the street to abuse anti-Adani mine activists who streamed into the town as part on an anti-mine convoy.

Former Greens Senator Mr Brown said fire crackers were thrown as well as stones last night.

The crowd Clermont showgrounds. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

Elderly people and children were frightened by the earlier aggression as they drove in which included obscene language and banging on cars, he said.

The crowd at the indigenous welcome to country event at Clermont showgrounds. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

But Mr Brown, who said he had weathered far worse violence over his long career of protest, had re-assured members of the convoy that no gunshots were involved despite rumours to the contrary.

He did not believe anyone should be arrested.

"There was no gunshots, it was firecrackers, they were supposed to sound like gunshots,'' he said.

"Like so much in the pro-Adani crowd, it was fake.''

Uncle Adrian Burragubba speaks at the welcome to country event at Clermont. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

Bob Brown speaks at a press conference at Clermont Showgrounds. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

Mr Brown said he believed police had handled the matter well.

"I think a couple of young fellas were given a good talking to,'' he said.Mr Brown said the police, who have fielded more than two dozen officers in the town, had done a great job and he supported them despite there being no arrests."

I respect the Queensland Police and their judgement,'' he said.

"I don't want to take over their job and I don't think they want to take over mine. Whatever decision they made I will respect.''

The Greens convoy took in an Aboriginal ceremony and dancing at the Clermont Show Grounds this morning with no interruption from locals.

Adrian Burragubba from the Wangan and Jagalingou people said the Adani Mine would take water from the ground and turn the area into desert.

Mr Brown said the Adani Mine could not go ahead without disrespecting the Aboriginal spiritual world that forms part of the country.

"This is not coal country, this is certainly not Adani country, this is Wangan and Jagalingou country.''

EARLIER: CARS were allegedly stoned and young families threatened as tensions between anti and pro coal supporters reached boiling point at Clermont yesterday.

Video has emerged on social media of Clermont residents and pro-coal mining advocates lining the streets and making themselves heard at the Bob Brown Foundation's Stop Adani Convoy arrived in the coal mining town.

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The Bob Brown Foundation made claims that overnight, cars were stoned, older women travelling alone, along with young families in cars, were abused and threatened and flags were ripped off vehicles.

But Queensland Police say no official complaints have been made regarding the convoy or counter protests at Clermont. Multiple police officers from the Public Safety Response Team were deployed to the area yesterday to assist with the ongoing tensions.

Mr Brown said that a number of Clermont business owners had expressed regret at the hostility the convoy received yesterday.

The 250-strong convoy set up camp at Clermont Showgrounds overnight and are expected to be joined by a further 100 people today to see the Wangan and Jagalingou community's Karmoo Dreaming Celebration with Aboriginal singers, musicians, and dancers.

Mr Brown said that rather than 'Adani country' or 'coal country' the convoy recognised it as Wangan and Jagalingou country. 　

"This is about every Australian child's future security in a rapidly heating planet. You can back your children or you can back Gautam Adani's mine but you can't have both," he said.