Protester charged over cement stunt

16th April 2008, 9:00 WST

Police have charged an environmental protester who cemented her arm into a 'lock-on device' at the bottom of a marri tree in College Grove and could not be removed for more than 24 hours.South West Environment Centre convenor Susan Hill refused to release herself, holding up workers for more than a day in a public protest against the development of 43 hectares of bushland.

Land clearing of the development, a joint venture development between the City of Bunbury, Department for Planning and Infrastrucutre and its developer LandCorp, had to be stopped while Ms Hill was on the site.Police yesterday morning dug out the lock-on device and used a jackhammer to free her arm.Ms Hill was taken to Bunbury Police Station where she was charged with trespassing and obstructing police.She was released on bail and is due to appear in the Bunbury Magistrates Court on Friday.