Karridale ground zero for residents’ concerns from influx of travellers

Residents in Karridale remain frustrated at their new neighbours at Mindful Earth Sanctuary and have complained police are not acting on a rise in alleged antisocial behaviour. However, Augusta Police have said since a contentious three-day music festival at the Chapman Road property sparked “numerous complaints” about noise in February, there were few incidents reported of significant concern. Augusta woman Christine Brown, who moved from Karridale several years ago and maintains strong links to the community, told the Times she had friends and ex-neighbours calling her to rouse Augusta police officers because of unanswered calls. Mrs Brown said neighbours in Karridale were angry and she feared the potential for violence as she related alleged incidents including public nudity and defecation in the township. “Calls to the Augusta police station resulted in the caller being required to navigate a series of links to eventually end up with a recorded voice informing them to ‘leave a message’,” she said. “I have spoken to many people within this community and they feel very violated and terrorised, with ongoing concerns as these people are now scattered throughout the area, squatting wherever they see fit — even if that means setting up their camps in people’s sheds, garages or unattended houses. “Now they appear to be spread around the area, wherever they can find a cleared area large enough to set up a camp, albeit without any facilities for ablutions.” Mrs Brown was unable to confirm whether the alleged culprits were linked to Mindful Earth or part of the backpacker community drawn to the region’s natural attractions. She had lived in Karridale for 22 years and was speaking out because friends were afraid and did not want to be identified. Augusta Police officer-in-charge Sergeant David Wall referred questions to WA Police, with a spokesperson directing residents to use 131 444 or 000 in the case of emergencies. “Although the Augusta Police station is not open 24 hours a day, police are contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” the spokesperson said. “After Augusta Police station operating hours, their phone lines are diverted to another police station.” Information could also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au. “Augusta Police work closely with community members, and the officer-in-charge, Sergeant David Wall, personally speaks to members of the community to address any concerns they have,” police said. “He is happy for any residents who have any concerns/issues, to raise them direct with him.” Police said cancellation of the event on March 26-27 after the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River issued a legal warning meant no complaints were received that weekend. Residents with information regarding serious complaints were urged to contact police so the matters could be fully investigated.