Karridale’s Mindful Earth Sanctuary faces more police action due to noise

A big contingent of local police have confiscated music equipment from a contentious commune at the heart of residents’ angst down Karridale way. At least five police vehicles attended Mindful Earth Sanctuary at midday on Sunday in relation to noise complaints. A WA Police spokesperson confirmed Augusta, Margaret River and Nannup cops visited the site and seized stereo equipment due to a noise abatement order placed on the community hub by Augusta police. Sanctuary owner and spokesman Boh Morel said the incident sparked a rethink about how the commune operated going forward. “This event was beautiful and connecting for all involved, bringing amazing people together to celebrate in dance and connection,” he told the Times. “Going forward we are seeking a second property to hold these type of events, isolated from neighbours, but on private land, where we can create spaces for this community of music and dance lovers. “We won’t be holding any music events of this type going forward unless the we have the local community support.” The farm sparked community outrage and intervention from the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River at the end of March when a planned two-day wellness festival was shut down and visitors and vendors warned not to attend lest they risked prosecution. At the time, Shire chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown said noise and bushfire risk concerns sparked the Shire’s action. “Ticketed events recently held at the farm resulted in noise, sanitation and amenity issues for neighbours, and have posed major fire risks on days where conditions have been potentially catastrophic,” Ms Addison-Brown said. The weekend’s police intervention also comes after Karridale residents voiced concerns not enough was being done to halt perceived antisocial behaviour. Mr Morel said efforts were made to keep the noise to acceptable levels during the weekend, which included liaising with police. “We stopped music at main stage and moved to our smaller venue at 11pm and had further dialogue Saturday night,” he said. “Unfortunately, we had a DJ decide to start up at 6am on main stage, waking up the neighbours and people sleeping at Mindful Earth. “The police were then obligated to come and seize the equipment about 11am Sunday due to those morning complaints.” Mr Morel said he was sorry efforts to appease neighbours fell short.