Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has Mindful Earth Sanctuary in crosshairs for ‘illegal’ events

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is taking legal action against the organisers of an event planned for this weekend deemed illegal. A new community centre near Karridale called Mindful Earth Sanctuary was in the Shire’s crosshairs after allegedly holding illegal events in recent months, with another one planned for this weekend posing an unacceptable bushfire risk as well as affecting the amenity of neighbours who have lodged complaints. Shire chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown said the location was not licensed as a campground and contractors and suppliers headed to this weekend’s rave were already being warned off lest they become a party to the alleged offences. “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. Event organisers did not respond to Times inquiries, but Mindful Earth’s Facebook page showed the commune was set up earlier this year on farmland by people “passionate about living on the earth sustainably, involving many hands, and learning as we turn to the earth for mindful farming”. The Shire warned it was not the first event held at the location, which follows Times reports of police attendances in Karridale amid concerns about a rise in unlawful “bush doofs” alarming cops and the region’s volunteer firefighters. Shire president Paula Cristoffanini said she understood people wanting to feel close to the earth, but it needed to be respectful to others. “The Shire recognises people move here to enjoy alternative lifestyles, but these illegal events are unfairly causing disruption and impact to others,” she said. “This just isn’t how you build a community or make positive change. “‘Mindful’ is a term usually used to describe behaviour that is attentive, careful and considerate. “In recent months, Mindful Earth Farm have been anything but that, causing safety issues, disturbance, and impacts to neighbours and the wider Karridale community.” Ms Addison Brown confirmed the Shire was prosecuting the organisers and landowners. Shire rangers were expected to issue infringements to anyone camping illegally on the property and an Augusta Police presence this weekend was also anticipated. Partygoers were urged to give the event a miss.