Caretakers Cottage Farrell Eviction - Cotter Road (Old Stromlo Forest) - 31 May 2008
Jenni and Peter Farrell were evicted from the Caretaker Cottage on Cotter Road on Saturday 31 May, 2008 at approximately 17:00 EST.
Prior to the eviction Jenni Farrell gave a farewell address surrounded by supporters.
At approximately 17:00 a representative of ACTPLA escorted by Federal Police Officers arrived to serve the eviction notice on the Farrells.
Jenni and Peter Farrell had a brief discussion with the ACTPLA representative and Police inside the cottage before handing over the keys and vacating the building without incident.
Shortly after the press and television media had left the site, a TAMS (Territorial and Municipal Services) officer, a fencing contractor and private security guards arrived.
What followed was a comedy of errors:
The fencing contractor was to erect a fence and the several security guards to remain on-site to provide a permanent 24/7 security presence.
Unfortunately they forgot to bring a source for lighting the work area and work had to cease after ACT WorkCover was called to investigate unsafe work practices in breach of OH&S legislation.
The TAMS officer made a phone call and requested that a fellow worker deliver some halogen work lamps to light the area, but after the lamps were delivered, it was discovered that they had forgot to bring a power extension cord!
As a result the fencing contractor had no choice but to pack up their truck and leave the site to return the following day during daylight hours in order to actually complete the job.
Click here to see footage from the Open Day held a week earlier.
