Council 'not soft' on Occupy Adelaide protesters
The Adelaide City Council has hit back at claims they are being 'soft' on Occupy Adelaide protesters in Hindmarsh Square.
The occupy group made an application to the council to remain at Hindmarsh square as part of their protest against income inequality and 'corporate greed'.
The council agreed to their application last night at a meeting, but ordered the group to move to the south-eastern corner instead.
The group had also requested permission to erect a marquee at their new site, but the council refused.
Instead, the council will provide the protesters with a shed to store their gear.
Coincidentally, the council will be installing two portable toilets and showers in the square for cyclists, which the occupy protesters will be allowed to use.
"There's no fight with council here, this is about balancing people's right to free speech, and we're making sure no laws are broken," Peter Smith, Adelaide City Council CEO said.
"In their application they've asked to put a marquee up overnight, we've not agreed to that.
"So we said why don't we put up one of our sheds that we've got hanging around, in the square and you can put your gear in there."
The protesters will be expected to leave the square each night, at 8pm and have been ordered to leave their current spot in the northern side of the square by the same time tonight.
Mr Smith said the council will review the protesters' application on a week by week basis.
