A woman is being treated for suspected spinal injuries after she

was struck by a gate during a confrontation between a horse rider

and anti-Adani protesters in central Queensland.

The 62-year-old New South Wales woman was part of the 400-person
strong Bob Brown convoy, which had travelled to the coal mining town of
Clermont from Tasmania.

The group was at the Clermont Showgrounds about 3:30pm on Sunday

when a man on a horse rode into the area where some of the protesters
were gathered to watch live music.

Queensland Police said the man was attempting to exit the ring when
the woman and others attempted to close a gate.

The horse then struck the gate, which collided with the woman, police
said.

Video of the incident captured calls to "open the gate, open the gate"
before a bang and screams were heard.

The woman was flown from Clermont Hospital to Mackay Base Hospital
with suspected spinal injuries, a Mackay hospital spokeswoman said.

She also suffered bruising and abrasions.

Police took the rider into custody just after 4:00pm. He is assisting with
enquiries.

'This act is deplorable': local mayor

Former Greens leader Bob Brown, who led the "Stop Adani" convoy
5,000 kilometres from Tasmania to Queensland to protest against a coal
mine proposed for the Galilee Basin, addressed the media shortly after
the incident.

"There is no place for that behaviour … no place for out-of-control

yahoo-ism and the actuality of violence which has come onto this field
because we're simply discussing the future.

"It is an assault on this lady who is in her 60s and it could have been
worse."

Isaac Region Mayor Anne Baker said the actions of the lone rider did not
reflect the local community.
 "This rogue act by an individual does not reflect the community of
Clermont or the wider Isaac region," Mayor Baker said.
"We made it absolutely clear from the outset that disruptive behaviour
from any party or person would not be tolerated.

"This rider has ignored the shared expectation for an environment of

mutual respect.

"I expect they will face the full force of the law for their actions and the
injury caused."

Mayor Baker said the council's thoughts were with the injured woman
and wished her a speedy recovery.

Pro-coal locals turned out to greet visitors

The Stop Adani convoy arrived in town on Saturday to a frosty welcome

from pro-coal locals.
Clermont has about 3,000 residents and is the closest major town to the
proposed mine site.

Police have already been investigating reports of a firecracker being set

off near where the activists were staying overnight.

Mr Brown said the activists had also been threatened with "obscene
language, people banging on their cars and stones being thrown".

In a counter-rally effort, some local businesses closed their doors to the

protesters over the weekend and held pro-coal demonstrations of their
own.

Local opposition to the convoy has garnered support from across the
political spectrum, with Resources Minister Matthew Canavan, One
Nation leader Pauline Hanson and United Australia Party leader Clive
Palmer all making the trip to Clermont.