Anti-gas hub protesters have allowed a Woodside Petroleum convoy to pass without incident in the Kimberley, as about 30 police stood guard.
Organisers said up to 40 protesters held a silent vigil as the heavy-truck convoy moved along Cape Leveque Road on Monday, en-route to the proposed $30 billion James Price Point liquid natural gas (LNG) plant site, about 60km north of Broome.
The smaller police numbers were in stark contrast to last week, when 55 officers backed by buses of reserves jogged alongside another Woodside convoy to protect it from only a handful of peaceful protesters lining Manari Road.
Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan, who deployed more than 140 officers with riot gear to Broome at a cost of $1 million, was heavily criticised by the opposition, protesters and local residents, who claimed it was an "overreaction".
Police denied the deployment was designed to intimidate, and said they were preparing for a "worst-case scenario", similar to violent clashes with protesters in August that resulted in more than 50 arrests.
Many of the officers sent to Broome last week have since been sent home or redeployed to neighbouring towns.
Environs Kimberley director Martin Pritchard said local protesters had decided to hold a silent vigil in response to the continuing police presence.
"This was yet again a complete overreaction which shows just how desperate the Premier (Colin Barnett) is to build this gas hub in the Kimberley, instead of in the Pilbara where it has been shown to be cheaper to build," he said.
Police Inspector Bill Munnee defended Monday's action, saying "the actions of the protesters are a barometer for the police response".
"If they protest peacefully and lawfully, we will stand back," he said.
"If they escalate their actions, we will use necessary and proportionate force."
Meanwhile, Broome residents Julie Weguelin, 62, and Ali Batten, 65, have appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on three charges each, after allegedly locking themselves onto a concrete-laden vehicle which was used to block another Woodside convoy on Friday.
The women have been charged with obstructing a carriageway, obstructing police and breaching a move on notice.
Their case was adjourned until June 18.
