Protesters block Brisbane CBD intersections to protest climate change

Police are gearing up for members of Extinction Rebellion to conduct climate protests every weekday morning in Brisbane’s CBD next week.

POLICE are gearing up for members of Extinction Rebellion to conduct climate protests every weekday morning in the CBD next week.

“We are aware of the planned activities next week,” police Inspector Steve Collins said.

“We are taking action to get our strategies in place to appropriately deal with that.”

‘SORRY, BUT YOU’RE GOING TO BE LATE FOR WORK’

He said about 40 members of Extinction Rebellion took part of the unauthorised protest this morning.

“There is no offence as such by taking part in an unauthorised march; offences may be committed in isolation to the march itself,” he said.

He said police from the City Central Patrol group dealt with close to 500 protests annually within the CBD.

“In all of those cases, we assess the merits of the situation and deal with is as we see appropriate bearing in mind the rights of the protesters, the rights of the public and the road users,” he said.

Insp Collins said no arrests were made from this morning’s protest.

Activists this morning continued their climate change protest in Brisbane’s CBD, moving on to block a fifth intersection.

In the latest move, Ann St was blocked near Roma St for just under 10 minutes.

Police have maintained a presence around the group, with one person heard yelling ”why don’t you arrest them”.

Another asked “why don’t they just get a f------ job” and was offered a vegan biscuit in response.

Climate change activists preparing to swarm

One frustrated driver began pushing toward the protesters, trying to force them to move on.

About 40 members of Extinction Rebellion arrived at Queens Park this morning at 7.30am preparing to block the streets in 10 minute rotations causing traffic chaos for commuters.

The climate activists groups are holding banners saying “sorry we’ll be 10 minutes” and promoting Rebellion Day on August 6.

Another sign says “there is no future on a dead planet”.

Activists blocking traffic in Brisbane's CBD this morning.

They moved down George St, blocking intersections at Elizabeth, Adelaide and Turbot streets.

Commuters have been stopped for about 10 minutes at a time, with some blowing their horns as protesters stood across intersections.

Spokesman for the activist group, Sergeio, said they were protesting against the Government’s inaction of climate change.

“On August 6 thousands of people will be taking to the streets to demand the government take serious action on climate change, this will mean disruptions, this will mean people personally sacrificing things,

“I plan on getting arrested and possibly going to jail and I know there is dozens of other people that also plan on doing that.”

Sergeio said the group has had good communication with the police so far today throughout the protest.

Protesters have been heckled by pedestrians as they stop traffic at the intersection of George and Adelaide streets in Brisbane's CBD. Picture: Andrea Macleod

Teneriffe mother Dominique, who joined the group this morning said she thought it was time to stand up to protect her son’s future.

“Obviously I am very concerned about his (my son’s) future and I want him to enjoy the nature and environment I grew up with,” she said.

“It’s got that serious I felt it was what I needed to do.”

She said although the swarming would disrupt traffic “we are trying to get a message across that we are not trying to cause people distress but letting them know it is this serious.”

Commuters caught up in this morning’s action have expressed their frustration.

“It’s inconsiderate, and they’re not drawing sympathy towards their cause,” motorcyclist Nelson Portela said.

“All these people waiting behind me are going to hate them, it’s as simple as that whether they agree with this (protest) or not.”

Mr Portela was on his way to work on Charlotte St when he was stuck at the lights on Elizabeth St.

Protesters block traffic at Turbot St this morning.

“I’ve got no problem with them trying to push their agenda... if I knew it was going to be like this I would have come earlier,” he said.

“I’m lucky enough because I’ll filter through this, there’s guy back there (behind him) and they’re going to be in that for hours.

“You’ve gotta have your head in the sand if you don’t know about global warming, everyone knows about it.”

However, another commuter said she was happy to give up 10 minutes of her day in support of the protest.

“Climate change is a real issue and needs action. If this is the way it has to happen to make people aware I’m happy with that,” said Rebecca, from The Gap, who was stuck at the intersection of George and Elizabeth streets.

“I have two children and I’m very concerned about their future.”

She said the protesters had apologised for the inconvenience and offered her a biscuit.