CFMEU who? West End masked, hooded protesters deny union action

A mysterious group of masked, hooded protesters who have been trying to block a developer from using a non-unionised crane deny they are CFMEU members. They have vowed to stay as long as it takes to get their way.

Police have been called several times after a group of masked, hooded people began blocking access to a Pradella project in West End.

Police have had to station a vehicle outside a protest in West End for a month after a group of mysterious men tried to block a construction crane at a multi million-dollar unit construction site.

The group of about 20 people, all with faces covered by ski masks or bandannas, denied being union members.

One man, when asked if he belonged to militant construction union the CFMEU, denied ever having heard of it.

Instead, he claimed to be part of a group called Rage Against the Machine and said they were angry the Pradella development did not include affordable housing or a large public green space.

Rage Against The Machine is also a popular US thrash and hip hop band known for its leftwing political activism.

The man, who declined to be named, said they would remain at the site for as long as necessary.

“There have been 60 objections about it. We might be too late to stop this but we want to send a message,’’ the man said.

He said they covered up their faces after one of their group was allegedly struck in the head by an unknown person and construction workers allegedly filmed them.

“They were even filming one of the women when she was walking to the toilets (at a nearby shopping centre),’’ he said.

The CFMEU was approached for comment.

Police confirmed officers from the West End police station had been “monitoring protest activity’’ since April 25.

“No assault complaints have been received regarding the person who was allegedly struck in the head,’’ they said.

One nearby business said several of their customers had complained, saying they did not feel safe.

Police have been called several times after a group of masked, hooded people began blocking access to a Pradella project in West End.

A woman who answered the phone at the Grande On Ferry unit block, where most of the protesters have been quietly sitting on chairs outside its entrance, hung up after being asked about the group.

A nearby recreational axe throwing business was also contacted, but had not returned messages by time of publication.

It was believed Pradella Developments, a major player on the inner-city construction scene, was seeking to use a non-unionised sky crane at the site.

The project, called The Lanes, attracted more than 60 formal objections last year to the latest stage.

The company proposed to build more than 300 units spread across three highrises.

Many of the objections expressed concerns about pressure on West End State School and local roads.

No union signage was on display and 4WD vehicles which have been parked on Ferry Rd and nearby Montague Rd were not marked with any union signage.

A sign at the protest site, with members of the group near the unit block entrance.

Pradella issued a statement saying it was “working hard to create homes for around 650 residents in what is generally considered Queensland’s biggest housing crisis’’.

“Unfortunately this work is being interrupted, which also hurts small business subcontractors and their staff who can’t get on to the site,’’ the statement said.

“Because the protesters are masked and refuse to identify themselves, it is difficult for us to address any genuine concerns they may have.

“Our immediate priorities are to minimise project delays and to minimise the impact on neighbours, residents of West End and our loyal staff.

“We are currently working through all the possible options that can get us back to delivering jobs and new homes for Queenslanders.’’

It is understood there have been no attempts by the group to communicate with Pradella.