Central Coast warned not to protest in Sydney after ‘chatter’ about another anti-lockdown rally

Do not go to Sydney. That is the blunt warning from a Central Coast MP after police detected “online chatter” about another planned anti-lockdown rally.

Central Coast residents are being warned not to travel to Sydney and risk huge fines and possible jail time if a second rally goes ahead.

Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch said police had detected “online chatter about a second anti-lockdown” protest planned for this weekend.

“I am warning Central Coast residents to not travel to Sydney this weekend,” Mr Crouch said.

“I respect everyone’s democratic right to express their opinions, but I do not support people who do this in an unsafe and selfish way.”

Mr Crouch said anyone who protests in Sydney on Saturday would be putting the safety of their family and the wider community at risk.

A police officer wipes away the paint thrown by a protester on her colleague in Sydney during last weekend’s protest. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

“The penalties for attending the protest can include a fine of $11,000 and a jail sentence of six months,” he said.

“We saw an estimated 150 protesters travel from the Central Coast to Sydney last weekend, which trashed our chances of ending our region’s lockdown. There was no social distancing, no mask wearing, no QR codes and no respect shown at this protest.

“The Delta strain is unlike anything we’ve ever faced and that is why we cannot afford to be complacent.”

Pot plants were allegedly thrown at mounted police officers during an unauthorised protest at the weekend. Source NSW Police

It comes after six Central Coast residents were issued $1000 PINs following their attendance at last week’s protest.

Police have established Strike Force Seasoned, the largest since the Cronulla riots to track down and identify anyone breach public health orders.

It comes as NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has requested assistance in the form of 300 Australian Defence Force personnel to help with a compliance crackdown in Sydney.