Spit Bridge: Fireproof Australia protest impacts Mosman business Learn to Paddle Now
Small businesses have spoken of their frustration after climate protesters blocked one of Sydney main roads, causing peak-hour traffic mayhem for commuters.
North Shore
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As climate change protesters caused traffic mayhem on The Spit Bridge during Monday morning peak hour, nearby family-run small businesses were paying the cost.
The Spit Bridge was reopened to traffic in both directions at 8.56am, after a group of five Fireproof Australia protesters blocked traffic by sitting on the road and holding up banners from 8.30am.
Protesters are vowing to continue blocking major Sydney roads, despite NSW Police confirming three members of the group had been taken into custody and were in the process of being charged, as of 10.30am.
As well as causing major gridlocks on both sides of the bridge, the blockade also disrupted local businesses at The Spit including the Learn to Paddle Now swim school.
Nicci Vesely, whose family runs the small business, said this morning’s action resulted in the cancellation of a kayak session and disappointed customers.
“We had a session planned today and had clients who were stuck in traffic and unfortunately missed it,” she said.
“They were sitting in traffic and were literally two cars away but were stuck and couldn’t get here until the police came.
“I don’t even know what the protest was about but it really affects us as a business and our clients.
“Clients paid for sessions and can’t get here and if they come half an hour late or 40 minutes late they miss so much of their session.”
A spokeswoman for Fireproof Australia said motorists and businesses could expect more road blockades until the group’s climate demands are met.
The group are demanding a fireproof and floodproof nation, calling on the Australian Government to respond to the climate crisis.
“There are a lot of clear and historical references to direct action working to highlight states of emergency,” she said.
“We have very reasonable demands (and) we’ve been very clear that we are going to block major roads until they are met.
“I don’t think any of us want to be causing the disruption, we apologise to everyone impacted by doing this out of fear of the absolute havoc that will be reaped on Australia if we don't prepare.
“Bringing it into the heart of Sydney forces people to think about it and more importantly sends a message to the government and people who aren’t directly affected that it’s an issue that will affect all of us.”
Sophie Scamps – an independent candidate running in the Mackellar federal electorate – believes the climate protests could prove “counter-productive”.
“This protest will simply help climate deniers and harm those who are trying to deliver improved climate policies in Australia,” she said.
“It is not acceptable to keep people from getting to work, kids from getting to school and ambulances from getting patients to hospital.”