Refugee protests to close Kangaroo point streets

Refugee protesters will close a major thoroughfare near the Gabba on Sunday with disruptions set to worsen because of game-day traffic for an AFL game. SEE WHEN AND WHERE STREETS WILL CLOSE

A traffic nightmare is forecast with refugee advocates blocking Kangaroo Point streets again Sunday afternoon at the same time AFL crowds are expected to flock to the Gabba.

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Police are urging the public to avoid Kangaroo Point, after their bid to suppress a refugee advocacy protest was rejected in the Brisbane magistrate’s court.

The protest – the latest in a series of demonstrations opposing the detainment of refugees at a Kangaroo Point motel – will block Main St from 12.30-1.30pm and Walmsley St from midday-3.30pm.

Protesters have been rallying in support of refugees being housed at a Kangaroo Point motel. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling

Disruptions from the protests are set to compound game day traffic at the Gabba – with the stadium opening its gates to up to 10,000 fans for a Carlton-Port Adelaide showdown that kicks off at 1.05pm.

Police opposed the bid to hold the protest under the guise that it would disrupt public safety, after it was lodged by Greens councillor Jonathan Sri and Father Terry Fitzpatrick of St Mary’s in Exile on Friday.

Greens Councillor Jonathan Sri has been attending the protests. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

However, Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner approved the protests on the grounds that demonstrators would take all reasonable steps to ensure that driveways on Walmsley St would not be blocked unnecessarily.

Traffic Alert for Sunday (19/7), Kangaroo Point: Main Street will be closed to traffic from 12.30pm to 1.30pm and then Walmsley Street will be closed from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/K4W2D6Solk

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) July 18, 2020

Cr Sri said protesters would allow vehicles to access businesses and driveways in the suburb.

Through traffic, however, would not be allowed through, he said.

“We are of course encouraging participants to wear face-masks, avoid unnecessary physical content and to stay home if you have any flu-like symptoms,” he said.

Several protests have already been held surrounding the Kangaroo Point motel. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

This weekend marks seven years since the introduction of policy that requires Asylum Seekers arriving to Australia by boat, and without a valid visa, to be placed in offshore processing – a policy which tomorrow’s protest opposes.

“People should not be locked up for years without a release date simply because they dared to ask Australia for help,” Cr Sri said.

Main St, Kangaroo Point will be blocked between Walmsley St and Lockerbie St from 12:30pm on Sunday.

Through-traffic and heavy vehicles are encouraged to take alternative routes.

Originally published as Refugee protests to close Kangaroo point streets