Avalon Airshow 2025: Extra police to patrol over protest fears
Protesters plan to block the entrance of the Avalon International Airshow on Wednesday’s trade day but police say any violence “will not be tolerated”.
Geelong
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Police have warned any violence at protests against the Avalon International Airshow will “not be tolerated” as extra officers are brought in to patrol the event.
Disrupt Avalon will hold various demonstrations this week including forming a picket line on Beach Rd from 7am on Wednesday, the event’s major trade day.
They will also rally outside the former Ford Factory in Norlane on Friday afternoon and target the event’s park and ride location at Sutcliffe Reserve in Corio on Saturday.
Protesters are calling for an end to the airshow, which runs until Sunday, and claim some aircraft on display have been used in ongoing international conflict.
Chief executive of AMDA Foundation Justin Giddings said the organisation, which hosts the show, was working closely with police to mitigate the effects of any protest action.
“(We) respect the right of everyone in a democracy to voice their views in a peaceful manner,” he said.
“We ask that protesters in turn respect the rights of those attending.
“While we will not discuss security arrangements we have a robust plan in place, aimed at making the airshow a safe and fun day out for all the family.”
While police would not disclose specific measures being taken for operational reasons, officers have spent weeks planning for the event.
“Police are aware of planned protest activity and will have ample resources available to respond swiftly to any incidents both within the event grounds and in surrounding areas as required,” a spokesman said.
“Police respects the right for peaceful protest however any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.”
A range of specialist units including the public order response team, highway patrol and water police will be deployed to the event.
“Highway patrol officers will be managing traffic along the Princes Freeway and backroads to ensure everyone gets to the event and then home safely,” a spokesman said.
“In addition to maintaining public order, police are collaborating closely with event organisers and emergency services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.”
When asked about the protests, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “A very small number of people are trying to disrupt this, not by virtue of putting out there their ideas, but simply by engaging in acts of vandalism and disruption.”
“We expect people to have their say in our society, but we also expect people to do so in a way which is peaceful, is in accordance with the law.”
Last week, AMDA Foundation was targeted by two protesters who left a suspicious package at its North Geelong office.
The bomb squad was called in, however the pair left before police arrived.
Anti-war graffiti was also sprayed across Mr Marles’ Geelong office.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj blasted the vandalism and said any violent anti-war protests would not be tolerated.
“There’s no room for that type of activism, and anyone who is doing that is being anti-Geelong and anti-Australian,” he said.
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