Extinction Rebellion: Two activists charged over climate protests

Two climate activists have been charged over a protest that caused havoc in Melbourne’s CBD, while more “mass disruption” is planned for next week.

Police will allow a series of climate protests to take place across Melbourne next week but have vowed to ensure citizens will be allowed to go about their daily lives.

Climate protesters have promised to cause “mass disruptions” in Melbourne’s CBD next week after they blocked trams in the city for more than an hour on Friday.

Thousands of people from the Extinction Rebellion movement are gearing up for seven days of planned “disruptive action” starting on Monday at 7.30am.

The group plans to camp in Carlton Gardens without appropriate permits as well as march through key CBD roads during peak hours.

Extinction Rebellion activist Violet Coco said the group had a “big week of action” planned.

“Thousands will take to the streets,” she said. “Our demands are to declare a climate ecological emergency, zero emissions by 2025 and democracy is f..ked so we need citizens’ assemblies.”

Protesters block the intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

On Friday morning two protesters caused chaos outside Flinders Street Station, blocking the Swans­ton and Flin­ders streets intersection with a truck for more than an hour before being arrested.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said it created “havoc for tram passengers”.

“You’d hope it (would be) cleared as quickly as possible,” Mr Bowen said.

Police used a ladder to get to the roof of the truck to bring down the two protesters, who had joined their arms together with a pipe.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp slammed the disruption, calling it “disrespectful” to Melb­urnians and “highly dama­ging” for local businesses.

“The tactics being used appal the majority of Melburnians, even many who are passionately working to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability,” Ms Capp said.

“The deliberate and targeted disruption of our city is disrespectful and has the potential to become a safety issue if emergency vehicles become blocked.

“It is also highly damaging for local businesses that have suffered through the worst trading conditions in living memory.

“We respect the right to protest at the City of Melbourne but respect for our city needs to be reciprocated.

“Reducing our carbon emissions is critical to mitigating against climate change. Grinding the public transport network to a halt does nothing to achieve that aim.

“The City of Melbourne has not given a permit for these protesters to camp in Carlton Gardens.”

Protesters wave Extinction Rebellion flags in Melbourne.

A rental truck gets towed away. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Victoria Police said it had “undertaken extensive planning” to ensure the protests next week were safe.

“There is expected to be traffic disruptions at different locations and times throughout the week, and we plan to provide relevant updates to ensure those in the city are aware,” a spokeswoman said.

“We will have a highly visible presence in the area to maintain public safety.”

Two men, both of Williamstown, were charged after Friday’s protest.

Andrew George, 31, who allegedly drove the truck, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. He was fined $5000 and given a community corrections order. A 35-year-old man was bailed until August 11.

Though he took into account Mr George’s early guilty plea and that he had no prior convictions, magistrate David Starvaggi condemned his “ratbag manner” that disrupted people during their morning commute.

“Everyone’s got a legal right to protest,” Mr Starvaggi said.

But Friday’s protest caused “chaos and mayhem” for regular city goers.

Mr George’s lawyer Gregory Lascaris said his client had “certainly gone too far”.

But, Mr Lascaris said his early guilty plea was “inherent of remorse”.

The court heard Mr George once worked as an environmental engineer.

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