Protesters are expected to blockade parts of Melbourne over remote communities closure

THE journey home for some Melburnians could be a long one tonight as more than 10,000 people flood the city in protest.

Melbournians marching through the city over the forced closure of aboriginal communities. Picture: Alex Coppel.

THE journey home for some Melburnians could be a long one tonight as more than 10,000 people are expected to flood the city in protest.

The group is opposed to federal and state government plans to close 150 remote Aboriginal communities.

The protest is the latest in a series that have been held after the West Australian government announced it was closing the communities after the federal government withdrew funding for essential services.

More than 10,000 people are expected to descend on Town Hall and then march down Flinders Street before setting up a blockade at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets from about 5pm.

Protestors outside Flinders Street Station.

The protest has been organised by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR).

Chairman of the Northwest Region Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Board and Dja Dja Wurrung

Elder Gary Murray said he understood commuter frustrations.

“Try being frustrated when you lose your home,” Mr Murray told the Herald Sun.

“Try being frustrated when they cut off your water supply and your electricity. I wouldn’t be worried about 45 minutes and being late for dinner.’’

Protestors outside Flinders Street Station.

It is one of many events being held today in conjunction with May Day marches across Australia, and in cities overseas such as London, New York, Berlin and Auckland.

Police have warned commuters to expect delays along Flinders, Swanston, Elizabeth and Bourke Streets.

Tram services are also likely to be affected including those servicing the Carlton versus Collingwood clash at the MCG.

Protestors outside Flinders Street Station.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Tony Abbott came under fire after he said “it’s not the job of the taxpayer to subsidise lifestyle choices” when describing people who live in remote communities.

WA Premier Colin Barnett also faced criticism when he announced 274 communities would close as a result of reduced funding from the Commonwealth.

However, today Mr Barnett appears to have relaxed his stance on the number of closures telling The Australian his government would use a “hub and orbit” approach to remote communities by closing only the smallest and increasing services at others in their surrounding area.

Protestors gather in City Square.