Extinction Rebellion group launch peak-hour climate protest in Brisbane CBD

Climate change protesters have been arrested after another peak-hour demonstration caused traffic chaos in Brisbane’s CBD.

Environmental activists have wreaked havoc in Brisbane’s CBD for the second time this week as climate change protesters took to busy inner-city streets this morning.

The demonstration was organised by the Extinction Rebellion group, a global organisation aiming to raise awareness of the world’s “sixth mass extinction” brought on by climate change.

The group staged similar action on Monday and last Thursday, with scores of activists blocking traffic in the Queensland capital.

The Courier Mail reports nine participants have already been arrested today, including two who allegedly glued themselves to the street.

The publication revealed some motorists had been “unleashing their frustration”, with some yelling “get a f***ing job”.

Last week, angry drivers who criticised the protest were offered “vegan biscuits” in response.

Seven protesters arrested on Monday were charged with various offences such as public nuisance, disobeying police move-on directions and impeding the flow of traffic.

Eric Herbert is one of many protesters taken into custody today. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

They have been specifically targeting busy intersections, although police have warned they will be arrested if they refuse to move on when requested.

The protesters hope to raise awareness of environmental issues and are strongly against the controversial Adani coal mine.

Ratbag alert! These left wing extremists are reportedly gluing themselves to major Brisbane streets. Enough is enough, Police should enforce the law and they should be punished in court. #qldpol #auspol pic.twitter.com/bKmUB5u4F4

— Deb Frecklington MP (@DebFrecklington) July 16, 2019

But they have been widely criticised by many Australians who have slammed the commuter chaos caused by the action.

“Ratbag alert! These left wing extremists are reportedly gluing themselves to major Brisbane streets. Enough is enough, Police should enforce the law and they should be punished in court,” LNP MP Deb Frecklington said in a tweet.

It proved controversial, with commentators attacking the “lazy opportunistic tweet” and arguing you “don’t have to be left wing to be against Adani”.

The protests have also angered ordinary Australians who hit out at the disruption caused during their busy early-morning commute.

So tax payers are trying to get to work but blocked by #adani #protestors who are receiving taxpayers money via their unemployment benefit payments via #centrelink allowing them to protest and not work ... makes perfect sense .... NOT!!! #adaniprotest #brisbane

— literatelipstik (@literatelipsti1) July 16, 2019

#queensland is shivering through coldest weeks on record Yet we have a #ClimateEmergency protests in #Brisbane Only emergency is these 🤪 disrupting traffic #auspol #qldpol #7news #climatescam https://t.co/f3Etd72sIZ

— BK 3.1 🦈🔥⚡️🐯 (@BK6785) July 16, 2019

I am getting sick of these protests. If they camped outside the Brisbane Adani building or even better the mine I am sure they would have more support.

Protesters can push people too far and they are very much starting to.

— Dr Benn ⚡🚀💲 (@Benn2040) July 16, 2019

Earlier this week, Queensland’s Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned the protest could lead to injury.

“Everyone has a right to protest. But not to hinder people trying to earn a living. And some day someone will get hurt, and won’t get to a hospital in time and that’s simply unacceptable,” she posted on Twitter.

Everyone has a right to protest. But not to hinder people trying to earn a living. And some day someone will get hurt, and won’t get to a hospital in time and that’s simply unacceptable.https://t.co/Hno3dc0Bov pic.twitter.com/3qfZYxdSzf

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 15, 2019

Extinction Rebellion posted an invitation to today’s “last public swarming before Brisbane: Rebellion Day” — an event slated to be held on August 6 — on its Facebook page yesterday.

“At 7:30, we will be meeting in Queens Gardens — same as usual — to take to the streets and show once again that people will stand up against inaction on the climate crisis,” the post reads.

“The permafrost is melting. Arctic summer sea ice is set to disappear by 2023 and the number of climate refugees increases daily. The time for our broken political system to act was yesterday.

“One day, your children may ask what you did to stop all of this. So ask yourself: is it Extinction or Rebellion?”

Protester Connor Brooks raises his arm as he is loaded into a police vehicle after being arrested as environmental protesters stopped traffic in the Brisbane CBD on Monday. Picture: AAP/Image Sarah Marshall

Posting below the call to action, one commenter branded protesters “morons” who will “never make a difference”.

However, despite the controversy, the worldwide Extinction Rebellion group is drawing increasing support for its cause.

According to Extinction Rebellion’s website, Rebellion Day “will see hundreds of nonviolent rebels orchestrate a shut down of the business as usual of central Brisbane.”

Adani declared earlier this month it was full steam ahead for its controversial mega coal mine in central Queensland after the State Government issued the final approval needed to begin construction.

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