Almost 60 arrested as climate activists shut down Brisbane CBD

Cops have hauled away almost 60 climate activists as hundreds continue to shut down Brisbane’s CBD as part of a “rebellion day”.

Almost 60 climate change protesters have been arrested as activists shut down Brisbane’s CBD today.

A spokeswoman for Queensland Police told news.com.au that a number of protesters have been arrested at the scene for blocking traffic — and pictures show activists being dragged away.

Although she couldn’t confirm a number, local reports state that up to 56 people have been detained by police so far.

Extinction Rebellion protest blocking Margaret St, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Carrying gazebos, chairs, blankets and a barbecue dozens activists from the Extinction Rebellion group have gathered in the city’s CBD, according to reports on social media.

The group expects hundreds of protesters will join them outside 1 William Street, the state government’s HQ, and carry out “mass civil disobedience”. The disruption is understood to continue for seven hours.

Extinction Rebellion activists are being dragged away by police. Picture: Liam Kidston

Police say several arrests have been made. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

An Extinction Rebellion protester is being arrested in Brisbane. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Queensland Police is advising those travelling to the CBD today to use public transport — saying the group is expected to cause “significant disruption to traffic in the Central Business District and South Brisbane” between 7am to 9pm.

Translink advises there are currently 25 to 30-minute bus delays in the Brisbane CBD as a result of the protest.

The Courier Mail reports that the activists are encouraging families to involve their children in the protests by giving them to chalk to graffiti Brisbane’s roads and footpaths with climate change messages.

Extinction Rebellion protesters are seen outside Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“I’ve bought a whole pile of chalk and definitely the main encouragement from the main group was they would love to have the kids chalking, and then it’s still on the street the next day,’’ an organiser said in a hook-up yesterday.

Brisbane motorists, the intersection of William and Margaret Streets is currently BLOCKED due to planned protest action. Please avoid the area, delays are expected both directions of travel into the City #bnetraffic pic.twitter.com/hV9cJ4W1Ah

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) August 5, 2019

“The issue with it is that it is technically illegal in Queensland right now. They’ve included chalking with spray paint.”

Extinction Rebellion is calling today’s action ‘Rebellion Day’ and says it is a necessary response to decades of inaction on climate change.

“Business as usual is killing us,” the group wrote in a statement. “There is no more time to waste. Government has failed to protect us, so ordinary people have to act now.”

Nurse Daniel Young, who is one of 48 people already arrested in the lead up to Rebellion Day, condemns the way the government is treating climate policy.

Climate change protesters are planning to shut down Brisbane's CBD. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“If the climate was one of my patients — and I was ignoring all the warning signs and just waiting for them to deteriorate — I would be charged with criminal negligence,” he said.

Superintendent Chris Stream said police acknowledge the right to lawful and peaceful protest.

“Police and partner agencies are working closely to manage the protest and minimise as much as possible disruptions to transportation networks,” Superintendent Stream said.

“We continue to urge protest leaders to engage with police so that we can map out a solution for lawful and peaceful protest activity.”

However, the official Extinction Rebellion SEQ Facebook account appeared critical of police. A spokesman posted: “Queensland police uphold a colonial system of exploitation.

“They hold children in watchhouses for weeks, they protect officers who give their addresses of DV victims to their abusers.

“They target indigenous people and people of colour for stop and search checks because of the racial profiling culture in the force.

“Stay peaceful, stay non violent. Ignore them as much as you can.

“It f***s with their power trip.”

Hundreds of protesters are hoping to shut down Brisbane's CBD today, disrupting traffic with a climate protest labelled 'Rebellion Day'. #Brisbane @7NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/EFlAJC2nOd

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) August 5, 2019

More to come