Fireproof Australia protesters block peak hour traffic onto Harbour Bridge

Fireproof Australia protesters are expected to be charged after blocking traffic for a third time in recent weeks, causing a 2.5km queue leading onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Two Fireproof Australia protesters have been arrested and are expected to be charged after blocking the Western Distributor this morning.

Two members of the climate action group climbed over barricades on the major city artery to hold signs and bring southbound traffic near Harris St to a standstill about 7:35am.

The blockade resulted in heavy traffic, with up to 2.5km of queues backed up onto the Harbour Bridge.

Fireproof Australia Protesters on the Western Distributor. Source: Facebook

NSW Police officers arrived and arrested the pair soon after, taking them to Day St Police Station.

Police sources said the pair were expected to be charged over the incident later today.

Detective Superintendent Rohan Cramsie told 2GB the two protesters, believed to be women, had allegedly caused “quite a pinch” for motorists this morning.

He said the women would be facing “significant” penalties for blocking a major road.

“There were some females there in hi-vis vests, blocking traffic, they unfurled a sign and caused quite a bit of a pinch on the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Det Supt Cramsie said.

“We’re working through the events of this morning … it’s early to say and we are speculating, but there are some traffic offences relating to obstructing traffic on the Harbour Bridge and they’re quite significant, fines of up to $6,000 or if they’re charged they will appear in court and that’s for the magistrate to decide.”
Traffic delays from the protest have cleared up.

Fireproof Australia protesters blocking the Western Distributor between the Harbour Bridge and ANZAC Bridge today. Source: Facebook

Fireproof Australia has ties to controversial activist Eric Serge Herbert, who was most recently arrested for organising a street party to celebrate the Queen catching Covid-19.

The group first blocked traffic on the Spit Bridge in Mosman last month, and sister protest group Floodproof Australia blocked the main street in Newtown.

“Harbour Bridge Disrupted! 7:30am this morning we blocked a distributor road,” the group wrote today on Facebook.

“We demand immediate rehoming for flood and fire victims.”

Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward condemned this morning‘s protest as “extremely disappointing”.

“We have had enough disruption and the actions of these protesters this morning are nothing short of selfish,” Ms Ward said.

“It is extremely disappointing that these protesters choose to convey their message in a way that causes delay and inconvenience to commuters who are just trying to get to work and school.”

She thanked police for their “swift” response.

Transport Minister David Elliott earlier slammed the climate group as “knuckleheads” on 2GB.

Originally published as Fireproof Australia protesters block peak hour traffic onto Harbour Bridge