CBD standstill: Climate protesters swarm Melbourne Central
Climate activists have taken over Melbourne Central, as yet another afternoon of rolling disruptions begins across the CBD.
BREAKING #ExtinctionRebellion Activists have invaded Melbourne Central. pic.twitter.com/O0vVtgfp2H
— Paul Dowsley (@pauldowsley7) October 10, 2019
It comes after Extinction Rebellion protesters this morning glued themselves to the road in targeted swarms which caused traffic chaos in Melbourne’s CBD, and almost prevented a pregnant woman from making it to hospital in time to give birth.
Police arrested 41 people on Thursday.
- 22 people have received penalty notices for failing to abide by a traffic direction made by police.
- 19 people have been charged with intentionally obstructing an emergency service worker.
Of the 19 charged:
- Six people have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 March 2020.
- One 17-year-old was presented to a children’s court this afternoon.
- Four people have appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and been released by the court on unconditional bail.
- Given the decisions of the court a further eight people have been released by police on unconditional bail.
It is expected they will all appear at court at a later date.
The climate protesters appeared en masse at Southern Cross station and the King Street Bridge.
They commandeered the busy Spencer-Collins intersection by connecting their arms with PVC piping.
At King St protesters glued themselves to the road.
Several #ExtinctionRebellion protesters have “glued” themselves to the road on King St Bridge. Police yet to make any arrests 30 mins into the demonstration. @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/BlHBL18K9d
— Pat Mitchell (@patty_mitchell) October 9, 2019
The #ExtictionRebellion swarm is on at Southern Cross station.
The Spencer-Collins intersection now blocked with police moving in.
Mounted officers moving their way down Collins St. pic.twitter.com/M4BKHqEnjs
— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) October 9, 2019
The impact was felt across the traffic and tram network.