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.
Mum makes it to hospital JUST in time to give birth as protest blocks ambulance in CBD
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.