QMEB » At least 56 anti mining activists arrested for shutting down CBD in protest
Environment Government/Policy In The Community Latest News Water & Environment

At least 56 anti mining activists arrested for shutting down CBD in protest

Extinction Rebellion Day Brisbane
Extinction Rebellion Day Brisbane

Dozens of people have been arrested at an anti mining protest that shut down parts of the Brisbane CBD on August 6.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed at least 56 suspected supporters of the Extinction Rebellion Day Facebook event have been charged with contravening a police direction, breaching peace and obstructing both traffic and police.

Protestors unhappy with Adani approval

The protest started at William Street not long after 7am and proceeded to the intersection of Margaret Street where several people were accused of blocking road traffic. Demonstrators are unhappy with the State Government’s June 14 decision to granted final approval to Adani Australia’s $21 billion Carmichael Coal Mine.

It took 90 minutes before officers finally apprehended 15 men and 12 women who were aged between 19 and 65. A further 29 people were later detained for similar offences, aged between 19 and 73.

William Street was closed to traffic until at least 2pm.

Related articles

Court dismisses Indigenous land appeal against $21B coal project
Anti mining activists wage war on $21B mine contractors
$21B mining project ready to start construction immediately
Mining giant succumbs to climate change activism.

More than 930 confirmed attendance

Extinction Rebellion Australia promised there would be “hundreds of non-violent rebels” to shutdown “business as usual” in the CBD. More than 930 people confirmed their attendance on Facebook. The organisers also provided food, music, welfare and child face painting activities.

“We accept that this disruption will affect peoples day to day lives as our rebellion must happen to disrupt the business as usual of a system that is accelerating the existential threat to all of earths species, including humans,” the organisers said on Facebook.

Mining subsidies must ‘stop’

The group uploaded several videos to Facebook with protestors being dragged away by police as the rest of them chanted “this is what democracy looks like” and “stop the extinction”.

“The government needs to stop giving millions and millions of dollars of subsidies to mining giants and instead invest in the renewable sector, people and grassroots organisations and actually create a community that is for the people instead of the 1 per cent and the rich and powerful,” an activist said on Facebook.

Police won’t stop the protest

QPS superintendent Chris Stream said the group still has the right to lawfully and peacefully protest.

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

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Policelink by phoning 131 444 or visiting www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/policelink

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment