16 Mar 2024 | 02:22 AM UTC
Australia: Climate activists to protest in Melbourne's Central Business District March 16 /update 1
Climate activists to protest in the Central Business District of Melbourne, Australia, from 14:00 March 16. Localized disruptions likely.
Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) plan to protest in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) March 16. Organizers intend to cause disruptions across the city to raise awareness of climate change issues. Participants will gather at Treasury Gardens from 14:00 before marching to Flinders Street. Related demonstrations this week resulted in traffic and tram disruptions as protesters blocked roadways.
Activists may plan additional rallies at short notice over the coming days. Dozens to a few hundred people could participate in each demonstration. Popular protest venues include Federation Square, Flinders Street, Parliament House, and State Library Victoria. Gatherings are also possible at public parks, prominent squares, major thoroughfares, and outside government buildings.
Authorities will likely monitor the events and may attempt to disperse any disruptive gatherings. Planned marches and roadblocks will probably prompt localized transport disruptions in Melbourne's CBD. While the gatherings should pass off peacefully, isolated scuffles between activists and police are possible.
Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Plan for localized transport disruptions in central Melbourne during any demonstration. Allow additional time for travel. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
