Australia: Environmental activists to protest in multiple cities Dec. 11-12

Event

Environmental activists plan to hold protests in four cities in Australia Dec. 11-12 to demand the national government do more to address climate change. Demonstrations will occur in Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Sydney. Organizers are denouncing the government’s continued investment into the fossil fuel industry while neglecting the renewable energy sector. Demonstrators have announced the following actions:

• Hobart: A protest will occur at Elizabeth Street Mall from 1200 Dec. 11.

• Melbourne: Organizers have called on protesters to block roadways at pedestrian crossings from 1230 Dec. 12. Locations for protests have not been specified; however, activists will likely block roads in the central business district (CBD).

• Newcastle: Activists plan to blockade the coal port from 0900 Dec. 12 on kayaks. Organizers state that 50 kayaks will be used for the blockade.

• Sydney: Demonstrators will gather outside Sydney Town Hall from 12000 Dec. 12.

Participation in protests will likely be impacted by ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) gathering restrictions. Larger demonstrations will likely involve dozens of people. Security personnel will probably monitor larger gatherings and may enforce COVID-19 gathering restrictions at bigger rallies. Localized transport disruptions are possible, especially for the protests in Hobart, Melbourne, and Sydney. Demonstrations will probably proceed peacefully. The Newcastle blockade is unlikely to cause major shipping disruptions, as police have cleared kayak protests at the port in previous related protests.

Advice

Exercise caution near demonstrations. Heed all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near protests. Monitor trusted news sources for updates on protests and road conditions in Melbourne Dec. 12, as organizers may not announce which roads will be blocked.