Extinction Rebellion protest to shut down parts of Braddon
A few dozen protesters have held a dance party in Braddon to raise awareness of climate change, causing delays for drivers on Friday morning's commute.
Extinction Rebellion protesters staged their latest demonstration, this time along Lonsdale Street and Elouera Street. It began about 7.45am and ended shortly before 9am.
One of Canberra’s busiest intersections has been shut down by Extinction Rebellion protesters in an impromptu dance party pic.twitter.com/DrOIKOe9el
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) October 24, 2019
At times, police outnumbered the number of protesters.
The protest started at the rainbow roundabout on Lonsdale Street, before moving down towards the intersection of Cooyong Street.
Demonstrators then held up the intersection for several minutes, performing an impromptu dance party and spray painting symbols on the road.
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The group then marched down Genge Street into the centre of Civic.
Among those protesting were demonstrators who were removed from Parliament House during question time on Thursday for protesting in the House of Representatives.
"We have a moral responsibility to fight unfair laws," one protester said.
Extinction Rebellion protesters in Braddon on Friday morning. Picture: Andrew Brown
ACT police put roadblocks in place in the area and urged drivers to take alternate routes and avoid the area during the demonstration.
It was the third Friday in as many weeks that climate change protesters have taken to the streets of Canberra.
This time they took over Braddon streets for a dance party. It began relatively slowly.
This is the group of protesters. They’ve planned a shut down of Lonsdale Street for what they say is a ‘dance party’ pic.twitter.com/pAZx2icPi0
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) October 24, 2019
ACT protest organiser Nick Crowley said the protest was to maintain public attention on the issue of climate change.
"It is clear that politicians will not give in easily, but neither will we," Mr Crowley said.
"The sea levels are rising, weather systems are worsening and people's lives are at risk."
Due to a protest tomorrow, traffic disruptions are expected on Lonsdale Street and Elouera Street in Braddon, near the rainbow roundabout. Motorists are urged to plan an alternate route and avoid the area. For up to date information, monitor ACT Policing social media channels. pic.twitter.com/Y5LhuQ7OxP
— ACT Policing (@ACTPolicing) October 24, 2019
Up to 200 protesters staged a "die-in" at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit during the evening commute last Friday.
The week before had a similar "die-in" at the same intersection, preceded by a shutdown of Northbourne Avenue staged by hundreds of cyclists.