Overview
Aussie climate change protests have been happening in force over the past couple of months, but with a huge four-day mining conference hitting Melbourne this week, it's likely we're about to see some of the biggest strike action yet.
The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) started yesterday at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), prompting 24 different activist, community and political groups to join forces in an effort to disrupt the proceedings as much as possible. Some of the groups involved in the protest include Extinction Rebellion, Uni Students for Climate Change and Frontline Action on Coal.
A hefty 1300 people markedattending to the protest, called Blockade IMARC 2019, on its Facebook event, which has stated its ultimate aim is to shutdown the conference altogether.
Blockade IMARC organisers are encouraging participants to use mass civil disobedience to "disrupt the 'business as usual' of major climate criminals". The group states that conference attendees "continue to profit from fueling [sic] climate change, stealing indigenous land, exploiting workers, displacing people and driving animal extinction".
Protestors kicked off action yesterday, Monday, October 28, but an even bigger blockade has been planned for this morning (Tuesday, October 29), with protestors gathering from 6am at the Clarendon Street end of the MCEC.
Yarra Trams took to Twitter to warn commuters about potential service disruptions in the area as a result, hinting there could be issues right through until Wednesday, October 30. VicTraffic has also tweeted about the action, confirming tram routes 12, 96 and 109 were affected following Tuesday's morning blockade.
Victoria Police have warned locals to expect disruptions to both public transport and vehicle traffic in the MCEC area for most of the work week, and urged punters to steer clear wherever possible. In a video posted to the Victoria Police Facebook page, North West Metro Region Acting Commander Tim Tully said we could expect to see "heightened tactics by the protest groups" compared to previous events.
For further public transport and traffic updates, check Yarra Trams and Vic Traffic.