Extinction Rebellion climate change protester scales Arts Centre Melbourne
Climate change protester climbs iconic Melbourne building – as group threatens to close CBD street again
- Extinction Rebellion protest in Melbourne
- Activist climbed 162 meters high on the spire of Arts Centre
- Armed police have been on the scene
A climate activist has caused chaos early this morning after climbing Australia’s largest performing arts venue as fellow protesters threaten to close CBD streets.
A member of Extinction Rebellion Australia named Brad climbed 162 meters up the spire of the Arts Center Melbourne around 5am on Friday and was still nearly four hours later.
The protester unfurled a giant pink banner to promote the controversial group’s Occupy for Climate campaign while being watched from below by supporters.
Channel Seven reported that the protester spent at least 15 minutes lighting a torch at the top of the spire, but without success so far.
An Extinction Rebellion activist climbed the spire of the Arts Center Melbourne on Friday
Victoria Police are aware of the situation with armed officers now on the scene.
Photos from the scene show the protester being watched by a dozen supporters on the ground who sit in tents, hold large signs, wave flags and sing through megaphones.
According to group spokeswoman Jane Morton, the man who climbed the building did it for his son.
“Brad has a son and he wanted something bold, something dramatic and something that stands out,” she told the Herald Sun.
Extinction Rebellion Australia has apologized for any inconvenience caused to frustrated Melburnians trying to get work, but stands by his actions.
“I’d say we’re doing this for your children and your grandchildren,” Ms Morton told the Today show.
“We risk societal collapse and people need to know. We’re sorry for tin con – the inconvenience, but this is our last chance.
“We are in what the scientists say is the endgame. Very soon we must make unprecedented changes or accept that it is too late.’
Climate activist Brad climbed the spire at 5 a.m. and is still standing five hours later
The banner unfurled from above advertised three days of climate rallies to be held at the end of May, aiming to bring thousands of people together in Melbourne.
“We call on our governments to take urgent climate action, in line with science, not politics,” the group tweeted during Friday’s protest.
‘No new coal, no new gas, stop cutting down native forests! If 1000 people commit, would you be there?’
The Extinction Rebellion group is known for the disruptive, high-profile protests held around the world.
“The concern is the same as always – that is, that we are heading for out-of-control warming, possibly quite soon,” said Ms Morton.
The protester was supported by a dozen Extinction Rebellion activists on the ground