Commuter chaos as pair glue themselves to Sydney Harbour Bridge
Protesters scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Wednesday morning, calling for tougher action to combat the climate crisis.
Two activists from Fireproof Australia glued themselves to the road closing a southbound lane, and a further two climbed the bridge, holding up the group’s signature red banners.
The action follows tough new penalties passed by the NSW Government and the Labor Party to combat protesters who interrupt traffic.
In a livestream, Alan, a veteran firefighter from the Hunter Valley said the government has a “duty of care” to protect Australia from extreme weather events like the floods which have impacted NSW and Queensland.
“I'm a firefighter and I'm in distress because I can't protect my community without water bombers, I'm here today to ask the government for the tools I need to do my job,” he said.
Video of the incident shows police in attendance and traffic is continuing to flow across other lanes.
NSW Police confirmed with Yahoo News Australia earlier that an operation was underway on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
They later wrote on social media that four protesters had been removed from the area.
"They will be taken to Day Street Police Station," they said in a statement.
"Traffic is experiencing some disruptions."
Month of disruption promised by climate action group
Wednesday's action is part of a month of demonstrations planned by Fireproof Australia, which has included a man lighting a flare during an NRL match.
His action occurred on Sunday as the Cronulla Sharks took on the Wests Tigers and resulted in a 32-year-old being sentenced to three months in prison.
Protesters associated with the group are calling for the rehoming of flood and bushfire survivors, along with the implementation of Black Summer bushfire royal commission recommendations.
Their action disrupted infrastructure around the Port of Botany last month, and shut down the Spit Bridge in Sydney's north in February.
In response, the NSW Government has introduced new measures which include fine of $22,000 and up to two years in prison.
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