Adelaide peak hour traffic blockaded with giant tripod
Extinction Rebellion Australia, 25 Oct 2021
Extinction Rebellion activists erected, scaled, and locked on to a massive bamboo tripod in Adelaide’s CBD, blocking westbound traffic at the intersection of Flinders Street and King William Street.
The tripod symbolises that, with catastrophic climate change upon us, the future of all life on Earth hangs in the balance. It is a powerful reminder to the Federal Government that, as the COP26 climate negotiations approach, the time for denial and delay is over. 2050 is too late. We need net-zero emissions by 2025 if we are to avoid more extinctions and extreme weather events, and further jeopardising the health, wellbeing and lives of future generations.
Ronny Rees, one of two rebels hanging from the tripod, said:
"With the COP26 summit just days away, it’s now or never for our future. The fate of humanity and the millions of animals we share the planet with hangs in the balance while the politicians continue to deny and delay. They are beholden to the coal and gas industries that are among the world’s worst perpetrators of the climate crisis. We are the last generation that can stop the climate crisis, and we will continue to pressure the Government until they tell the truth, act on it and become accountable."
Anna Slynn, one of three activists locked onto the tripod, added:
"Environment Minister Sussan Ley wants to abandon her duty to protect our children from climate harm in the Federal Court. Not only is this Government fuelling catastrophic climate change, it is using taxpayers’ money to actively cause immense harm on all fronts. Parents and grandparents will not stand idly by as our politicians fail in their first duty – to keep us safe – while continuing to prop up the dirty and destructive fossil fuel industries that are destroying the planet for profit."
Earlier in the same week eight rebels locked and glued themselves to a line of prams, blocking peak hour traffic in Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square). After nearly three hours of disruption rebels were removed from the road.
Annie, Cate, Margaret, Paul, Cathy, Dharma, Sarah and Trish were arrested and have been released with simple bail conditions and charges for obstructing the path of traffic. They will appear in court on December 17th. The police took details of banner holders and they’ve been told to expect expiation notices for obstructing traffic.
These rebels are making sure that the Duty of Care issue cannot be ignored, and we applaud their bravery and commitment.