Blockade Australia climate protests cause traffic chaos in Brisbane and Melbourne

Climate activists have launched a second day of nationwide protests, with campaigners warning the public to brace for rolling protests across Australia.

Traffic in Brisbane was disrupted on Tuesday by Blockade Australia, which also launched a simultaneous protest in Melbourne, blocking Webb Dock Road in front of the Port of Melbourne gates.

Queensland police were alerted to a man who suspended himself over Port of Brisbane Road about 6.20am, halting all eastbound lanes.

The protester allegedly refused orders to come down and thousands of motorists were stranded as traffic ground to a halt.

The man was taken into custody and the road reopened in both directions as investigations continued.

It was the second straight day of protests after activists targeted ports in Newcastle, Brisbane and Melbourne on Monday. Three people have been charged over their involvement in those protests, which were livestreamed on social media.

Monday’s port protests were held on the same date that a rural property in Colo, north-west of Sydney, was raided last year.

cover photo:Traffic in Brisbane was disrupted as Blockade Australia climate activists launched national action for a second day. Photograph: Darren England/AAP