Protesters have set bins on fire in Melbourne CBD streets at a violent anti-war demonstration that has seen fences kicked, horses pushed and various projectiles hurled at officers.
Thousands of protesters started throwing items including horse excrement at police as part of an anti-war demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD from 7am on Wednesday.
They are there to disrupt the opening of the Land Forces 2024 exposition at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A few hours into the protest, multiple bins were set on fire in the middle of the the street and officers also fired rubber pellets into the crowd.
Before 8.30am, police started capsicum spraying a group of protesters when they started pushing the mounted branch with makeshift shields.
Multiple arrests had already been made before 9am and flares were set off as a group starting running with police in tow.
There were big disruptions to traffic and public transport, with some people stuck in their cars for more than 45 minutes during the morning peak.
“It’s ridiculous. They’re not achieving anything,” one driver stuck in his car told 7NEWS.
Clarendon St and Spencer St were affected as protesters moved between Flinders St and City Rd and Wurundjeri Way was completely blocked.
Further major disruptions are expected around the CBD throughout the day.
Motorists should follow the directions of emergency services and detour wide to avoid congestion, and the city loop train can be used for travel around the CBD.
7NEWS Defence Editor Rob Scott was inside the convention centre on Wednesday and said the scenes in there was “a juxtaposition” to outside.
“It’s quite orderly inside here, quite peaceful compared to what’s happening outside the convention centre,” he told the Morning Show.
“What’s happening in here, though, is what is causing all that consternation out there. This is the largest weapons fair and military technology exhibition in the country.
“It’s held every two years. This year there are about 1000 exhibitors coming from across Australia and 31 different countries.
“On display is all sorts of military technology, everything from large tanks and fighting vehicles right down to tiny drones.”
Outside the convention centre on Wurundjeri Way, mounted police had horse manure thrown at them as the protesters ran through the area.
“Look, people have a right to protest peacefully. But you don’t say you’re opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Sunrise.
“They’ve got a job to do, and our police officers should be respected at all times.”
The state’s treasurer has warned anyone who does not need to be in the area to stay away.
“If you have no business being there, if you’re not there protesting, I wouldn’t encourage anybody to be there,” Tim Pallas said on Tuesday.
Pallas said police had asked the state government for additional funds to cover the event, estimated to cost $10-$15 million.
Victoria Police expects it to be their biggest operation since chaos surrounding the World Economic Forum in 2000, with hundreds of regional officers travelling to Melbourne for the event, along with general duties officers and specialist police.
These include the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Mounted Branch.
A police spokesperson said major efforts were under way to ensure the “highest level of safety and security” at the event.
Disrupt Land Forces spokeswoman Jasmine Duff said the protest was triggered by the government’s stance on the conflict in the Middle East.
“We’re protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention,” she said.
“Many of the weapons inside the convention centre are advertised as battle-tested. In the context of Israeli weapons firms, which are present, this means tested through killing civilians in Gaza.”
The Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition runs from Wednesday to Friday.
– With AAP
