Police arrest 13 climate protesters after scaling Sydney Harbour Bridge

Greenpeace Australia led a protest action on the Sydney Harbour Bridge to demand the major political parties do more to deal with climate change.

A Greenpeace protester tries to roll out his sign as he hangs from the bridge.

A Greenpeace protester tries to roll out his sign as he hangs from the bridge. Source: Seven Network

Police have arrested 13 people after a group of environmental activists abseiled off the Sydney Harbour Bridge to demand the major federal political parties declare a "climate emergency".

About 5.15am on Tuesday, Harbour Bridge security staff spotted several people on the bridge.

They detained some while waiting for police to arrive, but part of the group climbed under the bridge and begun abseiling, a NSW Police Force spokesperson said.

Police are urging motorists to leave extra time while crossing the bridge.
Police are urging motorists to leave extra time while crossing the bridge. Source: Seven Network


Police arrested 10 people earlier this morning before arresting the final three, who were attached to ropes beneath the bridge, about 9.30am, bringing the operation to a close. 

"Australia is facing a climate emergency right now," Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter said in a statement on Tuesday.

Environment activists have abseiled down the Sydney Harbour Bridge to demand that Prime Minister Scott Morrison declares a climate emergency.
Environment activists have abseiled down the Sydney Harbour Bridge to demand that Prime Minister Scott Morrison declares a climate emergency. Source: Greenpeace


"We're here today to say 'no more'."

The Greenpeace supporters unfurled banners calling for action as they abseiled from positions underneath a public walkway on the western side of the bridge.

Roads and Maritime said one lane of the bridge was closed earlier, during the police operation, but motorists are no longer expected to face delays.

Police said all 13 protesters are expected to face charges.


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