Trucks in Melbourne have been targeted by protesters in what is seen by container transport logistics operators as a dangerous escalation of coordinated vandalism against the freight industry.
During the protest actions today in Melbourne focussed on the Land Forces military expo at the Melbourne Convention Centre to the south of the city, Big Rigs understands that at least five heavy vehicles were targeted while stopped at major intersections.
Neil Chambers, the director of peak sector body, Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) said protesters cut air lines between the prime mover and the trailer combination to immobilise the trucks.
Chambers said one incident occurred on Power Street to the north-east of the city, while the others were on Wurundjeri Way to the west being a major container truck route between the Swanson Dock Precinct of the Port of Melbourne and Webb Dock to the south of the Port.
“Given the fact that trucks were targeted in this way in various locations in Melbourne, it seems to be a deliberate and premeditated act of vandalism,” Chambers said.
“Protesters have come armed with knives or other sharp implements and have been schooled in what equipment on the truck needs to be severed to disable the vehicle’s braking capacity, thereby rendering the truck immobile.
“Protesters have made public statements that they have a right to protest peacefully. But, that right should be forfeited when you come armed with weapons and implements with a clear intent to damage property and potentially endanger lives.”
As a result of the protest actions, container freight movements associated with the Port of Melbourne were severely impacted today, added Chambers.
Also, it is likely that the protest actions will continue for the remainder of this week, he said.
“It takes these protest actions to another level,” said Chambers of today’s attacks. “Someone will eventually get seriously hurt or worse.”
CTAA has now asked the Victorian government to facilitate a plan for heavy vehicles up to 85.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) to be allowed to temporarily detour via the Bolte Bridge to access to/from Webb Dock.
“This detour has been available during the West Gate Tunnel Project roadworks closures and has worked efficiently.
“We are not asking for a permanent detour. But, we are asking the government and the responsible road manager for the Bolte Bridge, Transurban, to assist the industry in this “force majeure” situation.”
The problem is that there is no consequence for the actions of the protesters. If they were actually held accountable by the police and court system they would think twice before committing any acts like this. Something needs to be done before someone takes matters into their own hands and someone ends up hurt or worse