During a protest against lockdown measures and vaccine mandates, some truck drivers obstructed one of Queensland’s most trafficked highways, leading to significant delays throughout the morning.
On Monday morning, two trucks were positioned across the southbound lanes of the M1 Motorway close to Reedy Creek.
A banner reading, “Truckies keep Australia moving, not politicians,” was displayed prominently on the front of the trucks.
Nearby supporters held additional signs, including one that stated they weren’t anti-vaccine but “pro-choice.”
As traffic was backed up for several kilometers, protesters shifted their vehicles further south after learning that a horse in a trailer was caught in the jam.
By 7:30 am, police reported that the blockade had been cleared, allowing traffic to resume normal flow.
Federal One Nation senator Pauline Hanson was spotted at the protest, where attendees expressed a willingness to be arrested rather than move their trucks, emphasizing their commitment to stand up for their beliefs and promote Australian rights.
One attendee remarked, “We just want to end lockdowns, avoid vaccine mandates, and open the country while learning to coexist with the virus.” A strong police presence monitored the situation, while the RACQ advised drivers to seek alternate routes due to expected lengthy delays.
Official Response
Federal Employment Minister Stuart Robert acknowledged the challenges of health orders, stating that inconveniencing thousands to make a point was not justified. He emphasized the importance of vaccination as a means to move out of lockdowns and regain freedoms.
Despite an ongoing struggle, he noted that getting vaccinated was essential for progress. On Monday, no new local COVID-19 cases were reported, although two cases were detected in hotel quarantine, leaving 27 active cases in the state after a recent lockdown managed to control an outbreak.
