National News

Qld rail protest 'absolutely ridiculous'

A climate change protester who chained himself to a busy rail line in Brisbane has been slammed as "absolutely ridiculous" by Queensland's premier as she pushes for a crackdown on some demonstrations.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she will fast track new laws to stop the use of so-called dangerous devices in demonstrations before the end of the month.

Her main target is the use of devices by some demonstrators to lock themselves in place.

She believes these locking devices are dangerous because they are filled with shrapnel and could hurt emergency services workers who cut protesters free.

"It's getting beyond a joke now," Ms Palaszczuk said of the demonstrations that have disrupted the city on-and-off for months.

Brisbane is once more being targeted for disruption as part of Extinction Rebellion's week of climate action targeting Australian capitals.

One man chained himself to a Brisbane rail line and briefly delayed trains at Bowen Hills on Wednesday.

"This is absolutely ridiculous," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"Not only is it putting his life at risk, it is putting the train driver's life at risk and it is a huge disruption to a city train system."

Also on Wednesday, Extinction Rebellion protester Paul Jukes faced court for dangling himself in a hammock for six hours under Brisbane's Story Bridge on Tuesday.

Ms Palaszczuk told reporters on Wednesday her government was taking clear action on climate change and was "solid" on protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

She added that the protesters are not endearing themselves to the wider community through their disruptive actions.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said new police disruption powers would be the most critical part of the fast-tracked new laws.

They would "allow police to search and seize the devices before they are used", he said.

Mr Ryan said the right to protest is protected by law but it came with responsibilities.

Human rights advocates say the proposed laws go too far and will erode the public's right to peaceful protest.

"This proposed law could impose harsh prison sentences for their use in very broad circumstances, even if it's just blocking a footpath," lawyer Alice Drury said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mander said the proposed laws would not stop protesters.

He said the LNP would fine protesters tens of thousands of dollars and jail "serial pests".

On Tuesday, 29 Extinction Rebellion protesters in Brisbane were arrested and charged after blocking roads, chaining themselves to fences and attaching themselves to devices such as drums filled with cement.

Many of them have appeared in court on Wednesday, including Jukes who was bailed with no conditions to reappear again on November 20.

The protests are part of a week of action trying to force the federal and state governments to declare a "climate emergency" and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero within five years.

© AAP 2019