Controversial climate change campaigners Extinction Rebellion, whose protests disrupted numerous cities in October, have brought their cause to the Border but one MP labelled the global group 'essentially eco-fascists'.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 100 people have already joined the Albury-Wodonga branch of the group and their initial meeting attracted the biggest regional crowd of any Victorian group, while an information session is being held in Wangaratta this weekend.
Extinction Rebellion Albury-Wodonga spokesman Eli Davern said the group, which was formed about a month ago, would make their presence known.
"We've got ideas and plans I'm not at liberty to disclose, but the people of Albury-Wodonga can expect our presence coming up in the new year," he said.
"We're ready as an organisation and want to take action on climate change."
Mr Davern said he understood people were frustrated by the disruption caused in cities but said politicians had not paid attention to petitions or regular protests.
"Nothing else has worked," he said. "XR (Extinction Rebellion) don't want to have to block off roads and disrupt people but nothing else works."
Member for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty said everyone had a right to protest but protesters should be careful about how they go about it.
"Extinction Rebellion are effectively eco-fascists, calling for the overthrow of democratic governments to address their climate emergency," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Mr Quilty said Australia should be looking to nuclear power.
"We don't need to shut down industry and kill a few billion people to save the planet," he said. "We need to spend a small amount of money transitioning to nuclear power."
Mr Davern said Extinction Rebellion Albury-Wodonga was made up of "ordinary people" whose members vary in age, from teenagers like himself to people in their 70s. He said having the Environment Minister as the local Federal MP for Farrer had "sparked a lot of passion within people" to push for action on climate change.
"We're not all 'greenies' or typical protesters - we're just people that care about the environment and the future," he said.
A spokesman for Sussan Ley said she has always supported people's right to protest, as long as the protest is conducted in a lawful and peaceful manner.
The movement is also coming to Wangaratta for an information session on Saturday at the city library.
Organisers stressed the event was not a protest but rather a chance for people to hear about Extinction Rebellion, what the group does and discuss the science behind climate change.