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Blockade Australia keep mum on next move

Phoebe Loomes and Sam McKeithAAP
Radical climate group Blockade Australia are expected to continue their protests in Sydney.
Camera IconRadical climate group Blockade Australia are expected to continue their protests in Sydney. Credit: AAP

Radical climate group Blockade Australia are keeping quiet on their next protest action after their peaceful picnic in Sydney's inner west was targeted by police.

The activist group spent Monday and Tuesday protesting in Sydney's CBD, causing major disruption and resulting in multiple arrests, but on Wednesday told its members to rest.

A group of about 30 activists were approached by police in Turella Park, Tempe, about 1.30pm, before fleeing from officers.

NSW Police told AAP that officers arrived at the park after receiving intelligence the group had been gathering there.

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One woman was arrested nearby, however it remains unclear if she was connected to the group, a police spokeswoman said.

Zelda Grimshaw, a communications professional linked to Blockade Australia, said police had raided a peaceful picnic attended by members of the activist group.

One person was arrested for having graffiti implements after police discovered felt tip pens, and another had been asked to leave NSW after officers found gardening implements in their car, she said.

"We feel like we're in a car driving at rapid speed towards the cliff, and what we're being asked to do is to protest, you know, nicely," Ms Grimshaw said.

Ms Grimshaw would not reveal what further was planned by the activist group, but she hoped further protests would go ahead.

The group previously said it had planned a week of disruption on the roads of Sydney to protest Australia's inaction on climate change.

Some 21 members of the group have been arrested since Monday.

A total of 32 have been arrested since NSW Police set up Strike Force Guard in March to prevent, investigate and disrupt unauthorised protests.

Protesters who disrupt major roadways, ports and railways can now be charged with newly-legislated penalties of up to two years in prison and a fine of $22,000.

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