There was significant police presence in the city today as the threat of another outbreak of violence loomed, with protest organisers trying to direct members to Luna Park in St Kilda to block roads and traffic in the area.
Police said there were small groups and arrests were a result of breaching health orders, along with other matters including outstanding warrants and drug offences.
“All those arrested will be issued with penalty notices for breaching the CHO directions,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“Police are disappointed to see the number of people who are continuing to breach the CHO directions and will continue to arrest and fine them if they are found to be in breach of the CHO directions.”
Police had set up at key checkpoints around Melbourne’s CBD to discourage protest activity.
Most pedestrians are stopped and asked about their movements at Flinders Street Station in an attempt to ward off any protesters hoping to take part in lockdown protest.
Around 1000 protesters have also gathered at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh square, taking a stand against lockdowns, vaccines and media coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
Victoria Police had one of their busiest days yesterday, making 200 arrests around Melbourne and issuing more than $1 million in fines.
Today’s Melbourne protests were scheduled to kick off around midday AEST, however the police presence in the city was strong and crowds aren’t as big as they had been.
It comes amid growing fears Wednesday’s demonstration will become a super spreader event after a protester was hospitalised with COVID-19.
Victoria recorded 847 new local cases and one death overnight, after yesterday saw the highest daily increase this year, with 733 new local cases.
The state has fallen short of its first freedom target with the government confirming the state will not hit 80 per cent first dose vaccinations by tomorrow.
Despite a record week of jabs, restrictions are unlikely to ease meaning golf, tennis, basketball and the travel limit extension remain off the cards.
Melburnians are also reminded to stick to the rules with curfews still in place for tonight’s AFL Grand Final.