Dozens arrested amid massive climate protests in Brisbane

A total of 72 people were arrested in the Brisbane CBD today as massive protests against inaction on climate change brought the city to a standstill.

About 200 people from the Extinction Rebellion group stormed William and Margaret Streets, campaigning first for action on climate change and later, land rights.

Just before 8.30am, police arrested 15 men and 12 women aged between 19 and 65 for contravening directions, obstructing traffic and police and breaching the peace.

Dozens were arrested later in the day for similar offences.

Police this morning had warned the demonstration was likely to continue for hours and would cause peak-hour disruption throughout the CBD and South Brisbane.

"Police and partner agencies are working closely to manage the protest and minimise as much as possible disruptions to transportation networks," Superintendent Chris Stream said.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner condemned the demonstrators, who he described as "extremists".

He said they were "holding the people of Brisbane to ransom" by their actions.

Last month seven people were arrested and charged after a similar protest in the CBD.