Police have arrested and fined 72 climate activists $385 each for blocking a Melbourne CBD intersection. 

It was the fourth consecutive day of action by Extinction Rebellion demonstrators, culminating in a rally outside Flinders Street Station at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets. 

The protesters are calling on the federal government to reduce carbon emissions. 

Many who attended the rally came prepared to be arrested, saying their actions were a last resort. 

Environmental defender Violet Coco said disruptive action was necessary. 

“We’ve tried so many different things to get a livable planet secure for our children and yet our government is approving more coal and gas mines — eight new ones since their term started,” she said. 

“We’ve asked nicely, we’ve tried all the petitions, we’ve tried all the one-day marches and so now we’re here engaging in civil resistance.

“This action is the culmination of four days of massive action where we’ve had disruption of the streets morning and night.”

Ms Coco said being arrested was a sacrifice protesters were willing to make because they cared so deeply about the planet.

She said the group would organise more protests in March next year.

“We’re really sorry to be causing inconvenience we understand that it can be stressful but the climate breakdown is going to cause so much inconvenience that this will seem like a pleasant party compared to what we’re heading for,” Ms Coco said.

Two smaller protests were held in the Melbourne CBD earlier in the day, finishing with the rally outside Flinders Street Station late in the afternoon.

Police said the 72 people arrested were given an infringement notice for failing to obey traffic direction from a police officer, which carries a $385 fine.