Greenpeace protesters scale 140m chimney

Greenpeace protesters have scaled a 140 metre power station chimney in southeast Queensland in protest against coal-fired energy.

A police spokesman said protesters arrived at the Swanbank Power Station, west of Brisbane, about 5.30am (AEST) on Friday.

Nine have already been arrested for trespass and police were currently monitoring protesters who had climbed onto the plant, he said.

A Greenpeace statement issued Friday morning said four activists had scaled a smokestack and two others had unfurled a banner reading "Energy Revolution" on the roof of the plant.

Campaigner Julien Vincent is one of the activists climbing the smokestack.

He said the station could be switched off if every home in Queensland changed to solar hot water.

"Queensland has the best solar resources in the world and it is a tragedy that the Sunshine State isn't leading the way in renewable energy," Mr Vincent said before beginning the climb.

Police continue to monitor the peaceful protest.

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