Dozens of police resources have been sent to the Avalon International Air Show on Wednesday morning, where Pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to be out in force.
The ‘Disrupt Avalon’ group is set to start demonstrating at 7am, forming a picket line and blocking Trades visitors from gaining access to the site.
There are about 800 military companies taking part in the airshow during Wednesday’s major trade day.
Police have been setting up checkpoints outside the show since the early hours, conducting searches and asking questions as cars arrive.
Defence Minister and local MP Richard Marles said the protesters aren’t there to peacefully express their view.
“It’s not about having their say,” Mr Marles said.
“We live in a free society, people absolutely should be able to have their say and express their opinion.
“But this is actually just about disrupting peoples lives and getting in the way.
“There are families enjoying themselves, kids seeing the wonders of science and technology and what we’ve got here is protesters simply getting in the way of that.
“That’s not about having your say in a free society, that’s just about being a ratbag.
“(The Airshow) is a really important event which is really one of the biggest events that we have in Geelong, if not the biggest.
“We have more than 200-thousand people attend this event over the course of the weekend.”
The show, which runs through March 30, is set to be the largest aviation event in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring both industry trade days and a public airshow.
The event will showcase a wide range of aircraft, from historic warbirds to cutting-edge military jets, along with over 700 exhibitors from the aerospace, aviation, and defence sectors, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the latest in global aviation technology and thrilling aerial displays.
