Demonstrators now face up to two years' jail and fines up to $22,000 under the Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Act, which the governor signed overnight after it was passed by parliament.
But the threat of tough penalties didn't dissuade environmental advocacy group Fireproof Australia from fielding another protest on a busy road in Sydney's inner west on Wednesday.
The climate action outfit said one of its supporters, Martin Wolterding, a biology and marine ecology professor from the Blue Mountains, sat at the entrance of the A4 City West Link Road in Lilyfield.
Fireproof Australia later released a photo of police arresting the activist.
"Since 2018 we have experienced droughts, fires, floods and a pandemic. The time to act is now," Wolterding said.
it comes after four of Fireproof Australia activists were detained briefly on Tuesday for blocking traffic on General Holmes Drive near Sydney Airport.
The group said the demonstrators were released late on Tuesday and hit with fines ranging from $150 to $400.
They were charged with wilfully preventing free passage of a person or vehicle, refusing to comply with police directions, and refusing to disclose their identities when required.
The group's "three basic demands" are to "immediately re-home flood and bushfire survivors", implement recommendations of the royal commission into the Black Summer bushfires and to "smoke-proof" schools, aged care and disability facilities.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said his government would continue to "throw the book" at protesters who disrupted the lives of commuters.
He said the government respected and promoted free speech but people must exercise their right to protest responsibly.
Mr Perrottet warned activists they risked alienating the public and losing support for their cause.
Metropolitan Roads Minister Natalie Ward said the climate action protests of recent weeks were selfish.
"It was essential ... to put into place laws to stop this kind of extreme and selfish activity ... by a small group of protesters hell bent on wreaking havoc," she said.
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