More than 2,000 police officers will be ready for scores of anti-lockdown protesters planning to storm Melbourne's CBD from 12pm on Saturday.
Officers were out in full force on Saturday morning setting up a series of roadblocks on the outskirts of the city.
And despite the closure of Victoria's public transport network from 8am-2pm - as well as the threat of $5,500 fines for unlawful entry into the CBD - protest organisers have confirmed the march will go ahead.
'With all Victorians best interests in mind we will be announcing a new location from 12pm,' a protesters' message read on social media.
'The new location will be announced via our website and Telegram channel so stay tuned and look out for updates.'
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said police would be patrolling trains to ensure commuters had legitimate reasons to disembark.
Public transport will be temporarily shut for six hours to thwart protesters planning to attend another anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne's CBD this Saturday
Police will be out in force in Victoria's CBD on Saturday ahead of another planned anti-lockdown protest (pictured, police operating a roadblock on Saturday morning)
The development comes as Ballarat re-entered another lockdown after a surge of cases in regional Victoria, with fears a large number of people gathering could worsen the state's outbreak.
'The risk is so great from a convergence of thousands of people, as we saw recently,' Mr Patton told the Herald Sun.
With more than 2,000 officers on hand in the CBD, 20 police stations will be closed to the public as law enforcement are pulled away from their daily duties to assist in the major operation.
Police will also be highly visible on public transport and have the right to issue fines of $5500 for unlawful entry to the CBD (pictured, a roadblock near Melbourne's CBD)
Buses, trams and trains will be stopped from entering the CBD in an effort to prevent unlawful access to Melbourne CBD (pictured operating the roadblock early on Saturday)
Police were out on Saturday morning across Victoria conducting a series of roadblocks (pictured)
'We realise people are fatigued and this is a significant step for us. We didn't take this lightly but given the circumstances and where we are with Covid, we cannot afford to allow transmission to occur,' Patton said.
'We are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.'
Trams have ceased operating entirely, while buses will bypass the city and trains will be barred completely from entering the CBD until 2pm.
Ubers and taxis will be slapped with travel restrictions
