In a bold display of civil disobedience, climate change activists have once again made headlines by targeting the world’s largest coal port. The Port of Newcastle witnessed significant disruptions as demonstrators, organized by the group Rising Tide, took to the waters in kayaks and small boats. Their demands were clear: impose taxes on fossil fuel export profits and halt any new coal developments.
Authorities have responded with a firm hand, arresting 141 individuals by late afternoon, including 18 minors. This sweeping action is part of an ongoing effort to manage the multi-day protest that has captured national attention. Among the adults taken into custody, 123 face various charges under the Crimes Act and Marine Safety regulations. Meanwhile, investigations continue into two women who were detained after boarding a ship.
The protestors’ tactics were dramatic and visible, with footage capturing two individuals unfurling a banner emblazoned with “phase out coal and gas” from the side of a vessel. Their actions have not only disrupted coal operations but have also affected other maritime activities, as the Port Authority of NSW reported interruptions to four ships on Sunday, two of which were unrelated to coal.
Of the 123 adults arrested, most were charged with various offences under the Crimes and Marine Safety while inquiries continued into two women arrested on board a ship.Â
Footage from today showed a banner reading “phase out coal and gas” being unfurled by two people hanging from the side of the vessel.
The Port Authority of NSW reportedly said four ships were disrupted on Sunday, including two not linked to coal.Â
“Our intention was to stop coal ships from entering or leaving the Port of Newcastle and we’ve succeeded in doing this today,” Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield said.
“By continuing to approve new coal and gas mines, the Albanese government is failing to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change and when the government fails us, the people must rise.”
Police alleged one boat, driven by a 26-year-old protester collided with a police jet ski that gave chase after the larger vessel refused to stop as it entered an exclusion zone.Â
About 11.20am, a fight “allegedly involving attendees of the event” was reported at Foreshore Park.Â
Police said a 46-year-old man was taken to Calvary Mater Hospital in a stable condition after suffering lacerations to his back, arms, legs, and head, and a 17-year-old boy who intervened was also injured.Â
An 18-year-old was charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and other offences.Â
“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly,” Police said, in a statement.
“However, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour.
Organisers say they are looking to stall new coal developments and tax fossil fuel export profits.
Newcastle sends 150 million tonnes of coal offshore annually.
