Mass Climate Protest Disrupts World's Largest Coal Port
Climate campaigners from the Rising Tide group have successfully prevented three ships from entering the Port of Newcastle over the weekend in a major environmental demonstration. Thousands of people gathered for the organisation's annual climate protest at the world's largest coal port, which began on Thursday and is scheduled to continue until Tuesday.
Direct Action and Multiple Arrests
The protest reached its peak on Sunday when activists blocked two additional coal carriers, bringing the total number of ships turned away to three. Hundreds of participants kayaked into the port waters while many more watched from nearby beaches. In a separate Greenpeace Australia Pacific action, three activists secured themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a vessel.
Australian musicians Oli and Louis Leimbach, who had performed earlier with their band Lime Cordiale, joined Dr Elen O'Donnell, a medical professional and Greenpeace activist, in boarding the ship. The activists painted the words "Timeline Now!" on the vessel's hull as a clear message to authorities.
Police have taken firm action against protesters who breached a marine exclusion zone established by the NSW government. Eleven individuals were arrested and charged on Saturday, followed by an additional 22 people facing charges on Sunday morning. Another two teenagers were detained but not formally charged.
Growing Demands and Government Criticism
Dr O'Donnell explained the motivation behind the direct action, stating: "We are taking action today, alongside thousands of people who have joined Rising Tide's blockade, to show Australia's leaders that if the government won't act, the people will." She emphasised that "Australia is the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter, and its outsized role in the climate crisis calls for serious action."
Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, strongly criticised the Albanese government's contradictory stance. "At Cop30 in Brazil, the Australian government joined the landmark Belém Declaration — its strongest statement yet that acknowledges our international commitment to limit warming to 1.5C means no new fossil fuels," he said. "But just days later, the Albanese government doubled down on coal and gas — completely at odds with Australia's obligation and responsibility to address emissions."
Rising Tide has presented three key demands to the federal government:
- Cancel all new fossil fuel projects
- Tax fossil fuel profits at 78% to fund the transition and pay for climate damage
- End coal exports from Newcastle by 2030
Protesters face significant penalties for their actions, with breaches of the marine exclusion zone carrying maximum fines of $1,100, while charges under anti-protest laws could result in up to two years imprisonment.
