Newcastle's climate action group Rising Tide has responded to criticism from local business associations, highlighting what they call the stark irony of blaming protesters while ignoring the real economic threat of climate-driven extreme weather.
Business Concerns Versus Climate Reality
The group defended its planned kayak protest at Horseshoe Beach, clarifying they have no intention of blocking cruise ships scheduled to arrive a day after their event. Lucy Miller of Newcastle wrote that the protest aims to raise awareness about the very issues causing tourism disruptions – the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Recent data supports this concern, with the April 2025 Mid-North Coast and Hunter floods generating almost $200 million in insurance claims across 11,500 submissions. This financial impact far outweighs any temporary loss from cancelled cruise visits, according to climate activists.
Environmental Battles Extend Beyond Climate
Meanwhile, another environmental controversy is unfolding in the Wallaroo State Forest at Balickera. Megan Benson from Gloucester expressed alarm over the approval of the Stone Ridge Quarry, marking the first industrial-scale quarry on public land in NSW history.
The project approval has drawn criticism for contradicting ecologically sustainable forest management principles. Benson fears this sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to further commodification of state forests, with Forestry Corporation NSW set to receive royalties for at least 30 years while the community loses access to the forest permanently.
Political Accountability Under Scrutiny
The letters section also revealed growing community frustration with political leadership. Greg Lowe of New Lambton questioned whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had followed through on his election promise regarding Darwin port ownership, while Carl Stevenson of Dora Creek delivered a scathing assessment of federal government performance across multiple policy areas.
Several writers expressed concern about the erosion of public discourse, with Denise Lindus Trummel praising Sarah Taylor's earlier letter defending Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge's privacy during health challenges. The correspondence highlighted what writers see as a loss of common decency in public life.
As Newcastle prepares for upcoming climate protests, the community dialogue reflects broader tensions between economic development, environmental protection, and social values that resonate across Australia's Hunter region and beyond.
