New South Wales police have arrested 141 people during the fourth day of the Rising Tide climate protest at the Port of Newcastle, the world's largest coal port. The blockade, which began on Thursday, has prevented three coal ships from entering the port, with activists using kayaks and other vessels to disrupt operations.
Police confirmed on Sunday evening that 121 adults were charged with offences under the Crimes Act and the Marine Safety Act, while 18 juveniles were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. The protest is set to continue until Tuesday, with hundreds of activists participating in the water and many more observing from the beach.
In a separate action by Greenpeace Australia Pacific, three activists attached themselves to a ship's anchor chain and sides on Sunday. One activist left due to changing weather conditions, while the other two were arrested after seven hours. As of Sunday evening, no charges had been laid against them, though police said inquiries were ongoing. The activists displayed a banner reading 'Phase out coal and gas' and painted 'Timeline now!' on the vessel.
The Port Authority of NSW reported that four ship movements were disrupted on Sunday, including two non-coal cargo vessels. One of these was rescheduled and safely moved out of port. Shipping was suspended for a period before resuming at 4pm. All movements were conducted in consultation with police.
Rising Tide is calling on the federal government to cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund the transition, and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030. Greenpeace Australia Pacific's head of climate and energy, Joe Rafalowicz, criticized the Albanese government for approving new gas and coal projects despite joining the Belém Declaration at COP30, which commits to limiting warming to 1.5°C.
