The New South Wales government has established an exclusion zone in Newcastle Harbour ahead of a planned port blockade by the climate activism group Rising Tide. The zone will be in effect from Thursday, November 21 at 5pm to Monday, November 25 at 8am, covering waters around the Port of Newcastle, Stockton Beach, Nobbys Beach, and Newcastle Beach, extending one nautical mile offshore from Nobbys Head lighthouse.
Anyone entering the exclusion zone faces a maximum fine of $1,110. Police and NSW Maritime vessels will patrol the area, and vessel operators must apply for permission to transit through specified lanes. The measure comes after the Supreme Court last week prohibited on-water activity targeting industrial shipping channels.
Rising Tide organizer Zack Schofield expressed shock at the decision, claiming police had previously indicated they would allow protesters into the water while protecting the shipping channel. He called on Premier Chris Minns to rescind the exclusion zone, stating it undermines peaceful protest.
NSW Maritime director north Darren Wood said the zone was implemented for safety and navigational reasons, citing the danger of a large number of kayakers entering the shipping channel. Last year's protest saw over 100 arrests after a 'form one' clearance expired.
The Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club, which trains in the affected waters, criticized the measure as overkill. Head coach Steve Dawes said it would disrupt their race season training. Rising Tide members have installed signs at Nobbys Beach to inform the public of the zone.
