Liberal councillors from across the Hunter region have issued a forceful demand for the City of Newcastle to refuse any future requests from the climate activist group Rising Tide to use public land for its protests, labelling the recent People's Blockade a "magnet for mayhem".
Weekend of Disruption Leads to Mass Arrests
The call follows a weekend of significant disruption in Newcastle, where police made more than 140 arrests. The protest action saw activists paddle into the Newcastle Harbour shipping channel, forcing one vessel to abort its approach and causing delays for four others. The event has sparked a fierce political backlash, with councillors citing damage to the city's reputation, lost tourism revenue, and a strain on police resources.
Newcastle Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie did not mince words, describing it as "disgusting" for activists to be excited about their actions. "Slowing down trade and depriving local businesses of tourism revenue is nothing to boast about," Cr Barrie said. She pointed to the cancellation of two cruise ship visits, estimating a loss of $800,000 in tourism dollars for the region. "These were two of only five visits we got this year, and that business is never coming back," she added.
Police Resources Stretched and Broader Economic Impacts
Newcastle councillor Callum Pull argued the protest had crossed a line from demonstration to obstruction, stretching police resources to "babysit" protesters. "Every year this group is getting bolder and bolder," Cr Pull stated. "Clearly this disruption has grown and must not be enabled or endorsed by councillors again. Newcastle council must draw a line here. This weekend our city was overrun by radical activists. We cannot surrender our city to them."
The economic repercussions extended beyond Newcastle's boundaries. Port Stephens councillor Nathan Errington expressed deep concern that a vessel carrying goods to the Tomago Aluminium smelter was turned around. "Decisions made in Newcastle are clearly having broader impacts on neighbouring councils and the regional economy," Cr Errington said. He called on Newcastle council to "take responsibility" and consider how approving such protests hurts the wider region.
Rising Tide Defends Escalation, Liberals Condemn Violence
Rising Tide spokesman Zack Schofield defended the group's escalation, arguing the climate crisis necessitates stronger action. "If you want to talk about dangers to our city, it's pretty clear that the real dangers are the risk of economic devastation if the transition away from coal is not well supported and funded, and the impacts of the climate crisis which are already impacting our city," Schofield said. He dismissed the Liberal councillors' criticism, noting, "the last election made it clear that they don't represent the views of most Australians."
The protest weekend was marred by isolated violent incidents, including an alleged assault in Foreshore Park where a teenager is accused of smashing a bong over a man's head and cutting him multiple times. Rising Tide stated the individual was not a member or a registered attendee. However, Maitland councillor Mitchell Griffin said the community was "fed up", citing "mass arrests, vandalism and violence" despite organisers' guarantees of good behaviour.
The decision on Rising Tide's application to use Foreshore Park ultimately rested with City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath, after the elected council gave in-principle support in August. The council did approve the group's use of Camp Shortland, with councillors Barrie and Pull voting against the event licence.
