Police Respond to Port of Newcastle Protest
A significant police operation unfolded at the Port of Newcastle on Monday, December 1, 2025, after climate change activists from the group Rising Tide used 'lock-on' devices to attach themselves to critical coal export infrastructure.
The protest action began in the early hours of the morning, with police confirming they were called to Cormorant Road on Kooragang Island at approximately 5:00 am. According to statements from Rising Tide, eight individuals had secured themselves to two separate coal loaders, while another eight protesters were locked onto conveyor belts used for transporting coal.
Final Day of Mass Blockade
This incident marks the culmination of a weekend-long demonstration dubbed the 'People's Blockade of the World's Biggest Coal Port.' Over the preceding days, the protest had already led to the arrest of more than 140 people. The activist group reported that police began making arrests related to the lock-on activity shortly after 7:30 am on Monday.
The protesters have issued a set of clear demands to the federal government, calling for an immediate halt to the approval of new coal mines. They are also advocating for a substantial 75 per cent tax on coal export profits and demanding that the revenue be used to fund new industries and comprehensive retraining programs for coal workers and their communities.
Personal Stories Behind the Protest
Among those taking part was Fiona Lee, who shared her personal motivation for locking onto a coal conveyor. Lee stated that she was driven to act after losing her home during the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019, a disaster she and many others link to the impacts of climate change.
The land-based lock-on protests were complemented by a flotilla blockade on Newcastle Harbour throughout the weekend. This coordinated water-based action, involving thousands of participants, successfully disrupted the movement of coal ships. NSW Police noted that they had observed several unsafe practices on the water during the demonstrations.
