Key Takeaways
- The Rising Tide climate protest in Newcastle, Australia, has resulted in over 130 arrests and charges under the Marine Safety Act or Crimes Act for blocking the shipping lane.
- The protest, which is now in its third year, demands the immediate cancellation of all new fossil fuel projects, taxing fossil fuel profits at 78% to fund community and industrial transition, and the end of coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
- The NSW government has created an exclusion zone around the port, giving police additional powers to arrest people who block the shipping lane.
- The protest has received support from the local council, with the deputy lord mayor expressing concern about support for workers in declining industries.
- The event has also attracted criticism from the minister for police and the Hunter region, who has described the protest as "reckless and dangerous".
Introduction to the Protest
Annabelle, a 71-year-old protester, knew that she might be arrested when she paddled into the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle, Australia. She was among thousands of others who had gathered for the Rising Tide climate protest, one of Australia’s largest annual climate protests. The protest aimed to block the shipping lane and raise awareness about the need to transition away from fossil fuels. Annabelle, who had never been involved in a protest before, was determined to make a statement and stop the coal ship from entering the port.
The Protest in Action
As the protest got underway, hundreds of people, including Annabelle, paddled into the port in kayaks, attempting to block the shipping lane. The police were present, floating on boats just inside the exclusion zone, ready to arrest anyone who defied their directions. Despite the warnings, many protesters continued to paddle into the zone, resulting in over 130 arrests and charges by Monday morning. The protest was marked by a sense of frivolity, with a community kitchen, a stage with live music, and tents providing legal information and taking statements from those who had been charged.
Support from the Local Council
The local council in Newcastle has expressed support for the protest, with the deputy lord mayor, Charlotte McCabe, attending the event. The council has been calling for transitional support from the state and federal governments for workers in declining industries. The council approved the land-based activities for the event, which included a community kitchen, live music, and a temporary campground. The event has also received support from some local residents, including 22-year-old Zac Tritton, who works in the coal industry and is concerned about the impact of climate change on his community.
Criticism from the Government
The minister for police and the Hunter region, Yasmin Catley, has criticized the protest, describing it as "reckless and dangerous". The government has created an exclusion zone around the port, giving police additional powers to arrest people who block the shipping lane. The police have been warning protesters about the risks of arrest, but many have continued to defy their directions. The government’s response to the protest has been marked by a sense of tension, with the minister emphasizing the need to keep the shipping lane safe.
The Organizers’ Perspective
Zack Schofield, one of the organizers of the event, sees the protest as a necessary step to raise awareness about the need to transition away from fossil fuels. He believes that Newcastle, as the world’s largest coal port, has a responsibility to protect the future generations of the planet. The organizers of the event have been working to build support for the protest, including running sessions to teach people about non-violent direct action. The protest has also attracted support from other environmental groups, who see it as an important step in the fight against climate change.
The Impact of the Protest
The protest has resulted in over 130 arrests and charges, but it has also raised awareness about the need to transition away from fossil fuels. The event has attracted attention from the media, with many outlets covering the protest and the resulting arrests. The protest has also sparked a sense of community and solidarity among the participants, with many expressing a sense of determination and commitment to the cause. As Annabelle, who was arrested and charged during the protest, said, "I’m inspired by what my daughter did. She can’t get arrested any more, but I can." The protest has shown that even in the face of opposition, people are willing to take a stand and fight for what they believe in.
