Key Takeaways:
- Thousands of people have gathered at the Rising Tide protest at the Port of Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port, to demand action on climate change.
- Activists have blocked two more coal ships from entering the port, bringing the total number of ships turned around to three.
- 141 arrests have been made since the protest began, with 121 adults charged with various offenses and 18 juveniles dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
- Greenpeace activists have scaled a coal ship and unfurled a banner calling for the phase-out of coal and gas.
- The protest is calling for the federal government to cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax fossil fuel export profits, and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
Introduction to the Protest
The Rising Tide protest at the Port of Newcastle has entered its fourth day, with thousands of people gathering to demand action on climate change. The protest, which began on Thursday, has seen hundreds of people kayaking into the port and many more watching from the beach. The blockade is set to continue until Tuesday, with activists determined to bring attention to the issue of coal exports and their contribution to climate change. The protest has been peaceful, with activists using creative and non-violent methods to block ships and draw attention to their cause.
Arrests and Police Action
New South Wales police have reported 141 arrests since the protest began, with 121 adults charged with various offenses under the Crimes Act and the Marine Safety Act. Eighteen juveniles have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. Police have also reported that three activists secured themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a ship on Sunday as part of a Greenpeace Australia Pacific action. Two of the activists were arrested after seven hours, while the third disembarked due to changing weather conditions. The police have stated that inquiries are ongoing in relation to the two women arrested aboard a ship off the Newcastle coastline.
Greenpeace Action
Greenpeace activists have been at the forefront of the protest, with a group of activists scaling a coal ship on Sunday and unfurling a banner that read "Phase out coal and gas" and painting the words "Timeline now!" on the ship. Elen O’Donnell, a doctor and Greenpeace activist, stated that the action was taken to show Australia’s leaders that if the government won’t act, the people will. O’Donnell emphasized that Australia is the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter and that its outsized role in the climate crisis calls for serious action. Every shipment of coal that leaves the port contributes to more devastating bushfires, floods, and cyclones, she said.
Port Authority Response
The Port Authority of NSW has reported that four ship movements were disrupted on Sunday, including two non-coal cargo vessels. One of the ships was rescheduled and has already been safely moved out of the port. The authority stated that maintaining the safe operation of the port and ensuring the safety of maritime workers and the general public remains the highest priority. The authority is working closely with NSW police to ensure that all shipping movements are conducted safely and efficiently.
Protest Demands
The Rising Tide protest is calling for the federal government to take immediate action on climate change. The protest is demanding that the government cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund the transition from those fuels and pay for climate damage, and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030. The protest is also calling for an end to the approval of new gas and coal projects, which they say is at odds with Australia’s international commitment to limit warming to 1.5C. The protest is determined to bring attention to the issue of climate change and to push the government to take action to reduce Australia’s carbon footprint.
Government Response
The Albanese government has been criticized for continuing to approve new gas and coal projects, despite its commitment to limiting warming to 1.5C. Joe Rafalowicz, the head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, stated that the government’s actions are "completely at odds" with its international obligations and responsibilities to address emissions. The government has been accused of prioritizing the interests of the fossil fuel industry over the need to address climate change. The protest is calling for the government to take immediate action to address the climate crisis and to prioritize the health and well-being of the Australian people and the planet.
Incidents and Injuries
There have been several incidents and injuries reported during the protest. On Sunday morning, police attempted to stop a boat that allegedly entered an exclusion zone at the port. The boat allegedly collided with a police jetski, and a woman was arrested. No injuries were reported. Police were also called to Foreshore park on Sunday following reports of an assault allegedly involving attendees of the event. A man, 46, sustained lacerations to his back, arms, legs, and head, and was taken to hospital in a stable condition. An 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The incidents highlight the need for peaceful and non-violent protest, and the importance of respecting the rights and safety of all individuals involved.
