Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
03-12-2025
SYDNEY: Activists have blocked two more coal ships from entering the Port of Newcastle on the fourth day of the Rising Tide protest, bringing the total number of ships turned around by campaigners this weekend to three.
Thousands of people have gathered at Rising Tide’s annual climate protest at the world’s largest coal port. The blockade began on Thursday and will continue until Tuesday. Hundreds have kayaked into the port, with many more watching on from the beach.
New South Wales police said on Sunday evening there had been 141 arrests since the protest began. Of those arrested, 121 adults were charged with various offences under the Crimes Act and the Marine Safety Act.
Eighteen juveniles were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act, police said.
Three activists secured themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a ship on Sunday as part of a Greenpeace Australia Pacific action, according to the environment group.
The group said that one member of the trio, who was attached to the anchor chain, “disembarked … due to changing weather conditions”.
The other two, who were suspended on the side of the ship, were arrested after seven hours. Greenpeace said no charges were laid as of Sunday evening. Police said inquiries were “ongoing” in relation to the two women “arrested aboard a ship off the Newcastle coastline”.
The activists unfurled a banner that stated “Phase out coal and gas” and painted the words “Timeline now!” on the ship.
Elen O’Donnell, a doctor and Greenpeace activist who participated in Sunday’s action, said: “We are taking action today, alongside thousands of people who have joined Rising Tide’s blockade, to show Australia’s leaders that if the government won’t act, the people will.”
“Australia is the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, and its outsized role in the climate crisis calls for serious action. Every shipment of coal that leaves this port contributes to more devastating bushfires, floods and cyclones,” O’Donnell said.
Rising Tide said it stopped a second ship from entering the port on Sunday.
The Port Authority of NSW said four ships had been disrupted on Sunday.
“Four ship movements were prevented from being completed as per the schedule today, which included two non-coal cargo vessels,” a spokesperson said.
“One of these was rescheduled and has already been safely moved out of port this afternoon. Maintaining the safe operation of the port and ensuring the safety of maritime workers and the general public remains the highest priority.”
The authority said all shipping movements were being conducted in consultation with NSW police. Shipping was suspended for a time before resuming at 4pm.
On Saturday, activists had also stopped a ship from entering the port. Eleven protesters were arrested and charged by police after they breached an exclusion zone put in place by the state government. The zone, which was approved by the transport minister, John Graham, covers most of the harbor until Monday morning.
Protesters who breach the zone, which is marked by buoys, face enforcement action.
That offence, if proven, carries a maximum penalty $1,100. The protest group said others had been charged under anti-protest laws that carry a maximum penalty of two years in jail.
Joe Rafalowicz, the head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, criticized the Albanese government for continuing to approve new gas and coal projects. (Int’l News Desk)a
