Rising Tide Activists Disrupt Coal Operations in Newcastle

Activists from Rising Tide have successfully blocked three coal ships from entering the Port of Newcastle, the world's largest coal port, as part of a protest that began on Thursday and is set to continue until Tuesday.

Thousands have gathered for this annual climate protest, with hundreds of activists using kayaks to disrupt shipping activities. According to New South Wales police, there have been 141 arrests since the protest started, with 121 adults facing charges under the Crimes Act and Marine Safety Act, while 18 juveniles were processed under the Young Offenders Act.

On Sunday, three activists attached themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a coal ship as part of a Greenpeace Australia Pacific action. While one activist disembarked due to changing weather conditions, the other two were arrested after seven hours.

No charges were reported against them by Sunday evening. Greenpeace activist Elen O'Donnell emphasized that their actions are a direct response to the inaction of Australian leaders regarding climate change, stating, 'Every shipment of coal that leaves this port contributes to more devastating bushfires, floods, and cyclones.' The Port Authority of New South Wales confirmed that four ships were disrupted on Sunday, including two non-coal vessels.

Shipping operations were temporarily suspended but resumed later in the afternoon. On Saturday, police arrested 11 protesters who breached an exclusion zone established by the state government, which carries a maximum penalty of $1,100.

Activists have called for the federal government to cancel all new fossil fuel projects, impose a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits, and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030. Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, criticized the Albanese government for approving new fossil fuel projects, calling their actions contradictory to international commitments made at COP30 in Brazil.

The protest highlights the urgency for Australia to transition to sustainable energy sources amid its status as the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter. The report indicates that the ongoing protests reflect a growing public demand for significant action on climate change, as activists insist that if the government won’t act, the people will.