Newcastle’s Rising Tide Scales Back Port Blockade to 30 Hours

newy.com.au – Newcastle’s Port, the world’s largest coal export hub, is once again at the centre of a major climate protest as activists from Rising Tide scale back their initial blockade plan. Originally set to obstruct coal exports for 50 hours, the group has now reduced the action to 30 hours following mounting pressure and legal challenges from New South Wales Police.

The revised plans, outlined in court on 5 November 2024, are still drawing significant police concern, with authorities warning of public safety risks and the potential need for mass arrests. Despite the concession, organisers say their mission remains urgent and undeterred.

Rising Tide’s scaled-back protest now covers four days of onshore activities, including workshops and musical performances, alongside the 30-hour blockade of the port’s shipping lanes. Police Assistant Commissioner Dave Waddell argued that weather and other unpredictable conditions continue to make the protest dangerous, regardless of the shortened timeline.

Waddell highlighted fears that activists would defy legal rulings and take to the water even if the blockade is deemed unauthorised. He confirmed that anyone who enters restricted areas could face immediate arrest.

“It’s a question of safety and ensuring the port can function without significant disruption,” Waddell said, adding that previous events had seen mass arrests when protesters exceeded agreed limits.

This is the second consecutive year Rising Tide has staged a large-scale protest at the Newcastle port. In 2023, an estimated 3,000 people gathered, with over 350 paddling into the harbour to block coal exports. That action led to more than 100 arrests, including a 97-year-old minister, and captured headlines worldwide. Rising Tide organiser Briohny Coglin, who also faced questioning in court, stated that while turnout is expected to grow to around 5,500 this year, there is no intent to encourage arrests.

“We are absolutely committed to safety,” Coglin said, noting partnerships with groups like Greenpeace and surf life-saving organisations to monitor conditions. “Our focus is on peaceful, effective demonstration.”

At the heart of the court proceedings lies a fundamental debate over democratic freedoms. Rising Tide’s lawyer, Neal Funnell, argued that blocking coal ships is a legitimate form of protest, and the group has taken measures to ensure other commercial and recreational vessels won’t be impacted. He insisted there’s no concrete evidence of financial fallout from the 30-hour disruption.

“This is about the right to protest,” Funnell told the court. “And history shows that banning these actions doesn’t stop them from happening.”

However, NSW Police’s legal representative, Lachlan Gyles SC, countered that while the right to peaceful assembly is crucial, it must be balanced against economic and public safety considerations. “Commerce shouldn’t come to a standstill,” Gyles argued, warning that the port’s operations are vital to the state’s economy.

Rising Tide’s message remains clear and resolute. The group is calling for an end to all new fossil fuel projects and a complete phase-out of coal exports from Newcastle by 2030. They are also demanding a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits, with revenues redirected to support a just transition for workers and communities away from coal dependency.

Despite ongoing court drama, organisers maintain their resolve. “This is about protecting our future and pushing for decisive climate action,” said Coglin. With proceedings set to continue, it’s clear the struggle over protest rights and environmental priorities will be watched closely, both locally and globally.