newy.com.au – Rising Tide is planning a community flotilla at Newcastle’s Horseshoe Beach on Saturday 14 November 2026, calling for an end to coal expansion and a funded transition beyond coal for Newcastle and the Hunter.
Paddle for the Planet is scheduled to run from 10am to 2pm, bringing participants together on the water and beach. Organisers said it will be Newcastle’s biggest flotilla.
Rising Tide says the event will not be a blockade and participants will not obstruct the shipping channel, distinguishing it from some of the group’s other actions.
The paddle comes amid a separate dispute over Rising Tide’s proposed People’s Blockade, scheduled for 25 February to 2 March 2027. Coal industry group Coal Australia has threatened legal action if City of Newcastle approves the use of Foreshore Park, citing concerns about safety and disruption to shipping. Council said that it was reviewing the application. Council’s approvals for the 2025 event covered camping and concert activities, with an explicit condition that they did not approve or endorse harbour activities or civil disobedience.
“Newcastle and the Hunter deserve a positive future beyond coal — one that puts workers and communities first while protecting the climate for the safety of us all,” Rising Tide spokesperson Naomi Hodgson said.
The said they are calling for a fast and fair transition that puts workers and communities first. It says the paddle will coincide with the COP31 United Nations climate negotiations in Türkiye, where Australia is due to serve as President of Negotiations.
Families and community members from Newcastle, the Hunter and further afield are being invited to attend. Participants are encouraged to bring kayaks, surfboards, dinghies or yachts, or register to borrow one of Rising Tide’s inflatable kayaks. People can also support the event from the beach.
The advertised program includes Cheek Media chief executive Hannah Ferguson among the speakers and live music from local band Saylor and the Flavor. Vegetarian burgers will be available to buy.
Organisers are encouraging people to register for Paddle for the Planet in advance, whether they plan to join the flotilla or remain on shore.
