New South Wales police have initiated legal action to prevent a group of climate activists from conducting a 50-hour blockade at the Port of Newcastle. The protest, organized by Rising Tide and set for November 19, aims to halt coal exports by using kayaks and rafts in what the group calls the “People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port.” Alongside the blockade, a “protestival” featuring music performances is expected to draw around 5,500 participants.
The police challenge focuses on the group’s formal request to block the harbor, which, if approved, would legally shield the protesters from prosecution for the duration of the event. During the first day of court proceedings, witnesses for the police highlighted the logistical disruptions, noting that approximately 30 ships would be unable to enter or leave the harbor, potentially causing significant delays.
In court, Rising Tide’s attorney emphasized the broader economic impacts of climate change and the role of fossil fuel industries, an argument Justice Desmond Fagan dismissed as irrelevant to the immediate legal considerations. The police’s legal counsel argued that while public expression is vital for democracy, it must not compromise safety or significantly disrupt local activities.
