Climate activists have prevented three ships from entering the Port of Newcastle, the world's largest coal port, during the fourth day of the Rising Tide protest. New South Wales police have arrested 141 people since the protest began on Thursday, with 121 adults charged under the Crimes Act and Marine Safety Act, and 18 juveniles dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
On Sunday, three activists from Greenpeace Australia Pacific secured themselves to a ship's anchor chain and sides. One activist disembarked due to changing weather conditions, while the other two were arrested after seven hours. No charges were laid against them as of Sunday evening, with police inquiries ongoing. The activists unfurled a banner reading 'Phase out coal and gas' and painted 'Timeline now!' on the ship.
Rising Tide reported stopping a second ship on Sunday, while the Port Authority of NSW confirmed four ship movements were disrupted, including two non-coal cargo vessels. Shipping was suspended temporarily before resuming at 4pm. On Saturday, activists blocked another ship, leading to 11 arrests after they breached an exclusion zone approved by the transport minister.
Protesters face fines of up to $1,100 for breaching the exclusion zone, while some have been charged under anti-protest laws carrying a maximum penalty of two years in jail. Rising Tide demands the federal government cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax fossil fuel export profits at 78%, and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific's head of climate and energy, Joe Rafalowicz, criticised the Albanese government for approving new gas and coal projects despite joining the Belém Declaration at COP30, which commits to limiting warming to 1.5C. He called the government's actions 'a joke' and at odds with Australia's obligations as a major fossil fuel exporter.
