Mass Flotilla Halts World's Largest Coal Export Port
Hundreds of climate activists have brought the world's largest coal export port to a standstill, with disruptive protests set to continue through Sunday and into next week. The demonstrators are demanding the government make all new coal mines illegal, escalating their annual campaign against the fossil fuel industry.
Newcastle Harbour has been occupied since Saturday by a flotilla of dozens of kayaks, canoes and small boats. The water-based protest is part of a larger movement organised by environmental group Rising Tide, which sees thousands participate each year in opposition to coal exports.
Political Support and Safety Measures
Organisers have stated they expect the number of people in the harbour to exceed 7,000 by Sunday, making this one of the largest climate protests in Australian history. Among the prominent figures participating was Australian Greens leader Senator Melissa Waters, who posted numerous videos to her social media channels in support.
'There's thousands of people here that are about to block coal ships exiting the port of Newcastle, the world's biggest coal export port,' Ms Waters declared. 'I could not feel prouder to be part of this movement ... we don't need any more coal and gas, we need 100 per cent renewables as quickly as we can.'
To ensure safety during the large-scale demonstration, authorities established a marine exclusion zone on Friday. This measure aims to prevent protesters from breaching the main shipping channel, where any disruption could cost stakeholders more than $1 million daily in stalled exports.
Economic Impact and Historical Context
The protest has already had significant economic consequences. Viking Cruise Line cancelled a scheduled entry into the harbour, costing the local economy an estimated $800,000 in lost passenger spending according to Hunter Business Chamber chief executive Bob Hawes.
Rising Tide organiser Alexa Stuart remained defiant despite government attempts to restrict the protest. 'Despite the NSW government's attempts to shut us down, the people's blockade of the world's largest coal port is happening,' Ms Stuart told NewsWire.
This year's action follows a similar 30-hour blockade in November 2023 that also prevented ships from entering or leaving Newcastle Port. Then-Greens leader Adam Bandt participated in that protest, calling for an end to new coal and gas projects.
NSW Police have thus far allowed the protest to continue peacefully but have warned they will take a zero-tolerance approach to any rule breakers. The marine exclusion zone will remain in place through to Monday as the climate activists continue their campaign against what they describe as the 'enormous contribution to the climate crisis' caused by coal.
