Climate activists have blocked two more coal ships from entering the Port of Newcastle on the fourth day of the Rising Tide protest, bringing the total number of ships turned around this weekend to three. Thousands have gathered at the annual protest at the world's largest coal port, with hundreds kayaking into the harbour while many more watched from the beach.
New South Wales police reported 141 arrests 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 secured themselves to a ship's anchor chain and sides as part of a Greenpeace Australia Pacific action; one left due to weather, while two were arrested after seven hours. Greenpeace said no charges were laid as of Sunday evening, though police said inquiries were ongoing.
The activists unfurled a banner reading 'Phase out coal and gas' and painted 'Timeline now!' on the ship. Dr Elen O'Donnell, a Greenpeace activist, said: 'We are taking action today... to show Australia's leaders that if the government won't act, the people will.' She added that Australia, as the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter, must address its role in the climate crisis.
The Port Authority of NSW confirmed four ship movements were disrupted on Sunday, including two non-coal cargo vessels. Shipping was suspended for a time before resuming at 4pm. On Saturday, activists stopped a ship, leading to 11 arrests after protesters breached an exclusion zone approved by the transport minister. Breaching the zone carries a maximum penalty of $1,100, but some face charges under anti-protest laws with up to two years' jail.
Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, 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. 'It's a joke,' he said. Rising Tide demands the federal government cancel all new fossil fuel projects, tax export profits at 78%, and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
