Mass Climate Protest Disrupts World's Largest Coal Port
Climate activists from the Rising Tide movement have achieved a significant victory this weekend, successfully preventing three coal ships from entering the Port of Newcastle in Australia. The demonstrations, which began on Thursday and are scheduled to continue through Tuesday, have drawn thousands of participants to the world's largest coal export facility.
Direct Action Escalates Over Weekend
The protest reached a dramatic peak on Sunday when activists employed multiple tactics to disrupt port operations. Hundreds of protesters took to kayaks while many more watched from nearby beaches, creating a formidable presence both on water and land.
In a particularly bold move, three activists secured themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a ship as part of a Greenpeace Australia Pacific action. Among those involved were Australian musicians Oli and Louis Leimbach of Lime Cordiale, who had performed earlier at the protest, alongside Dr Elen O'Donnell, a medical professional and Greenpeace activist who boarded the vessel.
The activists made their message clear by painting "Timeline Now!" on the ship's hull, emphasising the urgency of climate action. Dr O'Donnell stated: "We are taking action today, alongside thousands of people who have joined Rising Tide's blockade, to show Australia's leaders that if the government won't act, the people will."
Police Response and Legal Consequences
The New South Wales government had established a marine exclusion zone covering most of Newcastle harbour until Monday morning, approved by Transport Minister John Graham. Despite this measure, protesters continued their demonstrations, resulting in significant police intervention.
Eleven protesters were arrested and charged on Saturday after breaching the exclusion zone, with an additional 22 facing similar charges on Sunday morning. Two teenagers were also detained but not charged. The legal consequences vary significantly, with some facing maximum fines of $1,100 for entering the marine exclusion zone, while others have been charged under anti-protest laws that carry potential two-year prison sentences.
Growing Demands for Government Action
The Rising Tide movement has presented three key demands to the federal government:
- Cancel all new fossil fuel projects immediately
- Implement a 78% tax on fossil fuel profits to fund the transition away from these energy sources and compensate for climate damage
- End all coal exports from Newcastle by 2030
Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, criticised the Albanese government for what he described as contradictory actions. "At Cop30 in Brazil, the Australian government joined the landmark Belém Declaration — its strongest statement yet that acknowledges our international commitment to limit warming to 1.5C means no new fossil fuels," he said. "But just days later, the Albanese government doubled down on coal and gas — completely at odds with Australia's obligation and responsibility to address emissions as one of the world's largest coal and gas exporters. It's a joke."
Dr O'Donnell emphasised the global significance of Australia's fossil fuel exports, noting that "Australia is the world's third-largest fossil fuel exporter, and its outsized role in the climate crisis calls for serious action. Every shipment of coal that leaves this port contributes to more devastating bushfires, floods and cyclones."
The protest continues to draw attention to the tension between Australia's climate commitments and its ongoing reliance on fossil fuel exports, with activists vowing to maintain pressure until their demands are met.