Climate Activists Disrupt Coal Exports at Newcastle Port, One Arrested After Jetski Collision
Newcastle, NSW – Climate activists from Rising Tide disrupted operations at the Port of Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port, on Sunday, halting the entry of three ships and leading to one arrest after a confrontation with police. The protest underscores growing tensions between climate advocacy and Australia’s continued reliance on fossil fuel exports.
Rising Tide is demanding the Albanese government cancel all new fossil fuel projects,impose a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits to fund a transition away from those fuels and address climate damage,and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030. The group’s action follows what they describe as the government “doubling down on coal and gas” despite Australia’s commitments to address emissions.
NSW Police confirmed officers attempted to intercept a boat that allegedly entered an exclusion zone at the port on sunday morning. According to police, the boat failed to comply with directions to stop, prompting a pursuit by officers on a jetski. A collision occured between the boat and the jetski, resulting in the arrest of the boat’s sole occupant, a woman. No injuries where reported.
Separately, police responded to reports of an assault at Foreshore park on Sunday before midday, allegedly involving attendees of the protest event. A 46-year-old man sustained lacerations to his back, arms, legs, and head and was transported to Calvary Mater hospital in a stable condition.An 18-year-old man was arrested at a nearby campsite and charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, related to a domestic violence incident.
Despite the protest, seven ships were moved through the newcastle port on Saturday. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Australia’s role as a major coal and gas exporter and the escalating tactics employed by climate activists seeking to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
