Activists have blocked two more coal ships from entering Newcastle port on the fourth day of Rising Tide protests, bringing the total number of ships turned back by campaigners this weekend to three.
Thousands of people have gathered at the Rising Tide annual climate protest at the world’s largest coal port. The blockade started on Thursday and will continue till Tuesday. Hundreds of people are sailing in the harbour, and many are watching from the beach.
New South Wales Police said on Sunday evening that 141 arrests had been made since the protests began. Of those arrested, 121 adults were charged with various offenses under the Crimes Act and the Maritime Safety Act.
Police said eighteen teenagers were charged under the Young Offenders Act.
Three activists secured themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a ship on Sunday as part of Greenpeace Australia’s Pacific action, according to environmental group Greenpeace Australia.
The group said one of the three members, who was attached to the anchor chain, “disembarked … due to changing weather conditions”.
The other two, who were suspended over the side of the ship, were arrested after seven hours. Greenpeace said no charges had been filed as of Sunday evening. Inquiries are ‘ongoing’ into two women who were arrested from a ship off the Newcastle coast, police said.
Activists hoisted a banner that read, “Phase out coal and gas” and painted the words, “Timeline now!” On the ship.
Ellen O’Donnell, a doctor and Greenpeace activist who took part in Sunday’s action, said: “We are taking action today with the thousands of people who have joined the Rising Tide blockade to show Australia’s leaders that if the government won’t act, the people will act.”
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O’Donnell said, “Australia is the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, and its outsized role in the climate crisis demands serious action. Every shipment of coal that leaves this port contributes to more devastating bushfires, floods and cyclones.”
Rising Tide said it blocked a second ship from entering the port on Sunday.
The Ports Authority of NSW said four ships were disrupted on Sunday.
“The movement of four vessels was prevented from being completed as scheduled today, including two non-coal cargo vessels,” a spokesperson said.
“One of these was rescheduled and has already been safely moved out of the port this afternoon. Maintaining the safe operations of the port and ensuring the safety of maritime workers and the general public remains the top priority.”
The authority said all shipping activities are being done in consultation with NSW Police. Shipping was briefly suspended before resuming at 4 p.m.
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On Saturday, activists also stopped a ship from entering the port. Eleven protesters were arrested and charged by police after violating the exclusion zone created by the state government. The zone, which was approved by Transport Minister John Graham, covers most of the port as of Monday morning.
Protesters who violate the area, which is marked by buoys, face enforcement action.
If convicted, the maximum fine is $1,100. The protest group said others have been charged under anti-protest laws, which carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Joe Rafalowicz, head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, criticized the Albany government for continuing to approve new gas and coal projects.
“At Cop30 in Brazil, the Australian Government joined the historic Belém Declaration – the strongest statement ever made that acknowledges our international commitment to limit warming to 1.5C, which means no new fossil fuels,” he said.
“But just days later, the Albany government doubled the amount of coal and gas it produced – a stark contrast to Australia’s obligation and responsibility to address emissions as one of the world’s largest coal and gas exporters. It’s a travesty.”
Rising Tide calls on the federal government to: Cancel all new fossil fuel projects; a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits to fund the transition away from those fuels and pay for climate damage; and ending coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
NSW Police said officers attempted to stop a boat on Sunday morning after it allegedly entered an exclusion zone at the harbour.
“When the boat allegedly failed to stop as instructed, police pursued the boat on a jetski east along Newcastle Harbour.
“A short time later the boat reportedly collided with a police jetski, and a woman – the sole occupant of the boat – was arrested. No injuries were reported.”
Police said they were also called to Foreshore Park just before noon on Sunday following reports of an assault allegedly involving “event attendees”.
A 46-year-old man suffered injuries on his back, arms, legs and head, police said. He was treated by paramedics and taken to Calvary Mater Hospital in 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 assault occasioning grievous bodily harm in the context of domestic violence.
It is understood that seven ships were diverted from Newcastle port on Saturday despite the protests.
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