Climate Demonstrators Halt Additional Coal Vessels at Newcastle Port
Protesters have prevented two more coal carriers from accessing Newcastle Port during the fourth day of Rising Tide’s ongoing demonstrations, marking the third ship deterred by activists over the weekend.
Thousands congregated at the global largest coal port for Rising Tide’s yearly climate event. The disruption, which started Thursday, is set to persist through Tuesday.
Hundreds paddled kayaks into the harbor, while supporters observed from shore.
On Sunday, three participants attached themselves to a vessel’s anchor chain and hull in an initiative by Greenpeace Australia Pacific, according to the environmental group. Dr. Elen O’Donnell, a physician and Greenpeace advocate, alongside musicians Oli and Louis Leimbach of Lime Cordiale—who performed earlier—boarded the coal carrier. Activists displayed a banner reading “Phase out coal and gas” and painted “Timeline now!” on the ship.
“Today’s action, joined by thousands in Rising Tide’s blockade, signals Australia’s leaders that if they refuse to act, citizens will,” O’Donnell stated. “As the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, Australia’s disproportionate climate impact demands urgent measures. Every coal shipment here worsens bushfires, floods, and cyclones.”
Rising Tide confirmed a second vessel was stopped Sunday. A day earlier, activists halted another ship, resulting in 11 arrests for breaching a government-imposed exclusion zone. Approved by Transport Minister John Graham, the zone spans much of the harbor until Monday morning. Violators face penalties.
On Sunday, 22 individuals were additionally detained for entering the zone, while two minors were released without charges. Some face a maximum fine of $1,100 for marine zone violations, while others were charged under anti-protest laws carrying potential two-year sentences.
Joe Rafalowicz, Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s climate lead, condemned the Albanese government for endorsing new fossil fuel projects despite recently signing the Belém Declaration at Cop30 in Brazil—a pledge aligning with the 1.5°C warming limit. “Yet days later, Australia prioritized coal and gas expansion, contradicting its obligations as a top fossil fuel exporter,” he remarked.
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