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 by campaigners this weekend to three.
Thousands of people have gathered at Rising Tide’s annual climate protest at the world’s largest coal port. The blockade began on Thursday and will continue until Tuesday. Hundreds have kayaked into the port, with many more watching on from the beach.
New South Wales police said on Sunday evening there had been 141 arrests since the protest began. Of those arrested, 121 adults were charged with various offences under the Crimes Act and the Marine Safety Act.
Eighteen juveniles were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act, police said.
Three activists secured themselves to the anchor chain and sides of a ship on Sunday as part of a Greenpeace Australia Pacific action, according to the environment group.
The group said that one member of the trio, who was attached to the anchor chain, “disembarked … due to changing weather conditions”.
The other two, who were suspended on the side of the ship, were arrested after seven hours. Greenpeace said no charges were laid as of Sunday evening. Police said inquiries were “ongoing” in relation to the two women “arrested aboard a ship off the Newcastle coastline”.
The activists unfurled a banner that stated “Phase out coal and gas” and painted the words “Timeline now!” on the ship.
Greenpeace activists scaled a coal ship at Newcastle on Sunday. Photograph: Greenpeace
Elen O’Donnell, a doctor and Greenpeace activist who participated in Sunday’s action, said: “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.”
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“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,” O’Donnell said.
Rising Tide said it stopped a second ship from entering the port on Sunday.
The Port Authority of NSW said four ships had been disrupted on Sunday.
“Four ship movements were prevented from being completed as per the schedule today, which included two non-coal cargo vessels,” a spokesperson said.
“One of these was rescheduled and has already been safely moved out of port this afternoon. Maintaining the safe operation of the port and ensuring the safety of maritime workers and the general public remains the highest priority.”
The authority said all shipping movements were being conducted in consultation with NSW police. Shipping was suspended for a time before resuming at 4pm.
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On Saturday, activists had also stopped a ship from entering the port. Eleven protesters were arrested and charged by police after they breached an exclusion zone put in place by the state government. The zone, which was approved by the transport minister, John Graham, covers most of the harbour until Monday morning.
Protesters who breach the zone, which is marked by buoys, face enforcement action.
Climate activists at the Rising Tide protests in Newcastle on Sunday. Photograph: Dean Sewell/Oculi
That offence, if proven, carries a maximum penalty $1,100. The protest group said others had been charged under anti-protest laws that carry a maximum penalty of two years in jail.
Joe Rafalowicz, the head of climate and energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, criticised the Albanese government for continuing to approve new gas and coal projects.
“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.”
Rising Tide called on the federal government to: cancel all new fossil fuel projects; tax fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund the transition from those fuels and pay for climate damage; and end coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
NSW police said that on Sunday morning, officers attempted to stop a boat after it allegedly entered an exclusion zone at the port.
“When the boat allegedly failed to stop as directed, police pursued the boat on a jetski east along Newcastle Harbour.
“The boat allegedly collided with a police jetski a short time later, and a woman – the sole occupant of the boat – was arrested. No injuries were reported.”
Police said they were also called to Foreshore park on Sunday before midday following reports of an assault allegedly “involving attendees of the event”.
A man, 46, sustained lacerations to his back, arms, legs and head, police said. He was treated by paramedics and taken 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, all in a domestic violence context.
It’s understood seven ships were moved through the Newcastle port on Saturday despite the protest.