Approximately 200 individuals have been apprehended for halting operations at the world’s largest coal port as part of a climate demonstration.
Activists set up a “blockade” at the Port of Newcastle on Sunday during the third day of protests, urging the federal government to reject new coal and gas mines and impose a 78 percent tax on coal and gas exports.
Law enforcement confirmed that 170 people were detained over the weekend after the group reportedly refused to vacate the channel on Sunday afternoon.
They were charged with engaging in unsafe behavior in the water, causing serious disruption to a major facility, and other violations.
New South Wales (NSW) Police Minister Yasmin Catley criticized the actions, labeling the protest as “irresponsible theatrics.”
“[The police have] done an exceptional job managing this hazardous and volatile situation,” she stated on Nov. 24.
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“I vehemently denounce the reckless actions of those who believe it is appropriate to waste crucial law enforcement resources and put officers in danger with self-serving demonstrations.”
The NSW government’s attempt to prevent the protest from taking place on Friday was unsuccessful in the Supreme Court.
Alexa Stuart, organizer for Rising Tide, stated that over 150 peaceful demonstrators were arrested over the weekend.
“Individuals from all over the country have joined local residents here to do what the Albanese government has failed to do—shield Australians from the severe consequences of climate change,” she remarked.
“Despite the government’s efforts to dismantle our peaceful blockade, today we have effectively blockaded the largest coal port in the world.”
Due to the protest, ships temporarily halted their passage through the area, according to the port authority.
“After consulting with NSW Police and stakeholders, a decision based on risk assessment has been made to temporarily pause shipping,” a spokesperson informed AAP.
“The protest activity has compromised the safety of the shipping channel and created an unacceptable potential hazard to public safety, the port, and the environment.”
A large group entered a shipping channel in the late morning and interfered with vessel movements, according to the police.
NSW Police urged individuals not to obstruct other port users in the harbor for their own safety and the safety of others.
“The NSW Police Force will take a zero-tolerance stance towards actions that jeopardize public safety and the secure passage of vessels,” they declared in a statement.
The safe passage of vessels is protected by law, and police warned that “unlawful activities may result in fines or imprisonment.”
NSW Nationals MP Paul Toole accused the protestors of “attempting to circumvent our laws through manipulation.”
“Rising Tide has a history of causing chaos in our ports, disrupting the daily lives of Australians, and behaving in an illegal and unacceptable manner,” he added.
Greens leader Adam Bandt was also present on Sunday, sporting a T-shirt with the message “No More Coal & Gas.”
“The individuals present here today are taking action because they understand that you cannot extinguish a fire while pouring gasoline on it,” he stated.
“We cannot open any new coal and gas mines if we hope to address the climate crisis.”
