PROTESTERS on kayaks and small water craft caused disruption at the Port of Newcastle yesterday (24 November) by paddling into the Newcastle Harbour in an effort to block vessel movements.
A reported total of 170 people were arrested for allegedly refusing to comply with police instructions to move away from the channel.
“Just after 10am (Sunday), a large group of people entered a shipping channel and interfered with the movement of vessels,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.”
The protest was organised by the climate activist group Rising Tide, which called the event “The People’s Blockade of the world’s largest coal port”.
The group declared victory in the mission to blockade the port, claiming to have “turned around” at least one coal ship attempting to enter the port, posting a screen grab from Marine Traffic as evidence.
The protests caused the port authority to temporarily pause shipping movements in and out of Newcastle’s port for several hours before they were resumed.
Speaking to DCN, a Port Authority of NSW spokesperson said, “Following a risk-based decision in close consultation with NSW Police, there was a temporary pause to shipping late Sunday morning with protest activity posing a risk to safety”.
“The combined efforts of NSW Police, Port of Newcastle, Transport for NSW Maritime, terminal operators, Svitzer and Port Authority meant a total of 32 ship movements were completed since Friday morning.
“All shipping movements were carried out safely in consultation with NSW Police and only proceeded once all safety requirements were confirmed and in place.”
The port authority said the NSW police were “instrumental” in ensuring the channel remained clear of obstructions for shipping to continue.
The protest was able to proceed after the NSW government’s intention to effect a marine exclusion zone around the Newcastle Harbour was found to be invalid by the NSW Supreme Court.
The activists form 1 application had previously been denied by police however, meaning protesters aren’t protected from charges related to obstruction and unlawful assembly.
NSW police said in a statement regarding arrests made at the event that it will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to “actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels”.
A reported 34 people were pulled from the water during arrests, with 10 people requiring the help of police to return to the shore, and one police officer reporting suffering a fractured ankle.
NSW Police assistant commissioner David Waddell reportedly stated that police were dissapointed by the safety risks taken by some protesters, claiming an infant of 12 months age was sighted in a kayak on the water.
The protest event, described by organisers as a “protestival”, also saw performances on the Saturday from former environmental minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, as well as John Butler and Angie McMahon.
