A climate change protest led by activist group Rising Tide has caused disruptions at Australia’s biggest coal export port, the Port of Newcastle, located in New South Wales. The group claimed responsibility for the action, with over 200 protesters obstructing the shipping channel as part of a 30-hour blockade. The port, situated 170 km from Sydney, serves as the largest bulk shipping port on the country’s east coast and is a major terminal for coal exports.
The Port of Newcastle spokesperson stated, “At present, due to the number of people currently in the shipping channel, all shipping movements have ceased due to safety concerns, irrespective of the cargo they are carrying or intend to load.”
Rising Tide spokesperson Zack Schofield reported that no coal shipments had entered or exited the port since 10 a.m. Saturday. The blockade, consisting of a flotilla of kayaks, aims to draw attention to the environmental impact of coal exports.
While the protest has disrupted operations, state police confirmed that no arrests had been made as of Saturday. Rising Tide had previously organized an unlawful protest near the same port in April, resulting in charges against 50 activists.
Climate change remains a contentious issue in Australia, a major exporter of thermal coal and coking coal. The protest underscores the ongoing debate over the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and the need for environmental reforms to address climate concerns.
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