Hundreds of protesters from across New South Wales have blocked the shipping channel that leads into the world’s largest coal port, using kayaks and floats.
Key points:
- Protesters have used kayaks and floats to block the Port of Newcastle
- Flood and bushfire victims, coal miners and students were among those who joined
- The NSW Minerals Council says coal exports contribute billions of dollars to the economy
A 30-hour blockade, organised by climate group Rising Tide, featured people taking to the water to stop ships carrying coal.
Protesters called on the federal government to stop all new fossil fuel projects and address climate change.
Valerie Thompson, from Brunswick Heads in the state’s Northern Rivers region, was among the hundreds that paddled out on her kayak.
She works in Lismore and said she and many of her friends had been devastated by last year’s flooding.
“We know for a fact that the fossil fuel companies were not on the ground to help us when the climate crisis actually hits,” she said.
“We are calling on the government to immediately stop their senseless profiteering at the expense of our climate and our future.”
Coal miners, students among protesters
Queensland coal miner Grant Howard has been part of the resources industry for more than 40 years.
“I’m part of the protest today to raise awareness about the idea that we need to transition,” he said.
“Being a coal miner doesn’t divorce me from the issue of caring for our environment.
“It doesn’t mean that I can be reckless with our children’s future.”
Niamh Cush, 15, from School Strike 4 Climate, said she was “terrified” for her future due to climate change.
“The government needs to stop funding new coal and gas projects and they need to start funding the transition plan to renewable energy,” she said.
“They’ve been told this since before I was born. This should not be a discussion anymore.”
Potential for ‘significant economic damage’
More than 150 million tonnes of coal is exported from the port of Newcastle each year.
Rising Tide estimated it would disrupt eight scheduled coal ships from entering or leaving the port during the blockade.
In a statement, NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said coal exports were worth more than $70 billion nationally and provided 25,000 jobs.
“Disrupting coal exports through the Port of Newcastle will have no impact on global coal demand or supply,” Mr Galilee said.
“However, it will potentially cause significant economic damage to NSW.
“Everyone has the right to protest, however it should be done legally and safely.”
Police officers and the Riot Squad monitored the protest from the ground and water throughout the day.
Police said as of Saturday afternoon there had been no significant issues or arrests.
Greens politicians Adam Bandt and Sue Higginson were among those lining the beach for the protest.
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