Shipping operations at the Port of Newcastle resumed on Sunday following a major protest by anti-coal activists that led to 170 arrests. Demonstrators, including children, defied New South Wales Police directives during a high-profile blockade organised by the activist group Rising Tide.
The protest began in the morning, with dozens of participants using kayaks and small watercraft to disrupt the shipping channel.
Police confirmed that just after 10 am AEDT, a large group entered the harbour, interfering with vessel movements. Among those arrested were 156 adults and 14 children, with charges relating to unsafe behaviour, disruption of a major facility, and other offences.
New South Wales Police reiterated their firm stance, stating: "NSW Police will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels."
Assistant Commissioner David Waddell, Commander of the Northern Region, expressed disappointment over the risks taken by protesters, including the presence of a 12-month-old infant in a kayak.
He also noted the significant resources required, with 34 individuals needing rescue and 10 requiring assistance to return to shore.
Rising Tide claimed success, stating that the demonstration forced a bulk carrier to turn around and temporarily halted port operations. The Port Authority confirmed the pause, citing compromised safety in the shipping channel. However, movements resumed after several hours.
Former Socceroos player Craig Foster was among the protesters, calling for urgent action on climate change.
"We need to take more action on climate [change] … it's becoming more important that society, that all of us, step forward," Foster said.
The protest drew sharp criticism from political figures. NSW Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole labelled the activists as “numbskulls”, calling for stricter penalties for repeat offenders disrupting essential infrastructure.
