Australian police arrest 141 climate protesters blocking coal port

Australian police have detained 141 climate change protesters who blocked operations at the Port of Newcastle, the world's largest coal export facility, on Sunday. The environmental demonstration forced the complete suspension of shipping activities at the major Australian port for three hours as hundreds of activists in kayaks and various watercraft formed a physical barrier to prevent coal vessels from accessing the facility.

Port Operations Disruption

The Port Authority of New South Wales made what it described as a "dynamic risk-based decision" to abort an inbound ship movement due to protester activity posing safety concerns. The disruption affected multiple vessels, including the Ragna coal ship which was turned back, and another vessel carrying alumina for the Tomago smelter that had to be rescheduled for Monday. The protest marked the culmination of Rising Tide's multi-day "people's blockade" that began on Thursday at the strategically important export terminal.

Protest Actions and Police Response

Among those arrested were two Greenpeace activists who suspended themselves from a bulk carrier while displaying a banner reading "Phase out coal & gas." New South Wales police implemented a marine exclusion zone and maintained what they characterized as a "zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels." Police Minister Yasmin Catley condemned the protest methods, warning that anyone breaching marine exclusion zones would face arrest.

Activist Demands and Participation

Rising Tide organizer Zack Schofield criticized the police response while claiming success after forcing two bulk carriers to alter course. The protest drew participation from notable figures including former Fire and Rescue New South Wales commissioner Greg Mullins, founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action, who expressed support for "everyday Australians saying no" to fossil fuel development. Greenpeace campaigner Joe Rafalowicz stated the activists were urging the government to halt new fossil fuel projects.