The New South Wales government has taken dramatic action to prevent climate activists from staging a protest in Newcastle Harbour, establishing a marine exclusion zone that will effectively block Rising Tide's planned 2025 People's Blockade.
Government's 'Petulant' Response to Climate Action
Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield described the government's move as a "petulant and draconian response" to legitimate climate concerns. He accused the government of being "deeply and profoundly uninterested in its responsibility to the next generation" and showing a clear desire to silence climate protest rather than address environmental issues.
The marine exclusion zone will be enforced approximately 100 metres off the shore of Horseshoe Beach from 7am November 28 until 7am December 1 - the exact dates Rising Tide intended to paddle onto the harbour for what they describe as a "symbolic blockade" of coal ships.
Exclusion Zone Details and Enforcement
According to Transport for NSW, the exclusion zone covers Newcastle Harbour downstream of Tourle Street Bridge, Dyke Point and an imaginary line between the southern boundary of the Park Fuels fuel terminal on Kooragang Island and Stockton North Boat Ramp.
The zone will be actively patrolled by police and maritime vessels, with unauthorised vessels or people facing $1100 fines if caught within the restricted waters. Only commercial vessels approved by the harbour master or Port Authority of NSW will be permitted to enter.
While most of the harbour will be off-limits, a small area off Horseshoe Beach from the centre of the beach to about 100 metres north will remain available for water activities, marked by yellow aqua buoys.
Legal Battle and Historical Context
This isn't the first time the government has attempted to use marine exclusion zones to block Rising Tide's protests. In 2024, the Supreme Court vetoed a similar exclusion zone at the eleventh hour, allowing the protest to proceed which ultimately resulted in 170 arrests.
Schofield noted that the government appears to have learned from last year's legal defeat, stating: "The government failed to use its own laws correctly last year. Evidently, they've learned from their mistakes, and they're using the correct section of the Marine Safety Act 1998 this time."
Rising Tide is currently seeking legal advice as they consider whether to challenge this year's exclusion zone through the courts. The Port of Newcastle has made it clear it will not comply with Rising Tide's request to halt coal ships during the planned protest dates.
The climate action group maintains that their blockade is symbolic, aimed at highlighting what they describe as an industry that "destroys the future of young people." Schofield expressed frustration that the government has shown "complete unwillingness to enter in good faith discussions" with the protesters.
