Newcastle is bracing for an unprecedented wave of climate activism as thousands of protesters descend upon the city for what organisers promise will be the biggest disruptive climate protest in Australian history.
The People's Blockade Begins
The Rising Tide People's Blockade officially commenced on Thursday, with hundreds arriving from across Australia to protest coal exports and demand stronger government action on climate change. Dubbed a 'protestival', the event combines serious protest with festival elements, attracting a diverse coalition of concerned citizens.
Organiser and former Mid Coast Labor councillor John Weate didn't mince words about the urgency of their mission. "The Australian government is continuing to pour fuel on the fire by approving and subsidising new coal and gas projects that imperil my grandkids' future," he stated, pointing to recent unprecedented floods, fires and extreme weather as evidence of the escalating climate crisis.
Weate highlighted local impacts, noting that Newcastle City Council is already planning for sea level rise affecting Bar Beach and other beloved coastal areas, with future generations facing a more dangerous standard of living.
Mass Participation and Potential Arrests
Last year's event attracted 7,000 participants and resulted in 170 arrests when protesters paddled into the shipping channel to block coal ships. Organisers anticipate even larger numbers this weekend, with the event culminating in a mass paddle-out on Sunday where participants risk fines and arrest for breaching maritime exclusion zones.
NSW Police have established an exclusion zone from 7am Friday until 7am Monday, warning they will "adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels." Unlawful activity could result in substantial penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Despite the risks, participants remain undeterred. Gamilaraay woman Suellyn Tighe, who describes herself as a "freshwater woman" from Coonabarabran, acknowledged her discomfort with saltwater but said she would kayak from Horseshoe Beach regardless. "I know the Nannas will take care of me cause we're in the same boat in more ways than one," she said.
Festival Atmosphere with Serious Purpose
Newcastle Council has issued Rising Tide with an event licence for camping, workshops and concerts, with planning based on an expected crowd of 6,000 people. The licence permits 700 tents and 1,300 campers, as proposed by the organisers.
The event has attracted high-profile musical acts including Lime Cordiale and Australian Eurovision representative Montaigne. Lime Cordiale vocalist Louis Liembach explained their participation: "Right now, our government is failing to plan for a safe future. The climate crisis is one of the most urgent issues of our time."
Activities began on Thursday with a welcome to country and earth grounding, followed by preparations, workshops, training and kids activities on Friday. Saturday will see paddlers take to the water in solidarity with Palestine, waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags, similar to last year's protest.
Among the colourful participants are the Knitting Nannas, who bring both practical support and political messaging. Nanna Lynn explained their call for the government to "slip, slop, slap" - "Slip on your man-pants, slop the red ink all over their applications, and slap down the fossil fuel industry."
Nanna Kathy McKenzie highlighted their role in providing a calming presence, noting that "at our age we've seen it all and people - young and old are reassured by our calm smiling faces."
A Port of Newcastle spokesperson confirmed that vessel scheduling would continue over the weekend, with authorities working to ensure safe passage of all cargo types. Meanwhile, the protest continues to swell with arrivals, determined to make their voices heard in what could become a landmark moment for Australian climate activism.
