Newcastle, Australia – Coal ship movements were suspended for the day on Sunday, 30 November, after thousands of protesters joined the People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port, with around one hundred arrests, on top of 11 protesters charged the previous day.

Rising Tide said it received confirmation from the Port Authority of NSW that no further coal ships would enter the harbour for the rest of the day. Following this commitment, all protesters left the water and returned safely to land. A cargo ship was scheduled to depart from the Port of Newcastle in the afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the coal ship Ragnar had been due to dock at Kooragang 9, used by Newcastle Infrastructure Group as part of its Kooragang coal terminal and bound for Taichung, home to one of the world’s largest coal-fired power stations. The Ragnar was unable to enter the harbour and was turned around because of the protest.

“Today’s protest is a victory for people power. Our intention was to stop coal ships from entering or leaving the Port of Newcastle and we’ve succeeded in doing this today. By continuing to approve new coal and gas mines, the Albanese government is failing to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change and when the government fails us, the people must rise,” said Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield.

“I swam into the shipping channel today because I’ve seen first hand the impacts that climate change is having around the world. I see so much potential in the children that I teach, and the fact that they may not be able to realise their potential because we’re destroying their future is just absolutely devastating for me. It was a difficult decision to decide to swim into the channel today and I was scared and nervous. I didn’t take this decision lightly but if I don’t do this then who will?” said early childhood educator Allison Stockman, who was arrested.

“Working as a doctor, I’ve seen how tragedy can strike anyone at any time. Climate disasters are increasing around the globe. To those making the decisions to approve new coal mines, to invest taxpayer money in propping up gas projects, I would like to say this: There is no ivory tower tall enough to isolate you and your children from the impacts of climate change. Like it or not, we are all in this together. I am stopping coal ships today for the future of my unborn child and all children everywhere,” said Newcastle doctor Catrina Sturmberg.

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