Protesters in kayaks, dinghies and sailboats have blocked the world’s largest coal port, calling on the federal government to halt new fossil fuel projects.
The flotilla successfully prevented ships from leaving or entering Newcastle Harbor on Saturday, with the protest expected to last 30 hours and end on Sunday.
Greens leader Adam Bandt joined the protesters as part of the Rising Tide movement’s action.
Mr Bandt led calls for the Government to end new coal and gas projects, adopt a 75 per cent emissions reduction target and end coal exports from Newcastle.
“In the middle of the climate crisis, Labor is making the problem worse by opening more coal and gas mines,” he said.
Protesters in kayaks, dinghies and sailboats have blocked the world’s largest coal port, calling on the federal government to halt new fossil fuel projects
The flotilla successfully prevented ships from leaving or entering Newcastle Harbor on Saturday, with the protest expected to last 30 hours and end on Sunday.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen criticized the Greens’ move and pointed to his government’s new investments in batteries for wind and solar farms.
“While the Greens protest, we are promoting job growth and emissions reductions by developing offshore wind energy,” he told AAP on Friday.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee denounced the protesters as “extremists”.
The Port of Newcastle contributes roughly two percent of the world’s coal supply and its exports generate billions in royalties for the state government.
A port spokesperson said shipping had been halted due to safety concerns.
“At this time, due to the large number of people currently in the shipping channel, all vessel movements have been halted due to safety concerns, regardless of the cargo they are carrying or intend to load,” they said.
Mr Galilee said the disruption would not change global demand or supply of coal, but would have a major impact on the NSW economy.
Mr Bandt said governments and companies cared more about money than the safety of Australian communities.
“People are fed up because Labor isn’t listening and now people are making their voices heard,” he said.
The Port of Newcastle contributes around two percent of the world’s coal supply and its exports generate billions in royalties for the state government
The Rising Tide protest involved activists taking to the water in kayaks and sailboats
During the 2022 election, Labor positioned itself as the more environmentally friendly of the two major parties, promising net-zero emissions by 2050.
To achieve this, the country must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent within the next decade.
But since taking office, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has approved four new coal projects that would produce an estimated 147 million tonnes of emissions over their lifetime, according to the Australia Institute.
Another 25 coal mines are awaiting federal government approval, which would bring total potential emissions to 12.8 billion tons.
Retired public health professor Peter Sainsbury said immediate action is needed to save the world.
“Climate change is far greater than any public health threat I have seen in my 40 years as a public health practitioner,” he said.
The blockade is the latest in a series of climate protests ahead of the 2023 United Nations climate conference, which starts in Dubai on Thursday.
Mr Bowen and Assistant Minister Jenny McAllister will attend the conference.
NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee slammed protesters as ‘extremists’