In a large-scale climate action protest hundreds of activists gathered at Newcastle port (170km north from Sydney) to start a 50-hour blockade of Australias main coal export terminal
The protest group Rising Tide organized this multi-day demonstration which started on Nov 22nd; with protesters using kayaks to get around police lines in the harbour. Three people - two men and one woman - were caught and arrested by New South Wales police when they tried to paddle through restricted areas
Newcastle port is a super-important shipping hub - its the biggest bulk cargo facility on the east coast and main coal export point. Australia (which leads the world in coking coal exports and holds second place in thermal coal shipping) uses this port as its primary distribution center. A port rep said the protest didnt affect any ship movements‚ although a similar demo last year did cause some problems
The climate-vs-coal situation in Australia remains a hot-button topic as the country tries to balance its role as a major fossil fuel exporter with growing environmental worries. The port handles massive amounts of both thermal and metallurgical coal making it a key target for climate activists who want to push for change