This is a report from CAM member Bronwyn Plarre about the recent People’s Blockade in Newcastle, organised by Rising Tide.
The 2025 Rising Tide Protestival
This was my 3rd year at the Blockade. I was joined by Maggie Cowling, our convenor, and 8000 others, many camped on Newcastle-Muloobinba foreshore. What an amazing feat of organising a festival and an inspirational protest: the permission to camp, the music & other entertainment, security and police liaison, weather contingencies (tornado on the Wednesday and strong winds throughout), lush vegan food and clean portaloos. Also exemplary is Rising Tide’s decision-making process, through Spokes Councils, both at camp and embedded in their philosophy, truly an inspiration for future society. And I can’t forget to mention the incredible networking that goes on between so many likeminded people.
And now for the main reason for being there, to block the biggest coal port in the World. Some may say it is tokenistic; they may be right, but there was serious disruption and delay of coal ships in and out of the Port by the shear number of kayaks over the weekend, and by some very brave individuals who pushed Police resources such that the Port Authorities rely on Police advice as to whether to close the port for safety reasons. Result: the port was closed down over the weekend with 10 coal ships rescheduled and 3 turned around. As an older person I can attest that it is quite difficult to achieve an arrest out in a kayak. Maybe Police are trying to avoid the adverse publicity, as with the 97yo Rev Alan Stewart in 2023 (who sadly passed away this year). But my friend and co-rebel, Alan Cuthbertson did achieve the most severe fine. He (and other) were charged with breaching section 214A of the NSW Crimes Act – obstructing a major facility. Rising Tide will be following and supporting him and all arrestees with support and compassion.
Coal price and production is on its way out, but not fast enough for a safe climate for all of humanity’s children. And gas is just as bad.
Former Senator, Janet Rice has also written an article on Substack (including a short video) about her arrest.
Climate Action Merribek 
It was indeed impressively well organised and peaceful, with many locals amongst the organisers and participants. The crucial message for locals was, what’s the plan? Coal exports peaked in 2020, so we need a plan for phase out. Rising Tide are calling for a 78% tax on coal export profits to fund community-led transition. Australia has some 94 fossil fuel (coal and gas) projects in the pipeline, we’re the 5th largest fossil fuel producer, the 2nd largest fossil fuel exporter, and we’ve just signed the Belem declaration to phase out fossil fuels. So as climate tipping points risk getting triggered and we head for (at least) 3 degrees global warming, a plan to fulfil that declaration would be welcome! (Of course, CAM will be asking our local MP about it 🙂 )
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