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Climate activists’ coal protest: Police arrest 170 people after floating blockade of Australian port

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Climate activists’ coal protest: Police arrest 170 people after floating blockade of Australian port

People take to the water as they gather to protest climate change at Horseshoe Beach on November 25 last year in Newcastle, Australia. There has now been another protest in support of a similar cause, and more than 150 people have been arrested. Photo / Roni Bintang, Getty Images

Australian police arrested 170 climate activists over the weekend after a floating blockade briefly disrupted operations at one of the world’s largest coal ports.

A fleet of kayaks, surfboards and inflatable boats has blocked the entrance to Newcastle port, which exports millions of tonnes of coal each year.

Police said 156 adults and 14 youths were arrested and charged with offenses including “disturbing a major installation” on Sunday evening.

Protest organizer Rising Tide said it briefly blocked the coal vessel’s entrance to the terminal, and the port operator said shipping was temporarily suspended.

“I risk being arrested and I encourage everyone who can to join me to fight for the future of my generation,” 16-year-old demonstrator Niamh Couch told the crowd before taking to the streets.