Support the Rising Tide 173!

On Sunday 24th November, 170 courageous and peaceful protestors were arrested from kayaks whilst blockading the world's largest coal port. It was the largest act of civil disobedience for climate in Australian history.

Through their presence on the shipping channel, the kayakers forced a ship to turn around after it had started its final leg into the mouth of the harbour, which has never been achieved before! This was the 13th flotilla blockade of the Newcastle coal port but the first in which people power has actually turned a ship back! 

The arrests followed a five day “protestival” that involved over 7,000 people rallying together to oppose ongoing coal expansions, and to demand transitions funding for workers and communities. 

Of the 170 arrests, 14 were under 18 and 17 were over 65. Some people were charged with section 15A(2) of the Maritime Safety Act ‘not comply with a direction’ which carries a maximum penalty of $3300. However, most were charged with section 214A(1)(b) of the Crimes Act ‘damage/disrupt a major facility’ (one of the notorious new “anti-protest laws”), which carries a maximum penalty of $22,000 and 2 years in prison.

Every one of these 170 people knowingly risked being charged with the anti-protest laws, which carry much greater penalties than peaceful protestors usually face. 

Why did they blockade the coal port? 

These peaceful kayakers know that we are on the brink of catastrophic climate tipping points. Yet the government is allowing new coal projects, rather than taxing coal export profits to fund rapid community and industrial transition.

If the Albanese government won't stand up to the fossil fuel industry, the people will. 

Rising Tide is building a massive climate defence movement to demand:

1. Stop all new fossil fuel projects.

2. A tax on fossil fuel export profits at 78% to fund community and industrial transition, and pay for climate loss and damage.

3. The end of all coal exports from Newcastle – the world’s largest coal port – by 2030.

What will happen with the funds?

Funds will go to pay court costs, fines and other legal expenses of the 170 protestors charged at the People's Blockade of the World's Largest Coal Port. 

If there are any funds left over they will support Rising Tide's work. Rising Tide is a volunteer-run movement. Every dollar helps us build the climate defence.