Almost 200 people have been arrested after pausing activity at the world’s biggest coal port as part of a climate protest.
Protesters formed a “blockade” in the Port of Newcastle on Sunday in the third day of unrest, calling on the federal government to rule out new coal and gas mines and for a 78% tax on coal and gas exports.
Police said 156 adults and 14 youths have been charged over the three days of the protest: 138 with disruption of a major facility, and 32 for not complying with a direction by an authorised officer relating to safety. Two were refused bail to appear at Newcastle local court on Monday. Police said there may be more arrests.
Some 34 people were retrieved from the water during arrests, ten people required assistance from police to return to shore, and one police officer suffered a fractured ankle, police said.
A police spokesperson alleged some protesters had put themselves and others at risk.