Police have arrested 170 people over allegedly disrupting activity at the world's biggest coal port
Protesters formed a "blockade" in the water at the Port of Newcastle on Sunday, the third day of a mass flotilla and protest. They were calling on the federal government to rule out new coal and gas mines and for a 78 per cent tax on coal and gas exports.
In a statement on Sunday evening, NSW Police said a total of 170 people had been arrested and charged, including 156 adults and 14 children.
Of those, police said 138 were charged with disruption of a major facility and 32 with not complying with safety orders by an authorised officer.
Two people were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Monday.
NSW Police minister condemns 'reckless behaviour'
NSW police minister Yasmin Catley called out the behaviour, claiming the protest was "irresponsible theatrics".
"[Police have] done an outstanding job managing this dangerous and volatile situation," she said on Sunday.
"I strongly condemn the reckless behaviour of those who think it is acceptable to waste critical policing resources and endanger officers with self-serving stunts."
The NSW government lost a Supreme Court bid to stop the protest from going ahead on Friday.
Climate protesters took part part in a three-day blockade at the world's largest coal port in Newcastle. Source: AAP / Michael Gorton
'Successful blockade'
Rising Tide organiser Alexa Stuart said more than 150 peaceful protesters were arrested across the weekend.
"Thousands of people from across the country have joined locals here to do what the Albanese government has failed to do — protect Australians from the worst impacts of climate change," she said.
"Despite the government's attempts to shut down our peaceful blockade, today we have successfully blockaded the world's largest coal port."
Ships temporarily stopped travelling through the area as a result of the protest, the port authority said.
"In consultation with NSW Police and stakeholders, a risk-based decision has been made to temporarily pause shipping," a spokesperson said.
"The protest activity has compromised the safety of the shipping channel and led to an unacceptable potential risk to public safety, the port and the environment."
A large group entered a shipping channel mid-morning on Sunday and interfered with the movement of vessels, police said.
NSW Police had asked people not to enter the harbour to obstruct other port users — for their safety and that of other port users.
"The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels," they said in a statement.
The safe passage of vessels was protected by law and police warned "unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment".
Rockband Midnight Oil's frontman and former environment minister Peter Garrett, along with musicians including John Butler and Angie McMahon, took to the stage on Saturday to perform as part of an associated festival.
Greens leader Adam Bandt was also in attendance on Sunday, wearing a t-shirt with the slogan "No More Coal & Gas".
"People here today are taking action because they know that you can't put the fire out when you're pouring petrol on it," he said.
"We just can't open any new coal and gas mines if we're to have a chance of tackling the climate crisis."
