Protestors are expected to take to the water on April 24 in a coal port blockade, demanding federal support for a coal transition plan and clean energy jobs.
Led by school students from School Strike for Climate and climate protest group, Extinction Rebellion, the peaceful flotilla intend to block coal ship movements from 8 am to 3 pm on April 24.
The People’s Blockade of the World’s Biggest Coal Port is demanding an end to federal funding of fossil fuel industries and a shift to funding climate solutions that include a transition for coal workers and communities.
“The Morrison Government has given billions of dollars to fossil fuel companies, selling out the future for all young Australians,” said 15-year-old protest organiser, Emily Ashton.
“Billions for fossil fuels is not a climate plan … our communities deserve a clean energy transition now; we will no longer take being used as excuses for inaction on climate.
“This raging crisis won’t wait for timid politicians.”
Ashton said the blockade came just before the federal election and weeks after the release of an IPCC report that warned countries must decarbonise now to avoid a catastrophic climate breakdown.
“In the Hunter, we have an opportunity to become a renewable energy powerhouse, but we need federal support for the transition,” Ashton said.
In 2021, the export value of coal from Australia was approximately $39.17 billion.
As the largest coal port globally, The Port of Newcastle facilitates exports and handles 4,400 ship movements and 164 million tons of cargo annually.
“There is a very real possibility for change, an opportunity to fix the damage that has been done,” Ashton said.
“But to get there, we need a government that will stop funding the systems, industries and organisations that are contributing to climate change, ecological destruction, deforestation, water pollution and many of the current economic issues in Australia.
“We must take action now and fund a just transition from fossil fuels to other energy solutions that are readily available, proven and well within reach.”
The police-approved protest will launch from Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle, including speeches and live music with all ages and backgrounds invited to participate from the water or the shore.
Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, Jessica Ledgerwood, said police approval reassured participants that their actions would not receive harsh new protest penalties.
“We want the event to be safe for young, old and all backgrounds, without fear or risk of arrest because we know the climate crisis is an issue that affects us all,” Ledgerwood said.
Under the new legislation, protestors could be fined up to $22,000 and, or jailed for a maximum of two years for protesting illegally on public roads, rail lines, tunnels, bridges and industrial estates.
The new offence applies to the Port of Newcastle.
“Out of the 11 times the blockade has been held, only one or two have involved other actions at other parts of the port … the majority have been totally focused on the community presence on the water,” Ledgerwood said.
“After the first few blockades, there have been police approval, so this is not really a new approach.”
Visit The People’s Blockade of the World’s Biggest Coal Port Facebook event for more information.
Maia O’Connor