Coal Australia threatens legal action over Newcastle climate protest

Coal Australia has threatened legal action against the City of Newcastle if it approves a planned climate protest at the Newcastle coal port. The activist group Rising Tide has submitted an application to use Foreshore Park for a harbour blockade event scheduled from February 25 to March 1 next year.

Coal Australia stated that the protest could risk lives and disrupt a major Australian export. The organization has reportedly instructed legal counsel to commence civil enforcement proceedings in the Land and Environment Court should the council grant permission.

Rising Tide has defended the event, describing it as a peaceful ‘protestival’ and arguing that coal and gas consumption is a primary driver of the climate crisis. The City of Newcastle is currently reviewing the application, which is subject to a 28-day public notification process later this year.