Local businesses miss out as cruise ship cancels trip due to multi-day climate blockade
Climate protesters are gearing up for a 72-hour blockade of the Port of Newcastle, halting almost half a billion dollars in grain and coal exports and forcing cruise liners to cancel trips to the area.
NSW
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Climate protesters are gearing up for a multi-day blockade of the world’s largest coal port, with cruise liners already cancelling trips to the area.
Police are currently considering giving permission to protest group Rising Tide for a 72-hour blockade of the Port of Newcastle, which would see nearly half a billion dollars of grain and coal blocked from export overseas.
Protest organisers have submitted a Form 1 or notice of intention to hold a public assembly from the 19th to the 26th of November. Part of the protest will involve a three-day blockade of the port via an armada of canoes and small vessels.
Police have yet to make a decision on whether the protest will be allowed to go ahead. At a blockade of the port last November 104 people were charged.
A NSW Police spokesperson said the Form 1 was currently being reviewed.
The Port of Newcastle is already suffering major disruptions as a result of the planned protests, with one cruise liner cancelling a trip to the area.
Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said he had been advised the Silversea cruise liner, the Silver Nova, which was scheduled to dock at the Port of Newcastle on November 24 had been cancelled due to the scheduled demonstration.
“With a limited cruise season in Newcastle, this cancellation will have a significant impact on the Hunter’s visitor economy, with a potential of 728 passengers and crew now cancelling planned day trips throughout the region, along with spending at inner city businesses,” he said.
“As a port that facilitates trade for over 25 different cargoes, these economic vandals continue to impact Hunter families and communities across NSW.”
Mr Carmody said the protest would also greatly disrupt the export of grain, which would affect the hip pocket of farmers.
“In discussions with farmers, who are reporting a bumper harvest this year, Port of Newcastle is preparing for a possible record season for grain exports, however, with an extended protest being planned, we cannot guarantee these expected volumes,” he said.
“As was seen with the criminals who blocked the train lines earlier this year, the intent to only block the trade of one commodity is fanciful, these groups have no regard whatsoever for the lives and industries they impact beyond their single-minded purpose.”
The Port of Newcastle contributes around $48 billion to the national economy every year, with a three day blockade holding up almost $400 million in coal and grain exports.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the Hunter community had already experienced “significant disruption” due to protesters this year.
“While people have a right to protest, they don’t have a right to disrupt. I want to remind anyone that if you’re caught breaking the law, you will be arrested,” she said.
A spokesperson for Rising Tide said they would guarantee to allow all non-coal vessels to pass unobstructed during the blockade, despite Port authorities warning that would not happen in practice.
“We warmly invite the operators of the Silver Nova to reach out to us to arrange passage during this time and look forward to showing them and their passengers into our city,” the spokesperson said.
Southern Shorthaul Railroad’s Jason Ferguson, who exports both grain and coal said the protesters had become increasingly emboldened by a lack of legal consequences.
“There’s nothing to stop them - the magistrates throw them next to nothing at these economic terrorists,” he said.
“The irony is the grain they’re stopping is going to third world countries - Bangladesh, India and poorer countries in Asia - they’re essentially stopping people from getting food.”
A spokesperson for the Port Authority said they would work closely with police ahead of the blockade.
“Maintaining the safe operations of the port and ensuring the safety of maritime workers and the general public is Port Authority’s highest priority,” the spokesperson said.
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