Over 100 climate protesters arrested after 30-hour protest at Port of Newcastle

Thousands of protesters entered the water at one of the world’s largest coal ports before police began making arrests.

More than 100 people have been charged after protesters refused to leave the Port of Newcastle after a 30-hour protest.

About 3000 climate protesters assembled at one of the world’s largest coal ports, the Port of Newcastle on Sunday to protest governments inaction on climate change ahead of the global COP28 summit.

The activists had permission for a 30-hour protest at the world's largest coal port but when they refused to leave at 4pm on Sunday, police moved in. (Picture: Nine)

However, when dozens of protesters refused to leave the port at the approved 4pm finish time, police started to make arrests.

In total, 109 people – including 49 males, 60 females, five of which were juveniles – were arrested.

Of those arrested, 18 people were taken to Newcastle, Waratah and Toronto Police Stations and 86 people were taken to a nearby port facility.

Dozens of climate change protesters have been removed from the water and arrested over a blockade at the Port of Newcastle. (Picture: Rising Tide)

Police will allege in court that a number of protesters purposely entered the harbour channel despite appropriate warnings and directions by police.

They were all issued court attendance notices for operating a vessel to interfere with others use of waters.

Two men, aged 23 and 65, were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Monday, while the remainder will appear on January 21.

The five juveniles were released and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.