Newcastle Council Bans Rising Tide From Using Public Land for Protests

Newcastle Council has officially banned the climate activist group Rising Tide from hosting events on municipal land. The decision follows a vote by the council’s independent lord mayor, Gavin Morris, who utilized his casting vote on Tuesday night to formalize the prohibition. This move effectively restricts the group, which is well-known for organizing the Rising Tide protests at the world’s largest coal port, from accessing council-managed parks for its future demonstrations.

The council’s decision was heavily influenced by consultations with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. In correspondence sent to the council prior to the vote, Minns argued that the local government could not distance itself from illegal activities associated with these events. He stated that the protests, which have historically involved blocking shipping channels, put lives at risk and hinder the operational capacity of the New South Wales police. Minister for the Hunter and police, Yasmin Catley, also supported the ban, characterizing the group as acting in bad faith due to their history of ignoring statutory requirements and court rulings.

Understanding the Rising Tide movement

Rising Tide is recognized for its annual multi-day blockades at the Port of Newcastle, where participants use kayaks and rafts to disrupt coal ship traffic. The group demands an immediate cessation of new fossil fuel projects, the phase-out of coal exports by 2030, and a 78% tax on fossil fuel profits to support industrial transitions. During the 2024 protests, the state government attempted to establish a maritime exclusion zone, which was later ruled invalid by the supreme court. In 2025, the event proceeded without a government attempt to stop it, though 129 protesters were arrested for entering the water.

Newcastle Council has banned climate group Rising Tide from using public land for future protest events.

Despite the council’s new policy, the group remains defiant. Spokesperson Zack Schofield stated that the organization intends to continue its activism, noting that a planned paddle-out event at Horseshoe Beach will proceed as scheduled. The group is currently navigating legal challenges regarding permits for their upcoming actions, as they continue to pressure the government to address climate change concerns.

Why it matters

The council's decision marks a significant shift in the management of public space regarding civil disobedience in Australia. By restricting access to council land, authorities are attempting to curb the logistical support for protests that disrupt critical infrastructure. This development highlights the ongoing tension between the right to protest and the state's focus on maintaining industrial operations at major export hubs.