Knitting Nannas are disappointed that the NSW Supreme Court has found in favour of the NSW Police Force in rejecting Rising Tides application for a Form 1 for the People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port, Newcastle/Muloobinba.
Outside the court today single mother of two Emily Mitchell said in response to the Police concerns about the safety of the blockade “If only the government would apply the precautionary principle to coal and gas developments with as much vigour and consideration of public safety as they’ve applied it to this beautiful safe protest. We are protesting because in the wider sense of things we are not safe. The law is lagging behind and we are not going to let it stop us for fighting for a better safer future.”
Nanna Dom Jacobs, one of the two Knitting Nannas who made a partly successful constitutional challenge to the 2022 anti-protest laws, made clear what Nannas are feeling today “We know it’s not right to continue to advance this industry that is killing life on earth. We also have to defend our right to protest peacefully. I will be enthusiastically attending the protest and exercising my democratic rights.”
Nannas are also alarmed about incorrect media reports that claim the 2024 blockade may not go ahead without Form 1 approval. Justice Fagen said in his findings that “The organisers of Rising Tide have taken a responsible approach to on-water safety by preparing very thorough plans and protocols, by engaging members of supportive organisations to attend with outboard motor driven rescue craft and by enlisting the assistance of trained lifeguards.
“The Court’s reasons are not to be understood as a direction to terminate the protest.”
Thea Ormorod of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change said outside the Supreme Court that ethical people, including people of faith, will continue to stand up for the rights of future generations. She added that standing up to the legal system of the day is sometimes necessary “We can see from this decision and the announcements of Chris Minns that the people who make laws and uphold the laws, the police, are on the side of protecting those profit-seeking companies who are jeopardising our future.”
Nannas have supported peaceful protest in Newcastle over many years and have no intention of missing out on Rising Tide in 2024. Especially as this could very well be their last opportunity to watch a live set from Peter Garrett from Midnight Oil!
More information: Eury Aroney 0411 817 283