A great day was had at Horseshoe Beach in Newcastle for Rising Tide’s Paddle for the Planet on 14 November. More than 600 kayakers took to the water in various crafts on Newcastle Harbour to peacefully protest coal exports.
No coal ships were scheduled to arrive in the port, and none could be seen offshore. No police were in sight. The huge crowd of like-minded people were there to express their concern that both state and federal governments continue to support fossil fuel exports.
The hypocrisy of the federal government spruiking its good climate record at COP 31 was also called out by speakers at the event. These included Greens MLC Sue Higginson and Independent candidate for Grayndler — Albo’s seat — Hannah Ferguson, both champions of the climate movement.
The Hunter Nannas welcomed Nannas from all over the country. They set up their yellow gazebo on the beach and offered Nanna Care — sunscreen, snacks and a place for paddlers and swimmers to leave their valuables.
Their home baked cakes and biscuits raised over $400 in donations for Rising Tide.
After sitting on Rising Tide’s “Form 1” notification of a public assembly for weeks, the NSW police challenged it in the Supreme Court just days before the event. The judge’s decision went in favour of Rising Tide’s application and their evidence in the court. The case was not about the right to hold the protest but about the police powers on the day, a tactic the police keep trying in spite of previous losses. All costs were awarded against the police, leaving taxpayers out of pocket for an expensive and time-consuming performance.
If the intention was to deter people from protesting against government hypocrisy on climate change then it failed badly. In fact, we reckon the publicity of the court case and the Newcastle Council decision during the week to ban Rising Tide from holding licensed events would have boosted attendance.
We were pleased to join a safe family event with lots of fun and a chance to catch up with other people of all ages who care about the future of our planet.
A big thanks to Rising Tide, the Hunter Nannas, and all the volunteers who helped to organise and make this such a successful event.
Nannas wear the badge of activism with pride.
Channel 7 News Facebook Reel – highly recommended
No arrests as Rising Tide climate protesters paddle into Newcastle Harbour (ABC News)
The NSW premier has shown Trumpian disdain for the damage burning coal is causing – and it may backfire on him by Bob Brown (The Guardian)