Australia: Environmental activists plan to blockade Newcastle Port, New South Wales, Nov. 21-24

Environmental activists from the Rising Tide group plan to hold a blockade of Newcastle Port in New South Wales Nov. 21-24. Participants are calling for the government to cease approving new fossil fuel projects, impose taxes on fossil fuel exports, and halt coal exports from Newcastle Port, a key coal export facility. Protesters are gathering at Newcastle Foreshore Park through Nov. 26. They plan to use kayaks to obstruct vessels from accessing the port through Hunter River intermittently 13:00 Nov. 21-13:00 Nov. 24, despite officials declaring an exclusion zone on Newcastle Harbour 17:00 Nov. 21-08:00 Nov. 25. Organizers claim that thousands of people will join the demonstration.

Heightened security and localized traffic disruptions are likely around Newcastle Foreshore Park and Newcastle Port. Minor clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, especially if officers attempt to forcibly disperse protesters. Police may conduct mass arrests if they determine demonstrators violate the exclusion zone. Maritime freight and shipping disruptions of coal are possible at Newcastle Port during the blockade.