Source : Perth Now news
A climate group famous for its aquatic protests will be allowed to stage a kayak rally in Australia’s largest coal port after police opposition was dismissed by a court.
Climate activist group Rising Tide’s inaugural Paddle for the Planet flotilla on Newcastle Harbour on Saturday was challenged by NSW Police at the 11th hour.
Rising Tide runs an annual blockade of the port, next set for February, but has insisted Saturday’s rally would not block port operations or result in arrests.
More than 150 people were arrested in December 2025 at the group’s three-day “protestival” and blockade.
Police asked the NSW Supreme Court to deem it an unlawful assembly over safety concerns for attendees and other users of the busy harbour, including commercial vessels.
That would have rendered anyone who stops port traffic liable for arrest.
But organisers of the protest – which nearly 700 people have registered to attend – argued they had taken adequate measures to mitigate risk and ensure compliance and the majority of their 15 on-water protests since 2005 were approved by police.
On Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the event start time, Justice Edward Muston ruled the flotilla could go ahead.
The court ruling comes just days after Newcastle Council banned Rising Tide from holding any protests or events on council-owned land, citing safety concerns.
Council has previously allowed the group to set up camp in the adjoining park where music and speeches could be played.
Saturday’s five-hour demonstration is set to boast live music, food trucks, and kids activities as well as a two-and-a-half-hour flotilla in which up to 785 people will be permitted to take to the water.
It is planned to coincide with COP31 climate negotiations in Turkey – co-hosted by Australia – and call for an end to coal and gas expansions and exports.
During a full-day hearing on Wednesday, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said he had grave fears about the safety risks of holding such a big event in the busy harbour.
Those included the difficulty of coordinating such a large group, ensuring the safety of inexperienced water users, and the possibility of violent counter protests, he said.
“I haven’t seen one of these events run safely yet,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
But Paddle for the Planet organiser Anne Hodgson insisted they were adequately prepared with safety marshals and evacuation signals.
She testified she strongly believed there wouldn’t be any civil disobedience or law breaking at the protest because clear directions had been given to attendees.
