Climate protesters have once again targeted the Port of Newcastle and the Port of Melbourne following a previous incident where a teenager climbed a coal loader and attached herself to a railing. These demonstrations mark the third day of action by climate activists at major coal ports along the east coast.
In one instance, a young woman named Niamh abseiled off Shepherd’s bridge on Footscray Road, blocking six lanes of traffic with a safety line. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man named Angus positioned himself on top of a nine-meter pole on a rail bridge at Branxton, leading to the closure of the NSW Hunter railway line between Scone and Maitland. Both protesters remained at their positions, causing significant disruption.
These events occurred after an 18-year-old woman from Canberra was charged for scaling a coal loader in Newcastle and attaching herself to a railing. Additionally, another woman was charged for suspending herself above the railway leading to the coal loader. The actions of these protesters have been criticized by Police Minister Yasmin Catley, who called them “crazy” and “blockheads,” saying that their actions do not contribute to environmental or climate change efforts and instead endanger the lives of those involved.
Police have arrested and charged the protesters involved in the various incidents, with some being refused bail and others being given bail with certain conditions. The demonstrations have sparked debate around the country, leading multiple states to introduce legislation targeting disruptive environmental protests.