A train carrying coal to the Port of Newcastle in New South Wales was halted when protesters, allegedly linked to the climate defence group Rising Tide, scaled the train and shovelled coal from its wagons. Around 50 people were arrested, with most being given future court attendance notices and released, but four were taken into custody by police. The train was stopped for at least four hours. The protest was against the expansion of NSW’s coal production, with advocacy group Lock The Gate stating that eight coal projects awaiting approval this year would produce carbon emissions equivalent to 10 times the state’s annual CO2 budget. Newcastle is the world’s largest coal export port, with thermal and metallurgical coal responsible for most of the $71bn of goods passing through each year.