Australia’s ‘protestival’: kayaks, music, a push for climate change action – and the risk of arrest

The Rising Tide blockade in Newcastle underscores the growing public demand for urgent climate action and highlights the tensions between activists and government authorities regarding fossil fuel policies.
Australia’s ‘protestival’: kayaks, music, a push for climate change action – and the risk of arrest

Key insights

  • 1

    Annual Climate Protest: The Rising Tide blockade has become a significant annual event in Australia.

  • 2

    Government Inaction: Protesters express frustration over the government's failure to address climate change.

  • 3

    Zero Tolerance Policy: Police enforced strict measures against protesters breaching exclusion zones.

A What happened
On November 28, 2025, Newcastle, Australia, became the site of the Rising Tide blockade, where thousands of climate activists gathered to protest against the government's inaction on climate change. The event featured a flotilla of kayaks and sailboats that aimed to block the world's largest coal port. Organizers expected attendance to reach 7,000, as protesters from across the country joined the annual event. They demanded an end to new coal developments, a fair transition for workers affected by the shift away from fossil fuels, and a 78% tax on fossil fuel export profits. Police enforced a strict exclusion zone, warning that breaching it could lead to arrest. Activists expressed their frustration over the government's approval of new coal and gas projects, emphasizing the urgency of climate action. The event also included workshops and concerts, fostering a sense of community among participants concerned about the future of the planet.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate World & Politics Policy & Regulation Culture & Society Society

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