Liberal councillors from throughout the region have turned the blowtorch onto City of Newcastle (CN) to withdraw its support of Rising Tide.

It comes after the climate activist organisation’s People’s Blockade caused further drama at the weekend, with more than 140 protesters arrested, including another 16 for chaining themselves onto coal loading equipment on Monday 1 December.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe denied council had facilitated the contentious activities, saying it had simply approved event licences for the concert and camping.

She explained the move was consistent with CN’s 2019 declaration of a global climate emergency and visitation to the “protestival” would provide an economic boost to local businesses.

But, councillors from Newcastle, Maitland and Port Stephens believe council must refuse any future requests for Rising Tide to use public land to stage their campaigns.

In fact, CN’s Callum Pull and Jenny Barrie originally voted against “green lighting” the event.

“For Rising Tide activists to be excited about what they’ve done is disgusting,” the latter said.

“Slowing down trade and depriving local businesses of tourism revenue is nothing to boast about.

“We saw two cruise ships cancel their visits, with an estimated $800,000 lost to our region.

“These were two of only five visits we got this year – and that business is never coming back.

“Rising Tide’s blockade impacts economic activity across the Hunter.

“The economic downturn and the reputational damage to our city and region have far reaching consequences for small business and tourism operators.

“Furthermore, our local area command is very short-staffed across the region.

“And, this event pulled police away from their normal duties.”

Former Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull admitted it was disappointing officers had to “babysit” the protesters at the weekend.

“This event is no longer a protest – it is an obstruction,” he said.

“They’re not just calling for action; they are openly disobeying the law.

“Over the weekend we saw 140 arrests followed by more on Monday.

“These people aren’t heroes.

“They’re recklessly and selfishly endangering themselves and the uniformed officers who are trying to protect them.

“Our police resources are already stretched thin.

“So, uniformed officers are looking after them rather than pursuing and addressing major events and issues across the state.

“However, this weekend things got way out of hand.

“This event has become a magnet for far broader protest and obstructionist activity.

“These activists have gone beyond the harbour and attacked the Port and (Newcastle) Airport.

“Every year, this group is getting bolder and bolder.

“Clearly this disruption has grown and must not be enabled or endorsed by councillors again.

“City of Newcastle must draw a line here.

“This has never been about climate action… it’s only ever been about stunts for Rising Tide.”

Maitland’s Mitchell Griffin agreed.

“Residents of the Hunter have had enough of Rising Tide,” he said.

“They have cost local businesses income and forced police resources to be redeployed away from regional towns.

“And, yet, despite guarantees of good behaviour from organisers, we continue to see mass arrests,

vandalism and violence from within the groups involved.”

Port Stephens councillor Nathan Errington stated he was appalled by the recent decision made by CN to allow the situation to occur.

“In the past month alone, two cruise ships have cancelled their visits because of this protest, significantly hurting our tourism operators and contributing to a noticeable downturn in local business activity across Port Stephens,” he said.

“To make matters worse, I am deeply concerned to hear that a vessel carrying goods essential to one

of our region’s largest employers – Tomago Aluminium – was turned around.

“How is a major business expected to operate reliably under these circumstances?

“Decisions made in Newcastle are clearly having broader impacts on neighbouring councils and the regional economy.

“I am calling on City of Newcastle to take responsibility, listen to the concerns of surrounding communities, and think about how giving the green light to these professional protestors is hurting more than just your own city.

“Council must not grant an event licence in 2026… or any year.

“This situation cannot be repeated.

“The economic stability of our region and the livelihoods of local workers and tourism operators must come first.”

For more news stories:

• Locals launch week of action against Hunter weapons industry
• Skates on to ensure secure exit of Eraring Power Station
• Rising Tide claims ‘success’ after coal ship disruptions

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