A Maitland councillor has expressed his disappointment over media reports City of Sydney could help Rising Tide plan this year’s People’s Blockade in Newcastle.
It’s understood Greens’ Matthew Thompson wants the metropolitan council, led by Clover Moore, to give the climate activists access to a rent-free workspace to assist with their preparations for 2026.
He’s asked the organisation’s chief executive officer Monica Barone PSM to meet with the group in “the near future” to offer their backing at the ratepayers’ expense.
But, Mitchell Griffin, Maitland City’s former deputy mayor, slammed Mr Thompson’s requests.
“No council in NSW should be able to put public money towards the support of an event, which encourages illegal behaviour,” he said.
“Shame on Sydney for thinking it can do so.
“In the past two years alone, we’ve seen more than 300 arrests during the Rising Tide ‘protestival’; damage to council infrastructure; people entering a restricted shipping channel, trespassing on coal loading facilities and illegally boarding ships; items for taking illicit drugs found within their camp; violent glassing attacks leaving others in hospital; and vandalism to property.
“The action of these extremists has also resulted in loss of trade for businesses here in Maitland.
“I fully support people’s right to protest but not when it involves them breaking the law.
“I’m calling on the NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, to step in and take a stand against the City of Sydney.
“Enough is enough.
“Why should Sydney councils be allowed to deliberately fund these extremists with ratepayers’ money in an effort to hurt businesses here in regional NSW?”
It’s not the first time Cr Griffin has taken aim at Rising Tide or its dealings.
He joined Liberal colleagues from Newcastle and Port Stephens in condemning City of Newcastle (CN) for “green-lighting” the group’s campaign in November.
They believe council should not grant an event licence in 2026… or any year.
“Residents of the Hunter have had enough of Rising Tide,” he said.
“They’ve cost local businesses income and forced police resources to be redeployed away from regional towns.
“Despite guarantees of good behaviour from organisers, we continue to witness mass arrests.”
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