A multi-day police operation to ensure the safety of attendees, and the wider community, during Rising Tide’s People’s Blockade resulted in 155 arrests.
The campaign concluded in Newcastle on Monday 1 December, with most of the offenders charged under the Crimes Act and Marine Safety Act.
Of those indicted, 100 were alleged to have disrupted/obstructed a major facility; 52 with breach Marine Exclusion Zone; two for boarding a vessel anchored at sea; and one with reckless wounding.
“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly,” a spokesperson said.
“However, we will not tolerate illegal and dangerous behaviour.
“And, sadly, officers witnessed several risky practices on the water.”
Police were called to Kooragang Island about 5am on Monday 1 December following reports of an unauthorised protest.
Upon arrival, officers located 16 people allegedly “locked-on” to coal processing equipment.
Fifteen adults were arrested and have since been charged with enter/remain on etc major facility seriously disrupt etc use.
Of those, 10 received Court Attendance Notices (CAN) to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Friday 16 January.
Four were also granted conditional bail to front that court on the same day.
A 73-year-old man, who was originally refused bail, is now set to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Friday 12 December.
A 16th person, a 17-year-old boy, was released pending further inquiries.
Another incident of note occurred about 1pm on Sunday 30 November.
Officers arrested a female, 29, after she allegedly failed to comply with a direction to leave a Marine Exclusion Zone.
A short time later, the woman – who was aboard a police vessel – told them she was unwell.
After being advised to move to the side of the craft, if she was to be sick, she then jumped from the vessel and was required to be apprehended again.
She was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with enter/remain on etc cause major facility to be closed; escape police custody; and contravene notice prohibiting/regulating use of vessels.
She’ll appear before Newcastle Local Court on Friday 12 December.
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