Four-day exclusion zone an improper use of Marine Safety Act, judge rules, despite ‘skilful’ submission from transport minister Jo Haylen
supreme court has set aside a Minns government decision to cut off access to Newcastle harbour to try to prevent a four-day climate protest.Rising Tide argued the four-day marine exclusion zone that was to commence at 5pm on Thursday was an improper use of a section of the Marine Safety Act, which was intended to ensure special events proceed safely – not to prevent them from taking place.
“Thousands of people have gathered from across Australia to be a part of the people’s blockade. We are excited to have thousands join us as we get out on to the water tomorrow and over the weekend for our historic protest at the world’s largest coal port.”, said he was disappointed by the court’s decision but was not yet fully across the details as he had been in negotiations with rail unions.
At about 3pm, hundreds of protesters gathered on Horseshoe beach in Newcastle, and many of them paddled into the port aboard kayaks and rafts. One of the protest organisers, Zack Schofield, said he hoped the government “learns their lesson” from the court’s findings.“They don’t have unrestricted powers to shut down the protest if they don’t like what we’re saying. In fact, it’s the government’s job to listen to citizens that come together … That’s their job. That’s what they need to do now.”
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