# Newcastle Council Bans Climate Protests on Community Land City officials revoke authorization for Rising Tide protests citing safety and boundary concerns. - **Source:** [ABC Australia – Just In](https://www.abc.net.au/news/justin) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/85865898-3275-4772-829c-fdd1363ec2d6 ## Council Revokes Protest Authorization The City of Newcastle has officially banned the climate action group Rising Tide from utilizing community-owned land for future demonstrations. Lord Mayor Gavin Morris utilized his casting vote on Tuesday to pass the motion. This decision effectively prohibits the group from staging events on public property, citing persistent safety and boundary issues. ## Catalyst for the Decision Lord Mayor Gavin Morris stated that the decision was driven by safety concerns arising from previous Rising Tide events. He claimed that activists consistently breached agreed-upon boundaries during past protests. Morris argued that these repeated actions necessitated immediate intervention to ensure public safety and prevent other groups from escalating similar protest activities. ## Impact on Planned Blockades The ban directly affects the upcoming People's Blockade of Newcastle Harbour, which was scheduled for February 2027. Previously, the council had permitted the group to use Camp Shortland, an area adjacent to the harbour, for their activities. This new restriction forces the organization to reconsider its logistical planning for future anti-coal demonstrations. ## Activist and Legal Opposition Rising Tide activist Zach Schofield criticized the ban, arguing that previous large-scale events occurred without serious safety incidents. Timothy Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, warned that the broad nature of the ban threatens fundamental rights to peaceful assembly. Critics believe the council is overstepping its authority regarding public land. ## Supreme Court Involvement The NSW Supreme Court is currently reviewing a police application to prohibit a separate paddle-out event scheduled for this weekend. Assistant Police Commissioner Dave Waddell expressed grave concerns regarding water safety, noting that previous participants drifted hundreds of metres away. Authorities fear that current safety measures are insufficient for the large crowds. ## Police Resource Deployment To manage the upcoming weekend event, authorities have increased police resources, including the deployment of public order and riot squad officers. Assistant Commissioner Waddell highlighted risks associated with potential counter-protests and the inability of participants to return to shore safely. The court heard that at least 500 people have already registered. ## Divergent Views on Democracy Councillor Siobhan Isherwood, who voted against the motion, argued that democracy relies on the protection of free speech and peaceful protest. She believes the council has a duty to defend these rights. Conversely, the council majority maintains that the decision is a necessary measure to manage public safety and maintain order. ## Future Implications for Protests The ban applies to Rising Tide and any associated groups, creating uncertainty for future climate activism in the region. While the upcoming paddle-out does not use community land, the broader legal climate remains tense. Activists warn that restrictive measures could potentially backfire by further fueling public passion and defiance regarding coal exports. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-11/newcastle-council-bans-climate-protests-on-community-land/107369840 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._