Tag Archives: oceania

Dozens arrested in Port of Newcastle climate change protest

Dozens of climate change protesters have been arrested amid further disruptions at the world's largest coal port.

More coal ships were blocked from entering the Port of Newcastle today as Rising Tide protesters on kayaks and other small vessels called for taxes on fossil fuel export profits and an end to new coal developments.

Police said 141 people, including 18 children, believed to be associated with the multi-day event had been arrested by 4.30pm today.

Of the 123 adults arrested, most were charged with various offences under the Crimes and Marine Safety while inquiries continued into two women arrested on board a ship. 

Footage from today showed a banner reading "phase out coal and gas" being unfurled by two people hanging from the side of the vessel.

The Port Authority of NSW reportedly said four ships were disrupted on Sunday, including two not linked to coal. 

"Our intention was to stop coal ships from entering or leaving the Port of Newcastle and we've succeeded in doing this today," Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield said.

"By continuing to approve new coal and gas mines, the Albanese government is failing to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change and when the government fails us, the people must rise."

Police alleged one boat, driven by a 26-year-old protester collided with a police jet ski that gave chase after the larger vessel refused to stop as it entered an exclusion zone. 

About 11.20am, a fight "allegedly involving attendees of the event" was reported at Foreshore Park. 

Police said a 46-year-old man was taken to Calvary Mater Hospital in a stable condition after suffering lacerations to his back, arms, legs, and head, and a 17-year-old boy who intervened was also injured. 

An 18-year-old was charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and other offences. 

"The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly," Police said, in a statement.

"However, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour.

Organisers say they are looking to stall new coal developments and tax fossil fuel export profits.

Newcastle sends 150 million tonnes of coal offshore annually.

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Display pilot killed as two light planes collide in Sydney

A display pilot has died after two light planes collided in Sydney's south-west.

Reports were made at 11.50am that the two Van's Aircraft RV-7 planes collided near Napperfield Airfield in Wedderburn, near Appin.

One of the planes crashed in nearby bushland.

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The body of the pilot, Eddie Seve, from Sydney's Hills District was found by emergency services.

The body of the pilot, Eddie Seve, from Sydney's Hills District was found by emergency services.

He was part of the Freedom Formation Display Team, which confirmed its aircraft was involved on Facebook.

The other plane landed safely at the airfield and the pilot, Ollie Geraghty, was uninjured.

Reports were made at 11.50am that the two aircraft collided near Napperfield Airfield, in Wedderburn, near Appin.One of the planes crashed in nearby bushland.

Police are investigating, along with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

It said the two aircraft had been involved in a formation flight of four that was returning to land at Wedderburn Airport when the collision happened.

"One of the aircraft involved in the collision landed safety but the other aircraft collided with terrain and its pilot was fatally injured," a statement said.

It's the second crash at the airport in a year.