Media Statement - Rising Tide event

City of Newcastle notes the ruling of the NSW Supreme Court last Thursday regarding a planned protest on Newcastle Harbour and at Camp Shortland.

City of Newcastle has received independent legal advice confirming that City of Newcastle's authority to issue a permit for the event on its land at Camp Shortland does not impact the ability of NSW Police to exercise their powers of arrest for any offences. 

Rising Tide organisers met with Lord Mayor Councillor Dr Ross Kerridge on Tuesday and provided the Lord Mayor reassurance that they intend to hold a peaceful event at Camp Shortland. They committed to taking action to focus on safety and obeying police.

Dr Ross Kerridge said that he attended last year's Rising Tide event and was impressed by the professionalism of the organisers and their commitment to ensuring a safe event with a focus on climate change.

"I have today provided my formal support for the Rising Tide event occurring at Camp Shortland. I did however stress my expectation that the event organisers take all reasonable efforts to ensure that any closure of the harbour is for the briefest possible time," the Lord Mayor said. 

"As a result of our meeting and my request, the Rising Tide organisers provided me with a written commitment to use their best endeavours to ensure all participants obey police directions.

"Specifically, this includes directing people to remain close to the shore and not enter the shipping channel, nor make movements that suggest they are attempting to get into the channel. 

"Rising Tide also committed to me they would direct people to follow police directions, and would warn participants of the consequences of likely arrest if they do not obey police.

"Lastly, Rising Tide committed to discouraging people from disruptive activities away from the harbour such as stopping coal trains.

"City of Newcastle received 123 submissions on Rising Tide's request to hold an event at Camp Shortland. Almost 75% of these submissions were supportive of the event occurring. 

"I also encourage everyone attending the event to look after the sensitive coastal environment at Camp Shortland and respect residents and visitors in the vicinity of the event."