Statement from Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge about Rising Tide event location change

Following a further meeting with Rising Tide, I have negotiated a compromise outcome for the Protestival event set to be staged this week at Camp Shortland.

Under a negotiated compromise with Rising Tide, the event will no longer be staged at Camp Shortland. This is because Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has written to City of Newcastle stating it requires unhindered access to Horseshoe Beach via the carpark. 

The community may be unaware that both the carpark and beach are owned by the NSW Government, and therefore we must respect their position as the landowner.  

TfNSW has also stated it will not permit any activities related to the Rising Tide event taking place on the northern end of Camp Shortland that abuts Horseshoe Beach, which is also owned by TfNSW.

In light of this restriction, the section of Camp Shortland under the care and control of City of Newcastle is not large enough to safely enable the Rising Tide event to proceed, especially over the concert days of Friday and Saturday.

Instead Rising Tide have agreed to relocate their event to Foreshore Park. They have also agreed to limit the size of the event to 5,000 people at any time, and no more than 500 people camping in the park overnight. I have also told them they must not allow marine vessels such as kayaks or canoes within Foreshore Park.

Rising Tide committed to me that they would direct people to follow police directions and would warn participants of the consequences of likely arrest if they do not obey police. And critically, Rising Tide committed to discouraging people from disruptive activities away from the harbour such as stopping coal trains.

I will also be writing to residents nearby to Foreshore Park explaining to them the change in location from Camp Shortland. I will explain the situation we as a community find ourselves in. It is a fact that this event will be occurring with or without my approval. 

Arguably it will be a safer event with appropriate controls in place by providing a licence for the event. Further, I have explained that I believe that raising the issue of climate change is one that enjoys widespread support within the Newcastle community, and it is fair and reasonable that people have an opportunity to express their concerns through peaceful protest.