Climate activists block Port of Newcastle on surfboards and kayaks
Climate activists have blocked the Port of Newcastle with surfboards, kayaks and boats as part of a four-day climate protest.
Rising Tide climate protestors are trying to block access to the port for the next 50 hours.
The Port of Newcastle is the biggest coal port in the world.
A coal ship has been trying to enter the port this morning as hundreds of activists take to the sea.
The protestors have been warned by water police that they could be hit with a $1000 fine if they enter the shipping lane.
The activists were allowed to protest today after a supreme court judge threw out a submission yesterday, made by the state government to set up an exclusion zone at the port over the four-day period.
Transport minister Jo Haylen tried to block the protest by using the Marine Safety Act to set up exclusion zones, however, Rising Tide argued that it would be an improper use of the Act, which is meant to ensure special events proceed safely, not stop them from happening.
Justice Sarah McNaughton agreed and the protest was allowed to go on with the exclusion zones being thrown out.
There is a strong police presence at the port today to ensure everyone remains safe during the protest.