Newcastle climate protest goes ahead, no arrests made

Rising Tide says more than 900 people registered for the paddle-out protest. ( ABC Newcastle: Bridget Murphy )

More than 600 kayakers took to Newcastle Harbour as part of "Paddle for the Planet", protesting coal exports.

No arrests were made after NSW Police had tried to block the event.

A larger protest is being planned for February 2027.

Protest organisers and NSW Police say no arrests were made as hundreds of kayakers took to Newcastle Harbour in New South Wales, to protest against coal exports and fossil fuels.

Climate activism group Rising Tide began promoting its "Paddle for the Planet" event in August, but Newcastle Council this week moved to ban the group from holding any of its events on council land.

NSW Police attempted to block the protest, citing safety concerns and potential resourcing pressures.

However, the court dismissed the application on Friday , deciding the event was in the public interest.

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