A 59-year-old Newcastle doctor was one of three people arrested by Police for allegedly crossing into a shipping channel in the Port of Newcastle during a climate action protest yesterday.
In a statement, NSW Police confirmed that three people had been arrested at around 1.45pm on Saturday, with officers attached to Marine Area Command removing the trio from the water at the Port of Newcastle.
Two men – aged 27 and 59 and a 26 year-old woman – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were charged with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety.
They were all granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 13 January, 2025.
Among them was 59-year-old Newcastle local resident and doctor, Peter Schofield.
In a statement released by ‘Rising Tide’ following the day’s protest, Dr Schofield said, “As a doctor and epidemiologist, I know that climate change is causing a global public health crisis and I know that many medical professionals feel similarly.
“We need the government to act faster and better in dealing with the problem and that means stopping coal mines.
“I’ve attended rallies, written letters and signed petitions but the government is blocking its ears to protect the profits of coal and gas companies.
“I chose to risk arrest because the government is not listening to the science that clearly says we can’t open new coal and gas projects.”
Police today arrested more than 100 people who were taking part in the ongoing protest.
“Just after 10am today, a large group of people entered a shipping channel and interfered with the movement of vessels,” NSW Police said.
“138 people have now been arrested after refusing to comply with a direction to move away from the channel.
“For their own safety and that of the other users of the port, police request that people refrain from entering the harbour with the intention to obstruct other users of the port. We also encourage all participants to follow the directions of police.
“The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.
“The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.”
