Newcastle council bars Rising Tide from using council land after premier’s warning

The Guardian reported that Newcastle council has prohibited the climate activist group Rising Tide from holding any events on council land. The decision followed a consultation with New South Wales premier Chris Minns, who warned the council would be complicit in any “illegal activities that occur at these protests”.

Council’s independent lord mayor Gavin Morris used his casting vote on Tuesday night to block any licensing of Rising Tide’s events. In a mayoral minute, Morris said the group had “broken the trust and faith of the Newcastle community” by defying police directions during past protests.

The ban applies to all council-owned sites, including the area surrounding the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle, a location frequently used for climate demonstrations.

Why it matters

The move limits a major climate protest group’s ability to organise demonstrations in a key coal‑export hub, highlighting growing friction between activists and government authorities.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

11 Nov 2026, 08:25 IST

Key names

Rising Tide, Newcastle, Chris Minns, NSW

Section

Environment

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianRising Tide banned from using council land for protests at world’s largest coal port in Newcastle 11 Nov, 08:25

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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