Up to 500 anti-coal activists from across Australia will descend on Newcastle for a five-day training camp starting on Wednesday.
Organisers refused to reveal the camp’s location except to say it would be held on the property of a Newcastle Climate Justice Uprising supporter.
“It will provide the opportunity for people from different parts of Australia who want to see a transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy to connect,” a spokeswoman said.
“The camp will provide training in direct action techniques and story sharing.”
Five people were arrested in two Frontline Action on Coal protests that blocked the rail link to Kooragang Island last week.
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The spokeswoman would not reveal if further protests were planned as part of the camp.
“There will be a variety of different training activities undertaken,” she said.
“Everything we do is done through consensus. That approach will be taken to any actions that occur throughout the week.”
The spokeswoman said there were no plans to stage a third harbour blockade as part of this week’s camp.
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A Port Waratah Coal Services statement published in Wednesday’s Newcastle Herald said the company respected the right of Australian’s to express their political views, however, it urged protesters not to enter or interfere with private property.
“Port Waratah’s equipment and machinery, most of which are automated or controlled remotely, can be dangerous for those who are untrained and unaware,” the statement said.
“It would be a tragedy if a protester was injured or even killed on site, or if the lives of workers or the police were placed in danger by the actions of a few.”
Newcastle Police also sought to reach out the the camp’s organisers via social media.
“Newcastle City Police District has become aware of your intended protest in September 2018,” a Facebook message said.
“We have made several unsuccessful attempts to make contact with the organiser of your event to discuss your plans.”
As in past years, we would like to discuss arrangements to ensure that your protest is both peaceful and lawful...”
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
