URGENT UPDATE: Protests organized by Rising Tide are igniting heated discussions about the severe economic consequences of extreme weather in the Hunter region. Local business association It Must Be Morpeth has criticized the protests while lamenting the loss of tourism due to recent climate events. However, advocates from Rising Tide argue that the financial toll from climate-driven disasters far outweighs the impact of any cancelled cruise ships.
Recent evaluations reveal that claims from the devastating April 2025 floods in the Mid-North Coast and Hunter areas have reached nearly $200 million across approximately 11,500 claims. This staggering figure highlights the urgent need for local businesses and government officials to shift their focus toward comprehensive climate action rather than simply mourning lost tourism.
Rising Tide emphasizes that their protests, scheduled for November 12, 2025, aim to raise awareness about the pressing climate crisis rather than impede cruise ship operations. The group is advocating for a just transition for communities affected by climate change, a call that has gone largely unaddressed in local policy discussions.
Critics like Allan Evans are also voicing concerns about the approval of the Stone Ridge Quarry in the Wallaroo State Forest. They claim that this decision undermines sustainable forest management and threatens local wildlife, including the healthy koala population. Evans argues that this quarry marks the first industrial-scale project on public land in New South Wales, setting a dangerous precedent for future environmental exploitation.
In light of these developments, community members are increasingly questioning the Albanese government‘s priorities. The government’s focus on military expansions and industrial projects raises concerns about its commitment to protecting local ecosystems and communities.
As protests loom, the atmosphere in Newcastle is charged with anticipation. Local small businesses are expected to benefit from the influx of climate activists, potentially revitalizing the area economically even as the climate crisis looms larger than ever.
Authorities urge residents to stay informed and engaged as these critical issues unfold. The upcoming events could serve as a turning point for climate activism in the region, prompting necessary conversations about sustainability and economic resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and community responses evolve.
