City of Newcastle has officially approved Rising Tide’s application to use Foreshore Park as a campsite for People’s Blockade, paving the way for one of the city’s most talked-about community events of the year.
Now recognised as one of the world’s most prominent climate uprisings, the People’s Blockade calls for an end to new fossil fuel projects and a fair transition for workers and communities.
The week-long mobilisation will include camping, flotilla blockades, and a Climate Concert featuring performances from The Herd and Montaigne with more acts still to be announced.
This year’s event is expected to be the biggest yet, with thousands set to gather on Awabakal and Worimi land and waters to stop coal exports from the Port of Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port.
Following in-principle support from councillors in August, City of Newcastle approved Rising Tide’s revised application to use Foreshore Park as a campsite, replacing the original plan for Richardson Park in Hamilton North after police raised safety concerns.
The event will centre around three key areas: the Protest Camp at Foreshore Park, where participants will camp, share meals and plan actions; Horseshoe Beach, the launch site for the flotilla blockades; and Camp Shortland, the hub for the weekend’s “Protestival” of music, art and community gatherings.
Organisers emphasise that while the event is inclusive and family-friendly, it remains a frontline protest demanding meaningful action on climate change.
Public consultation showed broad community backing for the event, with 76.6% of submissions to City of Newcastle supporting the use of Foreshore Park, including 65% from local residents.
Support was particularly strong in suburbs closest to the event site. The city’s decision reflects the growing momentum behind climate activism and Newcastle’s central role in the national energy conversation.
The People’s Blockade 2025 runs from Thursday 27 November to Tuesday 2 December, with the Protestival and Climate Concert held on the weekend of 29–30 November. Registration for camping and event participation is essential and can be completed via the Rising Tide website, where attendees can also RSVP for the concert and contribute to event costs.
