Decision details

Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         the City of Sydney has a proud history of supporting the right to peaceful protest as a fundamental cornerstone of democracy;

(ii)        the 2025 People’s Blockade, organised by Rising Tide, took place from 27 November to 2 December 2025. This event saw over 8,000 people, from all over the country, come together in Newcastle to peacefully protest the climate emergency; and

(iii)       Rising Tide organise around 3 key demands: ending the expansion of new fossil fuel projects, significantly increasing funding for the community and industrial green transition – funded by increased taxes on fossil fuel exports, and end all coal exports from the Port of Newcastle – the world’s largest coal port – by 2030;

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         in 2019, the City of Sydney declared a climate emergency, calling for urgent, and comprehensive action to decarbonise the Australian economy, and fund a just transition for effected industries and communities;

(ii)        last year, following the 2024 People’s Blockade, the City of Sydney voted in support of the principles of the event, condemned the NSW Government’s criminalisation of protest and inaction on climate change, and provided a donation of $22,000 to Rising Tide;

(iii)       at this year’s November 2025 Council meeting, Council called for bold action to phase out fossil fuel exports, tax concessions for coal and gas companies and redirect these funds towards net zero and climate adaptation;

(iv)       Rising Tide has a history of advocating for these principles and policy outcomes through peaceful, non-violent direct action;

(v)        nevertheless, in recent years the NSW Labor Government has consistently legislated new, and increasingly punitive, laws to encroach on the democratic right to protest in response to peaceful action from organisations like Rising Tide;

(vi)       the 2025 People’s Blockade saw over 141 people arrested for non-violent, civil disobedience in pursuit of a just transition and meaningful action on the climate crisis, including local activist Wendy Bacon;

(vii)      from the suffragettes to land rights, the labour movement and beyond, non-violent, peaceful protest has been a cornerstone of Australian democracy and a fundamental part of delivering lasting, progressive change in this country; and 

(viii)    it is beholden on all who believe, both in the fundamental right to democracy, and in protecting a safe, sustainable future for this planet and its people, to stand with movements like Rising Tide;

(C)       Council acknowledge and support the commitment of Rising Tide, and the People’s Blockade, in peacefully advocating for urgent action in line with overwhelming climate science;

(D)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, noting Council’s support of Rising Tide and reiterating the City’s support for the demands of the People’s Blockade; and

(E)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to meet with the organisers of Rising Tide, before the February 2026 Council meeting, to discuss how the City may provide support to the organisation, including, but not limited to, access to a City venue for a public event, as it plans the 2026 People’s Blockade.

The motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (9)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Arkins, Ellsmore, Kok, Maxwell, Miller, Thompson, Weldon and Worling

Noes (1)          Councillor Gannon.

Carried.

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