NSW Moves to Introduce $20,000 Fines to Curb Climate Rail Blockades at Coal Ports

The NSW government has pushed the new laws through Parliament to prevent anymore disruptions to Australia’s coal operations.

People take to the water as they blockade access to the world's busiest coal port in protest for climate action at Horseshoe Beach in Newcastle, Australia, on Nov. 26, 2023. Roni Bintang/Getty Images

A planned climate protest earmarked to blockade the rail line to the world’s largest coal mine at Newcastle, has prompted the New South Wales (NSW) Labor government to introduce a specific offence to deter such an action.

While protesters that block trains can face two years in jail, there is no added threat of a fine similar to when a road, bridge, port, or other major facility is blocked.