"Hundreds of demonstrators took to the waters of Newcastle on Saturday as Rising Tide activists launched a kayak blockade of the harbour, the world's largest coal export port, to call for urgent government action on climate change. Footage shows protesters paddling in kayaks and canoes with some holding signs with slogans such as 'Dino’s thought they had time too' and 'Stop denying our planet is dying'. "It's really important that we speak up about it and that we don't just let coal keep getting exported and exported with nothing happening. I think it's a really important event for the whole of Newcastle, and the world, really," a protester said. "I very firmly believe that people need to take action to make our governments listen before change will be possible. We are sending all of our natural resources overseas, and our government is not even taxing those companies. So we see none of the profits or benefits to our society here in Australia," another added. The protest is part of a multi-day 'People’s Blockade', described by organisers as a 'protestival’ with workshops, music and community events, which is the latest in a series of Rising Tide climate actions. The group claims coal exported from Newcastle drives heavy emissions and that local communities see little benefit from the trade. The blockade reportedly forced one coal ship, the Cemtex Leader, to retreat from the port. Meanwhile, authorities say the blockade poses risks to shipping and public safety. A marine exclusion zone was in place, and police charged 11 protesters for breaching it. Some cruise operators also cancelled visits to Newcastle due to safety concerns."