A NSW magistrate says climate protesters who stopped coal ships during a blockade of the Port of Newcastle in 2023 acted out of "genuine" concern for the environment.

Key points:

  • Ninety-nine demonstrators were listed at Newcastle Local Court today over the November Newcastle protest
  • The action stopped exports of coal from the Port of Newcastle, the largest coal port in the world
  • Magistrate Stephen Olischlager says protesters had acted out of genuine concern for the environment