Strike force launched against protesters as another blocks Botany

NSW Police launched a strike force against unauthorised protests after five seperate demonstrations blocked access to Port Botany this week.

For the fourth day in a row, a protester today representing climate activism group Blockade Australia attempted to disrupt port operations.

A statement from NSW Police said emergency services were called to a freight rail line over a canal near Qantas Drive in Tempe at 0700 this morning.

They responded to reports that a group had gathered at the location, including a woman who had suspended herself from a pole.

“A woman was arrested about 9.45am by officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command, assisted by Police Rescue, and taken to Mascot Police Station where charges are anticipated,” the statement said.

Blockade Australia said the 25-year-old woman, named Emma, had positioned herself above the rail line with the belief that the goods transported via roads, ports, and rails are used to prioritise “the economic wealth and political power of an elite few”.

“The system we currently know, and its endless economic expansion is incompatible with life,” she said.

“Solutions will never come from within the system, we need to build collective power to confront and obstruct Australia.”

DCN understands traffic was not impacted by the demonstration.

Strike Force Guard

The sudden onslaught of demonstrations has been met with the launch of an NSW Police strike force to prevent, investigate, and disrupt unauthorised protests across the state.

Since Tuesday this week, one protester has prevented incoming trucks from entering the port; one has blocked access to the Hutchinson Ports container terminal; two have parked trucks across the road connecting to Patrick Terminals; and another has suspended himself above the container rail line.  

According to acting NSW premier and minister for police Paul Toole, the attempts to disrupt commercial activity in the Port Botany area have caused significant economic damage.

“NSW Police has launched Strike Force Guard to proactively investigate and target those involved in the planning and facilitation of this type of protest activity, in addition to current operations,” Mr Toole said.

“I have been clear from the start; we will not stand for this kind of blatant disregard for the law and its impact on the livelihoods of all workers and business owners impacted by these foolish acts.

“Strike Force Guard will ensure Police are always one step ahead of the protesters to make sure we crack down on this economic vandalism.”

Police said they would continue to work with NSW Ports, Port Authority of NSW and other port stakeholders to prevent disruptions to the port community, but with the establishment of the strike force, the law enforcement network has expanded.

Strike Force Guard will include officers and detectives from the central metropolitan region, analysts from the State Intelligence Command, and operatives from the Operations Support Group and the Public Order and Riot Squad.

It will also include specialist officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, PolAir, Marine Area Command and Police Rescue.

In addition to monitoring and responding to unauthorised protest activity, the task force officers will conduct intelligence-driven tasks including patrols around significant infrastructure areas across Sydney.

Assistant commissioner Peter Cotter, central metropolitan region commander, said police will continue to use the full force of the law to target those involved in criminal activity.

“These protests are intended to create significant disruptions to trade and commerce, which has so far been minimised by the swift response of police,” Mr Cotter said.

He said activities such as dangling over the water or railway tracks are reckless and cause the greatest concern.

“These people are putting themselves – and those tasked to rescue them – in dangerous situations and it will not be tolerated.

“Further, police will take action against anyone engaged in activity that impacts on or hinders the ability for the community to go about their lives.”

Ports, the economy, and climate change

Container Transport Alliance Australia director Neil Chambers told DCN he fully supports the establishment of the strike force, as well as the tougher penalties being considered by the NSW government for those who shut down traffic.

“It’s clear that this group, and potentially more activist groups, plan to escalate these protest actions over the coming months, so it is good that the NSW government and NSW Police are being proactive in mitigating and thwarting their actions,” he said.

“Truck drivers, and other freight & port workers, as well as freight companies, just want to go about their daily business safely and without mindless interruption which costs multiple thousands of dollars for every hour of delay.”

Mr Chambers said Port Botany is a critical asset keeping the NSW and Australian economies functioning, which are vital in equipping Australia to achieve climate goals.

“Addressing climate change, either through government policy and regulation, or increasingly as we are seeing through businesses making their own decisions to address environmental outcomes, requires money and investment,” he said.

“So, the protestors’ aim to disrupt commerce and impact negatively on business productivity and profits, actually works against the economy seeking to address issues impacting on climate change.

“If we have a strong economy there will be more incentive to spend the necessary money and effort to address climate change.

“The protestors are naïve in the extreme.”