Newcastle Lord Mayor ‘out of depth’ over climate protest

Newcastle Lord Mayor ‘out of depth’ over climate protest

The actions of Newcastle Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge, will result in the complete closure of Newcastle Harbour, halting ship movements, and cancelling the plans of locals looking to enjoy a spring weekend.

This morning, Dr Kerridge, confirmed in a press release issued by City of Newcastle, that he had provided “formal support for the Rising Tide event occurring at Camp Shortland.”

Dr Ross Kerridge said that he attended last year's Rising Tide event and was impressed by the professionalism of the organisers and their commitment to ensuring a safe event with a focus on climate change.

The Mayor even praised last year's event, where more than 109 people were charged over lawless behaviour and ignoring reasonable directions from police.

Newcastle based Nationals Senator Ross Cadell declared Kerridge ‘out of his depth’ over the matter, and having let down the everyday people of the Hunter.

“Dr Kerridge’s actions are simply unbelievable,” Cadell said.

“In making this decision, he has not only misread the community angst towards this protest, but proved he is happy to place the interests of a few in front of common sense.

“If anyone is arrested, injured, or a single ship is stopped by this action then that sits solely at the feet of Dr Kerridge.

“By choosing to support ‘rising tide’, Kerridge has cancelled the weekend plans of locals, and caused further economic harm to the region.