'Scary': climate protesters clash with police in court

Résumé détaillé

Critics say a police bid to shut down an activist group's family-friendly climate protest is an affront to democracy ahead of a court showdown.

Police have taken an activist group to court over an upcoming demonstration, which protesters say marks a scary day for people taking a stand on any issue.

Climate activist group Rising Tide had planned to hold an inaugural Paddle for the Planet event on Saturday on the water at Newcastle Harbour, but NSW Police stepped in at the last minute.

Police challenged the demonstration in the NSW Supreme Court, arguing the demonstration presents serious safety issues.

But Paddle for the Planet organiser Anne Hodgson dismissed the accusation when speaking ahead of Wednesday's hearing.

"The real safety issue here is not what Rising Tide are planning, it is the lack of decisive action on climate (by) the Labor government," she said.

Hundreds are expected to attend the family-friendly event which boasts live music and a barbecue and proposes a two-hour flotilla in Newcastle Harbour.

Rising Tide organiser Zack Schofield said the group has had almost no safety incidents over their years of large-scale blockades.

The legal action taken by police to oppose the event is terrifying and devastating, according to prominent media figure Hannah Ferguson.

"(It)is a really scary day for anyone living in any part of Australia looking to protest on any given issue," the aspiring federal politician said.

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