Businessman Seeks Compensation from Rising Tide after Cruise Cancellations
A respected businessman from Morpeth is demanding compensation from Rising Tide following the cancellation of two cruise liner visits in Newcastle this month. The cancellations involved the Viking Venus and Viking Orion, whose scheduled stopovers were called off due to a planned “protestival” by the climate activist group.
Details of the Protest and Its Impact
Rising Tide is organizing the “protestival” at Camp Shortland and Foreshore Park from Thursday, 27 November to Tuesday, 2 December. The group also intends to blockade the Port of Newcastle once again, disrupting port operations.
“I operate a tourism and hospitality business, which caters to cruise ship passengers. My livelihood depends heavily on visitors arriving through the Port of Newcastle. Once they dock, they board coaches and spend big in places like Morpeth, Pokolbin and Port Stephens. As a direct result of Rising Tide’s plans, two cruise ship visits have already been cancelled. This will cause significant financial loss to my businesses and many others in the Lower Hunter, as these trips represent a major portion of our seasonal income.” – Trevor Richards OAM
Representation and Business Community Concerns
Trevor Richards OAM represents several local businesses, including Morpeth Gallery, Morpeth Antiques, Morpeth Ginger Beer Factory, and Servants Quarters Tearooms. He criticized the protesters for their lack of consideration for the financial struggles faced by local enterprises.
Summary
The protest actions by Rising Tide have led to cruise cancellations that threaten major financial losses for businesses dependent on tourism in the Lower Hunter region.
Author’s Summary: Rising Tide's protest has caused cruise cancellations, prompting a Morpeth businessman to seek compensation due to significant losses for local tourism and hospitality ventures.