POLICE have charged a woman after a protest at Sandgate forced the coal train network feeding the Port of Newcastle to grind to a halt.
Officers from Newcastle were called to Mangrove Road about 7.30am after report of a woman climbing onto a coal train on the nearby rail line.
Protesters had broadcast live on social media as part of the protest, which activist group Extinction Rebellion said had been timed to coincide with federal environment minister Sussan Ley appealing a court verdict that found she has a duty of care to protect children from future personal injury caused by climate change..
"Upon arrival, the group dispersed, with police speaking with a 20-year-old woman who had climbed on top of a loaded coal train," NSW Police said in a statement.
"With assistance from negotiators, Police Rescue and Police Transport Command officers, the woman was safely removed from the location and arrested about 10.40am."
The 20-year-old was charged with enter prescribed premises of any person without lawful excuse, cause/attempt to cause train or tram in motion to be stopped and cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock.
She received conditional bail and will face Newcastle Local Court on November 11.
An Australian Rail Track Corporation spokeswoman confirmed that services had resumed on Monday afternoon after the network had been assessed and deemed safe.
