Rising Tide protesters scale back blockade of world’s biggest coal port but NSW police ready for mass ‘disruption’ at Newcastle

Lawyer for police argues business should be allowed to continue as Rising Tide threatens to halt exports for 30 hours

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Protesters have scaled back their plan to block the Port of Newcastle to 30 hours, down from an initial 50 hours, amid a legal challenge by New South Wales police to stop the action going ahead.

On Tuesday, police and the protest organiser - Rising Tide - appeared in the supreme court for a second day. Police are challenging the protest, which would involve activists paddling into the harbour on kayaks and rafts to stop coal exports leaving the port.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email