Magistrate Sharon Holdsworth handed down $250 fines to 15 members of the the activist group Rising Tide, including Greens councillor Michael Osborne, because they had no previous criminal record.

The other eight people charged for the December 20 incident were fined $750.

All 23 pleaded guilty.

"Clearly their judgement was clouded by their passion," Magistrate Sharon Holdsworth said of the activists who packed into the courtroom for the hearing.

The protesters, from all walks of life, included William James Ryan, 87, a disability pensioner who had never come before a court and who spent four years in the army during World War II.

Solicitor representing each of the 23 accused, Ken Averre, said many of the activists were of limited means.

Members of the Rising Tide group tried to draw public attention to the hearing yesterday, sending out a press release early yesterday morning and holding an "interfaith vigil" outside the court before the sitting.

Supporters who had gathered outside applauded as the accused entered the courthouse.

The court was told several activists were armed with bolt cutters and other items to prevent them being removed by police.

The court was also told that an unnamed protester lay across the tracks as the coal train, laden with 88 carriages and three locomotives, approached.

"No doubt all the people before [the court] are very passionate about the cause they were attempting to bring to light," Ms Holdsworth said.

"Whilst that may be admirable, it does not excuse their behaviour on this particular day."

Cr Osborne said after the hearing the court had reached "a very good outcome", but also indicated he and other protesters without previous convictions might appeal against the severity of their fines.

"I'd like to see the day come where it's the polluters taken to court and fined," he said.