Newcastle Mayoral Candidates Share Visions for City’s Future at Public Forum

29 August 2024

A recent public forum in Newcastle brought together mayoral candidates to share their visions for the city ahead of the upcoming election. The event, moderated by Paul Scott, featured a diverse lineup of candidates, each addressing key issues such as housing, environmental sustainability, and local governance. The forum, organised by Therese Brown, was designed to encourage community engagement and provide a platform for open discussion.

Nuatali Nelmes: Reflecting on Experience and Achievements

Incumbent Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes was the first to take the stage, thanking Therese Brown and the Hunter Community Forum for organising the event. Nelmes reflected on her 16 years of service on the council, highlighting her journey from being one of the few women in local government to leading significant urban renewal projects in Newcastle. She emphasised her administration’s accomplishments, including the delivery of a $140 million capital works program, the installation of 13,400 LED street lights, and the construction of a 5MW solar plant at Summerhill.

Nelmes also spoke about her commitment to addressing the housing crisis, mentioning groundbreaking projects in Wallsend and her collaboration with state and federal governments. However, due to a prior engagement, Nelmes left the forum early, leaving Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen to handle questions from the audience.

Charlotte McCabe : A Green Vision for Newcastle

Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe expressed her gratitude to the Hunter Community Forum and stressed the importance of community engagement. McCabe, who moved to Newcastle from Victoria in 2012, has been active in local issues since her arrival. She outlined her priorities, focusing on affordable housing, climate action, and transparent governance. McCabe advocated for 30% of new housing to be affordable, with a goal of reaching 50% at the Broadmeadow precinct. She also called for electrification initiatives and greater financial assistance to support the city’s transition to a greener future.

McCabe highlighted the importance of democracy, urging for respectful and inclusive debates where all voices are heard and considered. She believes in open government and stressed that effective leadership requires collaboration and active listening.

Ross Kerridge: A Call for Change and Accountability

Independent candidate Dr. Ross Kerridge received the loudest applause of the evening, delivering a speech that resonated with many in the audience. Kerridge began by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and paying tribute to past community leaders. He called for a shift in Newcastle’s governance, criticising what he described as the “glamorisation” of council projects and a lack of transparency.

Kerridge spoke passionately about the need for better leadership that prioritises the community’s needs over corporate interests. He criticised the current council for focusing on vanity projects while neglecting basic services such as pothole repairs and public amenities. Kerridge also expressed concern over the privatisation of public spaces and called for a return to community-driven decision-making.

Steve O’Brien: Trust and Community First

Steve O’Brien, followed Kerridge’s speech with a focus on restoring trust in local government. He questioned the direction of the current council, particularly its relationship with corporate interests, and emphasised the need to put people before profit. O’Brien highlighted his experience working in HIV awareness in Africa and his role in TAFE management, arguing that his background equips him to manage Newcastle’s budget effectively.

O’Brien was critical of “glossy projects” that lack substance and called for stronger action on housing, including the introduction of a tax on vacant properties to increase housing availability. He also expressed concern over the prioritisation of offshore wind energy over local renewable projects, advocating for more direct community involvement in decision-making.

Milton Caine: Advocating for the Vulnerable

Milton Caine, known for his work as a wheelchair taxi driver, spoke last, addressing the rising cost of living and the impact on Newcastle’s most vulnerable residents. He criticised the council for increasing rates while failing to deliver essential services, citing poor road conditions and inadequate public amenities. Caine expressed frustration over the prioritisation of high-profile projects like the Newcastle Baths upgrade, which he argued could have funded much-needed housing instead.

Caine called for greater accountability in council spending and a focus on helping the city’s most vulnerable populations. He expressed disappointment in Nelmes’ early departure from the forum and criticised her administration for what he sees as a lack of responsiveness to community concerns.

Conclusion

The forum provided a platform for each candidate to present their vision for Newcastle’s future. While their approaches differed, the common thread was a commitment to addressing the city’s challenges through community engagement and transparent governance. As the election approaches, Newcastle residents will have the opportunity to choose the leadership they believe can best guide the city forward.