logo
Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra reveals she is moving to Australia to study in Sydney

Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra reveals she is moving to Australia to study in Sydney

West Australian27-05-2025

Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra has announced she will move to Australia to study at the University of Sydney.
The glamorous young princess, 21 — who be likely one day become the Queen of Norway — will study a Bachelor of Arts degree, starting in August.
'Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra will begin her studies at the University of Sydney in August, enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts program,' the royal house announced
on Monday
.
'She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy.
'Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come.'
The down-to-earth princess will live at the university's campus in Camperdown, not far from the Harbour City's CBD.
The University of Sydney is considered one of the most prestigious institutions in Australia.
Princess Ingrid is the granddaughter of Norway's current monarch, 88-year-old King Harald V, and is second in line to the throne after her father, Crown Prince Haakon, 51.
In other words, she's expected to inherit the Norwegian throne one day.
The King is said to have a net worth of between $30 million and $100 million.
Born in 2004, Princess Ingrid made history as the first female heir to the Norwegian throne.
She has gradually stepped into public life in recent years, taking on more royal duties and representing Norway at official events.
The Princess has largely grown up out of the spotlight, attending local schools in Oslo and completing her upper secondary education in 2023.
In a social media post in 2022, the Royal House said the princess would focus on her studies over the next few years.
'In time, she will receive more official assignments for the Royal House, but in the next few years, the Princess will concentrate on her education,' the post said.
The Princess is set to take a step back from official appearances while she studies.
The royal certainly isn't the first to study in Australia.
Danish Count Nikolai of Monpezat studied at the University of Technology, Sydney.
And King Charles also famously spent time two terms at Geelong Grammar in Victoria at the age of 17.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NSW offshore wind blown off course amid global uncertainty
NSW offshore wind blown off course amid global uncertainty

AU Financial Review

time2 days ago

  • AU Financial Review

NSW offshore wind blown off course amid global uncertainty

Donald Trump's attacks on Biden-era renewable energy policies are having a ripple effect on Australia's green transition, after a Norwegian offshore wind developer targeted by the US president asked the Albanese government for more time to assess its most advanced Australian project. Norwegian oil and gas giant Equinor was on Tuesday granted an additional 90 days to decide if it would accept a key licence for its Novocastrian offshore wind development off Port Stephens in NSW, just weeks after Trump threatened to hit the brakes on the company's multibillion-dollar Empire Wind project near New York.

Offshore wind partners given more time to consider involvement in Hunter project
Offshore wind partners given more time to consider involvement in Hunter project

The Advertiser

time2 days ago

  • The Advertiser

Offshore wind partners given more time to consider involvement in Hunter project

Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them. Novocastrian Wind Pty Ltd has been given more time to weigh up its involvement in the Hunter's offshore wind project due to uncertainty that is rocking the global industry. Project partners, Australian company Oceanex and Norwegian energy giant Equinor, were offered a feasibility licence for their two GW project in late February. The government initially gave the partners 90 days to consider the offer, given that the offer was made just prior to the federal election campaign. The timeframe expired last week. The government has since agreed to allow another 90 days for the partners to develop their commercial arrangements, given the challenges facing the industry. While Oceanex is keen to move ahead, Equinor's recent public statements have raised questions about its commitment to the project. If they are unable to resolve their issues, the government could be forced to call for fresh licence applications for the zone, which it declared in 2023. Oceanex founder and chief executive Andy Evans told the Newcastle Herald that the company remained committed to making the Novocastrian Wind project a reality. "We love the region and the people, and we know it's the perfect place to start a floating offshore wind industry in Australia," he said. In previous statements, Equinor has said that it was assessing the government's offer as part of the prescribed legislative framework. On Tuesday, a spokeswoman said the company continued to believe Newcastle had strong characteristics for an offshore wind industry, including a legacy of heavy industry and innovation, supply chain capabilities, infrastructure and wind resources offshore. "We will continue to assess the feasibility licence, and if accepted, the initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, supply chain development, as well as environmental studies and baseline surveys," the spokeswoman said. "This phase is expected to take up to seven years, and consultation with stakeholders is a key component of environmental approvals under legislative and regulatory requirements." The Herald understands Equinor will also have to make significant milestone payments to its commercial partner if it signs off on the licence. Equinor, formerly known as Statoil, changed its name in 2018 as part of a rebrand away from oil and gas to broader energy generation. Throughout 2024, it announced a retreat from offshore wind, closing its office in Vietnam and cancelling all offshore wind projects in Portugal and Spain. It also reduced the number of employees in its renewable energy division by 20 per cent, roughly a cut of 250 jobs globally. In February 2025, as part of its Q4 and 2024 annual results, Equinor announced it would halve its renewables investment from US$ 10 billion to US$5 billion. It has also lowered its capacity for renewables from 12 - 16 GW to between 10 -12 GW. The company recently recommenced construction of its 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project off downstate New York after the Trump administration claimed there were "serious issues with respect to the project approvals". Aside from offshore wind, the company has been lifting its investments in offshore oil, including plans to invest US$6.7 billion each year through to 2035 in Norway's offshore oil sector. Overall, it is increasing oil and gas production, aiming for a 10 per cent growth from 2024 to 2027. In April 2025, institutional investors, including a Danish and Swedish pension fund, as well as Australia's Centre for Corporate Responsibility, expressed their concerns at the incompatibility of the plans with Equinor's stated commitment to net zero. Despite a high-profile campaign against the Hunter Offshore Wind Project in the lead-up to last month's federal election, Labor increased its majority in the seat of Paterson. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that the offshore wind had huge economic and employment potential for the Hunter and Australia. "When you're starting a new industry, you'll always have challenges to overcome, but the future remains potentially very strong for offshore wind and all the jobs that it involves," he said. Mr Bowen was in Western Australia's Bunbury offshore wind zone on Tuesday to offer a feasibility licence to Bunbury Offshore Wind Farm Pty Ltd to operate in the northern part of the zone. The project has the potential to deliver 1.5 gigawatts of reliable renewable electricity, enough to power about one million homes, and could employ 900 workers during construction with 450 ongoing jobs. The Minister has shortlisted two projects: one from Westward Wind Pty Ltd and an additional project from Bunbury Offshore Wind Pty Ltd for a preliminary feasibility licence in the southern area of the zone. The two applicants will now seek to resolve the overlap between them.

'Important opportunity': Newcastle Airport aerospace hub in survey spotlight
'Important opportunity': Newcastle Airport aerospace hub in survey spotlight

The Advertiser

time3 days ago

  • The Advertiser

'Important opportunity': Newcastle Airport aerospace hub in survey spotlight

CITY of Newcastle will undertake a temperature check on community sentiment around a 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub next to Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown RAAF Base. The Astra Aerolab precinct will be home to defence contractor BAE Systems and Australia's first missile factory, after the federal government signed an $850 million deal with Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence Australia. Greens Cr Charlotte McCabe said it was appropriate for the council, as a co-owner of the airport, to understand the community's views on the development. "This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council," she said. "Revenue that's generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted." The council will undertake a mix of phone, online and face-to-face surveys to gauge residents' sentiments, identify any issues or concerns and help build understanding of the project. Newcastle Airport, which is jointly owned by Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, owns Astra Aerolab. In August 2024, Cr McCabe said she felt she was "lied to" finding out the missile factory would be built on Newcastle Airport land after the council said the airport had no intention to secure explosive ordnance manufacturing tenants. In a report to councillors in June that same year, the council said there was "no explosive ordnance manufacture/assembly on land owned by Newcastle Airport" and "there is no intention by the airport to seek this type of tenant". Councillors made it clear they wanted more information about goings-on at the airport, particularly around Astra Aerolab and the Kongsberg facility. At the time, Cr McCabe said that as part-owner of the airport, the means by which it generates revenue for the council to spend in Newcastle should be in line with the council's own Investment and Borrowing Policy. City of Newcastle's policy stipulates it should avoid investment in "production or supply of armaments", which it lists as "socially harmful". A City of Newcastle chief executive report presented to councillors in 2024 said the council's investment policy did not apply to the airport, which was a separate entity controlled by a "majority independent" board. The Astra Aerolab site was purchased in 2018 as part of Newcastle Airport's master plan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. Ratepayers will not have a direct say in the future of the precinct as decisions are made by Newcastle Airport boards. Both councils have representative members on the boards. The council maintains ratepayers will not have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts, arguing the company structures "ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company's asset pool". The Newcastle Herald has previously reported that the airport's own documents show it has been diverting millions in unbudgeted cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property development arm, which has placed significant financial strain on the business. According to the council, a recent external audit confirmed the airport is "financially sound" and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of "approximately $3 million". The first stage of civil infrastructure work at Astra Aerolab is complete, with future development stages under way. Construction of the first building is expected to start in August and be finished by the end of 2026. BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have already been secured as tenants, and the council said negotiations are under way with another potential "global aerospace company". CITY of Newcastle will undertake a temperature check on community sentiment around a 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub next to Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown RAAF Base. The Astra Aerolab precinct will be home to defence contractor BAE Systems and Australia's first missile factory, after the federal government signed an $850 million deal with Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence Australia. Greens Cr Charlotte McCabe said it was appropriate for the council, as a co-owner of the airport, to understand the community's views on the development. "This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council," she said. "Revenue that's generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted." The council will undertake a mix of phone, online and face-to-face surveys to gauge residents' sentiments, identify any issues or concerns and help build understanding of the project. Newcastle Airport, which is jointly owned by Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, owns Astra Aerolab. In August 2024, Cr McCabe said she felt she was "lied to" finding out the missile factory would be built on Newcastle Airport land after the council said the airport had no intention to secure explosive ordnance manufacturing tenants. In a report to councillors in June that same year, the council said there was "no explosive ordnance manufacture/assembly on land owned by Newcastle Airport" and "there is no intention by the airport to seek this type of tenant". Councillors made it clear they wanted more information about goings-on at the airport, particularly around Astra Aerolab and the Kongsberg facility. At the time, Cr McCabe said that as part-owner of the airport, the means by which it generates revenue for the council to spend in Newcastle should be in line with the council's own Investment and Borrowing Policy. City of Newcastle's policy stipulates it should avoid investment in "production or supply of armaments", which it lists as "socially harmful". A City of Newcastle chief executive report presented to councillors in 2024 said the council's investment policy did not apply to the airport, which was a separate entity controlled by a "majority independent" board. The Astra Aerolab site was purchased in 2018 as part of Newcastle Airport's master plan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. Ratepayers will not have a direct say in the future of the precinct as decisions are made by Newcastle Airport boards. Both councils have representative members on the boards. The council maintains ratepayers will not have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts, arguing the company structures "ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company's asset pool". The Newcastle Herald has previously reported that the airport's own documents show it has been diverting millions in unbudgeted cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property development arm, which has placed significant financial strain on the business. According to the council, a recent external audit confirmed the airport is "financially sound" and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of "approximately $3 million". The first stage of civil infrastructure work at Astra Aerolab is complete, with future development stages under way. Construction of the first building is expected to start in August and be finished by the end of 2026. BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have already been secured as tenants, and the council said negotiations are under way with another potential "global aerospace company". CITY of Newcastle will undertake a temperature check on community sentiment around a 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub next to Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown RAAF Base. The Astra Aerolab precinct will be home to defence contractor BAE Systems and Australia's first missile factory, after the federal government signed an $850 million deal with Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence Australia. Greens Cr Charlotte McCabe said it was appropriate for the council, as a co-owner of the airport, to understand the community's views on the development. "This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council," she said. "Revenue that's generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted." The council will undertake a mix of phone, online and face-to-face surveys to gauge residents' sentiments, identify any issues or concerns and help build understanding of the project. Newcastle Airport, which is jointly owned by Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, owns Astra Aerolab. In August 2024, Cr McCabe said she felt she was "lied to" finding out the missile factory would be built on Newcastle Airport land after the council said the airport had no intention to secure explosive ordnance manufacturing tenants. In a report to councillors in June that same year, the council said there was "no explosive ordnance manufacture/assembly on land owned by Newcastle Airport" and "there is no intention by the airport to seek this type of tenant". Councillors made it clear they wanted more information about goings-on at the airport, particularly around Astra Aerolab and the Kongsberg facility. At the time, Cr McCabe said that as part-owner of the airport, the means by which it generates revenue for the council to spend in Newcastle should be in line with the council's own Investment and Borrowing Policy. City of Newcastle's policy stipulates it should avoid investment in "production or supply of armaments", which it lists as "socially harmful". A City of Newcastle chief executive report presented to councillors in 2024 said the council's investment policy did not apply to the airport, which was a separate entity controlled by a "majority independent" board. The Astra Aerolab site was purchased in 2018 as part of Newcastle Airport's master plan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. Ratepayers will not have a direct say in the future of the precinct as decisions are made by Newcastle Airport boards. Both councils have representative members on the boards. The council maintains ratepayers will not have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts, arguing the company structures "ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company's asset pool". The Newcastle Herald has previously reported that the airport's own documents show it has been diverting millions in unbudgeted cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property development arm, which has placed significant financial strain on the business. According to the council, a recent external audit confirmed the airport is "financially sound" and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of "approximately $3 million". The first stage of civil infrastructure work at Astra Aerolab is complete, with future development stages under way. Construction of the first building is expected to start in August and be finished by the end of 2026. BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have already been secured as tenants, and the council said negotiations are under way with another potential "global aerospace company". CITY of Newcastle will undertake a temperature check on community sentiment around a 76-hectare innovation, defence and aerospace hub next to Newcastle Airport and the Williamtown RAAF Base. The Astra Aerolab precinct will be home to defence contractor BAE Systems and Australia's first missile factory, after the federal government signed an $850 million deal with Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence Australia. Greens Cr Charlotte McCabe said it was appropriate for the council, as a co-owner of the airport, to understand the community's views on the development. "This survey is an important opportunity for the community to give feedback about the Astra Aerolab defence precinct, which the council jointly owns with Port Stephens Council," she said. "Revenue that's generated by the precinct will be used to deliver services and infrastructure in our Newcastle local government area, so the community needs to be fully informed and carefully consulted." The council will undertake a mix of phone, online and face-to-face surveys to gauge residents' sentiments, identify any issues or concerns and help build understanding of the project. Newcastle Airport, which is jointly owned by Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, owns Astra Aerolab. In August 2024, Cr McCabe said she felt she was "lied to" finding out the missile factory would be built on Newcastle Airport land after the council said the airport had no intention to secure explosive ordnance manufacturing tenants. In a report to councillors in June that same year, the council said there was "no explosive ordnance manufacture/assembly on land owned by Newcastle Airport" and "there is no intention by the airport to seek this type of tenant". Councillors made it clear they wanted more information about goings-on at the airport, particularly around Astra Aerolab and the Kongsberg facility. At the time, Cr McCabe said that as part-owner of the airport, the means by which it generates revenue for the council to spend in Newcastle should be in line with the council's own Investment and Borrowing Policy. City of Newcastle's policy stipulates it should avoid investment in "production or supply of armaments", which it lists as "socially harmful". A City of Newcastle chief executive report presented to councillors in 2024 said the council's investment policy did not apply to the airport, which was a separate entity controlled by a "majority independent" board. The Astra Aerolab site was purchased in 2018 as part of Newcastle Airport's master plan to transform the airport precinct. The aim was to attract new industries to the Hunter to support the defence sector, including advanced manufacturing. Ratepayers will not have a direct say in the future of the precinct as decisions are made by Newcastle Airport boards. Both councils have representative members on the boards. The council maintains ratepayers will not have to pay if Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab incur debts, arguing the company structures "ensure any debt incurred by Newcastle Airport or Astra Aerolab would be kept in the company's asset pool". The Newcastle Herald has previously reported that the airport's own documents show it has been diverting millions in unbudgeted cash reserves to prop up its burgeoning property development arm, which has placed significant financial strain on the business. According to the council, a recent external audit confirmed the airport is "financially sound" and forecast to make a net profit for the 2024/2025 financial year of "approximately $3 million". The first stage of civil infrastructure work at Astra Aerolab is complete, with future development stages under way. Construction of the first building is expected to start in August and be finished by the end of 2026. BAE Systems Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia have already been secured as tenants, and the council said negotiations are under way with another potential "global aerospace company".

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store