'Respect': community calls out behaviour at Newcastle council meetings
CONCERNS about councillor behaviour, respect and the effectiveness of council meetings have been thrust into the spotlight with the release of a report into City of Newcastle's policies, processes and procedures.
A perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge, was one of the key issues raised in 29 submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review.
While that specific issue represented just under four per cent of some 800 submissions to the review, more than 270 submissions centred around general governance, and Davidson set aside significant space in its report to address community concerns.
Davidson's Justin Hanney told a public briefing earlier this month that the firm only expected to receive between 25 and 50 submissions total based on similar reviews elsewhere.
The review report, released late on Thursday, said that while council meetings naturally involved political debate, some submissions expressed concern that the debate was "hindering constructive discussion and decision-making".
"Despite the political diversity within the council, decision-making processes have not been significantly affected, although community feedback raised concerns regarding the transparency of voting practices during meetings," the report said.
Members of the public raised a number of issues, with a strong focus on council meetings, correspondence with the media, transparency in decision-making and Government Information Public Access (GIPA) processes.
The community called for more clarity on how and why council decisions are made.
Concerns were also raised about poor access to councillors to raise issues or discuss decisions made by the elected council.
A central finding of the report was the importance of a "strong, collaborative" relationship between the lord mayor, councillors and chief executive Jeremy Bath, which Davidson said was "critical" to the success of the council.
"There understandably may be some differences in views between the councillors, including the lord mayor, just as the community they represent may hold differing views," the report said.
"However, once the council has decided a direction, the chief executive officer is accountable to ensure that this agreed position is effectively implemented by the public service."
There have been ongoing tensions between Mr Bath and the lord mayor since Cr Kerridge defeated former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes in the September election, culminating in Cr Kerridge publicly alleging bullying by council staff. He later retracted and apologised for the comments.
A number of areas of improvement were identified in the Davidson review aimed at getting the lord mayor, councillors and Mr Bath on the same page about strategic priorities, which the review said would be "essential" for cohesive decision-making and leadership.
"Strengthening this relationship will support improved collaboration between the lord mayor, CEO and executive team and councillors, creating a more unified leadership environment," the report said.
The review found the council's executive team had faced "some challenges" in effectively and quickly aligning the organisation with the priorities of the newly elected council, which it said had resulted in some operational difficulties.
Davidson said there were indications of a need for "smoother coordination" between the lord mayor, councillors and senior staff, which in turn impacted decision-making processes.
"Some further challenges at this time result from the political process whereby the lord mayor must gain the majority support of councillors before the chief executive can be clearly directed on these established priorities," the report said.
Concerns were also raised around meeting procedures, highlighting a need for "more structured discussions" and "clearer communication" about councillor voting decisions.
While council decisions were made in line with the rules, the review found communication and transparency could be improved, along with better engagement to help locals understand council decisions.
One suggestion was to have councillors identify if they are speaking for or against a motion for greater transparency.
The review found that while the structure of meetings is "generally followed", there is an opportunity to sharpen their efficiency.
"On several occasions, meetings have extended beyond six hours, continuing into the early hours of the morning," the report said.
"While occasional longer sessions may be necessary, this area warrants attention to ensure that decisions are made in a timely and well-considered manner."
The review gave council staff the tick of approval, pointing out their professionalism and effort in setting councillors up with the tools to get the job done.
However, the report said meetings would benefit from greater structure, and said there is some uncertainty around Mr Bath's role at council meetings.
As the head of the council, Mr Bath is responsible for bringing the council's vision to life, providing strategic advice to the lord mayor and councillors and ensuring decisions are made within regulations.
The report recommended the council stick more closely to meeting procedures, scheduling and governance and in particular, speaking time limits.
CONCERNS about councillor behaviour, respect and the effectiveness of council meetings have been thrust into the spotlight with the release of a report into City of Newcastle's policies, processes and procedures.
A perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge, was one of the key issues raised in 29 submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review.
While that specific issue represented just under four per cent of some 800 submissions to the review, more than 270 submissions centred around general governance, and Davidson set aside significant space in its report to address community concerns.
Davidson's Justin Hanney told a public briefing earlier this month that the firm only expected to receive between 25 and 50 submissions total based on similar reviews elsewhere.
The review report, released late on Thursday, said that while council meetings naturally involved political debate, some submissions expressed concern that the debate was "hindering constructive discussion and decision-making".
"Despite the political diversity within the council, decision-making processes have not been significantly affected, although community feedback raised concerns regarding the transparency of voting practices during meetings," the report said.
Members of the public raised a number of issues, with a strong focus on council meetings, correspondence with the media, transparency in decision-making and Government Information Public Access (GIPA) processes.
The community called for more clarity on how and why council decisions are made.
Concerns were also raised about poor access to councillors to raise issues or discuss decisions made by the elected council.
A central finding of the report was the importance of a "strong, collaborative" relationship between the lord mayor, councillors and chief executive Jeremy Bath, which Davidson said was "critical" to the success of the council.
"There understandably may be some differences in views between the councillors, including the lord mayor, just as the community they represent may hold differing views," the report said.
"However, once the council has decided a direction, the chief executive officer is accountable to ensure that this agreed position is effectively implemented by the public service."
There have been ongoing tensions between Mr Bath and the lord mayor since Cr Kerridge defeated former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes in the September election, culminating in Cr Kerridge publicly alleging bullying by council staff. He later retracted and apologised for the comments.
A number of areas of improvement were identified in the Davidson review aimed at getting the lord mayor, councillors and Mr Bath on the same page about strategic priorities, which the review said would be "essential" for cohesive decision-making and leadership.
"Strengthening this relationship will support improved collaboration between the lord mayor, CEO and executive team and councillors, creating a more unified leadership environment," the report said.
The review found the council's executive team had faced "some challenges" in effectively and quickly aligning the organisation with the priorities of the newly elected council, which it said had resulted in some operational difficulties.
Davidson said there were indications of a need for "smoother coordination" between the lord mayor, councillors and senior staff, which in turn impacted decision-making processes.
"Some further challenges at this time result from the political process whereby the lord mayor must gain the majority support of councillors before the chief executive can be clearly directed on these established priorities," the report said.
Concerns were also raised around meeting procedures, highlighting a need for "more structured discussions" and "clearer communication" about councillor voting decisions.
While council decisions were made in line with the rules, the review found communication and transparency could be improved, along with better engagement to help locals understand council decisions.
One suggestion was to have councillors identify if they are speaking for or against a motion for greater transparency.
The review found that while the structure of meetings is "generally followed", there is an opportunity to sharpen their efficiency.
"On several occasions, meetings have extended beyond six hours, continuing into the early hours of the morning," the report said.
"While occasional longer sessions may be necessary, this area warrants attention to ensure that decisions are made in a timely and well-considered manner."
The review gave council staff the tick of approval, pointing out their professionalism and effort in setting councillors up with the tools to get the job done.
However, the report said meetings would benefit from greater structure, and said there is some uncertainty around Mr Bath's role at council meetings.
As the head of the council, Mr Bath is responsible for bringing the council's vision to life, providing strategic advice to the lord mayor and councillors and ensuring decisions are made within regulations.
The report recommended the council stick more closely to meeting procedures, scheduling and governance and in particular, speaking time limits.
CONCERNS about councillor behaviour, respect and the effectiveness of council meetings have been thrust into the spotlight with the release of a report into City of Newcastle's policies, processes and procedures.
A perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge, was one of the key issues raised in 29 submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review.
While that specific issue represented just under four per cent of some 800 submissions to the review, more than 270 submissions centred around general governance, and Davidson set aside significant space in its report to address community concerns.
Davidson's Justin Hanney told a public briefing earlier this month that the firm only expected to receive between 25 and 50 submissions total based on similar reviews elsewhere.
The review report, released late on Thursday, said that while council meetings naturally involved political debate, some submissions expressed concern that the debate was "hindering constructive discussion and decision-making".
"Despite the political diversity within the council, decision-making processes have not been significantly affected, although community feedback raised concerns regarding the transparency of voting practices during meetings," the report said.
Members of the public raised a number of issues, with a strong focus on council meetings, correspondence with the media, transparency in decision-making and Government Information Public Access (GIPA) processes.
The community called for more clarity on how and why council decisions are made.
Concerns were also raised about poor access to councillors to raise issues or discuss decisions made by the elected council.
A central finding of the report was the importance of a "strong, collaborative" relationship between the lord mayor, councillors and chief executive Jeremy Bath, which Davidson said was "critical" to the success of the council.
"There understandably may be some differences in views between the councillors, including the lord mayor, just as the community they represent may hold differing views," the report said.
"However, once the council has decided a direction, the chief executive officer is accountable to ensure that this agreed position is effectively implemented by the public service."
There have been ongoing tensions between Mr Bath and the lord mayor since Cr Kerridge defeated former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes in the September election, culminating in Cr Kerridge publicly alleging bullying by council staff. He later retracted and apologised for the comments.
A number of areas of improvement were identified in the Davidson review aimed at getting the lord mayor, councillors and Mr Bath on the same page about strategic priorities, which the review said would be "essential" for cohesive decision-making and leadership.
"Strengthening this relationship will support improved collaboration between the lord mayor, CEO and executive team and councillors, creating a more unified leadership environment," the report said.
The review found the council's executive team had faced "some challenges" in effectively and quickly aligning the organisation with the priorities of the newly elected council, which it said had resulted in some operational difficulties.
Davidson said there were indications of a need for "smoother coordination" between the lord mayor, councillors and senior staff, which in turn impacted decision-making processes.
"Some further challenges at this time result from the political process whereby the lord mayor must gain the majority support of councillors before the chief executive can be clearly directed on these established priorities," the report said.
Concerns were also raised around meeting procedures, highlighting a need for "more structured discussions" and "clearer communication" about councillor voting decisions.
While council decisions were made in line with the rules, the review found communication and transparency could be improved, along with better engagement to help locals understand council decisions.
One suggestion was to have councillors identify if they are speaking for or against a motion for greater transparency.
The review found that while the structure of meetings is "generally followed", there is an opportunity to sharpen their efficiency.
"On several occasions, meetings have extended beyond six hours, continuing into the early hours of the morning," the report said.
"While occasional longer sessions may be necessary, this area warrants attention to ensure that decisions are made in a timely and well-considered manner."
The review gave council staff the tick of approval, pointing out their professionalism and effort in setting councillors up with the tools to get the job done.
However, the report said meetings would benefit from greater structure, and said there is some uncertainty around Mr Bath's role at council meetings.
As the head of the council, Mr Bath is responsible for bringing the council's vision to life, providing strategic advice to the lord mayor and councillors and ensuring decisions are made within regulations.
The report recommended the council stick more closely to meeting procedures, scheduling and governance and in particular, speaking time limits.
CONCERNS about councillor behaviour, respect and the effectiveness of council meetings have been thrust into the spotlight with the release of a report into City of Newcastle's policies, processes and procedures.
A perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards independent lord mayor Ross Kerridge, was one of the key issues raised in 29 submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review.
While that specific issue represented just under four per cent of some 800 submissions to the review, more than 270 submissions centred around general governance, and Davidson set aside significant space in its report to address community concerns.
Davidson's Justin Hanney told a public briefing earlier this month that the firm only expected to receive between 25 and 50 submissions total based on similar reviews elsewhere.
The review report, released late on Thursday, said that while council meetings naturally involved political debate, some submissions expressed concern that the debate was "hindering constructive discussion and decision-making".
"Despite the political diversity within the council, decision-making processes have not been significantly affected, although community feedback raised concerns regarding the transparency of voting practices during meetings," the report said.
Members of the public raised a number of issues, with a strong focus on council meetings, correspondence with the media, transparency in decision-making and Government Information Public Access (GIPA) processes.
The community called for more clarity on how and why council decisions are made.
Concerns were also raised about poor access to councillors to raise issues or discuss decisions made by the elected council.
A central finding of the report was the importance of a "strong, collaborative" relationship between the lord mayor, councillors and chief executive Jeremy Bath, which Davidson said was "critical" to the success of the council.
"There understandably may be some differences in views between the councillors, including the lord mayor, just as the community they represent may hold differing views," the report said.
"However, once the council has decided a direction, the chief executive officer is accountable to ensure that this agreed position is effectively implemented by the public service."
There have been ongoing tensions between Mr Bath and the lord mayor since Cr Kerridge defeated former lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes in the September election, culminating in Cr Kerridge publicly alleging bullying by council staff. He later retracted and apologised for the comments.
A number of areas of improvement were identified in the Davidson review aimed at getting the lord mayor, councillors and Mr Bath on the same page about strategic priorities, which the review said would be "essential" for cohesive decision-making and leadership.
"Strengthening this relationship will support improved collaboration between the lord mayor, CEO and executive team and councillors, creating a more unified leadership environment," the report said.
The review found the council's executive team had faced "some challenges" in effectively and quickly aligning the organisation with the priorities of the newly elected council, which it said had resulted in some operational difficulties.
Davidson said there were indications of a need for "smoother coordination" between the lord mayor, councillors and senior staff, which in turn impacted decision-making processes.
"Some further challenges at this time result from the political process whereby the lord mayor must gain the majority support of councillors before the chief executive can be clearly directed on these established priorities," the report said.
Concerns were also raised around meeting procedures, highlighting a need for "more structured discussions" and "clearer communication" about councillor voting decisions.
While council decisions were made in line with the rules, the review found communication and transparency could be improved, along with better engagement to help locals understand council decisions.
One suggestion was to have councillors identify if they are speaking for or against a motion for greater transparency.
The review found that while the structure of meetings is "generally followed", there is an opportunity to sharpen their efficiency.
"On several occasions, meetings have extended beyond six hours, continuing into the early hours of the morning," the report said.
"While occasional longer sessions may be necessary, this area warrants attention to ensure that decisions are made in a timely and well-considered manner."
The review gave council staff the tick of approval, pointing out their professionalism and effort in setting councillors up with the tools to get the job done.
However, the report said meetings would benefit from greater structure, and said there is some uncertainty around Mr Bath's role at council meetings.
As the head of the council, Mr Bath is responsible for bringing the council's vision to life, providing strategic advice to the lord mayor and councillors and ensuring decisions are made within regulations.
The report recommended the council stick more closely to meeting procedures, scheduling and governance and in particular, speaking time limits.
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The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
Clausen accuses Newcastle lord mayor of 'rewriting history' over deleted airport posts
NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on." NEWCASTLE Labor councillor Declan Clausen has accused Ross Kerridge of "quietly re-writing airport history" after a series of posts raising concerns about its financial position were deleted from the lord mayor's Facebook page. Cr Clausen said this week that, over the past few days, several of the lord mayor's "most inflammatory posts" about Newcastle Airport, including one where he "boasted" about writing to the Minister and Office of Local Government, have "quietly disappeared". "Every major decision about the airport was made lawfully, responsibly, and with proper controls and oversight, including from a professional board and external auditor," Cr Clausen said. "But instead of correcting the record or apologising to the airport and our fellow shareholder, Port Stephens Council, lord mayor Kerridge is quietly deleting the evidence. This isn't leadership." Cr Clausen said that following the Davidson Business Advisory review, which was released last month, he went looking to confirm "false claims" in one of Cr Kerridge's past posts when he noticed they had been deleted. The lord mayor said there were differing opinions about how to handle past Facebook posts. "I was getting messages from the airport indirectly and advice that I should take them down," he said. "Other people think, 'No, hang on, you should leave them up because you're trying to change history, ' but I made a decision to take them down, and coincidentally, almost immediately, criticism started that I'd taken them down." The lord mayor's posts were made following a Newcastle Herald investigation revealing the airport faced significant financial pressures. Cr Kerridge also wrote to the NSW Office of Local Government calling for an investigation of the "true" financial position of Newcastle Airport, a move he raised in one of his now-deleted posts. The airport, which in recent days has announced a new route to Perth and its first year-round international flights, has repeatedly denied any financial issues. Cr Clausen said deleting social media posts "doesn't undo the damage" to the airport or ratepayers and said the community deserves public accountability from the lord mayor, "not revisionism". He said the outcomes of the Davidson Business Advisory review confirmed there "was no financial mismanagement" or "governance failures" at the airport. The Davison review into the council's policies, processes and procedures did not conduct a detailed financial analysis of Newcastle Airport's financial positions and operations. However, the review report said it is "considered unlikely" that any significant financial risks will be transferred to the City of Newcastle and said the appointment of board directors was carried out with the "necessary governance and council approvals" The review found enhanced oversight by the council's Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) will be beneficial and has been established with annual reporting and, from December 2024, quarterly reporting. Asked whether an apology or correction, as requested from his fellow councillors, would be forthcoming, Cr Kerridge said he thinks it's time to "move on". "I think some people are getting a little bit heated and emotive and trying to prolong this discussion," he said. "I think the rights and wrongs of this argument are going to go on for a long time, and I think it would be far better if we moved on. "Not only that, I think the general community is getting distressed by watching all this behaviour, and I think we need to move on."
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Deeply disrespectful': Kerridge supporters hit back at Clausen 'conspiratorial' claims
ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience." ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience." ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience." ROSS Kerridge's supporters have hit back at Declan Clausen after the Labor councillor publicly questioned the "appropriateness" of a submission-writing help session the lord mayor's Our Newcastle team held during an independent council inquiry. Our Newcastle, a grassroots group formally formed during the 2024 Newcastle council government elections, supported Cr Kerridge in his successful campaign for lord mayor. At last week's council meeting, Cr Clausen described those involved in the help session as having "conspiratorial views", believing "some malfeasance" in the Newcastle council. Our Newcastle has refuted the claims, saying it held the January 23 session to support community members, particularly those who were older and needed technical assistance to prepare and lodge submissions to the Davidson Business Advisory review. "We are disappointed by recent comments made by Cr Declan Clausen, who questioned the 'appropriateness' of our sessions and described those involved as holding 'conspiratorial views'," Our Newcastle president Leisha Parkinson said in a statement. "Those remarks are not only unfounded but deeply disrespectful to the many older residents who simply sought help navigating an online process in order to express their views, something they have every right to do. "Increasingly, we are seeing a pattern in Newcastle politics where those who hold views different to the Labor councillors are dismissed as 'conspiratorial' or accused of spreading 'misinformation'." The statement went on to say that Labor councillors are "not the sole arbitrators of truth in our city". Ms Parkinson stood for a position on Newcastle council in Ward 2 on the Our Newcastle independent ticket. More than 840 submissions were made to the Davidson review into the council's policies, processes and procedures. Almost 30 submissions were made about a perceived lack of respect among councillors, including towards the lord mayor. Cr Clausen said on Tuesday that Our Newcastle had misrepresented his position and the nature of his remarks. "I did raise concerns during the council meeting about the secret Our Newcastle letter-writing sessions," he said. "It is entirely appropriate to question whether a secretive political group holding private letter-writing sessions tried to unduly influence the outcome of the Davidson review." Cr Clausen said that if Labor, the Liberal Party or the Greens organised similar sessions, he suspected there would be "loud public outcries" condemning the action and said Our Newcastle should be held to the same standard. He went on to say the level of "unsolicited coaching" in the submission-writing session remains unanswered. The Newcastle Herald is aware of only one help session being held on January 23. Ms Parkinson maintains the session was open to all and "strictly non-partisan". "At no point did we influence or advise participants on what to write, nor did we question the content of their submissions," she said. "Our sole aim was to ensure that everyone in Newcastle had the opportunity to contribute freely and independently, without barriers due to technology or access." Cr Clausen said he fully supported community engagement, including providing help to those who needed it to ensure their views were considered. "The issue in this case was not whether the public should be supported, it was whether a single party-political group with strong pre-existing views should be positioning themselves as a neutral provider of that support," he said. Cr Kerridge has denied attending the help session and has said he was not involved in its organisation. An email written under the Our Newcastle letterhead invited recipients to drop in if they would like help with their submission or to chat through their ideas. The letter requested recipients to tell Our Newcastle when they had made a submission. Ms Parkinson said Our Newcastle believed support should have been provided by the council to make submissions, particularly for those with limited technological literacy. "Ensuring members of our community can participate in local democracy is a basic responsibility of good governance," she said. Ms Parkinson went on to accuse Labor councillors of a "broader pattern of ageism" including "repeated derogatory references to the lord mayor's age". "These are not only inappropriate but appear intended to dismiss and silence the voices of older residents," she said. "We believe that every person-young or old, deserves a place in our political conversation." The Newcastle Herald asked for clarification about comments Our Newcastle claims Labor councillors have made about the lord mayor's age. In response, Ms Parkinson referred to a comment made by Cr Clausen on one of his Facebook posts 39 weeks ago that said, "For too long, local government in NSW has been 'male, pale and stale'". Cr Clausen said he did not believe he had ever made a comment about the lord mayor's age, derogatory or otherwise. "The lord mayor has never raised any such concern with me," he said. "I also raise the irony of this line of criticism from Our Newcastle." Cr Clausen said both the lord mayor and the Herald's Facebook pages continue to include comments by members of the public describing him as a "boy" and "kid". "I am the longest-serving councillor in our chamber, having served on council for over a decade, and for seven consecutive years as the deputy lord mayor," he said. "Newly-elected councillors, regardless of their age, could benefit from listening to others with more experience."
The Advertiser
5 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".
