Question 1 – Will you commit to the attached pledge opposing the clearing of native forests for development?
Yes.
Across my time on Council, I have consistently opposed inappropriate clearing of high environmental value land, particularly where it impacts biodiversity, koala habitat and critical ecological corridors.
This is not a new position for me. Over the past decade, alongside the community, I led both public and private efforts to protect 505 Minmi Road from development. That campaign involved sustained advocacy to successive Environment Ministers, multiple Council resolutions, reversing earlier planning decisions, and ultimately securing NSW Government protection of the vast majority of the site for conservation in perpetuity.
As a decision-maker, I will continue to assess proposals on their merits, but my record is clear, where land has high environmental value, I will advocate strongly for its protection.
Question 2– Do you support the amended Notice of Motion in its entirety? If not, which parts do you support or not support?
Yes, as recorded in the minutes, I supported the motion in full.
Labor councillors led on this matter across the entire Council term. Every motion brought forward has been co-signed by all Labor councillors, including myself, and I have worked closely with my colleagues, Ward 4 Labor Councillors Adamczyk and Richardson, at each stage.
Importantly, I also initiated the December 2025 Notice of Motion at the request of your campaign following your public voice presentation. This was ultimately carried by a majority at Council.
As confirmed in the Council minutes, the resolution formally endorsed the campaign’s goal of State acquisition of the 574-hectare site for permanent conservation, alongside advocacy actions including ministerial engagement and regional collaboration.
Question 3 – If elected as the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, what will you do to pursue positive outcomes in relation to these requests to the two ministers and the Lake Macquarie councillors.
If elected Lord Mayor, I will continue to elevate this advocacy.
That includes:
- Direct engagement with the NSW Minister for Environment, Minister for Planning and Minister for the Hunter
- Working with the NSW Government to explore funding pathways, including biodiversity offsets linked to major infrastructure projects
- Elevating collaboration with Lake Macquarie City Council, recognising this is a cross-boundary environmental asset that requires a coordinated regional approach
One of the key roles of the Lord Mayor is to represent Council in discussions with the State government and build those relationships to secure outcomes. I have demonstrated that ability over many years.
Question 4 – If elected as the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, what else will you do to champion the Council’s position on Link Road Forest and achieve its acquisition to be made a National Park for the communities of Newcastle and the Lower Hunter, and the myriad of species, many endangered, whose homes are at risk if the forest is developed.
Consistent with existing council resolutions and the requests of the Link Road Forest Campaign, my focus would be on delivery.
That includes:
- Progressing the evidence base to elevate this matter, including the environmental, social and economic case for conservation
- Advocating for formal recognition of high environmental value areas through State planning processes
- Working with the Guraki Committee on appropriate naming and cultural recognition
- Building a broad coalition of support across government, community and stakeholders to strengthen the case for acquisition
Most importantly, I will continue to provide consistent leadership on this issue.
This is not a new position for me, nor a campaign commitment developed in isolation. It is part of a long-standing record of action to protect important environmental assets in our city.