Newcastle’s Melbourne Cup
Nominations are yet to open, but the October 25th Newcastle by election is already looking like a Melbourne Cup field.
The Liberal Party are not running a candidate in what Premier Mike Baird has described as an act of “atonement”.
Labor has high hopes of winning back what has traditionally been a safe seat for them, but at least three other hopefuls are actively campaigning and four others have declared their intention to run.
Among their number now is an Independent candidate who has the backing and resources of the Palmer United Party.
With 8 potential candidates already and over 2 weeks before nominations close, Novocastrians could face a daunting task when they enter the polling booth.
To help voters make a choice, the Property Council’s October Hunter Lunch – Poisoned Chalice – will be the only forum dedicated to analysing the difference in urban renewal policy between the leading candidates. Those participating are;
- Tim Crakanthorp (Labor)
- Michael Osborne (Greens)
- Karen Howard (Independent)
- Jacqueline Haines (Independent)
According to most political pundits, the next Member for Newcastle will come from this group.
They were the frontrunners in declaring their hand and all have considered view points on revitalisation of the city centre, albeit poles apart.
The Greens and Labor have called for a stop to all development activity in the city, arguing that development of the 2012 Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy (NURS) was a corrupt process.
They want the new planning framework approved last month by the Minister to be torn up despite unprecedented community consultation and a reduction in proposed building heights.
They also believe having the city dislocated from the waterfront by a heavy rail line is preferable to a modern light rail service which will breathe life back into the dominant axis of the city – Hunter Street.
By contrast, the two Independent candidates appearing at Poisoned Chalice support the vision set out by the NURS for a more connected, competitive and liveable city.
The Independents have also been strident in demanding the NSW Government transform the heavy rail corridor into a green link for pedestrians and cyclists through the heart of the city.
On planning reform, Karen Howard and Jacqueline Haines are the only two candidates – in either Newcastle or Charlestown – not to have endorsed the Better Planning Network’s Community Charter for Good Planning.
They chose not to support a policy which would strangle housing supply and be a boon for lawyers by encouraging extensive third party merit appeals.
All other candidates, including the only major political parties to contest the by election – the Greens and Labor – have signed up for the charter.
Poisoned Chalice will be moderated by 2HD’s Richard King.
Candidates will have the chance to prepare answers to a series of questions given in advance of the event.
They will also be put on the spot to answer questions from the audience and general public submitted via Twitter.
Registrations are open now and are bound to sell out quickly. To reserve your seat now, click here.