Nuatali Nelmes is confident her track record will hold her in good stead when residents head to the polls next month.
Despite being the fourth-longest serving Lord Mayor in City of Newcastle’s (CN) history, something the Novocastrian’s extremely proud of, she believes there’s still more to be done for the community moving forward.
It’s a similar motive to that of neighbouring mayors Jay Suvaal (Cessnock City) and Philip Penfold (Maitland City), who are just as determined to see their respective LGAs prosper in the future.
That’s why the hard-working elected official’s counting on people to vote in her favour again in the NSW Local Government Elections on Saturday 14 September.
“It’s wonderful and such a privilege to be the representative of the city,” Cr Nelmes said.
“And, a true honour to be the Lord Mayor of Newcastle.
“I know how tough a job it is.
“We embarked on a reform agenda in Newcastle, overseeing a marvellous, challenging – but also exciting – period of change.
“There are still numerous unfinished projects that the team really wants to make sure is delivered.
“I made a commitment to the people of Newcastle in 2014… and I intend to honour it.
“It wasn’t just about restoring trust into local government, but also fixing the financial issues the council had back then and delivering the proper infrastructure to the city.
“That was a really honest commitment [in 2014].
“Together with the wonderful Labor councillors over the past couple of terms, we’ve really rolled our sleeves up.
“There’s been long hours, all day and all night, however it’s worth it.”
Having previously served six years as a Ward 3 representative, Cr Nelmes moved into the top job in 2014.
Since then, CN has undergone a major transformation under the Labor tenet.
From infrastructure to the environment, and culture and community, council’s rolled out public electric vehicle (EV) chargers and expanded cycleway networks; attracted national and international events to the city, including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Pink; started construction on the long-discussed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion; launched New Annual festival to support local artists; expanded public art and large-scale street murals; protected Blackbutt Reserve from proposed subdivision and sale; built dozens of new playgrounds; addressed Stockton erosion with the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program (CMP); funded Local Centre upgrades in Carrington, Beresfield, Shortland, Kotara, Merewether, Stockton and New Lambton; delivered ventures including the iconic Bathers Way coastal walk, Wallsend flood mitigation works and rejuvenation of Hunter Street Mall; and much more.
And, if re-elected, Cr Nelmes will chalk up a decade in the role in November, too, equalling Douglas McDougall (10) and Frank Purdue (10) and trailing only John Tate (13).
“I love what I do, that’s what probably motivates me,” she said.
“Even with all those hours and all that time and effort we’ve put into it, it’s really been about a collective, supported by a lot of people in the community.
“That said, we need council to be a leader in addressing challenges but also getting the job done.
I hope people see our past successes – our passion, our love for the city, our collaboration and our delivery record – and want to return us to local government.
Nuatali Nelmes
“We just delivered, presented and adopted our 10th budget, which features more than a $1 billion worth of infrastructure.
“That’s a hallmark achievement, not just mine but as a group.
“I don’t do this job alone… I am part of such a wonderful team of councillors, the Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen in particular, but also 1,200 staff at City of Newcastle who literally worked tirelessly day-in day-out to deliver these work programs.
“For example, when I was first elected it operated about the $40 million mark.
“Last financial year, we delivered $140 million in work [programs] and this current budget will also see another $140 million.
“That increase is really significant.
“But, that’s what people in Newcastle asked me to do… and it’s what I’ve been working on for years to make sure everyone is getting their fair share.
“Our public spaces are upgraded, our roads are maintained, and we have wonderful libraries and cultural facilities, like the art gallery and the museum.
“You know, people do a lot of talking about what they’re going to do.
“However, this is a team that gets the job done and delivers.”
Cr Nelmes admitted it hadn’t been all smooth sailing, with controversies involving Supercars and CEO Jeremy Bath, but believes the positives far outweigh the negatives.
“I think the people in Newcastle are very astute… they know what’s going on,” she said.
“The feedback I get daily is residents want a council that’s proactive and have a long-term strategic vision around addressing big issues like climate change and the environment.
“And, Newcastle is the leading LGA in that space.
“We delivered a 5mW solar farm and we’re the first council in NSW to go 100% renewable energy.
“A lot of the work we’ve done in the environment and climate space is not only city-leading, it’s also leading local government, not just in Australia but around the world.
“I’m now part of an international network of cities working to address the challenges of climate change and adaption and mitigation.
“That includes everything from sea level rising and coastal erosion through to the managing of flooding in our urban environment.
“There are many complexities to this job and I’ve prided myself on being across a lot of that detail and making sure the administration is responsive to the needs of our constituents, as well as visitors to the city of Newcastle.”
But, Cr Nelmes isn’t finished yet, not by a long shot, with countless more endeavours in her sights.
“At a really granular, detailed level, I’m keen to oversee very significant enhancements with our parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’ve just announced $50 million for road and flooding upgrades at Wallsend, while we’re doing the second stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“I’m also hoping to complete the really important, but also complicated, section of Bathers Way past the skate park up to King Edward Park while making sure that heritage is respected through there.
“We’re mindful of cost-of-living pressures, too.
I love what I do, that’s what probably motivates me.
Nuatali Nelmes
“Financial sustainability has been at the core of everything we’ve done.
“So, it’s a priority to maintain that while delivering within our means and ensuring costs are kept at an absolute minimum.
“We’re aware of the parking issues as well, however it’s a ‘pain point’ for every city across the world.
“I’ve spoken to mayors not just in NSW and Australia but ex-mayors of New York.
“Every community has a pain point or a story to tell about parking.
“But, it’s really important to get that balance right otherwise you don’t have turnover In areas where business needs it.
“So, we must make sure there is an even mix of parking, whether it’s for recreation, leisure or people living in a certain area, or a hub where there’s commercial activity.”
On 14 September, Cr Nelmes faces five rivals, including Charlotte McCabe (The Greens), Dr Ross Kerridge (Independent), Milton Caine (Independent), Stephen O’Brien (Socialist Alliance) and Callum Pull (Liberal).
And, her reason for why residents should vote for her again is simple.
“Because it’s not just me,” she said.
“It is our vision, which we’ve been able to execute, deliver and accomplish.
“We are a very united team and that’s really rare, not just in City of Newcastle and council, but politics as a whole.
“We’ve got a collaborative shared perspective for the city, which also works with our key stakeholders in the LGA – like the University of Newcastle, state and federal governments – to ensure we’re all on the same path.
“You obviously want those partners, along with civil society and business leaders, but it’s also important our community members have similar goals.
“It’s why we’ve been setting that vision… and then delivering on it.
“Everyone’s seen such a marked change in the perception, image, look and feel of Newcastle over the past decade.
“It’s changed so much, however that takes a lot of hard work.
“So, I hope people see our past successes – our passion, our love for the city, our collaboration and our delivery record – and want to return us to local government.”
For more news stories:
- Hunter candidates locked in for NSW Local Government Elections
- Maitland councillor disappointed for Liberal colleagues
- Rival statements way off the mark, says Newcastle Labor
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
