The Liberals have officially entered the City of Newcastle (CN) Lord Mayor’s race following Jenny Barrie’s endorsement as the party’s candidate.
She’ll now face Independent Gavin Morris, Labor’s Declan Clausen and the Greens’ Charlotte McCabe when residents head to the polls on Saturday 18 April.
The by-election was called following the recent resignation of Ross Kerridge.
Cr Barrie boasts the record and experience to hit the ground running and deliver real results for Novocastrians from day one if elected, having served as a councillor for five years, chair of the Community & Culture Advisory Committee and the Hamilton Community Safety Committee; deputy chair of the Strategy & Innovation Committee; and a director of Newcastle Airport Partnership Company 2.
“It’s a great honour and privilege to stand for Lord Mayor of our great city,” she said.
“I’ve decided to run so Newcastle voters have a candidate they can trust and support… and to offer Newcastle a fresh start.”
Cr Barrie indicated her priorities would centre on crime and anti-social behaviour, promoting tourism and major events, and restoring civic pride.
She’s championed the establishment of initiatives such as the Hamilton Community Safety Committee, bringing locals, business owners, police and government together to tackle misconduct in the suburb.
It recently won support for the installation of Opal gates at the Hamilton train station, which will deter individuals seeking to avoid fares and help to reduce incidents of public order offences, drug-related activity, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
If elected, she’ll expand the Community Safety Committee concept to other postcodes across the city to deal with similar issues.
“Every suburb is facing its own challenges – such as Wallsend which is having problems with vandalism and dirt bikes,” Cr Barrie said.
“E-bikes are riding on footpaths at dangerous speeds.
“Every week there are more cars being stolen, people are being harassed or having near-misses with e-bikes.
“These are just some of the many issues that I believe the expansion of community safety precinct committees will help address.”
By contrast, Cr Barrie said the Independents, Labor and Greens had encouraged civil disobedience by supporting groups like Rising Tide.
“Rising Tide has been allowed to cause mayhem without any proper compensation for businesses and residents,” she explained.
“Our city has missed out on significant tourism spends after two cruise ships were turned around due to the disruptive actions of Rising Tide.
“As far as I know, I’m the only candidate who’ll oppose the group.”
Cr Barrie will also have a strong focus on tourism, having served as the chair of the Community & Culture Advisory Committee since 2024.
“We have seen the success of major events in Newcastle thanks to efficient and targeted investment in infrastructure and in events,” she said.
“I want to see more community activations such as the return of Hamilton’s Carnivale and the Wallsend Winter Fair.”
And, having raised her two children as a single mother, Cr Barrie knows the importance of a council focused on delivering outcomes.
“If elected Lord Mayor, I’ll cut through the noise and deliver for Newcastle,” she added.
Fellow councillor Callum Pull said he was excited by Cr Barrie’s candidacy.
“Jenny is someone who knows how to work with everyone to deliver real results for Newcastle,” he explained.
“As a councillor, she’s incredibly accomplished, having made a particularly strong impact on crime, advocated for coastal infrastructure and fought for business owners.
“She is well-respected across the chamber for her integrity, dedication and fighting spirit.
“I know she’s the Lord Mayor our city needs and deserves.
“Labor and the Greens offer more of the same.
“And, the last time an Independent was elected Lord Mayor, we ended up with Rising Tide and the Chinese Diplomat scandal.
“Only Jenny Barrie has the will to tackle the real issues facing our city in the years ahead.
“She has the record and the experience to deliver the fresh start Newcastle requires.”
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