The Newcastle Liberal candidates are ready to give next month’s NSW Local Government Elections a real shake-up.
Unveiling a team boasting youth and experience at Carrington this week, the party is determined to wrestle the power back from Labor when residents head to the polls on Saturday 14 September.
And, to achieve that goal, they’ve turned to Rochelle Manning (Ward One), Jenny Barrie (Ward 2), Matt Bailey (Ward 3) and Callum Pull (Ward 4), who’ll also contest the City of Newcastle (CN) Lord Mayoral role.
“This is the strongest line-up we’ve ever put forward,” he said.
“Jenny and I are incumbent councillors, while we welcome the additions of Rochelle and Matt.
“As a collective, we’re committed to bringing back Australia Day celebrations, fighting Labor’s big new housing tax and advocating for the suburbs to get their fair share of funding.
“Since Jenny and I were elected to council, we’ve been a strong voice for the residents and businesses that this Labor council has left behind.
“It’s also why I am standing for Lord Mayor because I know this city needs fresh leadership.
“The policy platform that Jenny and I have built over the past three years has energised our team and helped pave a roadmap for the future.
“If elected Lord Mayor, I will be a leader who walks beside you and with you.
“I won’t be sitting in a penthouse office wasting millions of dollars on social media ads.
“People now have a choice between a Labor party, which has had a decade in power and failed to deliver for our city, and the Newcastle Liberals.”
A local AFL player, NSW SES member, Youth Mayor and rugby league referee, Ms Manning hopes to bring a fresh voice to council.
“Young people in Newcastle are seeing their future being wasted by a Labor council obsessed with vanity projects, endless rate rises and photo ops for social media,” she said.
“We have a shocking shortage of female changerooms and other amenities, which need to be addressed.
“I have first-hand experience with how depleted local sportsgrounds and facilities have become under Labor.
“There are always lots of announcements but never enough action.”
Mr Bailey, a former councillor, remains keen to renew the Liberal team.
“Having been a Ward 3 ratepayer for many years, I understand the challenges our community faces,” he said.
“I’m committed to addressing these issues by advocating for better infrastructure, more support for local businesses, and ensuring our voices are heard in the council chamber.
“Together, we will create a more vibrant and prosperous Ward 3.”
Respected councillor Barrie believes Mr Bailey and Ms Manning will make a strong contribution to CN if elected.
“I know Matt and Rochelle have the drive, passion and commitment to be strong advocates for Newcastle in the council chamber,” she said.
“Rochelle is an energetic and community-minded sportswoman and volunteer.
“And, I am so proud to see her putting her hand up to represent our community.
“She understands the needs of our city.”
For more news stories:
- Transformation of uni’s research facility receives green light
- New ambulance station slated for Edgeworth
- Candidates emerge for local government elections
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.
