The race to become the next Lord Mayor of the City of Newcastle is underway. The first time the candidates will come together is at the next Hunter Lunch on Friday August 10.
The 2012 Lord Mayoral Championship Debate is an initiative of the Property Council’s Hunter Chapter. While the current Council will be remembered for the $4 million fig tree fiasco, the focus of the event will be how the new Lord Mayor can deliver urban renewal and revitalisation of the CBD.
Industry professionals will hear from each of the candidates about their vision for development in Newcastle and then have the opportunity to grill them in a Q&A session moderated by Brett Lavaring.
The introduction of Hunter developer and PCA member, Jeff McCloy, gives the race for Lord Mayor a whole new dynamic. Mr McCloy’s fellow candidates include incumbent Councillors Aaron Buman (Independent) and Nuatali Nelmes (ALP) and former Councillor John Sutton (Greens). With nominations closing on August 8, Lord Mayor John Tate has only days left to announce his intentions.
Judging by some of the opening salvos, the August Hunter Lunch should provide plenty of fireworks. Mr McCloy has stated publically that fixing Hunter Street is top of his list of priorities, others have promised more “decisive” leadership and the Greens have called for greater community consultation and a more collaborative approach.
Can the next Lord Mayor get investment off the canvass?
Will they deliver a knock-out punch to inefficiency and mad planning?
How will they make Newcastle punch above its weight?
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