A message from our Lord Mayor While 2020 may have been the year we thought was like no other, 2021 has shown us these challenges are still ever-present in our lives.
These projects are fundamental to enhancing the way our communities live, work and play. Key projects delivered in the last 12 months include:
But through it all, the ups and the downs, one thing as continued to shine through. Our Novocastrian spirit.
enewal of Joslin Street, Kotara, local centre: R $2 million
Collectively, we’ve shown we are a city that is resilient in times of crisis. In a time when isolation and distance became part of our everyday, we showed that togetherness, community strength and solidarity will get us through whatever is ahead of us.
enewal of Llewellyn Street, Merewether, local centre: R $2 million
To keep our city moving and ensure no one was left behind, Council was quick to endorse a COVID-19 Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) in March last year. We delivered a targeted program with hardship measures for ratepayers, support for small businesses, assistance for local charities and families in need, and job saving investment into local infrastructure projects that created 700 much needed local jobs. Council continued to lead the way with the adoption of our Climate Action Plan with a net zero commitment for our operations by 2025. This progressive Council has focused on improving our natural environment and taking real action on climate change while promoting local jobs and diversifying our economy. This has included delivering a solar farm and a new recycling centre at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, as well as investing more than $4 million in new street trees during the current Council term, and leading the City to become the first council in NSW to use 100% renewable energy in its operations.
City of Newcastle
This year, a record capital works program has seen $103 million invested in projects across the Newcastle Local Government Area. This surpasses the previous year’s record investment by more than 10%.
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Playground upgrades: $1.3 million athers Way upgrade, South Newcastle Beach: B $5 million National Park redevelopment: $5 million Street lighting upgrades: $5 million Merewether to city centre cycleway: $2.4 million Council also finalised construction on a new $1.2 million inclusive, all-abilities playground at Stevenson Park. The project was delivered as part of a major renewal of the 13-hectare community and sporting precinct, which is used year-round by sporting groups and is a highly valued open space for local residents. Finally, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible people who work tirelessly to make this amazing city what it is. Thank you to the majority of Councillors for their collaboration and leadership, and our dedicated staff and volunteers for their passion and commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future helping make our city the greatest place to live and work in the world.
Councillor Nuatali Nelmes Lord Mayor of Newcastle
