SIX candidates are running to be Newcastle's next lord mayor. Over the next few days, reporter Max McKinney will ask them why they're vying for the top civic job, how they think the council is performing and what's next for the city. First up is the Liberal Party's Jenny Barrie, a business manager from Newcastle West.
Jenny, why are you running for lord mayor?
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Newcastle is an amazing and exciting city to live in and it's experiencing really fast growth. I'm excited to bring a new vision. I'm honoured to stand as a candidate and represent Liberal values and ensure that for the ratepayers, I can be their voice and fight for their issues.
What do you believe you can bring to council?
With my vast business and community economic development experience, I've got a good understanding of the city and the council issues. I'm well connected in business, I've been across charities and communities and I just want to bring the best out of council.
How would the city benefit having a Liberal mayor?
I've got a good understanding of the local needs of businesses and residents with a different approach to deliver more benefits to the ratepayers. I'd like to work to advocate on behalf of Newcastle with the state and federal government to ensure that funding is invested and returned to Newcastle, because we're a major contributor to the economy of NSW and Australia out of the Port of Newcastle and the Hunter area. I feel as a Liberal I'm well positioned to do that.
What experience do you have that you believe is relevant to serving as a councillor and lord mayor?
Leadership in community engagement groups. I'm across multiple organisations, I'm currently president of Lions Club. I've got business-management skills. I've got a good understanding of financial-management, budgeting and fiscal reporting. I'm a strong supporter of the arts and would like to see an arts and cultural precinct in the civic area. As a mother and grandmother, I'm across the importance of looking after the needs of sport as well with facilities that need funding for change rooms that are not male and female.
The Liberals have hardly had a smooth build up to this election, why is that?
We're all excited to serve the community and we've been working very hard in our wards to engage with residents and ratepayers. We've got lots of ideas to improve Newcastle and make it more liveable. It's just where we are at, at the moment.
It seems like you haven't had a united front?
We all want what is best for each ward and the city. As individuals, we have the right to express what is the best decision. A team of four can have different ideas. We have youthful energy and life experience so we've got strong views on policies, but we will always make sure the ratepayers are consulted - that's the most important thing.
You and the other Liberal candidates have been divided on some issues, how can voters have confidence in the four of you working together if you're elected?
We've got the same policies to freeze rates, support small business, revitalise the town. We will work as a team because we're very keen for positive change in council.
What has the council done well this past term?
Advocacy to state and federal government [on things] like the Newcastle Airport expansion, and town centre programs across some areas. What's happening in the mall ... it's bringing us out of the past and into the future.
What can it do better?
Better management of the budget, so the hard-working rates are spent well on essential services. Attract more visitors to the region with a focus on destination-tourism events all year round to help our businesses. More consultation with the ratepayers and in communities.
What is the biggest challenge facing the council?
Financial sustainability, managing the growth of the city, housing affordability, traffic congestion, parking solutions, we need to find more infrastructure projects for job creation and improve outdoor areas post-COVID.
What's the biggest opportunity for the next council?
Planning for future city growth. Hopefully council can own a building again, look towards that. Tourism activation - I'd love to see a world-class cultural centre incorporating art, music and the museum, maybe a multi-purpose entertainment centre, a cruise terminal. There's so many great projects for economic development and job creation.
A final message to voters?
Vote for someone who you believe displays great leadership skills and can deliver good economic management, for each ward, fix the budget and work diligently together for ratepayers.
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