Athough Cr Pull concedes such a motion is likely to be voted down by the Labor/Greens majority, he said it was important to debate the base question.

He said a statement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, attached to the motion, spoke of engaging with councils, as well as state governments, in choosing a site.

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The notice of motion lodged with the council on two Mondays ago has four points. The wording is "That the City of Newcastle:

"One: Supports the building of the new east coast Future Navy Base in Newcastle.

"Two: Commends the Federal government's plan for the base, and welcomes the estimated $10 billion investment.

"Three: Notes that the construction and operation of the base in Newcastle will create countless jobs and establish a powerful new economy in Newcastle and the Hunter.

"Four: Resolves that the (council) CEO (Jeremy Bath) writes to the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, leader of the Opposition and NSW premier conveying our strong support for the submarine base to be built in Newcastle."

Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes signalled her opposition to a Newcastle nuclear submarine base soon after Newcastle, Port Kembla and Brisbane were named as candidates.

Cr Pull said this stance was reflected in the selection of the Hunter Peace Group as community group of the year in this year's Citizen of the Year awards.

City of Newcastle's existing declaration as a nuclear-free zone has also been raised as an issue, along with its half-ownership of Williamtown's Newcastle Airport, which this week came out publicly in support of a Newcastle submarine base.

Asked to comment on the airport's advocacy, a spokesperson said the airport operated independently of the City of Newcastle, which owned the airport with Port Stephens Council.

"City of Newcastle has a long-held commitment to declaring the city a Nuclear Free Zone," the spokesperson said.

"It has a proud history of activism against nuclear weapons, particularly as a city with a large working port."

The spokesperson said the council had welcomed a 2017 United Nations treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons and had last year supported a lord mayoral minute reaffirming its commitment to a nuclear-free city.

READ MORE: BRADLEY PERRETT 'S VIEW ON SUBMARINE 'NIMBYS'

Cr Pull said there were major differences between the nuclear power on the subs and nuclear weapons.

Asked to comment on a possible conflict between its advocacy and the council's position, Newcastle Airport said it had nothing to add to the council statement.

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