Promise Tracker
Below is the list of promises made by Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge before the 2024 Local Government election. Given the make up of the current council, some of these may be difficult to achieve. However, we're still committed to bringing these items to council to try and obtain support from Labor, Liberal and the Greens.
Privitisation
An end to the privatisation and commercialising of public assets and services. Council is for the community and is not a business
Status:
Ongoing
This is a commitment to not privatise any further council assets. Any proposals brought to council will be opposed.
Focusing on what matters
Focus on the things that matter to the community, not photo-opportunities.
Status: Ongoing
Quotable
Footpaths
Building and repairing at least 30km of footpaths across the city over the next council term.
Status:
On track
A council motion passed on X date set about doing this. Is being fast tracked.
Potholes
Faster, more efficient pothole repair and a larger focus on road maintenance and repair.
Status:
Not Yet Started
More to come on this in 2025.
Swimming pools
Fixing our inland swimming pools and investigating options to lower entry cost to pools or make them free.
Status:
Not Yet Started
More to come on this in 2025.
Swim schools
Deliver learn to swim schools at all inland swimming pools.
Status:
Not Yet Started
More to come on this in 2025.
Minmi Road Duplication
Start Minmi Road duplication and ensure that it is delivered promptly.
Status:
On Track
Motion passed on X date. Work will be fast tracked.
Lambton Ovals
Withdraw council's consent for the Lambton ovals to be developed on and work with stakeholders to find an appropriate venue for the Newcastle basketball stadium.
Status:
It's Complicated
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Community Spaces
Lowering the cost of renting council's community spaces such as community halls for not-for-profit organisations.
Status:
Not Yet Started
More to come on this in 2025.
Rates
Limiting rate increases to consumer price index or lower to prevent large rate rises and assist with the cost of living. Lower rates equate to lower rents.
Status:
On Track
Current rate rises below CPI. Will oppose any efforts to increase rates by more than CPI.
Improve the function of council
Improve the function of council
Status:
On Track
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Respectful council meetings
Foster a respectful relationship within council meetings and within the council administration.
Status:
On Track
A new Council Code of Meeting practice will be implemented by the Office of Local Government. We will work with these changes to ensure a more respectful chambers.
Rotate Deputy Lord Mayor position
Rotating the deputy lord mayor position annually as is common practice in most councils.
Status:
Met
Motion was approved in inaugural council meeting.
Seating Councillors in Ward Groups
Seating councillors in ward groups rather than party political groupings in council meetings to foster a more united approach to looking after the community rather than winning elections and dividing the council.
Status:
Not Met
Labor, Greens and Liberal councillors voted against sitting in ward groups.
Investigation into Neylon Letter Scandal
Launch an appropriate investigation into the Scott Neylon letters scandal.
Status:
On Track
Will be investigated by the council review.
Council Transparency
Reviews into council transparency and freedom of information, council's accounting methods to ensure they are in line with Office of Local Government expectations and a review into the alleged toxic culture of council with an expectation to improve the culture of the organisation.
Status:
On Track
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Local Representation
& Consultation
Putting local representation and consultation back into local government.
List Title
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Small business
Ending the outdoor dining fee, slashing red tape and bureaucracy for small businesses and sourcing services for local events from local suppliers.
Status:
Not Yet Started
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Social & Affordable Housing
Providing council-owned land for social and affordable housing, as long as there are already sufficient social, cultural and environmental amenities in the community.
Status:
On Track
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Housing Density
Move away from urban sprawl to building medium-density housing in suburbs with existing infrastructure.
Status:
Ongoing
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