Nuatali Nelmes Marks Milestone Nine Years as Lord Mayor
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has become one of Newcastle's longest serving Lord Mayors, officially reaching nine years in the role today.
Cr Nelmes was elected Lord Mayor on 15 November 2014, having previously served six years as a Ward Three councillor, and is now the fourth longest-serving Lord Mayor, surpassing the tenure of former Lord Mayors John McNaughton, Joy Cummings and Greg Heys.
Frank Purdue (10 years), Douglas McDougall (10 years) and John Tate (13 years) are the only people to have served longer in the role of Lord Mayor, with Purdue and McDougall serving non-consecutive terms, and elected by other Councillors, rather than the community.
Cr Nelmes noted the significant transformation in Newcastle during her term as Lord Mayor.
“I want to thank the people of Newcastle, who have repeatedly supported our Council to show leadership and take tough decisions to deliver the change our city has needed,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Residents want to see progressive reforms and we are seeing the positive results across the city."
Cr Nelmes thanked her colleagues who have strongly supported her in the role.
“Leading the organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most challenging period of my time in office, but City of Newcastle delivered a stimulus program that helped protect local jobs and supported the region through that difficult time," Cr Nelmes said.
“This record of delivery has only been possible because of tough decisions that have made the City of Newcastle financially sustainable with successive budget surpluses.
“We will continue to focus on attracting more investment to our city to support jobs and deliver the services our residents deserve."
Key achievements of City of Newcastle during the past nine years include:
INFRASTRUCTURE
More than doubling capital spending to reduce the infrastructure backlog, and upgrading amenity and liveability across the city
Delivering city-shaping projects including the iconic Bathers Way coastal walk, Wallsend flood mitigation works and rejuvenation of Hunter Street Mall
Funding Local Centre upgrades in Carrington, Beresfield, Shortland, Kotara, Merewether, Stockton and New Lambton, with more to come
Addressing Stockton erosion with the state's first certified Coastal Management Program (CMP), which has led to amenity sand nourishment through offshore dredge rainbowing
Building dozens of new playgrounds, including regional-scale playgrounds at Stockton, Blackbutt Reserve and Wallsend
Delivering a once-in-100-year renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths
Opening new or upgraded fenced off-leash dog parks in North Lambton, Islington and Maryland
ENVIRONMENT
Becoming the first council in NSW to use 100 per cent renewables, including a 5MW publicly-owned solar farm
Significantly expanding City of Newcastle's street tree planting program and implemented a verge garden program
Becoming the only council in the region to have a soft plastic recyclable program
Protecting Blackbutt Reserve from proposed subdivision and sale
Rolling out public electric vehicle (EV) chargers and expanded cycleway networks
Advocating for off-shore wind, the diversification of the Port of Newcastle and the creation of new clean energy jobs and industry
CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Attracting new national and international events to the city
Starting construction on the long-discussed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
Launching City of Newcastle's very own New Annual cultural festival to support local artists
Expanding public art and large-scale street murals throughout the city
Supporting live music reforms to protect local performers, while implementing a live music grant scheme to support local artists
Upgrading local sporting facilities and investment in community sport.
