Lord Mayor Candidates Replies 
 

Candidates responses (in alphabetical order)

Cr Jenny Barrie Councillor Liberal Ward 2

1. Heritage Character

Do you support restoring the Newcastle Ocean Baths in a manner that preserves its historic open-air pavilion character, including reconsideration of fully enclosing the change rooms?

Yes 

Comment (optional):

2. Change of function

Do you support the proposal to expand the restaurant/café function by reducing the change room facilities?

No

Comment (optional):

 3. Alcohol & Licensed Venue

Should alcohol be served from within the heritage pavilion at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and in close proximity to the bathing public?

No

If yes, what scale of licensed venue (if any) do you consider appropriate within a State Heritage–listed civic bathing facility?

Comment (optional):

 4. Project Cost & Scope

Given the current estimated project cost of approximately $40 million, (without GST) would you support redesigning the proposal if this could reduce costs while maintaining heritage integrity and the Baths’ primary swimming purpose?

Yes 

Comment (optional):

 5. Community Confidence

How would you approach a major civic project where a substantial proportion (95%) of formal submissions raised objections about aspects of the proposal?

Comment (up to 100 words):

I would meet firstly with the Executive Leadership Team, and CEO to discuss the project, consider the submissions in the best way to develop a heritage asset, that is quite frequently inundated with storm related ocean surges, to ensure that ratepayers funds are spent to ensure the users of the Newcastle Ocean Baths are open for all ages, abilities and tourism visitors.

 I feel there should be a way forward to ensure that the submissions are collated and that the "experts" listen to the will of the people.

 However there is also considerations to be taken with the funds already spent to ensure more funds are not spent on plans and consultants.

 There is always a "happy medium" where the submissions can be condensed into practical changes for the betterment of the project due to the high cost.  

 The structure will not hold forever so there needs to be urgent resolutions to the concerns of residents in a public meeting to address with City of Newcastle staff and consultants, to have the community listened to and acknowledged.

 

 Milton Caine: Independent

1. Heritage Character

Do you support restoring the Newcastle Ocean Baths in a manner that preserves its historic open-air pavilion character, including reconsideration of fully enclosing the change rooms?

Yes

Comment (optional):

2. Change of function

Do you support the proposal to expand the restaurant/café function by reducing the change room facilities?

No

Comment (optional):

 3. Alcohol & Licensed Venue

Should alcohol be served from within the heritage pavilion at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and in close proximity to the bathing public?

No

If yes, what scale of licensed venue (if any) do you consider appropriate within a State Heritage–listed civic bathing facility?

Comment (optional): Alcohol and swimming does not mix very well as this could result in health concerns It needs to remain youth and family friendly.

 4. Project Cost & Scope

Given the current estimated project cost of approximately $40 million, (without GST) would you support redesigning the proposal if this could reduce costs while maintaining heritage integrity and the Baths’ primary swimming purpose?

Absolutely yes

Comment (optional):

 The role of the Lord mayor is to be frugal in spending other people's money so where savings can be made they must always be front and center

5. Community Confidence

How would you approach a major civic project where a substantial proportion (95%) of formal submissions raised objections about aspects of the proposal?

Comment (up to 100 words): the position of Lord Mayor is one of servant leadership to overrule formal submissions is being a dictator and not being a servant leader. As a servant leader the views of the public must always be front and center of the decision making process, therefore the submissions must influence the decision's outcome.

 

Declan Clausen Councillor Labor Ward 1

1. Heritage Character

Do you support restoring the Newcastle Ocean Baths in a manner that preserves its historic open-air pavilion character, including reconsideration of fully enclosing the change rooms?

 Yes. I support restoring the Baths in a way that protects its historic pavilion character. I’ve consistently backed this approach, including moving the motion that protected the façade from demolition, securing funding for the upgrade works, and supporting state heritage protections.

 There are ways to preserve that character while also improving functionality and amenity, and meeting contemporary standards, particularly around privacy, accessibility and child safety. In progressing any upgrades, Council has a responsibility to ensure these standards are met, and these concerns should not be dismissed.

 2. Change of function

Do you support the proposal to expand the restaurant/café function by reducing the change room facilities?

Yes, in principle, but only if it is balanced and informed by community feedback.

 My focus has always been on protecting the Baths as a public asset first and foremost. That’s why I’ve worked towards securing the funding needed for the project and ensure entry remains free in perpetuity. This builds on my efforts to support the Stage 1 works on the pools and promenades.

 An onsite cafe/kiosk is proposed as secondary to the primary function of public bathing and shaped through consultation with the community. This is consistent with other council owned buildings along the coast including local surf clubs. 

 3. Alcohol & Licensed Venue

Should alcohol be served from within the heritage pavilion at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and in close proximity to the bathing public?

Potentially, but only if it is low-key, well-managed, and consistent with the character of the Baths.

 What’s proposed is similar in scale to what already operates successfully at each of our Surf Life Saving Clubs, where people can purchase a drink alongside simple food. If done appropriately, that can complement the facility without changing its core purpose.

As with all aspects of the project, this should ultimately be guided by community feedback.

 4. Project Cost & Scope

Given the current estimated project cost of approximately $40 million, (without GST) would you support redesigning the proposal if this could reduce costs while maintaining heritage integrity and the Baths’ primary swimming purpose?

 Yes. There’s no benefit in proceeding with a design that doesn’t carry community confidence.

 As a Ward 1 Councillor, I’ve already commenced the hard work needed to secure funding for the Baths and want to see that investment deliver a high-quality outcome. If costs can be reduced while protecting heritage and managing risks in the coastal environment, that should absolutely be explored.

 This is about getting the balance right, not just cutting scope.

 5. Community Confidence

How would you approach a major civic project where a substantial proportion (95%) of formal submissions raised objections about aspects of the proposal?

Comment (up to 100 words):

There has already been extensive community engagement on this project, and it has materially shaped the design. I’ve been directly involved in that process, including meeting onsite with community members, attending rallies, and working through issues as they’ve been raised.

The proposal today is very different to the initial concept, having been revised through multiple rounds of consultation and input from the Community Reference Group. That reflects best practice.

At the same time, the Baths are an extraordinarily well-loved asset, and different views are to be expected. The role of Council is to keep working with the community to refine the outcome.

 My focus is on delivering a final design that protects the heritage of the Baths, maintains free public access, and has broad community confidence.

 

Charlotte McCabe Councillor The Greens Ward 1

 1. Heritage Character

Do you support restoring the Newcastle Ocean Baths in a manner that preserves its

historic open-air pavilion character, including reconsideration of fully enclosing the

change rooms?

I can’t answer yes or no to this question. An open roof has been my preference, but I

will accept the decision of the HCCRPP.

Comment (optional):

My position on the open-air changerooms has been that this feature must be preserved

if it was identified as a heritage feature by the NSW State Heritage. When the open

roofs were not specifically identified as part of the listing of the Newcastle Ocean baths,

I still requested design options from Council staff that allowed for at least a partially

open roof design. These were unfortunately not provided.

In my submission to the HCCRPP, I have requested that the panel consider an

architectural design that allows for a partially open roof whilst ensuring privacy and

structural restrictions to prevent unauthorised entry.

I will support the decision of the HCCRPP and accept that the proposed design does

allow for natural ventilation and sunlight beneath the raised roof.

2. Change of function

Do you support the proposal to expand the restaurant/café function by reducing the

change room facilities?

Yes

Comment (optional):

The current provision of one pavilion being made available for change rooms and

amenities will be maintained in the proposed design. I believe community members who

swim at the public baths also expect to enjoy the facility through having food and drink

options made available. I support a larger cafe/kiosk than the one that previously

existed and support the ability for patrons to be able to sit inside to get out of the sun,

wind or rain. I also support part of this southern pavilion to be made available as a

community space that can be hired by community members, but will not allow alcohol to

be consumed.

 3. Alcohol & Licensed Venue

 Should alcohol be served from within the heritage pavilion at the Newcastle Ocean

Baths, and in close proximity to the bathing public?

No

 If yes, what scale of licensed venue (if any) do you consider appropriate within a State

Heritage–listed civic bathing facility?

Comment (optional): I don’t support an alcohol licence being part of the lease for the

cafe/kiosk, but I appreciate that there are a complexity of views on the option of alcohol

being served and I’m open to finding acceptable conditions for the lease if the HCCRP

approves the inclusion of an alcohol licence. I have come to my position through

considering the ocean baths as a similar use to our inland public pools, where alcohol is

not served at cafes.

 4. Project Cost & Scope

Given the current estimated project cost of approximately $40 million, (without GST)

would you support redesigning the proposal if this could reduce costs while maintaining

heritage integrity and the Baths’ primary swimming purpose?

No

Comment (optional):

I have had detailed discussions with Council staff about the design and explored

options for reducing costs with them. I’m satisfied that the cost of the redevelopment is

due to the complex nature of protecting a badly deteriorated heritage building alongside

a challenging coastal environment and preparations for rising sea levels and increased

storm surges. Additionally, ensuring change rooms and amenities are fully accessible

and meeting the highest standard adds additional costs which I think the community

expects us to deliver.

5. Community Confidence

How would you approach a major civic project where a substantial proportion (95%) of

formal submissions raised objections about aspects of the proposal?

Comment (up to 100 words):

Community consultation is an essential element of determining how public funds should be

administered. The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel are tasked as an

independent assessment authority to review all community submissions as well as expert

advice. They must also take into consideration the urgent need to protect this state heritage

listed building and to do this in a way that meets planning legislation requirements.

 

Gavin Morris: Independent

Yes I support the heritage/ facade reconstruction.

I have great concerns about investing in a cafe/ restaurant on the ground level. We saw what happened on the weekend. That was a 1.7m high tide, what will happen on a 2.2m high tide with a swell that size will be far more destructive. 

I don’t consider this location to be one that supports high end development.

The sale of alcohol is not necessary. A focus on the saving the facade, improving the current facilities is necessary. Keep the focus on going to Newcastle ocean baths for a swim and to socialise.

I would  push for a review of the current proposal and reduction of the financial projection of the development.

 

 Steve O’Brien: Socialist Alliance

1. Heritage Character

Do you support restoring the Newcastle Ocean Baths in a manner that preserves its historic open-air pavilion character, including reconsideration of fully enclosing the change rooms?

Yes

Comment (optional): I'm tired of Council droning on about drones 

2. Change of function

Do you support the proposal to expand the restaurant/café function by reducing the change room facilities?

 No

Comment (optional): 

 3. Alcohol & Licensed Venue

Should alcohol be served from within the heritage pavilion at the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and in close proximity to the bathing public?

No

If yes, what scale of licensed venue (if any) do you consider appropriate within a State Heritage–listed civic bathing facility?

Comment (optional): I made a submission opposing the liquor license. Alcohol & water do not go together. Commercialising public spaces through a licensed restaurant is another form of privatisation.

 4. Project Cost & Scope

Given the current estimated project cost of approximately $40 million, (without GST) would you support redesigning the proposal if this could reduce costs while maintaining heritage integrity and the Baths’ primary swimming purpose?

Yes

Comment (optional): keep it simple and fit for purpose, ie public bathing with a low cost 

food & drink outlet as we previously had.

5. Community Confidence

How would you approach a major civic project where a substantial proportion (95%) of formal submissions raised objections about aspects of the proposal?

Comment (up to 100 words): listen to the people. My submission was one of the 180 against.