Newcastle has been announced as one of three cities shortlisted for a new nuclear-powered submarine base, provoking some mixed reactions from the community.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced plans on March 7 to construct a new nuclear submarine base off the Australian east coast.
The Department of Defence identified Newcastle, Port Kembla and Brisbane as the most suitable location to house the country’s future nuclear-powered fleet with more than $10 billion needed for infrastructure requirements.
The fleet would be acquired under AUKUS, the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, which aims to assist Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
Prime Minister Morrison said in a national security speech on March 7 that the decision would not be rushed, which included discussions around pursuing a US or UK design.
“We don’t anticipate that decision will be made before the election … and no-one should expect it to,” Morrison said.
“This is a trilateral partnership, not a procurement contest … this is a partnership where the decisions are made together.”
The Newcastle community has widely discussed the proposal, including a planned community network meeting organised for March 16, opening up opportunities for people to share information and consider what the base meant for the area.
Newcastle Liberal leader and councillor, Callum Pull, has submitted a notice of motion to the Federal Government conveying the support for constructing the base in Newcastle.
Cr Pull said Newcastle needed to make a strong show of support to secure the project and not risk it falling into the hands of Port Kembla or Brisbane.
“This isn’t some fantasy project, this project is happening, so we need to be ready to reach out and seize the opportunity,” Cr Pull said.
“This is our chance to develop new industries, secure the future of our region and once again become a hub for industry & innovation.
“It’s all about jobs and the future prosperity of our city … Projects and huge investments like this don’t arrive every day.”
Cr Pull said the project would lead to high-paid and high-skilled jobs providing a new industrial base for Newcastle and the Hunter.
“We’re competing against two other major cities, we need to make clear that we want the base, we want the jobs, and that we’re ready to do what is necessary to secure the project,” Cr Pull said.
However, Federal Greens candidate for Newcastle and councillor Charlotte McCabe said a nuclear submarine base in Newcastle was an “absurd and dangerous choice”.
“It’s clear that no due diligence has been done in suggesting Newcastle as a location,” Cr McCabe said.
“Newcastle has been a declared nuclear-free zone since 1982, and our port has serious existing hazards with huge ammonium nitrate stockpiles and diesel storage colocated in an earthquake zone.
“Our port is now 50 per cent owned by China merchants presenting serious sovereignty risks for any defence facility.
“As the threat of nuclear war is escalating, this facility would clearly make Newcastle a nuclear target.”
She said Newcastle didn’t need weapons manufacturing to diversify and grow the local economy and instead suggested the government invest in clean technologies and industries of the future.
The Newcastle City Council first declared Newcastle as a Nuclear Free Zone under Lord Mayor Joy Cummings AM in 1982.
On August 6, 2021, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes reaffirmed this long-held commitment during Hiroshima Day and the 76th anniversary of the devastating bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by US forces.
“The City of Newcastle has a long and proud history of activism against nuclear weapons, particularly as a city with a large working port,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Former Newcastle Lord Mayor Joy Cummings was a passionate advocate for the peace movement, inspiring strong community support and joining with Hunter Peace Group, trade unionists and activists to hold demonstrations on the importance of nuclear disarmament and protecting Newcastle as a Nuclear Free City and port.
“I am honoured to uphold that mission on behalf of the city, in which there is no place for nuclear weapons in modern society.”
Hayley McMahon