A Newcastle councillor has expressed dismay over the council spending nearly $106,000 on a survey about the Astra Aerolab defence and aerospace park. Labor councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the expenditure was excessive, especially given the well-known community sentiment.
The survey, endorsed by the council on November 11, included a representative survey of 600 residents, an opt-in online survey completed by 555 residents, and pop-up events involving 178 residents. Results showed low awareness of Astra Aerolab, with only 24% recognition in the representative survey, but 69% familiarity in the opt-in online survey.
Support for Astra Aerolab varied: over two-thirds of representative respondents were supportive, while 84% of pop-up participants supported it. However, 52% of opt-in online respondents opposed it. The survey also gauged sentiment on Newcastle Airport, which was largely favourable.
Cr Winney-Baartz noted that the $105,656 could have funded some of the 35 projects that missed out on social inclusion grants this year. She argued that such spending erodes community trust in local government.
Greens councillor Siobhan Isherwood defended the consultation, highlighting that it revealed strong concerns about militarisation and support for jobs. She noted that residents are divided on the issue, and the opt-in survey response demonstrated that.
Cr Isherwood also expressed concern that the consultation occurred after decisions had already been made, saying the horse had already bolted. The council had previously voted in 2024 to conduct the consultation after concerns about weapons manufacturing were raised.
