Declan Clausen | Politician
Declan Clausen
Phone: +61 419 212 207
Reviews
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25.01.2022 City of Newcastle intends to transition to a fleet of electric vehicles, build operational resilience through additional renewables and battery storage, and switch all city lighting to LED over the next five years under our new Climate Action Plan. Our Climate Action Plan aims build upon the achievements of recent years that has led to Newcastle being recognised as one of Australia’s leading Cities in sustainability. City of Newcastle has formally committed to the Paris Cl...imate Agreement and we accept there is a global climate emergency. We owe it to our children to prioritise concrete action on climate change. As Novocastrians, we have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change, be it the erosion of Stockton Beach or increasingly severe storms that beached the Pasha Bulka. The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals and priorities for the next five years and follows the successful delivery of our previous Plan which included the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity. The City, in developing this Plan, has worked closely with the community, business and industry, while assessing global best practice and applying it in a local context. Over the next five years we’ll take advantage of emerging technology and utilise more recycled and low-emissions materials in our operations. We’ll also look to our large fleet of vehicles and will work on a transition to electric vehicles as they become more prevalent, diverse and economically competitive. City of Newcastle, in collaboration with other city partner organisations, has been slowly investing in the rollout of vehicle charging infrastructure to support the international shift to electric vehicles. We’re proud to be one of the most progressive cities in the country when it comes to tackling climate change and are confident this new Plan will keep us moving down this path of sustainability. It’s important that as a city leader we respond to the increasing calls from our community to tackle what is this generations most important challenges. City of Newcastle is a founding member of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership, a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program. See more
24.01.2022 Lots of Novocastrians were out at Nobbys and Warners Bay today to celebrate #WorldMentalHealthDay Craig and the team at Healing Path to Wellness did a great job bringing the community together to share messages of encouragement and their stories across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. It's okay to not be okay. We can all do more to make our city a kinder place for those experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental illness. ... Ping Cr Kay Fraser - Lake Macquarie Mayor and @NBN Television News
24.01.2022 If you’ve noticed a lot of work being undertaken across Newcastle, here’s why. A record capital works program has seen more than $93.7 million invested in projects across the Newcastle local government area in the past 12 months. https://newcastleweekly.com.au/record-spend-to-spruce-up-n/
23.01.2022 Abandoned shopping trolleys cause risks for motorists and pedestrians, impact our public spaces, and block our creeks and waterways. Following an increase in complaints from residents, Newcastle Labor councillors are taking action, with a motion coming before council next week. Read more here: www.nuatalinelmes.com/updates/abandonedtrolleys
23.01.2022 Perfect conditions at Nobbys this afternoon for Surfing the Spectrum. I had no idea that children with autism are *160* times more likely to drown compared with a typically developed child. Surfing the Spectrum do an amazing job helping to create an inclusive, ocean focused activity to teach kids with Autism important ocean awareness and water safety skills. Today 120 volunteers assisted 60 kids to learn vital water skills. ... Pictured with Tahlia Anderson from Surfing the Spectrum
23.01.2022 At the tip doing waste things : Did you know that last year City of Newcastle diverted 3,000 tonnes of waste at the tip that was otherwise destined for landfill? [that’s in addition to our kerbside recycling and green waste, and community problem waste programs] Summerhill’s resource recovery centre is reducing costs, providing local jobs, and helping create a local circular economy
22.01.2022 Congratulations to Jacinda Ardern from across the ditch. She has led New Zealand with tenacity and dignity through a terrorist attack, volcanic eruption and global pandemic, all while nursing a newborn! An incredible leader and trailblazing feminist - you go girl!
22.01.2022 Great news for Stockton today! City of Newcastle’s long-term plan to manage erosion along Stockton’s coastline has been certified by the State Government. This ...sees Newcastle become the first in NSW to have a coastal management program (CMP) confirmed under the Government’s new coastal management framework. With the CMP included in the NSW Government Gazette published Friday, work will now begin on implementing the approved actions, including $4 million towards a sand nourishment program as well as the construction of essential infrastructure to prevent further erosion and risk to public and private assets. The certification is the result of the immense effort of City of Newcastle staff and the community to work together on an outcome that met with the support of all relevant government agencies. The collaboration between City of Newcastle staff, the Stockton Community Liaison Group, agency stakeholders and the NSW Government has been essential during the preparation of the CMP. Our shared passion and dedication to achieving a positive future for Stockton has enabled the timely development of this long-term solution for coastal erosion, which has mass sand nourishment at its core, and I thank all those involved for their commitment and genuine, cooperative approach. We look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government on addressing coastal hazards at Stockton Beach through this process and thank Minister Shelley Hancock MP for her continued support, and the Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his ongoing work in establishing the Stockton Beach Taskforce. The CMP was subject to rigorous consultation and extensive community engagement. Seventy-three per cent of community respondents indicated their support for the plan, which proposes a mix of immediate and longer-term measures to replenish the heavily eroded beach and protect Stockton’s coastal assets. The CMP was also unanimously endorsed by the elected Council before being submitted to the State Government on 30 June this year. Longer-term actions under the Stockton CMP include a mass offshore marine sand nourishment campaign of 2.4 million cubic metres and an ongoing 10-year maintenance program to provide the necessary protection for Stockton. The Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce and the State Government will explore all opportunities to source sand for the mass offshore beach nourishment that is affordable and suitable, with the Taskforce having had its inaugural meeting on 16 June 2020.
21.01.2022 The kind of economic recovery we need:
19.01.2022 Have your say on the future of Gregson Park: https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au///gregson-park-masterplan
19.01.2022 Vibrant cities have diverse after dark economies. This is a great step towards delivering our vision for Newcastle’s future, with a trial of extended trading hours for 27 small bars and restaurants in the CBD. I was in high school when the blunt lockout laws commenced. It’s time to show that a new generation in Newcastle can be safe and responsible after dark.
19.01.2022 Great news to wake up to - the AP called the election overnight with the Democrats winning Pennsylvania. Congratulations President-elect Biden and VP-elect Harris
19.01.2022 BREAKING: Woolworths, Dan Murphys and Big W customers in NSW, ACT and QLD are ‘strongly encouraged’ to wear a mask as COVID-19 cases grow along the east coast.
19.01.2022 Our Resource Recovery Centre at Summerhill turned 1 today. And it’s a birthday worth celebrating: in its first year it’s saved ratepayers $750k, including by avoiding half a million dollars in landfill tax #circulareconomy #reducereuserecycle
19.01.2022 Congrats to honorary Novocastrian Andrew Barr ACT Chief Minister, re-elected today in the ACT
18.01.2022 Vale Susan Ryan - a champion of equality:
17.01.2022 From ABC Newcastle: HNE Health has confirmed anyone who's been in the Newcastle local government area in the past 14 days won't be allowed to visit aged care facilities in NSW. It comes after a spike in COVID-19 cases in the area, the latest family cluster includes two teenagers and a man in his 20s.... The source of infection is still unknown, which is of concern to health officials. Public Health Physician Doctor David Durrheim said banning people from aged care facilities is a precautionary but sensible measure. "We know it's disruptive and it's not great for families of people in aged care or the residents themselves. "But what we know about this horrible virus is if it gets into aged care it is catastrophic," he said.
14.01.2022 The Prime Minister was in town today. It's a shame he didn't stick around to hear what Novocastrians have to say!
14.01.2022 I’m a big fan of Hamilton, and have been lucky to see it live twice. It’s great that Hamilton will be in Sydney next year, and I am particularly pleased that a Novocastrian is in the cast. Congrats Callan Purcell! Talented Novocastrian actor, writer and director, who will be the understudy for Hamilton, Lafayette/Jefferson, Laurens/Philip, and King George!
13.01.2022 And we are a go! Nuatali Nelmes - Lord Mayor of Newcastle officially opened the Small Business Support Centre at 265 King St last night and we are ready to of...fer a wide range of free support to businesses in need. The Small Business Support Centre initiative will support Newcastle businesses most affected by COVID19 through free business advice from TBC advisors and free access to professionals including lawyers, accountants, marketing and branding experts all working pro bono. The Centre also has a wide range of super cheap office and meeting space in the city up for grabs. As COVID hit, CEO of the Business Centre Steve Wait, saw a need to support some of the businesses in Newcastle that were going to be slammed by COVID. After gaining a grant through the City of Newcastle Industry Response grant he started reaching out to other business leaders in the region and now has a group of super pledgers - The Garis Group, Enigma Communication and Gorton IP offering up tens of thousands of dollars of support! The Small Busienss Support Centre was bron and is now offering free business advice and also office and meeting space starting at just $200/month for a private office. At a COVID safe launch a group of our partners, supporters and stakeholders spoke of the incredible pledges of support and were all excited to be able to start helping their fellow Novacastrians! Please spread the word on this fabulous collaboration to any Newy businesses who may be in dire need or even just looking for a little guidance. Contact Kristin our Small Business Support Centre Coordinator on 0487 000942 or check out our website https://www.smallbusinesssupportcentre.com.au/ #COVID #COVID19 #newcastlebusiness #smallbusinesssupport
12.01.2022 New playgrounds opening across our City (including in Ward 3). Let us know what you think:
12.01.2022 Lambton Pool is the place for swimming lessons for kids of all sizes
12.01.2022 Great to join NBN Television to provide an update on progress with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade. The tender for Stage 1 (the upgrade of the pools) goes live tomorrow, with construction work expected to start after summer. November marks Newcastle Ocean Baths’ 98th anniversary, and the signs of ageing are really showing around her pools and promenades... Deterioration around the pools has become impossible to miss, with sections of the lower promenade literally falling into the ocean in recent storms. We’ve had some great feedback from the community about what’s important to them as we undertake these essential upgrades to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pools, like retaining the iconic boardwalk, maintaining the historic sand bottom, and improving accessibility. We’ll be making some practical improvements like relocating the pool pumps so our staff can safely access them for maintenance while ensuring that historic elements like the pump house remain in place. Further consultation will be undertaken ahead of Stage 2 upgrades (improving the pavillions) with both the Community Reference Group (CRG) and the broader community, including a multi-criteria analysis of the various options. More info here: https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au//tenders-called-for-newca
11.01.2022 Do you have an unused tent in the shed or attic? Homelessness comes in lots of shapes and forms. While council is committed to delivering more social and affordable housing in the City to prevent homelessness, this is something you can do to help too:
09.01.2022 Great to join Newcastle Libraries at the fantastic HMC - Hunter Multicultural Communities Inc Community Garden in Waratah today to launch our new seed library. From today you can borrow (and deposit) a range of vegetable seeds at Wallsend Library. We are hoping the Seed Library will (literally) grow - expanding across our libraries (and hopefully the region). ... Find out more here: https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au//l/newcastle-seed-library
09.01.2022 There’s still time to fix this, but it requires your support: The Newcastle Inner City Bypass has been on the agenda for some 50 years. The current plans are a vast improvement on the original design (minimising the impact on neighbours, saving the Newcastle to Wallsend cycleway and reducing the impact on Jesmond Park). But two things still need to be addressed:... 1: there should be a connection to the new road from McCaffrey Drive so that people driving from Elermore Vale can connect and travel north towards the University, without needing to do a rat run though the John Hunter Hospital internal road network, or use Croudace St and Newcastle Rd (the whole purpose of this new road). 2: allowance needs to be made for a rapid transit corridor between the John Hunter and The University of Newcastle, Australia. This could take many forms in future (cycleway, rapid bus transit, or eventually a light rail connection). But allowance for this must be made now for both the width and the gradient to ensure these options remain open. This isn’t about gold plating. This is about designing the road to be fit for the future, and spending a small amount now, to save from expensive renovation and duplication in the future. My City of Newcastle colleagues believe so (there was unanimous support for my motion calling for this to be reviewed), and I know that Sonia Hornery MP‘s advocacy has already seen Transport for NSW make improvements to this road’s design. But further design changes are needed. Over to you Transport for NSW.
09.01.2022 Lots of messages and questions about the helicopters flying over Newcastle at the moment. https://www.army.gov.au//australian-defence-force-training It’s th...e Australian Army doing exercises. It’s not the Army shutting down the city or anything to do with a COVID-19 hotspot.
09.01.2022 As we plan for the future of Gregson Park, we want to hear from you. So tell us... What you love about the park... What you think should change Your favourite memory Your big ideas for the future Have your say at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/gregsonpark
08.01.2022 Saving ratepayers $750,000 in the last twelve months, and preventing 74 semi trailers of waste from going to landfill Well done City of Newcastle Resource Recovery Centre (RRC)!
07.01.2022 Terrific news - great to see the Vic Theatre DA approved :)
06.01.2022 This is a great outcome - kudos to Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Government:
05.01.2022 Our pop up cycleway has been delivered along Honeysuckle Drive. Looks amazing, and so much safer! https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au//pop-up-cycleway-for-honeysuc #cycleway #tacticalurbanism
05.01.2022 Great to join MARS Building Pty Ltd and Centuria Capital yesterday for the topping out of the Eve Apartments in Mayfield. The Eve Apartments will shortly provide a home for 36 vulnerable families and frontline essential workers in Mayfield, and will be managed by local social housing provider Compass Housing Services under a long term arrangement. It's not just the size of the Newcastle economy that matters, but also its shape. Delivering more social and affordable housing i...s critical to the future of our City (especially in response to growing inequality and the impacts of COVID). The Eve Apartments are another step forward: delivering high-quality affordable options, in desirable (and well serviced) suburbs like Mayfield. Well done MARS and Centuria - the City of Newcastle has enjoyed working with you, and looks forward to seeing more projects like this in our region! https://www.newcastleherald.com.au//mayfield-social-housi/
04.01.2022 *FACT*: Under Nuatali Nelmes - Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Newcastle Labor's leadership, City of Newcastle has invested $272 Million more in infrastructure works, more than doubling our annual works spend. In 2020-21, our works program will be 2.7 times larger than the pre-Labor average. Independent economic analysis by REMPLAN shows that since 2015, this has generated more than $1.4 Billion in flow-on economic activity. ... And we've done this without new debt, and while running six consecutive budget surpluses. In response to the COVID pandemic this year, our decision to further escalate our works program was the right call. REMPLAN estimate that our decision this year created 700 local jobs. It's an economic legacy that I'm proud of.
03.01.2022 I’ve been alerted by public health professionals that the so-called ‘Vaxxed Bus’ plans to visit Newcastle at the end of October. Public Health experts have adv...ised me that some of the information pushed by this organisation includes that vaccines cause autism and that COVID-19 is nothing more than a bad cold. City of Newcastle will not tolerate the spreading of dangerous misinformation about public health matters. We will ban the event, and any anti-vaccination events, from occurring on any of our land, or at any of our facilities, and will take enforcement action if any unapproved events take place in our City. I have also written the NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM and the NSW Minister for Health, the Hon. Brad Hazzard MP, asking them to use the full force of their powers to ban this event from Newcastle and New South Wales.
03.01.2022 I’m a big fan of footpaths. Newcastle has over 1,000 kilometres of them, and we are delivering even more to fill the missing links. A privilege to join Callaghan College Jesmond’s Principal Roger Macey, and Year 12 students Jeremy, Jacinta, Mathew and Fiona to ‘open’ the City’s newest section of footpath in Janet St Jesmond this morning. Works are currently underway to fill other key missing links in Maryland, Lambton and Kotara.
03.01.2022 I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about a project taking off in Newcastle:
03.01.2022 Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds and large hailstones at 3:09pm: Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce d...amaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter and Metropolitan districts. Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Cessnock, Maitland, Woy Woy, Putty, Wollombi, Dungog and Kulnura. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: Move your car under cover or away from trees. Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony. Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences. Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill. Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall. Unplug computers and appliances. Avoid using the phone during the storm. Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires. For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500. For more: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN21033.shtml
03.01.2022 Homophobic bullying and insults are never ok: not in the council chamber, not in a workplace, not in the schoolyard, and not on the street. Allan Robinson, one of the Newcastle Independents councillors, has printed an apology in today’s Newcastle Herald after a series of homophobic, abusive, discriminatory and disrespectful comments and actions. It has taken many months to get to this point. Cr Robinson firstly doubled down on his abusive comments, and the continued silence... from his political colleagues (John Church - LJ Hooker and Councillor Kath Elliott) has allowed him to get away with it. This was not ok. Cr Robinson's comments were totally and utterly unacceptable in the council chamber, as they would be in any other workplace. With the support and assistance of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Australia’s leading social justice law firm, I took action with Anti-Discrimination NSW. As a result of this process, Robinson has accepted his words and actions were homophobic and hurtful. He has printed a public apology, and he has signed a legally binding undertaking committing to never repeat his disgusting conduct towards me or anybody else in our community. I’m pleased that this now partially addresses a significant issue that had caused a lot of concern and alarm both for myself and the broader LGBTI community in Newcastle. I am proud to be the openly gay Deputy Lord Mayor, leading an organisation of over 1,300 staff. As elected councillors, we have a responsibility to ensure a safe workplace both for our staff, and a community free of discrimination. Council staff, through the United Services Union, have also raised their concerns about an elected city leader conducting themselves in such an appalling manner. I thank the USU for their solidarity in this fight. Newcastle is one of Australia’s most accepting cities, recording the highest ‘yes’ vote of any regional city in the country. Robinson does not represent the spirit of the city. His public apology confirms, yet again, that Novocastrians expect much better.
03.01.2022 Sad news for the whole City of Newcastle family. Condolences with Dale’s family, friends and colleagues.
01.01.2022 Great news! ** SOUTH NEWCASTLE BEACH TRANSFORMATION BEGINS ** Today, Declan Clausen - Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle joined with Bathers Way Community Referen...ce Group Member Helen Cummings and Novocastrian Professional Skateboarder Poppy Starr-Olsen to mark the beginning of construction of a $12.6 million extension of the landmark Bathers Way Coastal Pathway at Newcastle Beach. The project will take around two years to complete and aims to re-activate South Newcastle Beach with a kiosk, new public amenities, accessible skate bowl, landscaping, shade and seating, exercise equipment and viewing areas. It’s wonderful to see work begin on transforming a long-dormant part of Newcastle’s coastline. By renewing infrastructure and building new facilities, we will revive South Newcastle Beach as a vibrant and attractive place for locals and tourists alike as part of our wider coastal revitalisation program. Completed sections of the Bathers Way have seen usage increase by more than 50 per cent, with Merewether one of the busiest due to its additional facilities, and we expect to see a similar lift from this project. Increased foot and cycling traffic will increase activation and provide a welcome boost for local businesses in Newcastle East. Preceding the final Bathers Way sections through the park and along Memorial Drive, the project has been guided by the Bathers Way Community Reference Group. Community feedback in 2018 on the original concept plan prompted modifications to move the skate bowl within the existing promenade footprint, garnering majority support in further community engagement last year. The NSW Government has contributed $5 million through its Restart NSW program, specifically under its Resources for Regions Fund. The NSW Government was proud to support such an important community project said the Hon Catherine Cusack MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter. Extending the landmark Bathers Way Coastal Walk is a significant project for the local community, providing much needed recreational facilities and amenities along this stretch of the coast, Ms Cusack said. The Resources for Regions Fund provides funding to projects across NSW to increase the attractiveness of regional NSW as a place to live and do business. We’re pleased to see the start of works for this project today and look forward to its completion. The coastal revitalisation project will better connect the East End with King Edward Park, where the most challenging section of the Bathers Way will soon be the subject of a concept and detail design process informed by engagement with the community. The Bathers Way is a seven-stage capital works program spanning six kilometres of coastline that began at Merewether in 2012. It was followed by the completion of the Bar Beach, Dixon Park and Nobbys to Newcastle sections. Newcastle Beach, King Edward Park and Memorial Drive are the final legs.
