McCabe Claims New Electric Fleet Cheaper Than Stockton Ferry Repairs

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe has taken aim at the recently announced Stockton ferry repair funding, claiming a new electric fleet would be cheaper. 

On Monday, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp announced the state government would be investing $5 million into the repair of the MV Hunter and MV Shortland. 

The 40-year-old vessels have faced a slew of technical issues in recent years, momentarily ceasing the Newcastle to Stockton route on several occasions. 

Each ferry will undergo significant technical and mechanical upgrades, as well as the installation of accessible infrastructure, set to cost around $2.5 million per vessel. 

However, Charlotte McCabe claims the investment is a misuse of government funds, with a replacement electric fleet being the more suitable option. 

"These ferries are already coming to the end of their life," said Cr McCabe. 

"I would've though the sensible thing to do is invest at this point at the end of their life, rather than funding a way to extend this old technology for another 10 years.

She noted Sydney's ferry fleet is transitioning to zero-emissions technology, with a commitment to be fully electric by 2035. 

"If Sydney's going to make a commitment to electric ferries, then why would be push that out for Newcastle for 10 years when we know that operating a diesel ferry is far more expensive," she said. 

"We know that $2.5 million is half the cost of a brand new modern electric ferry." 

Meanwhile, Tim Crakanthorp has firmly stated an electric fleet would be a far more costly option for both the state government and local council. 

"I'm certainly doing as much research as I can," he said. 

"I've talked to both the manufacturers Ampcontrol and the Sydney firm. 

"You're looking at electric ferries from $15 million to $30 million for new ferries.

"It'll take time." 

Under the current plans, Newcastle residents will have to wait until 2036 to see new electric vessels come into play. 

Greens Celebrate Result Despite Lord Mayoral Loss

BY MARLEY RAE

Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe is celebrating a historic result in this year's Newcastle Lord Mayoral by-election, despite a major loss. 

The Greens received nearly 20 per cent of the overall vote with more than 14,000 Novocastrians voting for the progressive party.

It marks a five per cent increase in the party's primary vote as it stood on Sunday.

Cr McCabe said she is thrilled to see the support for minor parties.

"I'm really thankful to everyone who gave me their support and put number one in the Greens box this time around," she said. 

"It's so great to see that every election, the Greens vote just keeps on growing."

Despite the success, independent candidate Gavin Morris secured a landslide victory, claiming almost 50 per cent of the overall vote.

Cr McCabe said while she is supportive of Gavin, she is concerned around his lack of council experience.

"I think Gavin's definitely going to be on a learning curve but we all understand that," she added.

"I think it would have been preferable to have someone coming to the role who was experienced."  

Trailing behind the Greens in third place was Labor's Declan Clausen who was expected to be Gavin's biggest rival, claiming only 16 per cent the overall vote. 

Additionally, Liberal candidate Jenny Barrie only secured seven per cent of votes, a notable low for the major party. 

Picture: Charlotte McCabe

Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe Announces Mayoral Plans

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Greens councillor Charlotte McCabe has put her hand up for pre-selection for Lord Mayor, ahead of the upcoming City of Newcastle by-election. 

Following Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge's surprise resignation earlier this week, Council is now looking for an adequate replacement. 

Cr McCabe ran as the Greens candidate for the position in the 2024 local government election, but was not successful. 

She stepped us the Acting Lord Mayor late last year, after Cr Kerridge had to step down to undergo chemotherapy. 

Cr McCabe told 2NURFM she believes she has a good chance at landing the spot. 

"I'm hoping that I've been able to demonstrate to the community that I'm a calm and considerate leader, that I can work with everyone across the chamber," she said. 

"It's been a really amazing privilege to be in the role as Acting Lord Mayor.

"But, I hope my time in that role has been able to demonstrate the type of mayor that I would be." 

A by-election for the position will be held in the next few months, with the date still undecided. 

Additionally, Cr McCabe said it's important to diversify Council's political orientation. 

"I think it is really important for any area to have a diversity of political representatives," she said. 

"So, to have a Labor state, federal and mayor representative, I just don't think it works in the best interest of the community.

"If I am the candidate, that's going to be a key reason for arguing for a Greens mayor this time around." 

It has been speculated by local media who will also put their hands up for the role, including fellow Acting Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and former councillor Carol Duncan.