High Technology Industry Williamtown

I strongly object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application. Newcastle City Council should not profit from weapons manufacturers for several compelling reasons:

Not in the Public Interest

According to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the public interest must be considered in any assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15). The proposed development for defence-related manufacturing and software development does not align with the public interest. Weapons manufacturing contributes to global arms races and often results in the loss of innocent lives. Investing in this facility diverts skilled workers from crucial low-carbon industries and renewable energy generation, at a time when we face a skills shortage in the Hunter region. Prioritizing defence over renewable energy jeopardizes our ability to meet climate targets and secure a sustainable future.

Ethical Obligations of Councils

The Local Government Act mandates that councils act ethically in the interests of their communities (Section 8Ah). Newcastle Council’s revenue should come from sources that align with its policies, yet partnering with Astra Aerolab directly contradicts its own Investment and Borrowing Policy. This policy’s Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) explicitly avoid investments in the production or supply of armaments due to their socially harmful impact. Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor violates the ethical standards expected by the community and undermines public trust in Newcastle and Port Stephens Councils.

Unethical University Ties

The Environmental Impact Statement for the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal touts benefits such as ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. However, strengthening ties between the university and weapons manufacturers raises ethical concerns among students, staff, and the wider community. Nationwide student movements are increasingly exposing and protesting against these links, which they view as incompatible with the values of education and societal welfare.

Environmental Concerns

The project site is located on PFAS-contaminated land within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area. An independent review into PFAS contamination is essential before any Development Application can be finalized. Current information on managing PFAS contaminants is insufficient, posing a significant risk to the Tomago Sandbeds. Proceeding without comprehensive contamination management endangers this vital water resource and public health.

These points collectively argue against Newcastle City Council’s involvement with weapons manufacturers, emphasising ethical, public interest, and environmental considerations.

I am objecting to the project because I believe increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

Sincerely,
Alex Wegner

Please refer to Attachment

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.

1. Not in the Public Interest.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low carbon industries and renewable energy generation. Time is running out to meet our climate targets, and we are simultaneously experiencing a skills shortage in the Hunter. We cannot afford to invest in the defence industry when our collective priority must be ensuring a rapid and well planned transition.



2. Councils must act ethically.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.



3. Increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

4. This project is on PFAS contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area.

The independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before this DA can be finalised. There is insufficient information for managing PFAS contaminants and protecting the Tomago Sandbeds.

Thank you
Michaela

I do not want a weapons manufacturing factory in my backyard . I am ashamed to be Australian where we have not supported Palestinians enough and profited from selling weapons to the Zionists to murder the Palestinians. Do not take this a step further and shame Newcastle by approving this development, we already have enough blood on our hands

I strongly object to the project as I believe it is unethical to be profiting from weapons production.
This is particularly relevant at this time when Australian weapons are being used against civilians ( including innocent children) right now.
Quite apart from the morals presented by this project, the positioning of such a facility near our airport would certainly put our safety at risk.

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.

This project is not in the public interest.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low carbon industries and renewable energy generation. Time is running out to meet our climate targets, and we are simultaneously experiencing a skills shortage in the Hunter. We cannot afford to invest in the defence industry when our collective priority must be ensuring a rapid and well planned transition.



Councils must act ethically. this is not ethical.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.



Increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

This project is on PFAS contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area.

The independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before this DA can be finalised. There is insufficient information for managing PFAS contaminants and protecting the Tomago Sandbeds.

1. Not in the Public Interest.
We are within a climate crisis and it is vital that our investment and attention prioritise a pivoting of our labor and resources towards a rapid transition to renewables. Investing in the weapons industry is totally antithetical to this. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment
2. Contrary to the NCC policy.
The NCC has a policy to avoid investment in socially harmful industries:
7.1.4 Avoid investment in the socially and/or environmentally harmful activities....
• production or supply of armaments
See - see (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15) https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/getmedia/9f3e96f1-ee9f-48a5-af91-8e0b21e98070/Investment-and-Borrowing-Policy.pdf
That is has alreay taken steps on this project in conjunction with Pt Stephens Council does not mean this should be ignored. The fact that it is ignoring its own policy is unethical.
3. There is no place for weapons manufacturers in education institutions
The Newcastle Herald (17/4) reported that “the Hunter region has been positioned as a defence industry hub in the Indo-Pacific in the Albanese government’s first National Defence Strategy”. It notes that Ten local firms have been “singled out for their roles building, upgrading and maintaining defence equipment, with a particular focus on the Air Force’s wing of fifth-generation fighter jets – the F-35A – based at Williamtown.
We have seen that the principal use of the F-35 Ais to act as a flying crematorium. Modern weapons are being used primkarily against civilians: that is a disgrace, and the weapons industry is a disgrace.
4. Anything to do with weapons manufacturing is very likely to involve corruption. That the PFAS contamination of the site has not been completed nor is there adequate protection of the Tomago sandbeds yet alreay two firms have approval- that is corrupt.
Residents of these councils have the right to expect the highest standards of ethical behaviour of them.

I object on this project as taxpayer of the country. I do not want my money to be used to create mass destruction weapon.

I'm objecting to this proposal on the grounds that this is not in the public interest and the business of Astra Aerolab is owned by two councils who are obliged to act ethically and to follow their own policies. Newcastle Council has an investment and borrowing policy that states they will not invest in weapons manufacturers.
I also have concerns with the increasing connections between our Newcastle University and weapons manufacturers, and the fact that this site is in the PFAS contamination zone.

1. Not in the Public Interest.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low carbon industries and renewable energy generation. Time is running out to meet our climate targets, and we are simultaneously experiencing a skills shortage in the Hunter. We cannot afford to invest in the defence industry when our collective priority must be ensuring a rapid and well planned transition.



2. Councils must act ethically.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.



3. Increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

4. This project is on PFAS contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area.

The independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before this DA can be finalised. There is insufficient information for managing PFAS contaminants and protecting the Tomago Sandbeds.

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.
The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah). Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.mCollecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.

1. Not in the Public Interest.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low carbon industries and renewable energy generation. Time is running out to meet our climate targets, and we are simultaneously experiencing a skills shortage in the Hunter. We cannot afford to invest in the defence industry when our collective priority must be ensuring a rapid and well planned transition.



2. Councils must act ethically.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.



3. Increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

4. This project is on PFAS contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area.

The independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before this DA can be finalised. There is insufficient information for managing PFAS contaminants and protecting the Tomago Sandbeds.

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.

1. Not in the Public Interest.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence-related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low-carbon industries and renewable energy generation. Time is running out to meet our climate targets, and we are simultaneously experiencing a skills shortage in the Hunter. We cannot afford to invest in the defence industry when our collective priority must be ensuring a rapid and well-planned transition.



2. Councils must act ethically.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that align with its policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as an investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor does not align with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.



3. Increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers are raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

4. This project is on PFAS-contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area.

The independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before this DA can be finalised. There is insufficient information for managing PFAS contaminants and protecting the Tomago Sandbeds.

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.

This proposal is against the public interest and against public good.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

I am appalled by this proposal. Weapons manufacturing in my backyard with the support of our university. I wonder if Jack Ma and his generous funding is ok with this considering Demilitarisation is one of the key principles.
Not in my backyard.
Shame on you.

I object to this development ‘High Technology Industry Williamtown', and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.

1. Not in the Public Interest.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment (Part 4, Division 4.3, Section 4.15).

This development for defence related manufacturing and software development is clearly not in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low carbon industries and renewable energy generation. Time is running out to meet our climate targets, and we are simultaneously experiencing a skills shortage in the Hunter. We cannot afford to invest in the defence industry when our collective priority must be ensuring a rapid and well planned transition.



2. Councils must act ethically.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah)

Newcastle Council should collect revenue from sources that are in line with its own policies. With Astra Aerolab, it is directly contravening its own Investment and Borrowing Policy which includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines (7.1.4) that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity.

Collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.



3. Increasing ties between universities and weapons manufacturers is unethical.

The Environmental Impact Statement highlights the benefits of the ‘High Technology Williamtown’ proposal as including ‘increasing research capabilities’ with the University of Newcastle. Increasing ties between the University and weapons manufacturers is raising serious concerns amongst students, staff and the broader community. Student movements across Australia are revealing ties between weapons manufacturers and research facilities and will continue to protest against these agreements.

4. This project is on PFAS contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area.

The independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before this DA can be finalised. There is insufficient information for managing PFAS contaminants and protecting the Tomago Sandbeds.

I was very alarmed to hear about the application for this project so near to my home town of Newcastle. Given that for the last 10 months, most of the general public with access to the internet has borne witness to a live streamed genocide - facilitated in no small part by weapons parts and global supply chain components of F35s manufactured in the suburbs of Sydney and Wollongong - it absolutely sickens me to my core to contemplate the expansion & further entrenchment of this morally bankrupt industry into yet more of our suburban & regional areas.

This industry at large, and specifically this project, is NOT in the public interest. Creating more weapons makes the world MORE unsafe, not less. There is no way to guarantee that the weapons, component parts or software technologies developed and this site will not be used to kill innocent civilians. Investing further into the ‘defence’ industry to create more weapons to surveil, oppress and kill - when the only thing our defence forces should be doing is mobilising to mitigate the imminent catastrophe of global climate collapse and the resulting social instability that will inevitably follow - is the epitome of both stupidity and complete moral degradation.

The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interest of the local community. The Newcastle Council’s own Investment and Borrowing Policy includes Environmental and Social Investment Guidelines that specifically identify ‘production or supply of armaments’ as an investment that should be avoided as it is considered a socially harmful activity. Therefore, collecting revenue from an undisclosed aerospace contractor does not align with the council’s own ethical standards.

Furthermore, an independent review into PFAS contamination must be completed before an applications for industry in this area can be finalised. We know the area has been contaminated by PFAS due to the shocking negligence and lack of concern for community health by the ADF in years past. We cannot allow workers to potentially be exposed to a toxic environment, especially not for the sake of needlessly producing socially harmful products such as weapons parts.

Thank you

I object to this development "High Technology Industry Williamtown", and appeal to the planning authority to refuse this application.
I love Newcastle, I have lived here for nearly four years and it is my favourite place. I enjoy living here and I know that is perhaps meaningless to some, but I don't want the place where I love to live to be used as an area to manufacture weapons and profit off of this. What benefit does this bring to me? As a student in their early 20s, I see no way in which this makes my life better or the lives of those around me. I would hope that the council would be looking out for the people who live here, but I know the way weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations, threatening the lives of innocent civilians. The state of the world confuses me, there are so many things happening outside of my control that I do not understand. I want to live in a world where no innocent civilian is threatened because the people in power continue to care more for profiting off of the weapons industry than for the safety of their own civilians.

It is hard for me right now, and I understand that other young people around me are scared and upset at the world. The future is so unpredictable, not only is the political state unsettling currently, but the environmental one too. It is hard to see a future for yourself when the threat of climate change is looming and it feels the people in power do not care about stopping it. Where money should be put towards a transition to renewable energy, time and time again, I see it put towards the defence industry; I am losing hope that my future is a priority for the NSW government. I see that profiting off of weapons is more important. I want low carbon industries and renewable energy generation, not to hear F35 jets flying over our beautiful city, and the land which we live be used to manufacture weapons that do irreversible damage to the world and the people who live in it. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 states that the public interest must be considered as part of the assessment, and I hope that the council does not choose to ignore this with their plans for Astra Aerolab. I would be severely disappointed and further lose hope that people in power care about us. It would be unethical, and the Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of local community. I hope you do not let us down.

I want a future. I want to feel safe in the city I love. I want the University of Newcastle, where I love attending and hope to learn and better my life to not be tied to weapons manufacturers. I want to live in a world that proves to me that councils do care about what their local communities want, and what is in their best interests. I want to see that money is not more important than my wishes, my safety, my future and my life to the council. I am finding it hard to believe I will. I hope I am proven wrong. I hope this development does not go ahead.