High Technology Industry Williamtown

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 don't support ties to weapon manufacturers! i do not support the project

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.

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.

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 always 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. These weapons manufacturers are then allowing their products to be tested on innocent people, all in the name of profits. This undermines our society.

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 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.

I object to the creation of Government subsidised opportunities to develop military weapons and systems in the Newcastle region. I believe that the Astra Aerospace facility/ precinct will encourage the proliferation of weapons in an unstable world. I believe that Australia Federal Government, State and Local Governments should be supporting ventures that will build a more peaceful, demilitarised and sustainable world.
I would not object if the high technology industry proposed or established could address issues of climate change, peace and disarmament, sustainability and social justice.
Thank 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 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.
Please discontinue this project
Kathy Tetu

I strongly object to this project.
It is not in the public interest.
It is unethical to allow weapons manufacturers to operate there.
It is unethical for the councils to profit from weapons manufacturing.
The level of secrecy surrounding the proponent is unnaceptable.
The lack of broad community consultation is unnaceptable
This project is not permissible under current zoning.

I am aware that Regional Devopment Australia has decided that around the Williamtown Airbase is to be promoted as suitable for the development of "Defence" industries. The university and schools are,being pushed to get young people in to normalising this career path through STEM etc. We are in a climate emergency, all resources should go to preserving our beautiful planet for future generations, not making war, which is the worst thing for the planet. All industries to be developed should be for PEACEFUL purposes only. In the words of a dear poet friend "Bomb them with Butter"

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

There are many reasons why this should be refused including:

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 on a number of grounds.

I note that 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).

I do not believe defence based manufacturing is in the public interest.

Weapons manufacturing contributes to an arms race between nations and too often takes the lives of innocent civilians. Civilians are usually the ones who suffer most from war and conflict. Hospitals, homes, economic systems, transport systems, schools etc are destroyed. Innocent lives are lost.

Investing in this facility will divert skilled workers away from the critical transition to low carbon industries and renewable energy generation.

We are already behind in our obligations in regards to our climate targets, and on top of that there is a well known skills shortage in the Hunter. We should not be investing in the defence industry when we should be transitioning to a more sustainable future.

There is hypocrisy on n Newcastle council supporting this proposal. The Local Government Act states that councils must act ethically in the interests of the local community (Section 8Ah). Shouldn’t council be gleaning revenue from sources in line with their own policies?

Newcastle city council’s 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 AstraAerolab, an aerospace contractor, is not in line with the ethical standards that the community expects from Newcastle Council and Port Stephens Council.

It is also completely unethical to be supporting increased ties between military/weapons companies and universities and I note that ‘increasing research capabilities’ at Newcastle Uni is a stated aim! Uon Students are actively calling for the Uni to Divulge, Divest and Boycott.

There are also environmental considerations. This project is on PFAS contaminated lands within the Tomago Sandbeds Catchment Area. Before this DA can proceed there needs to be an independent review into PFAS contamination - what is at risk in our Tomago sandbeds.

Have the Worimi community been consulted? This area is incredibly significant land for our First Nations elders and community.

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

1. This 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.

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 proposal as a concerned Novacastrian. Please see attachment for more. Thank you

I object to the project because of the vagueness of it. We have not been provided with the companies that will be using this area, some high technology companies are currently committing genocide and would be better if we were less complicite in that.
I don't believe it serves our community interests to have these types of businesses in our area.
This project will also divert juices bs away from more critical industries like building this offshore wind farm we have been promised.

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

This application 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 exposes the council to complicity in deaths of civilians and war crimes.

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, especially at a time when Australian weapons capabilities are being used to commit genocide.

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.

My strong recommendation to you is to reject this proposal on these grounds.

Regards,

Tanya Hardy

It is unethical for the council to profit from weapons manufacture and it is not in the public interest.

I object to weapons manufacturing or parts of weapons manufacturing happening on council owned land as this is in violation of their own policies stating they cannot profit from the production or supply of armaments.

I object to the secret nature of this facility. Who exactly is council partnering with? Are they companies who are in breach of international law? For example companies who continue selling weapons to Israel which is under investigation by of the ICJ for possibly genocidal crimes in Gaza.

I object to this proposal because the last thing we need right now is increased production of weapons/weapons parts or the development/research into more sophisticated ways for humans to kill each other. The world is heading down a dangerous path in military expansionism, one which endangers the lives of us all. This is the time to demilitarise and use diplomacy, sanctions and adherence to international law as a means for deescalating conflict.

The Hunter region is transitioning to renewable energy in the next decades and our workforce should be made available for that endeavour, not tied up in this destructive and immoral pursuit.

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 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.