Strategic Impact & Legacy

International Advocacy & Statewide Leadership:

  • Represented Newcastle and Australia globally through executive leadership roles with United Nations ICLEI and the Global Covenant of Mayors, advancing international climate policy and multi-level governance reform.

  • Contributed to negotiations at COP28 in Dubai supporting Australia’s commitment to the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), alongside the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and international mayors.

  • Served as elected Treasurer of Local Government NSW, representing 128 councils and leading statewide advocacy, collaboration, and policy reform.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AVIATION AND GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY:

  • Played a pivotal leadership role in the growth of Newcastle Airport and the Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis as a Board Director.

  • Secured more than $128 million in government funding to support aviation, defence industries, tourism, and regional economic growth.

  • Helped position Newcastle Airport as a major driver of international connectivity and sustainable aviation growth.

  • Contributed to the airport’s value growth from $102 million to $430 million.

Economic Transformation & Infrastructure Growth:

  • Delivered more than $1 billion in infrastructure investment over a decade, including a record $375 million infrastructure program in the final term.

  • Increased annual infrastructure investment by 425% while maintaining operating surpluses and establishing a Future Fund to secure long term financial sustainability.

  • Partnered with the NSW Government to deliver the urban renewal of Newcastle’s CBD, including light rail and expanded cycleway networks.

  • Helped deliver Australia’s first regional integrated metropolitan plan, the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan, unlocking more than $4 billion in private investment.

  • Supported economic diversification, significant jobs growth, and strengthened Newcastle’s position as a leading regional economy.

  • Oversaw major city shaping initiatives across infrastructure, housing, tourism, events, coastal renewal, and investment attraction.

  • Led the revitalisation of Newcastle’s iconic 8km Bathers Way coastline, including upgrades to Newcastle Ocean Baths and Stockton coastal preservation works.

  • Supported significant city-wide housing growth and accelerated development outcomes across Newcastle.

  • Attracted major events, tourism, and private investment opportunities that strengthened Newcastle’s national and international profile.

Environmental Leadership & Sustainability:

  • Architect of Newcastle’s Climate Action Plan and Net Zero Strategy, positioning the city as a national sustainability leader.

  • Transitioned City of Newcastle operations to 100% renewable electricity by 2020 and established pathways to net zero operations by 2030 and a net zero city by 2040.

  • Reduced operational emissions by 77% through major renewable energy and sustainability initiatives.

  • Delivered a 5MW Solar Farm generating more than 7,000MWh of clean energy annually.

  • Upgraded 93% of city streetlights to LED technology, significantly reducing energy use and operating costs.

  • Pioneered Australia’s first power pole mounted EV chargers and expanded Newcastle’s EV infrastructure network.

  • Delivered major urban greening initiatives through large scale tree planting and native vegetation programs.

Governance Reform & Collaborative Leadership:

  • Delivered major governance and organisational reform within the City of Newcastle, strengthening financial performance, operational efficiency, transparency, and strategic planning.

  • Led regional collaboration and planning reform across ten councils through the Hunter Joint Organisation.

  • Championed affordable housing initiatives and the Accelerated Development Assessment system, reducing approval timeframes by 35% and supporting housing delivery across the region.

  • Fostered strong partnerships across government, industry, academia, and the community to support Newcastle’s transformation into a globally recognised, inclusive, and sustainable city.