NEWCASTLE will be hotly contested this weekend at the election.
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Sitting MP Tim Crakanthorp has barely had time to warm the seat, after taking over from Tim Owen after the October byelection.
Mr Owen left Parliament after hearings at an ICAC inquiry into developer donations.
At the byelection, Mr Crakanthorp managed 36.9 per cent of the vote - ahead of Independent Karen Howard (26.1pc) and The Greens' Michael Osborne (19.9pc).
Six challengers have put up their hand to run against Mr Crakanthorp, including Mr Osborne and Steve O'Brien (Socialist Alliance), who ran in October.
Karen Howard will also run again, but this time as the Liberal candidate.
New faces in the mix include Sam Reich from the Australian Cyclists Party, and Jasmin Addison, from the No Land Tax party.
Newcastle's boundaries have changed since the 2011 election, it has lost parts of Lambton and Waratah to the seat of Wallsend and parts of Adamstown to the seat of Charlestown.
It has also picked up Kooragang Island, Fern Bay and part of Mayfield from Port Stephens.
Newcastle candidates
Milton Caine, Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
To me, and the CDP, government must be concerned about the most vulnerable in our community, for to care for the vulnerable is to care for all. As a wheelchair taxi driver I see the negative impact of rail truncation on the many with vision impairment, in wheelchairs and frail aged - retain the train with open track plan, fully integrated buses catering for all. The CBD must be inclusive of the vulnerable: recovering alcoholics and non-drinkers and young families - I have an inclusive plan. Job creation - we must build our trains here, tourism - tour shipping multi-purpose terminal at Honeysuckle offering steam train tours. I actually care practically.
Tim Crakanthorp, Labor
My positive plan for Newcastle will: Guarantee that $750 million from the sale of our port will be invested in revitalising the Newcastle CBD and funding infrastructure in the Hunter. Create local jobs and promote Newcastle as an international destination by building a world-class convention centre. Commit to saving the Newcastle rail line, improve signalling, adding more crossings and beautify the rail corridor. Invest in revitalising the Newcastle CBD including landscaping, widening and upgrading footpaths, dedicated cycle lanes, bus stop enhancements and new signage. Fix the Adamstown level crossing; and contribute $14 million to the Newcastle Art Gallery redevelopment.
Karen Howard, Liberal
Karen Howard is a mum, an entrepreneur and a local businesswoman who has lived in the Hunter Valley all her life, and in Newcastle for the past 25 years. Karen believes that this election is a defining moment for Newcastle and we need a strong voice within government to ensure our community is heard. There is a clear choice for Newcastle - do we want the Baird government's plan for light rail and revitalising Newcastle, or do we go back to the past. Sensible and sensitive investment in Newcastle will provide jobs, and a vibrant community for future generations.
Steve O'Brien, Socialist Alliance
Campaigning for real jobs will make a difference. Cutting services (rail, disability support, TAFE, privatising hospitals and electricity) is about creating profits not jobs. Profits don't always equal jobs. Real jobs, permanent jobs, sustainable jobs, green jobs are created by keeping services, supporting local manufacturing and by maintaining public transport and rail services. As a former steelworker who now works in TAFE, I understand about retraining and job creation. I know that we urgently need to transition to a post-coal future and to support the local manufacture of renewable technologies, wind turbines and solar components to guarantee future jobs.
Michael Osborne, The Greens
Strong democracy needs open and transparent government. Newcastle residents know that I represent the community and will protect the public interest. Newcastle needs planning that puts people before rich developers, and development that respects our unique skyline. We need public transport that encourages people to eat, play and work in town. We need the job opportunities and world-class innovation to capitalise on the clean energy economy. We need a city whose future is not determined by Sydney but is driven by our community. Now, more than ever, we need integrity in politics that is free from the corruption of the old parties.
Sam Reich, Australian Cyclists Party
Newcastle is an ideal environment for the promotion of cycling as a form of transport, as it boasts generally flat topography, relatively mild traffic, a large university, etc. The lack of safe cycling routes prevents many residents from adopting cycling as their first choice transport alternative. The result is greater road congestion, scarce and expensive parking, and a level of physical inactivity, especially amongst our young people, that sustains the modern epidemic of obesity. The city is undergoing significant urban renewal, and safe cycling infrastructure must be provided, and adequately resourced. This benefits the entire community, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, the disabled, business, and tourism.
Jasmin Addison, No Land Tax
The Star contacted Jasmin Addison, but she failed to provide a submission by the deadline.