Liberal mayoral candidates in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have joined forces to oppose the federal government's offshore wind development.
Newcastle Liberal candidate and councillor Callum Pull and Lake Macquarie candidate Melody Harding say they are against the proposed development, which would extend from offshore of Norah Head in the south to Port Stephens in the north.
The development has become a council election issue in Port Stephens, where a team of anti-offshore wind advocates are vying as candidates, despite the project being managed by the federal government.
Newcastle council has signalled its support for the offshore wind project.
Cr Callum Pull said councils needed leaders "who will stand up for the local community against Canberra and be a strong political voice for community's needs".
"Community groups and organisers in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have done a tremendous job of standing up against this proposal," Cr Pull said.
"Business operators across the Hunter region have told us this proposal could decimate them."
Ms Harding said the government failed to properly consult with the local community about the proposal.
"There are too many unknowns in this project," Ms Harding said. "We still have no idea what the complete cost of this project is.
"Business groups, including the fishing trade association, have made their opposition to this proposal clear."
