Is being shortlisted for a new nuclear-powered submarine base pork-barrelling or an amazing jobs and investment opportunity? Well, it depends on who you ask.
The announcement that Newcastle is among three cities shortlisted has sparked some mixed reactions.
Independent Senator Rex Patrick has dismissed the shortlisting of Newcastle, Port Kembla, and Brisbane for the submarines' base as pure pork-barrelling in the lead up to the federal election.
Speaking on RN Breakfast, Senator Patrick said in 2018 he obtained a defence study under Freedom of Information which revealed all three cities had scored very poorly in relation to accommodating a submarine base.
"When [the Prime Minister] made that announcement yesterday he said it was off the back of a study that had 19 different options and they were down to three options," Senator Patrick said.
"The three options that he picked scored very low in the analysis.
"The best city for a future sub base was Sydney, followed by Jervis Bay."
Senator Patrick said the Port of Newcastle in particular had several problems including a difficult entry and hectic shipping schedule.
"But obviously that's a nice carrot for anyone considering voting for the Coalition, and the Prime Minister knows that."
Senator Patrick said the two other cities shortlisted, Port Kembla and Brisbane, were also listed as unsuitable in the defence report.
"You've got to wonder why the government departed from the strong recommendations that came from the Department of Defence," he said.
Perfect location
The Hunter Defence Taskforce has thrown its support behind Newcastle being chosen for the new base.
Taskforce spokesman Tim Owen believes the Port of Newcastle is an ideal location, citing the region's connections to an international airport, inland rail, and a strong defence industries workforce.
Mr Owen said a new base would include maintenance and repair operations, space for the naval fleet, and accommodation for sailors.
"We've heard that we don't necessarily have to have a substantial nuclear industry to support it because we're looking at a self-sustaining capability within the submarine," he said.
Nuclear opposition from Lord Mayor
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city had been nuclear-free since 1982 and hoped Newcastle was not high on the list of options.
"I really think it's galling to consider the AUKUS arrangement and the purchase of these nuclear submarines has somehow meant that we've shifted our international defence strategy from not being nuclear to nuclear," she said.
"There are so many issues with the way Scott Morrison and this coalition government are behaving, but just to assume that somehow the city of Newcastle is going to be a target if ever there is a war.
"They [the government] wouldn't just have an issue with the City of Newcastle, they'll have an issue with the people of Newcastle."
