Newcastle needs a transition from coal to safe and sustainable industries – not to the weapons industry.
Inevitable transition from coal
Federal treasury modelling indicates that the value of coal exports will fall by up to fifty per cent by 2035. The global push to decarbonize in response to global warming means that a transition from coal exports is inevitable. The critical issues now are how it happens, which industries will be supported to grow, and will communities have a say?
The Newcastle community is facing these questions right now because federal and state governments are planning to replace the coal export industry with large-scale military operations and a weapons industry.
Current military operations in Newcastle
Military operations and weapons manufacture already have a significant presence in Newcastle and the surrounding area. At Williamtown, there is a RAAF base, which shares a runway with Newcastle airport. The existence of the base is well known nationally because of an ongoing controversy about PFAS contamination of the airbase and the surrounding environment.
Not so well known are the facts that the base provides a maintenance facility for F-35 fighter jets and a training facility for their operations. Companies located nearby manufacture parts for F-35 fighter jets and other military weapons.
The F-35 is an extremely advanced and lethal fighter jet that is fitted with two different kinds of missiles, guided bombs and a gatling gun. They are produced in an international supply chain and have been heavily involved in the genocidal bombing of Gaza by the Israeli Defense Force.
Newcastle activists opposing the weapons industry in their city highlight that Australia’s significant contribution to the F-35 supply chain makes our government complicit in the deaths and displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza.
Federal and state governments support a transition to weapons
The government plan is for a new base called the Astra Aerolab Defence Precinct to be built next to Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown. This precinct is proposed to include Australia’s first missile factory, which will manufacture missiles for F-35s and export them to international buyers.
Opposition to the weapons industry has a long history in Newcastle and is growing as locals become aware that their vision for a safe transition is at risk if the expansion of military industries goes ahead. They are determined to see government investments go instead to better infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, mine rehabilitation, education and housing.
Community opposition
Two of the groups currently working together to build community awareness are Rising Tide and Demilitarise Newcastle. Their research and public events are drawing attention to the dangers of allowing their town to become a central part of Australia’s military industries.
They point out that
- the community does not want to be complicit in war and genocide
- Newcastle could become a military target in a conflict
- skilled workers will be encouraged to move to weapons manufacturing not only from the coal industry but also from building, renewables and other essential industries
- post-secondary education will focus on serving the needs of military manufacturing – not an industry good for people or the planet. Parents want safe and meaningful jobs for their children.
For over five years, the Hunter community has been preparing for a safe and just transition from coal exports. The Hunter Jobs Alliance has brought together trade unions, environmentalists and community members. They have identified the industries, including service industries and renewables, that can provide a safe and fair transition from coal and its associated industries. Now what’s needed is a fair share of the federal government’s Future Jobs and Investment Fund to make it happen. See Knitting Nannas Coal Update.
References and links to more information
Demilitarise Newcastle is a grassroots group who have researched the history and current operation of the military industrial complex in Newcastle. They have also unpacked the part Australia contributes to the F-35 international supply chain.
Stephanie Tran has published in Michael West Media a summary of federal government support for weapons manufacturing companies. “Genocide Grants.” Government awards millions to F-35 suppliers
Rising Tide’s vision for Newcastle’s transition from coal
Media report of Newcastle rally , Civic Park Protest, on 11 April 2026
Australian Defence Department plans to extend Australia’s involvement in the F-35 supply chain.
Hunter Defence – the prime destination for defence manufacturing, supply and sustainment opportunities in regional Australia