Tim Crakanthorp involvement not included in Newcastle project review

A Newcastle development linked to the dumping of Tim Crakanthorp has been cleared without looking at the MP’s involvement.

A review into a multi-billion dollar entertainment and residential redevelopment in Newcastle made by the Minns government after former Hunter Minister Tim Crakanthorp was dumped for failing to disclose conflicts of interest did not look at what involvement the MP may have had in the project.

The review released on Monday looked into the governance and decision-making processes for the Broadmeadow Precinct Project, finding there were no major issues with any of the processes.

It is understood any conversations Mr Crakanthorp may have had with governance officials in relation to the project were not part of the scope of the review.

Earlier this month Premier Chris Minns sacked the Newcastle MP from the ministry after failing to disclose that his wife and in-laws owned dozens of properties in the Hunter, with the Premier stating a “potential conflict of interest” with the Broadmeadow project and a breach of the Ministerial code. Neither Mr Crakanthorp’s wife or her family are accused of any wrongdoing.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp.

Sources inside the NSW Government told The Daily Telegraph Mr Crakanthorp had “multiple meetings” with Venues NSW over the Broadmeadow Hunter Park redevelopment, before and after the NSW State Elections in March.

It is also understood Mr Crakanthorp had multiple meetings with Ministers over the developments, which have now been referred to the corruption watchdog. Yet these meetings did not fall under the scope of the review.

A NSW Government spokeswoman said records of all meetings between Mr Crakanthorp and other ministers have been sent to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Prior to the review, senior planning officials were told the Broadmeadow project was to be put on hold while the Cabinet Office conducted an urgent audit of the development, which included plans for over 2000 new homes.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp failed to disclose that his wife and in-laws owned dozens of properties in the Hunter.

The review recommended the pause on the development should be lifted to reduce delays and provide certainty to the community.

The review concluded there were “limited risks” to recommencing the work due to robust planning processes.

There was no mention of Mr Crakanthorp in the review.

The Premier said it was important to resume the Broadmeadow project as it would deliver “much needed housing to the Hunter Region”.

“The outcomes of this urgent and intensive review will give the community and stakeholders confidence in the processes around this critical work,” Mr Minns said.

My Crakanthorp did not comment before deadline.