Category: Newcastle News

Councillors will vote on the adoption of the 2025/26 Budget and Delivery Program at Tuesday night’s Council meeting, which will see more than $154 million invested across 344 projects. 

This includes 192 projects addressing road and traffic network improvements, 138 projects supporting cycleways and pedestrian networks and 86 projects that will focus on recreation and sport.

CEO Jeremy Bath said next year City of Newcastle’s average infrastructure spend per property will be about 10% greater than the average residential property will pay in rates.

“A $154 million capital works program means we are going to invest almost $2,100 per property improving infrastructure, which is $200 more than the average annual residential rate,” Mr Bath said. 

“This means we’re investing more than 100% of the average annual rate paid into improving the city’s infrastructure.

“City of Newcastle’s capital works program is also $50 million higher than any other local council in the region, representing our commitment to meeting the needs and expectations of our growing community.

“We’re balancing the need for new infrastructure with maintaining our assets, with a record $58 million being invested into the renewal and maintenance of existing infrastructure, which represents more than half of our total infrastructure spend.” 

Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said City of Newcastle undertook an extensive communications campaign to support the public exhibition of the draft 2025/26 Budget and Delivery Program.

“The key themes that emerged from community feedback were active transport infrastructure such as footpaths and cycleways, as well as parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities,” Mr Clarke said.

“Other areas of interest included local centre upgrades, support for night-time trade and special entertainment precincts, the need for more affordable housing, as well as flooding and drainage.

“Changes have been made to the draft Budget following public exhibition to incorporate the delivery of the commemorative plaque audit and replacement plan, the estimated costs of the proposed $2 inland swimming pool entry fee trial at Mayfield, Wallsend, Stockton and Beresfield, as well as 13 additional apprentices and trainees to be employed by City of Newcastle.

“Despite the challenges, we are forecasting a small surplus of $250,000, providing us with the financial capacity to maintain services and meet the commitments we’ve made to the community.”

Other highlights of the 2025/26 Budget include:

• $42.2 million on road renewal and road upgrades, including the western corridor road widening at Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue
• $20.6 million on recreation, aquatics, and sports improvements, including the Foreshore Park playspace
• $11.9 million on coastal, city, and urban centres including the East End Hunter Street Mall and Georgetown local centre
• $9.4 million on waste management and Summerhill Waste Management Centre
• $7.1 million on street and park trees, bushland and watercourses, and Blackbutt Reserve
• $6 million on bridge renewal and upgrades including Boscawen Street, Wallsend
• $5.5 million on footpath and pedestrian projects
• $5.4 million on cultural facilities including Art Gallery, Libraries, Museum, Fort Scratchley and our Civic venues
• $5.3 million on city-wide stormwater upgrades, flood planning and management works including Cooks Hill
• $5.1 million on coastal management including Stockton coastline protection work, estuary, and wetlands
• $4.4 million on an affordable housing project at Rail Bridge Row
• $4.1 million on cycleway projects and another $1.9 million on cycleways as part of larger projects
• $3.5 million to upgrade the State Emergency Services building at Mayfield West
• $1.5 million on climate action and sustainability initiatives
• $0.9 million to progress the design for a reimagined western building at Queens Wharf

Following a recommendation from the recent independent review of City of Newcastle, a change has been made to the Budget to show both the forecast spend of each project in the capital works program as well as the phase of the project. 

Forecast spend for projects that are forecast to go to tender within the next six months are not shown to ensure competitive tension within the tendering process remains.

A project to triple Newcastle’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network is nearing completion, with 34 new charging ports being added across 11 locations citywide.

Local and visiting EV drivers have already started enjoying the convenience of an expanded charging network, with new chargers operational at Lambton, Wallsend, Hamilton, Stockton, Adamstown, Mayfield, Newcastle, Newcastle East and Wickham. Sites at Beresfield and Georgetown will be completed in the coming weeks.

EV chargers on Wharf Road in NewcastleExecutive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the new public chargers installed by City of Newcastle will benefit the growing number of EV drivers and encourage others to make the switch.

“Our Newcastle Environment Strategy has a target of 52% of all new car registrations being EVs by 2030-31,” Ms Bisson said.

“The signs are already encouraging, with more than 1,350 EVs currently registered in Newcastle, a number which has risen by more than 1000% in the past four years.

“One of the challenges, however, is that many drivers lack access to off-street parking to charge an EV.

“Increasing the availability of public chargers in different suburbs is an important step in achieving our goal of driving EV uptake and creating a cleaner, quieter, and lower emissions city.”

The installation of the new chargers is co-funded by a $270,000 grant from the NSW Government as part of the EV Kerbside Charging Grants (the program).

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the NSW Government has approved $4.1 million in co-funding to install 671 EV charging ports in 16 local government areas, including Newcastle, during round one of the program.

“Investing in EV charging infrastructure is about making sure Newcastle is keeping up with the growing demand for electric vehicles,” Minister Catley said.

“It’s not just about future-proofing our energy grid – it’s also about making every day travel easier and more accessible for everyone. 

“Having more charging points across Newcastle means people can drive with confidence, knowing they’ll have the support they need to charge up and get where they need to go.”

Member for Charlestown, Minister Jodie Harrison said, “this partnership between local and state government is delivering real, practical infrastructure that supports the growing number of EV drivers in our region.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said, “this major expansion of EV charging stations shows Newcastle is leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “expanding EV charging infrastructure in the Hunter is key to meeting our state’s emissions targets and supporting the transition to electric vehicles.”

“I’m very glad to see this investment in our suburbs and making the switch over to EV’s easier for those who choose to do it.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Declan Clausen, welcomed the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure, which is a key deliverable in the Newcastle Environment Strategy.

“Tripling the number of public EV chargers is an important step towards our city-wide transition to net zero emissions,” Cr Clausen said.

“These new chargers are strategically located within key local centres to support economic activity and benefit local businesses. They will be powered by 100% renewable energy that comes from a combination of our Summerhill Solar Farm and existing power purchase agreement with the Sapphire wind farm.

“To ensure Newcastle remains a leader in sustainable transport, City of Newcastle is also working to finalise a comprehensive EV and Low Emissions Transport Strategy to guide further investment.” 

The 34 new chargers add to existing infrastructure at Wharf Road, No. 2 Sportsground, Laman Street and Perkins Street in the CBD, to create a public EV charging network of 50 ports across 15 locations across Newcastle.

For more information, visit: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/ev-chargers

Police have commenced an investigation after two vacant homes affected by the recent landslip were allegedly broken into in New Lambton.

Yesterday (Tuesday 10 June 2025), police received multiple reports that two homes – that had been evacuated due to the recent landslip – had been broken into on Russell Road, New Lambton.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended were told that unknown people had forced their way into the homes before stealing jewellery, cash and other valuable items from the properties.

The estimated combined value of the items stolen is $28,000.

Police have established a crime scene and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incidents.

Officers will also be increasing security around the evacuated area.

In January 2025, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into reports a teacher in the Raymond Terrace area had allegedly sexually assaulted two boys aged between 14 and 15 in the 1980s.

Police will allege in court that between 1986 and 1987, the teacher allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage boy while he was teaching him to ride a motorbike on a property in Clarence Town.

Another boy was also allegedly sexually assaulted by the man at the same location.

Following extensive inquiries by police, on Monday 9 June 2025, an 84-year-old Clarence Town man was issued a court attendance notice for three counts of sexual assault – person under 16 years of age.

He is due to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 28 July 2025.

A man will face court today charged after allegedly deliberately setting a house, car and motorcycle on fire at Lake Macquarie overnight.

Just after 11pm yesterday (Monday 9 June 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Margaret Street, Warners Bay, following reports of a house fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found a house, SUV, and a motorcycle well alight. They worked to extinguish the blaze; however, the property was destroyed.

The property was unoccupied at this time and there are no reports of injury.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following inquiries, about 3.05am today (Tuesday 10 June 2025), officers were called to a service station on Lake Road, Argenton, and arrested a 47-year-old man at the scene.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with damage property by fire/explosive greater than $15000 (DV).

The man was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Tuesday 10 June 2025).

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the Newcastle area.

Callum Schonewille, aged 15, was last seen in Warabrook about 8am on Monday 2 June 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified on Tuesday 3 June 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Callum is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with slim build and short light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey hooded jumper, black track pants, purple Asics runners, and carrying a satchel bag.

He is known to frequent Hamilton South, Windale, Belmont North and Charlestown.

City of Newcastle has delivered the last major milestone in a shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve after officially opening the doors today on its new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility.

Located in the Carnley Avenue recreation area, the environmental education, meeting and function space and cafe forms part of Blackbutt Reserve’s Plan of Management, which was developed following community consultation.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken officially open Blackbutt Reserve’s new $3.2 million multipurpose community facility and café.An accessible path around the adjacent lawn area was also installed as part of the project, to create better connections between the play space, amenities, animal exhibits, café and community facility.

Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability, Marnie Kikken, said City of Newcastle is committed to protecting and enhancing the much-loved destination for the whole community.

“Blackbutt Reserve plays an important role in our vision of Newcastle as a smart, liveable and sustainable city where we celebrate our unique qualities and protect our natural assets,” Ms Kikken said.

“Featuring pristine natural bushland, 12 km of walking trails, wildlife exhibits, playgrounds and picnic facilities, it offers diverse opportunities for social connection, active and passive recreation and interactions with nature.

“This will be enhanced with the opening of our new multipurpose community facility and café, which will further encourage residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the green heart of our city.”

The project was partially funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley officially opened the new building today and said it would be a welcome addition for the community. 

“It’s great to finally open the doors to this facility, which will house some really important services including a new cafe,” Minister Catley said.

“Blackbutt Reserve is one of Newcastle’s most treasured natural spaces and this new facility is a great example of how we can improve public spaces while still respecting the environment.

“The NSW Government provided over $800,000 in funding for this project because we know how important these facilities are, not only for creating local jobs, but also for boosting tourism across the Hunter.

“We want people to visit Blackbutt Reserve knowing there are top-notch facilities to make their experience even better.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison also welcomed the new additions at Blackbutt Reserve.

“This is an exciting day for the people of Newcastle, with the opening of the expanded Blackbutt Reserve community facilities,” Ms Harrison said. 

“The new facilities and café will revitalise this popular attraction and bring more visitors to enjoy the wonderful natural environment.”

Ms Kikken said the project is a significant step in delivering the shared vision for Blackbutt Reserve.

“The Blackbutt Reserve Plan of Management provides a framework for how the reserve is managed in line with its ecological, recreational, educational and historic values,” Ms Kikken said. 

“In the past 10 years City of Newcastle has delivered the plan’s key actions, including the construction of the adventure playground at Richley Reserve and upgrades to the wildlife exhibits and Carnley Avenue recreation area.

“The multipurpose community facility and cafe will complement these other elements, providing an improved experience for more than 150,000 people who visit Blackbutt Reserve each year.”

The multipurpose community facility features a bookable meeting room, enabling groups to gather, collaborate and host events, and for school groups to visit and learn about our environment.

The building also includes the Blackbutt Café by Durks, which has an undercover dining and seating area and will provide coffee, breakfast and lunch dining options, as well as picnic boxes and catering.

Blackbutt, Natural Areas and Invasive Species Manager Andrew Staniland paid tribute to the efforts of the volunteers who for many years had operated a temporary kiosk on site with the support of City of Newcastle.

“It is important to recognise the tireless effort of the many volunteers and council staff that have ensured the operation of the kiosk, which started with humble beginnings in a replica pioneer hut,” Mr Staniland said. 

“It is through this legacy that the current multipurpose community facility was built and we are forever grateful to those who made the kiosk a major part of a visit to Blackbutt.”

The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the facility at a community fun day from 10am-1pm on Saturday 21 June, featuring live music, Ranger-hosted critter encounters, family entertainment, facepainting as well as special offers at the new cafe.