Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Hunter Region
Lilly Nelson, aged 14, was last seen at east Maitland about 3pm yesterday (Saturday 16 May 2026).
When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and his family have concerns for her welfare due to her young age.
Lilly is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175cm, thin build, short black hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a black zip up top, black singlet, dark cargo shorts Lilly may also be wearing double lope piercing in both ears
She is known to frequent the East Maitland and Hamilton areas.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au:

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to help plan for more housing near train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange.

The four areas have been selected by the NSW Government to be part of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program, which is designed to enable greater residential density near key transport hubs.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle wants to hear what residents love about their suburb and what changes could help accommodate the growth in housing.

“We support the intent of the NSW Government reforms to provide more housing and increased density close to transport,” Ms Bisson said.

“However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider factors such as heritage or environmental constraints, so we’re designing a place-based approach to each precinct.

“We want the community to tell us what they love about their local area and what they believe should be prioritised in the future to accommodate more housing.

“That could include improved open public spaces, walking and cycling connections, transport and traffic upgrades, more lighting or the diversity of housing choices.”

Under the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes across the state between 2024 and 2029, with a target of 11,100 new homes for the Newcastle Local Government Area during that period.

To help facilitate these targets, the NSW Government has introduced a range of planning reforms including the TOD program, which permit mid and high-rise development, including apartments and shop-top housing, by changing development standards such as building heights and floor space ratios.

Councils can create their own planning controls for TOD precincts, taking into consideration the distinct characteristics and needs of each location, as long as the planning controls still allow for the Government’s dwelling targets.

Using input from residents, City of Newcastle will produce an urban design framework for each of the four transport hubs, establishing the overall vision, objectives and actions that will provide guidance to property developers.

“The urban design frameworks will outline for property developers and owners what the area should look and feel like, and how things such as land use, streets, public spaces and buildings should work together, taking into consideration hazards such as flooding, bushfire, contamination and high-pressure gas pipelines,” Ms Bisson said.

“The framework will respect the unique local character of each precinct, while still delivering the outcomes that meet the needs of current and future people who live, work and enjoy these areas.”

The development of the urban design frameworks is being delivered with support from a NSW Government grant through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page until 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

Work has begun beneath Queens Wharf as preparations get underway for the safe demolition of the fire-damaged western building.

Building inspections will get underway today before the work moves under the wharf later next week, pending favourable swell and wind conditions. Workers will use a small boat to carry out investigations underneath the structure before a floating pontoon is installed to enable the isolation and relocation of utilities connected to the site.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said the upcoming demolition of the western building is a critical first step in unlocking the future potential of the precinct.

“The transformation of Queens Wharf is a significant undertaking for City of Newcastle, which will deliver a new future for one of our city’s most iconic waterfront precincts,” Ms Hyland said.

“Some people would be unaware that this site and the majority of the adjacent road is built on piers above the harbour.

“The complex nature of the sub-structure means there is some preparatory work that needs to be completed as part of the safe and carefully managed demolition of the vacant western building.

“While not all progress will be immediately visible, this work is an essential step in transforming Queens Wharf and enabling the long-term revitalisation of the site.”

This services relocation work will take around two months to complete and will occur both under the wharf and inside the building.

Site establishment for the demolition of the building will begin after the services work is completed.

Access to the ferry and public promenade will be maintained during this period. Once demolition is complete, a range of short-term activations will be implemented to encourage the community and tourists to continue to enjoy the harbourfront site.

Queens Wharf has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. 

It includes two separate buildings – the western building which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel, along with two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. 

Revitalisation of the precinct received strong community support, with almost 1,800 comments and suggestions received by City of Newcastle during a recent community engagement process, with 97% endorsing the overall vision for the project. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest information about Queens Wharf visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

The Thornton Road Bridge duplication project is entering its next major phase, with demolition of the original rail bridge beneath the existing 2010 bridge set to begin tomorrow, Saturday 16 May 2026. 

The work will take place during a planned 72-hour rail possession. 

Thornton Road is a key crossing over the Main North railway line, linking local communities to the M1 Pacific Motorway, Pacific Highway and Hunter Expressway. It is also one of the region’s key flood-free transport corridors during major weather events.  
Maitland has experienced repeated severe flooding events in recent years and this bridge forms one of the only flood free access routes between the northern suburbs of Maitland and Newcastle, Sydney and the East Coast. During these events, traffic has often ground to a halt.  
The duplication of the bridge will help future-proof this critical transport and flood resilience corridor – improving traffic flow, safety and connectivity for the 24,500 motorists who use this road everyday.  

The original Thornton Bridge was replaced in 2010, with plans at the time for a future duplication. However, the duplication was later cancelled by the former Liberal and National Government, despite continued population growth and increasing demand on the corridor. 
Instead, the former government removed the cap on development north of the bridge in 2012 allowing more homes to be built without committing more funding to significant infrastructure upgrades in the area until 2022. 
The new bridge, expected to begin construction at the end of 2026, will provide two lanes in each direction and improve access across the Main North railway line. 

Early work began in April 2025, including establishment of a pedestrian detour and a temporary site compound. 
Transport for NSW has contacted nearby residents and businesses about the demolition work scheduled across the weekend.  
Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact Transport for NSW directly on 1800 644 812 and  TRB@transport.nsw.gov.au:

Other investments in Thornton road network:  
· Traffic lights to the north of the bridge at Railway Avenue and Glenroy Street were installed in February 2021, leading to a double right hand turn that requires motorists to merge into one lane immediately before they can access the current 2010 bridge.  
· The NSW Government announced $9.5 million from the Housing Acceleration Fund to new traffic lights at Government Road and Raymond Terrace Road in May 2022. 
· The Albanese Government, under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and Maitland City Council are each contributing over $3.74 million towards the $7.5 million duplication of Haussman Drive between Raymond Terrace Road and Taylor Avenue, expanding the road to two lanes each way. 
· The Minns Labor Government and Council are also investing another $6.9 million to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Haussman Drive and Taylor Avenue. 

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:   
“Thornton has been the fastest growing area in the state for 10 years, and it is good to see that after more than a lost decade of Liberal and National neglect, work will commence on this long promised project to relieve congestion. 
“In every regional community, there are one or more roads people depend on when disaster strikes. The road that stays open when others go under, the road families rely on to get home safely, evacuate, or stay connected during a flood.  
“For people living on either side of the railway between East Maitland through to Millers Forest, that vital connector road is Thornton Road. 
“Local people have shared their safety concerns about this issue, and I am pleased to see the Minns Government getting on with the job of improving safety and infrastructure for residents living on the northern side of the bridge.” 

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to help plan for more housing near train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange.

The four areas have been selected by the NSW Government to be part of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program, which is designed to enable greater residential density near key transport hubs.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle wants to hear what residents love about their suburb and what changes could help accommodate the growth in housing.

“We support the intent of the NSW Government reforms to provide more housing and increased density close to transport,” Ms Bisson said.

“However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider factors such as heritage or environmental constraints, so we’re designing a place-based approach to each precinct.

“We want the community to tell us what they love about their local area and what they believe should be prioritised in the future to accommodate more housing.

“That could include improved open public spaces, walking and cycling connections, transport and traffic upgrades, more lighting or the diversity of housing choices.”

Under the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes across the state between 2024 and 2029, with a target of 11,100 new homes for the Newcastle Local Government Area during that period.

To help facilitate these targets, the NSW Government has introduced a range of planning reforms including the TOD program, which permit mid and high-rise development, including apartments and shop-top housing, by changing development standards such as building heights and floor space ratios.

Councils can create their own planning controls for TOD precincts, taking into consideration the distinct characteristics and needs of each location, as long as the planning controls still allow for the Government’s dwelling targets.

Using input from residents, City of Newcastle will produce an urban design framework for each of the four transport hubs, establishing the overall vision, objectives and actions that will provide guidance to property developers.

“The urban design frameworks will outline for property developers and owners what the area should look and feel like, and how things such as land use, streets, public spaces and buildings should work together, taking into consideration hazards such as flooding, bushfire, contamination and high-pressure gas pipelines,” Ms Bisson said.

“The framework will respect the unique local character of each precinct, while still delivering the outcomes that meet the needs of current and future people who live, work and enjoy these areas.”

The development of the urban design frameworks is being delivered with support from a NSW Government grant through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page until 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

Previously unseen details from thousands of historic photographs are being revealed for the first time following a five-year digitisation project by City of Newcastle. 

More than 5,500 images taken by renowned Newcastle photographer Ralph Snowball have been meticulously scanned, catalogued, researched, and uploaded online by Newcastle Libraries staff and volunteers, uncovering new insights into the people, places and daily life from the late 1800s. 

Digitally archived image taken by Ralph Snowball of Watt Street and Newcastle Train Station.City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the enhanced images are transforming how the collection is understood and used. 

“These photographs have long been an important part of our local history, but improved imaging is revealing remarkable new details,” Ms Baird said.

“Our team of staff and dedicated volunteers have captured high-resolution scans that uncover details previously unseen, from names on gravestones to business signage on buildings.

“This project ensures the collection remains a living resource, continuing to deepen our understanding of Newcastle’s history.”

The digitisation project began in 2021, with staff and volunteers working together to scan and catalogue the collection using specialist equipment in Newcastle Library’s digitisation lab. 

At the same time, volunteers contributed to the ongoing research of the collection to update and expand the historical information attached to each image.

Originally discovered in 1988 in the basement of the Snowball family home in Lambton, the collection included around 8,000 glass plate negatives, with just over 5,000 becoming part of the Newcastle Library’s collection.

The images, taken between the 1890s and 1920s, capture an insight into life across Newcastle and the Hunter region, including street scenes, workplaces, beaches, public buildings and major civic developments. 

Subjects range from surf lifesavers at Newcastle Beach and afternoon tea at Fort Scratchley to workmen at the Obelisk, the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and iconic landmarks such as the Newcastle Post Office and Christ Church Cathedral.

A special panel-style event, Celebrating Snowball, will be held at Newcastle City Library on Wednesday 13 May, showcasing the collection and the stories uncovered through the digitisation process. Digitally archived glass negative of Ralph Snowball with his horse and wagonette, taken 9 July 1988.City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the Snowball collection continues to deliver lasting value for the Newcastle community.

“We’re now seeing details that simply weren’t visible before, which is helping researchers, historians and the community better understand the people and places captured in these photographs,” Ms Baird said.

“Importantly, this work makes our shared history more accessible, allowing more people to connect with Newcastle’s past and see how our city has evolved.”

The Ralph Snowball Collection is the largest photographic collection to be digitised by Newcastle Libraries and is part of the Local History Collection. 

Newcastle Libraries holds 5,500 glass plates and numerous original prints donated from various sources over the years, including Ralph’s son Frank Snowball and members of the community.  

City of Newcastle also recognised Snowball’s contribution to documenting Newcastle’s history in October 2025 by naming a previously unmarked lane off Bridges Road between Russell Road and Victoria Street in Lambton, after the photographer. 

The Ralph Snowball Collection can be explored online via the Hunter Photobank digital archive. 

The free Celebrating Snowball event will be held on Wednesday 13 May at the Lovett Gallery, Newcastle City Library from 6pm to 7pm. Bookings are not required but for more details visit the Newcastle Libraries website. 

History and details about Ralph Snowball

• Ralph Snowball was born in 1848 in Leadgate, Durham, England. 
• He arrived in Sydney aboard the Nineveh in 1879 with his wife Mary and infant son George and eventually settled on land that later became Clarence Road, New Lambton. 
• He worked as a miner for five years at Lambton Colliery but after suffering an accident, he set up as a professional photographer in 1884. 
• Snowball’s horse-drawn waggonette was well-known around the Newcastle district. He (and his bulky equipment) travelled further afield by whatever means would allow him to capture life and the countryside around Lake Macquarie and the lower Hunter.
• Ralph retired in 1915 and continued taking the occasional photograph up until at least 1924. 
• Outside of photographer, Snowball was active in the community in a number of roles, including becoming the first town clerk when the municipality of New Lambton was formed in 1889 and later a valuator for the council
• He died on 4 August 1925 and was buried at Sandgate Cemetery.

Work has begun on a project to transform Hamilton Station Park into a more welcoming place for residents and commuters.

The project has been shaped by community feedback and developed by City of Newcastle in collaboration with NSW Police and the NSW Government.

Key features will include the installation of ambient and security lighting to improve safety and visibility, new landscaped areas and garden beds, a community noticeboard incorporating cultural and local stories, as well as a ramp to improve access from Beaumont Street.

Existing seating will be replaced with modular, accessible options featuring Aboriginal artwork, to enhance comfort for visitors and the park’s overall welcoming feel.

The $290,000 project is supported by an $80,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant and funded within City of Newcastle’s capital works program.

Cr Joel Pringle, Cr Paige Johnson and Cr Jenny Barrie join Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp at Hamilton Station Park.Ward Two Councillors are supporting the project as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety in Hamilton.

“We’re working closely with the community, local support services, NSW Police and the NSW Government on this project to improve safety, accessibly and community use of this area,” Cr Jenny Barrie said.

“While the upgrade will not resolve all the complex social issues in the area, it will encourage positive use of the space and reinforce the park as a shared community place.

“By following Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles, we want to increase activation and make the park safer for commuters, the community and nearby businesses.”

The initial works will include the removal of existing elements such as seating, signage, concrete areas and footpaths, as well as the perimeter fence to improve sightlines into the park.

Councillor Paige Johnson said the project has been designed using community feedback and recommendations from local agencies and police.

“We’ve been engaging positively with locals and businesses about the changes to open up this space and we want to deliver this as something the community can proudly use,” Cr Johnson said.

“Other features of the project include new pedestrian paths, water and electricity connections as well as a hardstand area to support small community events.”

Councillor Joel Pringle said the upgrades will make the park a more inclusive space for the wider community.

“A new community information board has been developed with City of Newcastle’s Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee and will help the community learn about the historical and ongoing relationship our Traditional Custodians have with this space,” Cr Pringle said.

“We’ll also be installing a ‘no dig’ garden around the prominent fig tree to safeguard its roots and improve access to shade, while the existing cupboards in the park will be replaced with a purpose-built, weatherproof, donation cupboard, located in a more prominent, well-lit location.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said Hamilton Station Park is a place that should be enjoyed by all.

“This safer-by-design upgrade will open up the area and improve safety and security for commuters, pedestrians, and park goers,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“This project is just one of the many measures being taken to improve anti-social behaviour and crime in and around Hamilton. I look forward to working with Council to deliver this much-needed upgrade.”

Work at the site is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with temporary site fencing and managed pedestrian detours in place during construction to ensure public safety.

Access to Hamilton Train Station will be maintained as the work progresses.

For more information visit our website.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie area.
Skye Brown, aged 19, was last seen about 2pm last Friday (8 May 2026) at a medical facility in Morisset.
When she was unable to bel located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified yesterday (Saturday 9 May 2025) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Family and police hold concerns for Skye’s welfare.
Skye is described as Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, medium build, blue eyes, brown hair and a tattoo on her right arm.
She was last seen wearing a brown top and black pants.
Skye is known to frequent the Morisset, Tuncurry, Croki and Taree areas.
Anyone with information about Skye’s whereabouts is urged to contact Tronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

As one bridge opens, another begins its renewal in Dungog Shire, as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continue rebuilding and restoring critical infrastructure across regional NSW.
The first stage of the new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to traffic, delivering safer and more reliable journeys for locals, visitors and freight operators.

The new bridge will be transformative for heavy vehicle access to Clarence Town, allowing the return of 42.5 tonne semi-trailers.
At the same time, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation that will preserve its legacy while strengthening it for the future.
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing $22.8 million in the project, with $11.8 million from the Australian Government and $11 million from the NSW Government.
The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width. It features traffic dual lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.
Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue. Work on the project is expected to be complete early 2027.
Brig O’Johnston Bridge will now be temporarily closed to allow for major rehabilitation work. This work will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.
This careful sequencing of works means the community stays connected, while an important piece of the state’s heritage is restored for future generations.
Rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:
“This investment by the Albanese and Minns governments shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver practical outcomes for regional communities.
“The new Clarence Town Bridge will make a real difference to daily life. Improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and travelling to Dungog.
“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area.
“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“The Clarence Town community has waited decades for new investment in their bridge.
“Emergency repairs to the bridge were never made permanent under the former Nationals Government and cost escalations required an increased investment by Labor State and Federal Governments.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the infrastructure our communities need while preserving the historic assets that tell the story of who we are.
“This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.
“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.
“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:
“Investment in regional communities like Dungog is critical to supporting long-term growth and liveability.
“The new Clarence Town Bridge will benefit the daily lives of people living, working and traveling to Dungog by improving access significantly, cutting down travel times, and improving safety.   
“It’s also fantastic to see work for major rehabilitation work on Brig O’Johnston Bridge which was built in the 1800s and our oldest surviving timber truss bridge.
“This major rehabilitation work will preserve the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge and ensure future generations can experience and appreciate our timber bridge heritage.
“Projects like this bridge not only improve local infrastructure but also demonstrate our commitment to ensuring regional towns continue to receive the infrastructure they need and deserve.”

Dungog Mayor, Digby Rayward:
“Seeing traffic move onto the new bridge is a proud moment for Council and the Clarence Town community. It demonstrates the value of long-term planning and determined advocacy to improve critical local infrastructure.
“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward. I thank the Clarence Town community and all the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience. I’m excited to see the entire project finalised later this year.”
 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the State’s north. 

Lorna Morris, aged 14, was last seen in Raymond Terrace about 6pm on Friday (8 May 2026).

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and her family have concerns for her welfare given her age.

Lorna is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair.

She is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Taree, and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.