Category: Newcastle News

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 12 August 2025 to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide for its People’s Blockade can be considered and debated by Council.

Rising Tide has applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December 2025, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

“I want to ensure Council’s decision on the Rising Tide application is debated thoroughly and resolved as soon as possible, which is why I have called an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 12 August, rather than waiting for the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 August,” Cr Kerridge said.

Councillors will receive a public briefing from Rising Tide next week ahead of the Extraordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle libraries have taken the top spot when ranked against other councils in NSW. 

Among the many accolades was the prestigious title for total number of items borrowed with more than 1.7 million loans during the last year, as well as highest number of library members (more than 150,000).

Newcastle libraries also claimed the top spot in NSW for home library services, delivering more than 47,000 items to residents unable to visit in person, seven times the state average. 

Residents Peter and Jeannette Lee get a highly anticipated delivery of books to their door from City of Newcastle’s home library service delivery coordinator Glenn Wardman.

The statistics were compiled by the State Library of NSW for the 2024 financial year. A key component of Newcastle Libraries’ success is its partnership with Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries. 

City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the results show how deeply embedded our libraries are in the daily lives of the community.

“To be leading the state across multiple key areas is a credit to the dedication of our library team and a reflection of the trust and value our communities place in their local libraries,” Ms Baird said.

“Whether it’s borrowing a book, attending one of our events, or learning a new skill, Newcastle Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our residents.

“Use of our home library service is more than 600% above the state average, demonstrating our commitment to making library services accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, mobility or health.”

Jeanette and Peter Lee, who have been using the City of Newcastle’s home library service for the past two years, say it has brought comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy during a time of change in their lives.

“When your world and independence change, having access to books through this service helps protect your mental health. This service helps keep the mind active, and when our monthly delivery arrives, it’s like Christmas. It helps restore little pieces of what used to be normal life,” Mrs Lee said.

“Books become companions. In our age group, loneliness is very real, but when you’ve got a book you’ve got a friend. The staff always ask what we like to read, and we can request large print, it means a lot to be asked about what matters to us. It’s more than convenience, it’s care.”

Newcastle Libraries, with their joint library partners, Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries, hold the largest collection in the state, with almost a million items ranging from books, artworks and subdivision maps to local history items, e-audio collections, toys and games.

Library visitation rates and program attendance are nearly double the state average, while membership is the highest in NSW, growing 15 per cent to more than 150,000 people. 

Our libraries also ranked second in NSW for e-audio circulation and third for toy and game collection loans.

“Our doors welcomed almost 700,000 visitors into our branches during this 12-month period, including those who attended our diverse calendar of events and programs, from children’s story time and digital skills training to author talks, local history presentations and inclusive outreach events,” Ms Baird said.

“Our continued growth reflects City of Newcastle’s ongoing and significant investment in local library services, which provide valuable recreational, educational and social opportunities for all members of our community.”

Newcastle Region Libraries Statewide ranking

• 1^st in NSW for total items borrowed
• 1^st in NSW for home library service
• 2^nd in NSW for e-book audio loans
• 3^rd in NSW for toy and game collection loans

Highlights from the State Library of NSW 2022-23 Statistics about Newcastle Region Libraries

• Total visits:  691,715 / NSW average – 296,607
• Total items borrowed: 1,727,924 / NSW average – 441,594
• Number of events or programs held: 2,255 / NSW average – 1,149
• Total event or program attendees: 49,136 / NSW average – 19,450

Newcastle Libraries fast facts

• Total members: 158,856
• Number of branches: 13
• Items in collection: 1,063,343

Hunter Valley wineries and hospitality businesses are winding down their food and organics waste pioneering sustainability in the region, thanks to funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

‘Winding Down Wineries Food Waste’, delivered by Go Circular, is an innovative initiative aiming to reduce food and organics waste, creating a model for wine regions across Australia.

NSW EPA Acting Director Circular Economy Programs, Sam Lewis said empowering local businesses and communities to design circular solutions will drive lasting change for NSW.

“Go Circular’s project is paving the way for a more sustainable future, with benefits extending far beyond the vineyard,” said Mr Lewis.

“NSW generates 1.7 million tonnes of food waste per year. To help tackle the landfill crisis, we need to seriously combat food waste and invest in local solutions.

“That’s why the NSW Government has introduced new laws where from 1 July next year certain businesses must separate food waste from their general waste.

“The project champions new and practical strategies to better manage food waste like using in-season locally grown produce, turning vegetable off cuts into hearty stocks and recycling food waste into nutrient rich soil for vineyards.

“By co-designing innovative solutions with industry, local government and businesses, this project fosters greater collaboration, knowledge-sharing and builds a blueprint for other wine regions across Australia.”

Go Circular CEO, Annie Jiang said the Hunter Valley, with its 200-year history as one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, is now showing its leadership in sustainable hospitality and tourism.

“This project highlights the power of community-led innovation. From farm to kitchen, Hunter Valley hospitality businesses are demonstrating how sustainability can be embedded into everyday practice – protecting both our environment and the future of this iconic region,” said Ms Jiang.

Margan Winery and Restaurant owner, Ollie Margan said their strong focus on reducing food waste has helped shape a menu that is both sustainable and reflective of the region.

“By sourcing 90% of our non-meat ingredients directly from our own garden, we harvest only what we need, when we need it. This helps us minimise food waste from the start, while delivering fresher and unique dishes,” said Mr Margan.

The EPA provided $165,600 in funding under the Business Food Waste Partnership Grant program.

To learn more about the Winding Down Wineries Waste project visit https://www.gocircular.org.au/winding-down-wineries-waste/

To learn more about the program and other successful recipients visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Working-together/Grants/organics-infrastructure-fund/Business-food-waste-partnership-grants

Go Circular is a purpose-driven organisation based in Newcastle and the Hunter region, supporting organisations to implement circular economy principles through practical solutions that strengthen environmental, economic, and social resilience.

A second man has been charged following the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025 and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police will allege a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation commenced involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

On Friday 25 April 2025, a 22-year-old was arrested and charged with murder. He remains before the courts.

Following inquiries, on Wednesday 7 May 2025, police executed a search warrant at a unit on Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, where a firearm and ammunition were seized for forensic examination.

A 25-year-old man was arrested nearby and was taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with acquire etc firearm – subject to prohibition order, acquire etc ammunition subject to prohibition order, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority, use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part, firearm etc found at premises-subject to prohibition order and breach of bail.

Following further inquiries, the 25-year-old man was arrested at a correctional facility in Kempsey today (Thursday 10 July 2025).

He was charged with murder and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 1.

Investigations under Strike Force Bolwarra continue.

Hunter Valley Police have seized over 1kg of cannabis leaf and mature cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $10,000, following a search warrant at a house in the state’s Hunter region.

In June 2025, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cultivation and supply of cannabis in the Hunter Valley area.

Following extensive investigations, police executed a search warrant at a property on Bylong Valley Way, Baerami, about 9:00am yesterday (Wednesday 9 July 2025).

During the search, police located and seized 44 cannabis plants, a large quantity of loose cannabis leaf and cannabis buds. Police also located equipment used in the enhanced cultivation of cannabis.

The estimated street value of the cannabis seized is $10,000.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Hunter Valley Police have seized over $40,000 worth of cannabis and other illicit substances growing from a shed roof in the state’s Hunter region.

In June 2025, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cultivation and supply of cannabis in the Hunter Valley area.

Following extensive investigations, police executed a search warrant at a property on Aberdare Road, Aberdare, about 8.30am yesterday (Tuesday 8 July 2025).

During the search, police located and seized over 8kg of cannabis found growing from inside a shed ceiling, 48g of methylamphetamine, 1.2g of heroin and a taser.

The estimated street value of the cannabis seized is $45,000.

Following the search police arrested a 44-year-old man before taking him to Cessnock Police Station.

He was charged with possess prohibited drug (3), possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (3), supply prohibited drug (2), possess prohibited plant and cultivate prohibited plant.

The man was refused bail to appear before Local Bail Division Court 2 today (9 July 2025).

The Albanese Government is securing Australia’s energy future with a Hydrogen Headstart investment in Orica’s Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub.

The project will secure the future of ammonia and explosives manufacturing at Kooragang Island by reducing its reliance on gas. This keeps local manufacturing competitive and sustainable, supporting jobs and the long-term future of the industry in the Hunter.

Located on Kooragang Island in the heart of the Hunter Region, the project will deploy a 50 MW electrolyser powered by renewable energy, producing around 4,200 tonnes of green hydrogen each year.

By switching from gas to green hydrogen, the project will also significantly cut emissions from Orica’s ammonia production facility and help produce green ammonia for domestic use across mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

It will also help open Australia to exporting clean renewable hydrogen overseas, and the jobs and economic benefits that will come with it as the world looks to decarbonise.

Delivered through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the funding willbring down costs and accelerate the uptake of renewable hydrogen in heavy industry.

Hydrogen Headstart supports large-scale renewable hydrogen projects such as Orica’s by bridging the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and the current market price.

Before funding is released, Orica will work closely with ARENA to meet a number of conditions and demonstrate progress toward key milestones.

This $432 million announcement follows the $814 million awarded to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ Murchison Green Hydrogen Project in Western Australia earlier this year. Together, these two landmark investments mark the conclusion of Hydrogen Headstart Round 1.

Building on this success, Round 2 is now open for consultation here (hyperlink). This is an opportunity for industry to help refine implementation of the program and take on lessons for the first round.

Consultation will run for [4 weeks] with a view to opening the next round of the program in the coming months.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“The Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub is securing long-term, high-quality jobs for the region, while decarbonising industries that are vital to our economy.

“This investment shows we can secure existing industries such as ammonia and fertiliser production by transforming how they’re powered – creating new clean-tech jobs and future-proofing the Hunter’s economic base.

“Regional communities like the Hunter will lead the way in Australia’s transformation into a renewable energy superpower – and this project is a great example of what that looks like in practice.”

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP:

“This landmark investment puts our region right at the forefront of Australia’s clean energy future.

“The $432 million investment will create good local jobs, drive innovation, reduce emissions, and help position Newcastle and the Hunter as a national leader in renewable energy production.

“This builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s significant investments in new energy infrastructure at the Port of Newcastle, in clean energy training at TAFE, and in research and development at the University of Newcastle.

“Newcastle and the Hunter has powered Australia for generations, and with this investment, will continue to do so, but in a way that is sustainable and future focused.”

The final concept designs have been unveiled for the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct, which will establish the Hunter region as an industry leader in Australia’s transformation to net-zero.    

Community members, prospective commercial partners and international investors attended a virtual-reality walk-through of the site today, where the future design of the precinct was brought to life.The Clean Energy Precinct will be located on a disused 220-hectare site on Kooragang Island, just north of Newcastle’s CBD and straddling the south channel of the Hunter River.

With a $100 million investment from the Australian Government, the Port of Newcastle site will be transformed into a burgeoning industrial hub enabling the production, storage, distribution and export of clean energy products, including green hydrogen and ammonia. The precinct will integrate clean energy production and storage with the Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub gateway projects, the New South Wales Renewable Energy Zones, and offshore wind developments – making it a vital cog in our net zero future.

The Port of Newcastle has been progressing Front-End Engineering and Design and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies, backed by community consultation and industry engagement, and today’s release of designs allow the public and potential commercial partners to visualise the planned layout of the precinct infrastructure.

The precinct infrastructure includes electrical and water services, production facilities, storage, vehicle access, and pipelines for distribution and export.

The EIS will be released publicly later this year, and construction of the precinct is expected to break ground in 2027.

For progress updates on the Clean Energy Precinct, visit the Port of Newcastle’s website.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Australia’s largest coal port is diversifying its offering and preparing to accommodate new and growing industries on the shores of the Hunter River.

“Newcastle has always been one of the most productive industrial centres in Australia, and we’re ensuring its legacy continues with the Clean Energy Precinct.

“It’s crucial that we develop the infrastructure now to be prepared for Australia’s energy future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here on Kooragang Island.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a Clean Energy Precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.

“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with reliable renewable energy.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is a defining moment for Newcastle – a city that has helped power the nation for generations is preparing to the future with clean energy.

“It’s hard to imagine a more powerful symbol of our region’s transformation – land once earmarked for a coal terminal will now be at the forefront of the global clean energy transition.

“This masterplan lays the groundwork for thousands of jobs in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy exports.

“From coal to clean energy, this is what a transition looks like. Thoughtful, strategic, and grounded in the strengths of our region and our people.”

Local sporting clubs are set to benefit from much-needed upgrades at Wallsend Park, with work now underway on a new in-ground irrigation system.

The project backed by a $285,000 investment from the Albanese Labor Government, will give some of the region’s biggest sporting clubs more certainty and deliver modern, accessible playing fields that meet the future demand of the community.

Wallsend Park is home to the Wallsend Cricket Club, Wallsend Football Club, and the Wallsend RSL Junior Cricket Club.

These upgrades are in addition to the recent election commitment from the Albanese Labor Government of $3 million to install drainage and irrigation at the neighbouring Upper Reserve in Wallsend.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“It’s great to see this work now underway.

“Wallsend Park is a hub for local sport, and these upgrades will make a real difference for the people who use it week in, week out.

“These clubs are at the heart of our community – they bring people together, support our kids, and promote healthy, active lifestyles.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to be investing in the future of community sport right here in Wallsend.”

Wallsend Cricket Club President Peter Hanna:

“The irrigation project is significant for the Club in that it future proofs our ability to provide high class sporting facilities in our local Wallsend community.

“It will also significantly reduce the level of effort and time in the weekly preparation of practice and playing wickets for both our junior and senior teams, reducing manual watering and associated workload for out volunteer curation team. That assistance is something that is really appreciated today where it is increasingly difficult to attract and retain volunteers.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are building more homes in Newcastle with nine new social housing units nearing completion in Wallsend thanks to joint funding from the Commonwealth’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund (SHAF) and local government.

The new nine-unit development at Curry Street is being delivered thanks to a partnership between Homes NSW and the City of Newcastle, who each agreed to jointly fund the construction of more dedicated social housing for the Wallsend community.

Work commenced in mid-2024 on the new two-storey block which has been built at a cost of $4.42 million, creating 19 jobs throughout the lifetime of its construction.

The new complex, located on the traditional lands of the Awabakal people, will feature four 1-bedroom and five 2-bedroom homes, replacing ageing homes at the site.

Close to schools, public transport, and local shops, the new units are expected to be finished by mid-May and will soon provide safe and modern homes for up to 16 new residents.

Homes NSW allocated funding for the build from the Commonwealth SHAF’s vacant accelerator stream which has already restored and renovated more than 300 previously uninhabitable vacant homes.

The new homes demonstrate what’s possible under the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will build 8400 new homes for public housing, deliver 21,000 new affordable and market homes and upgrade 30,000 social housing properties.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said:

“It is fantastic to see the Albanese Labor Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund being put to such good use here in Wallsend.

“We know we need to supercharge social housing delivering and this new development is being turned around in under a year, with new homes to help reduce Newcastle’s social housing waitlist.

“These new units, which have replaced ageing and not fit-for-purpose homes, are built to a high standard, and are close to local amenities such as shopping, services, and transportation.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We will continue to work tirelessly to expand the number of new social housing developments across the state, including finding well-located sites with vacant homes where we can deliver better for the most vulnerable people in our community.

“This successful partnership between the NSW Government and the City of Newcastle should be a signal to the sector and all levels of government that we are ready and willing to work together to confront the housing crisis.

“We will continue to deliver more and better housing across the state thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in social housing and this collaborative approach.”