Category: Newcastle News

The Australian Government’s vision for an east coast high-speed rail network has taken another important step forward today, with the Board of the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) meeting in Newcastle for the first time. 

The Board’s meeting in Newcastle follows on from its detailed briefing with New South Wales transport officials yesterday regarding the existing rail corridor between Sydney and Newcastle.

The HSRA commenced operations on 13 June 2023 to lead, plan, develop, coordinate, oversee and monitor the construction and operation of a high-speed rail network in Australia.

High-speed rail will revolutionise interstate travel on the east coast, providing a fast alternative for people to move between cities and regional centres, promoting sustainable settlement patterns, and generating and spreading economic benefits beyond the outskirts of major capitals.

The HSRA Board is committed to working transparently within a framework of high standards of governance and accountability.

The Board is enthusiastic about the important foundational and planning activities currently underway, and is working to build the HSRA with a strong leadership team, organisational capability, positive culture and transparent processes and decision making. 

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

“High-speed rail will be instrumental in improving the lives of Australians by supporting shifts in population settlement, better connecting skilled workers with major job centres and be a key enabler of achieving our ambitious carbon reduction targets.

“It is essential the HSRA takes the time now to establish a robust foundation on which to build and this means the planning has to be done properly and in detail.

“Given the size and scale of building an east coast high-speed rail network, it must be based on meticulous planning, good governance and highly effective project management.

“High-speed rail is still in its early days and we acknowledge this project will take time.

“We have a vision about how we want to see Australia develop, not just next year or next decade but decades from now.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said:

“High Speed Rail is a game-changer for our region – increasing capacity, cutting carbon, delivering better connectivity and creating good local jobs and opportunities.

“The HSRA Board meeting in Newcastle is a milestone achievement that recognises the lead role our city will play in shaping high-speed rail in Australia.

“After a wasted decade under the former government, Labor is working hard every day to seize the opportunities ahead.

“Newcastle and our region stands to benefit enormously from the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to get work on high-speed rail underway. It’s time to make high-speed rail a reality in Australia.”

An independent panel of experts are helping to set a new benchmark for urban design in Newcastle, working with City of Newcastle to evaluate major commercial, industrial, residential, community and civic developments proposed for the city.

The Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) considered 71 items collectively worth more than $600 million during 2022, with a view to assess the design quality of development proposals and identify how they could be improved by design changes.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual report of the Panel, tabled at Tuesday’s Council meeting, demonstrated their track record of ensuring design excellence for a number of significant developments, which will lead to positive outcomes for the community.

“City of Newcastle’s Urban Design Review Panel is reputedly the oldest continuously serving urban design and architectural advisory body in the state of New South Wales,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Newcastle is coming of age by transforming into a modern metropolitan city, with significant redevelopment occurring right across the Local Government Area.

“By strengthening the expertise of CN’s existing team with a panel of independent design experts, City of Newcastle is achieving excellence in urban design.”

The UDRP has considered a number of significant developments including both the landmark Dairy Farmers and The Store redevelopments in Newcastle West.

Urban Design Review Panel Chair Dr Philip Pollard also acted as CN’s jury representative for two design competitions in 2022, including The East End Stage 3 and 4 redevelopment and $100 million redevelopment of the former Spotlight site in Newcastle West.

“The UDRP panel is continually looking for ways to take urban design excellence in Newcastle to a new level,” Dr Pollard said.

“We are currently considering some exciting development applications and working together to strike a balance between sustainability and quality design outcomes.

“We are also looking for more ways to make connections to Country in the design of public domain spaces.

“Good design is not merely creating good looking public spaces and buildings. It is anchored in an understanding of city making, and in creating enduring, functional and uplifting environments, for work, recreation and living.”

City of Newcastle (CN) will serve up a feast of First Nations culture at Hamilton’s James Street Plaza on Saturday as part of Newcastle Art Gallery’s outdoor projection project.

Launched in July during NAIDOC Week, the project has included nightly screenings of DEAD TONGUE 2015, a major video work of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection by internationally renowned First Nations artist Dr Christian Thompson AO.

The moving video, which is accompanied by a stirring soundtrack of the artist singing in Bidjara language, pays homage to the survival and reclamation of First Nations’ languages.

To celebrate the final weekend of projection, Newcastle Art Gallery is collaborating with local artist Wanjun Carpenter to host an evening of First Nations performance, food and music in James Street Plaza.

The event will feature local and national First Nations artists including Nardi Simpson, Adam Manning, Lacey Bilger and Lena Parkes presented by Catapult Dance, alongside DJ Wanjun Carpenter.

Aboriginal-owned food truck, Blackseed Catering & Café, will also be set up in the Plaza with delicious food and drinks made with native ingredients available for purchase.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan encouraged everyone to join in the free celebration of First Nations art and culture.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing opportunities for our community to acknowledge the extraordinary creative and cultural practices of First Nations people,” Cr Duncan said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery’s projection project has provided a wonderful avenue through which we can gain new perspectives and celebrate the work of First Nations creatives.

“I encourage our community to head along to James Street Plaza on Saturday night for the culmination of this project and enjoy the First Nations food, live music and performances on offer.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the project was another way of connecting with the community.

“The projection project has been presented as part of Newcastle Art Gallery’s ambitious offsite, outreach and digital programming, which is being delivered while the Gallery undergoes its major expansion,” Ms Morton said.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will launch with an artistic program of ground-breaking temporary exhibitions alongside permanent displays of the collection.

“In the meantime, however, it is important to give our community as many avenues as possible to stay connected to us and we are thrilled to have been able to share this important First Nations work from our collection with the wider community during the past two months.”

The free closing celebration for DEAD TONGUE 2015 will kick off at James Street Plaza in Hamilton from 6pm on Saturday, 26 August.

Novocastrian footballer Emily Van Egmond has been awarded a Key to the City of Newcastle in recognition of the Matildas’ heroic efforts during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The inspirational midfielder played an impactful role during the Matildas’ history-making campaign, which saw them achieve the highest ever finish of any Australian team in a World Cup competition.

Playing her fourth World Cup, Van Egmond came on for the Matildas in the 73^rd minute of their opener against the Republic of Ireland before making her mark on the competition with a superb goal in their narrow 3-2 loss to Nigeria.

She secured significant game time for the remainder of the competition and played a key role through the middle as the Matildas went on to finish fourth overall, smashing television ratings and crowd records along the way.

City of Newcastle has a long and proud association with Van Egmond, helping to secure the first paid transfer of a player into the Australian W-League in 2017, when Emily transferred from VfL Wolfsburg to the Newcastle Jets.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Van Egmond, along with fellow Newcastle player and Matildas squad member Claire Wheeler, would be role models for generations of local footballers as a result of the team’s game-changing efforts.

“The performance of the Matildas during the Women’s World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular, capturing the imagination of the Australian public and igniting a women’s sport movement that will be felt for years to come,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Whether cheering from the stands, watching on from our Wheeler Place live sites or tuning in from lounge rooms across the city, Novocastrians were there every step of the way.

“We’re proud to be able to present this key to the city to Emily Van Egmond today for her stellar efforts on and off the pitch, showing women and girls everywhere that anything is possible.”

Van Egmond thanked Novocastrians for turning out to support the Matildas and welcomed the recognition of women’s sport.

“Newcastle is a special place for me and I am honoured to receive the Key to the City,” Van Egmond said.

“Novocastrians have shown their passion for football and I’m thrilled so see the next generation of girls sharing my love of the game.”

Van Egmond joins a prestigious line-up of Newcastle ambassadors to receive a key to the city, including the NRLW Newcastle Knights’ 24-woman 2022 Premiership-winning squad, screenwriter and humanitarian Vanessa Alexander, and Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue, Her Excellency the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM.

Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 August 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

City of Newcastle Seniors Reference Group

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported for City of Newcastle to create a Seniors Reference Group, whose Chairperson and members will be senior representatives of the Newcastle LGA, tasked with overseeing, organising and facilitating a range of events and activities that support the health and wellbeing of senior residents in our community, including CN’s Seniors Week Program.

50th Anniversary of the End of the War in Vietnam

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged that 18 August 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the War in Vietnam and recognises the immense suffering endured by Australia’s service men and women, as well as by the Vietnamese people, both during and the decades since the end of the conflict. The Minute acknowledged that Newcastle was one of the first communities in the country to recognise Vietnam Veterans, through the dedication of a small memorial plaque in the early 1980s in Civic Park, which is reported to be the first memorial in Australia to the Vietnam Conflict.

Two-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged 15 August 2023 as the two-year anniversary of the fall of Kabul and the subsequent events that have unfolded. The Motion commended the efforts of local organisations, charities, and individuals who have been working tirelessly to provide aid, support, and refuge to those affected by the events in Afghanistan, and encouraged Newcastle residents to foster an environment of empathy, inclusivity, and understanding, welcoming Afghan refugees and contributing to their successful integration into our community.

Congratulations Matildas

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that congratulated the Matildas, including Novocastrians Emily Van Egmond and Claire Wheeler, on their remarkable success in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, having not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired countless individuals of all ages and all genders with their exceptional performance and dedication to the sport. The Minute thanked City of Newcastle staff for their great work supporting the Live Sites, which were incredibly successful in activating Wheeler Place and allowing Novocastrians the opportunity to show their love for women’s football, women’s sport, and their community spirit.

Ordinary business

Adoption of Community Engagement Strategy

Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2023 – 2026 Community Engagement Strategy, which outlines articulates CN’s commitment to actively seeking feedback from the community to support the development of its plans, policies, programs and key activities.

Adoption of Community Infrastructure Incentives in Wickham planning proposal

Council unanimously voted to endorse the Community Infrastructure Incentives in Wickham planning proposal, and adopt Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 Section 6.03 Wickham and the Wickham Community Infrastructure Plan.

Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2022

Council received the Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2022. The Panel evaluates and critiques the urban design aspects of major commercial, industrial, residential, community and civic developments in Newcastle.

Adoption of Darby Street revised traffic calming designs

Council unanimously voted to adopt upgrades to traffic calming infrastructure on Darby Street between Parry and Tyrrell Streets, Cooks Hill, which were installed as part of the Darby Street – Streets as Shared Spaces Trial.

Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2023 Local Government NSW Conference

Council unanimously voted to endorse the motions for submission to the Local Government New South Wales’ 2023 Annual Conference, which is being held from 12-14 November 2023.

Granting of two easements – Wallsend

Council unanimously voted to grant easements in favour of Ausgrid on two City of Newcastle land parcels in Tyrrell Street and Nelson Street, Wallsend for infrastructure purposes.

Variations to development standards

Council received the report on approved development variations between 3 April 2023 and 30 June 2023 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest 1 May to 31 July 2023

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Determination of number of Councillors

Council unanimously adopted an alternate motion that calls on the State Government to provide genuine reform of local government through full collaborative review of the Local Government Act 1993, in consultation with LGNSW, the USU and the local government sector.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2023.

Notices of Motion

CCTV and City of Newcastle sports facilities

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that reiterated its support for sporting clubs to install CCTV systems to protect their own assets, provided they are self-funded or supported by State or Federal Government grants. This support requires the standard approvals for club initiated capital works on a CN owned building. The motion noted recent case studies in local media where CCTV units were installed on sporting club buildings, but this did not prevent vandalism or theft and (to date) has not led to an arrest. City of Newcastle will write to NSW Minister for Police and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley MP, noting that the Newcastle LGA has been systematically excluded from state government CCTV funding (alongside other grants) over the past 12 years. A summary of CN’s existing approach to CCTV and support for self-funded units will be included during the upcoming Sport Summit being held in September 2023.

A woman reported missing from the Cessnock area has been located safe and well.

A 43-year-old woman was reported missing after she was last seen at a home in Nulkaba, about 6.30pm on Sunday (20 August 2023). 

When she was unable to be located or contacted, she was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into her whereabouts. 

Following inquiries, including a public appeal, the woman was located safe and well in Byron Bay today.

Police wish to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

Cyclists are set to benefit from the installation of Newcastle’s first public bike repair station as City of Newcastle (CN) gears up to invest more than $3.6 million into cycleways during the next 12 months.

Located at Islington Park, the multi-function station features all the tools needed to get cyclists back on their bikes including screwdrivers, wrenches, and tyre levers, as well as a stand to make repairs easier, and a bike pump and gauge. Bike parking racks are also planned for future installation.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the new bike repair station demonstrates City of Newcastle’s commitment to promoting cycling and encouraging greater participation in active modes of transport throughout the city.

“More and more Novocastrians are riding and have told us they want more cycle friendly facilities and connections across the city,” Cr Clausen said.

“By prioritising our investment in Newcastle’s cycleway infrastructure, we hope to enable cycling to play an even larger role within the city’s active transport mix.

“During the 2023/24 financial year, we will invest more than $3.6 million into cycleways infrastructure, as part of CN’s largest annual capital works program to date.

“Safer cycle routes are critical. We are prioritising improving several challenging intersections on cycle routes around the city, such as Maud Street in Waratah with signalised crossings for cyclists.

“Recently we’ve completed new signals at the intersection of Chinchen Street and Clyde Street in Islington, at an important node between two key cycle routes, providing a safer connection joining Mayfield to the city, as well as improving connections to the TAFE and nearby schools.

“We will also soon be talking with the community about a range of new cycleway projects, including a significant new connection joining Broadmeadow into Hamilton East and onwards towards the Newcastle Interchange, and an improved connection through Jesmond.”

City of Newcastle (CN) is empowering residents to join the war on waste with a new series of free workshops designed to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.

Almost 30 face-to-face and online events are being delivered as part of the Low Waste Living Program, arming residents with information on how to reduce household waste and manage the rising cost of living.

The workshops will be presented by experts in their field and cover a diverse range of topics including the benefits of cloth nappies, easy green cleaning, seed saving, composting, keeping backyard chickens and how to make your own natural skincare products.

CN’s popular Repair Café at Lambton Library is also going on the road to reach more residents, with events planned at Wallsend Library and Hamilton South Community Centre, while tours of Summerhill Waste Management Centre and the Wallsend Op-Shop Trail are also included in the program.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the workshops are designed to give people the knowledge to take action, and aligns with the commitments made under City of Newcastle’s 20-year Sustainable Waste Strategy.

“Every year, Australians send more than 6.2 million tonnes of organic waste and 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste to landfill, and spend between $2,200 and $3,800 on food that ends up being thrown out,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our Sustainable Waste Strategy is focussed on reducing unnecessary waste going to landfill and changing the way we return, reuse, repair and recycle resources.

“City of Newcastle is making a significant investment towards this goal through our planned material recovery facility and organics processing facility at Summerhill, which will provide the infrastructure needed for residents to easily increase their recycling rates.

“This investment is complemented by initiatives such as this Low Waste Living Program, which inspire changes in community attitudes and behaviours around general environmental sustainability, waste reduction, avoidance and recycling while continuing to promote local repair and reuse initiatives.

“Our Libraries and Waste Services teams are collaborating with community partners Catholic Care Social Services, Wallsend Town Business Association and Hunter Multicultural Communities to ensure these free workshops reach as many people as possible within our community so that we can encourage and empower them with practical ways to reduce waste around their home.”

The program was launched with the Newcastle Repair Café and Seed Library Workshop at the Hunter Multicultural Communities in Waratah earlier this month and will continue next week with online workshops including Get into Cloth – Reusable Nappies on 22 August.

To find out more about these and other sessions visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blog/low-waste-living

City of Newcastle (CN) has opened applications for its City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rates (SBR) program, with $900,000 in funding available for projects designed to promote, beautify and develop the precinct.

The opening of the City Centre/ Darby Street program follows the recent awarding of $150,000 in funding for seven projects in the Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend precincts, with successful projects ranging from a street art festival to an op-shop trail.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the SBR program provided invaluable support for City Centre and suburban business precincts, with economic outcomes that flowed through to the wider Newcastle area.

“SBR initiatives such as West Best Bloc Fest, which will see 80 local music artists perform in venues across the city, and the Small Walls beautification project, are proven to not only attract an influx of visitors but also drive new and expanded economic opportunities for our local hospitality venues, arts and cultural sector,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what creative applications come through from this next City Centre and Darby Street SBR round and also congratulate the successful applicants from Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend, as we continue to create vibrant, activated spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

SBR recipient and Newcastle Pride president Lee-Anne McDougall said the funding will help deliver a diverse range of LGBTIQ+ free and ticketed events throughout Hamilton during the Newcastle Pride Festival in October.

“We’ve developed a program of LGBTIQ+ community events aimed to delight and entertain the Hamilton community and visitors with ‘Roving Real Queens of Hamilton’, drag bingo, a dance party and much more thanks to SBR support,” Ms McDougall said.

Councillor Carol Duncan said initiatives like the SBR program provide a great way to involve local businesses and the community in the development and promotion of their own business precincts.

“The SBR suburban program will this year support seven truly innovative projects, which I can’t wait to see come to life in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend,” Cr Duncan said.

“Beaumont Street is set to come alive in October with LGBTIQ+ community events delivered by Newcastle Pride, bringing visitors to the area and building on the recent success of the Hamilton Night Noodle Markets.”

Expressions of interest for the City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding round close on Friday 15 September.

For more information about the Special Business Rate program visit City of Newcastle website.

Hamilton SBR projects:

• Newcastle Fringe 2024
  The project will build on the Fringe Festival’s existing presence on Beaumont Street by expanding the number of shows with more family-friendly events and micro-performances in local businesses.
• Newcastle Pride Festival 2023 – Hamilton
  Newcastle Pride has developed a diverse range of free and ticketed events to be delivered throughout Hamilton during the Newcastle Pride Festival in October. The project incorporates daytime and evening events for all ages, including ‘Roving Real Queens of Hamilton’, drag bingo, cocktails and a dance party.

New Lambton SBR projects:

• Little Festival New Lambton
  A whimsical street art festival walking trail featuring live street art painting on temporary and permanent structures, miniature installations, sculptures, stencils, chalk artworks, paste ups, yarn bombs, repurposed found objects, workshops, pop-up exhibitions and activations throughout the business precinct.
• Joan’s Inner Power Creative Program
  A four-day cultural and creative program set to activate the New Lambton precinct during New Annual festival. With a focus on the voices of women and gender diverse artists, this program will connect communities, celebrate stories and inspire social change through art and creative dialogue.

Wallsend SBR projects:

• Wallsend Op Shop Trail
  In collaboration with Wallsend Town Business Association, Samaritans, and the other four op shops on Nelson Street, the Wallsend Op Shop Trail is designed to encourage visitors to visit Wallsend on weekends.
• Streets Alive Wallsend!
  A series of all-inclusive two-hour pop-up events will be held in the Wallsend business precinct, providing entertainment and activities that encourage the local community and visitors to inhabit their public spaces with a sense of play, wonder and connection.
• Up&Up Inspirations ArtScape Community Festival
  UP&UP Inspirations will transform Wallsend Skate Park into a vibrant hub of creativity, catering to youth and families, featuring street art workshops, DJs, live music performances, and live street art painting exhibitions.

A man has been charged with firearms and domestic violence offences in the Hunter Valley region.

About 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 August 2023, a 59-year-old man allegedly threatened a 56-year-old woman with a firearm before firing a shot on the property at Pyne Way, Mount View.

The woman was able to escape and notify police attached to the Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced an investigation into the incident.

With assistance from PolAir, the man was tracked to an address on Short Street, Speers Point, where he was arrested by specialist police attached to the Tactical Operations Unit about 1am on Thursday 17 August 2023.

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with armed with intent to commit indictable offence, fire firearm manner likely injure persons/property, possess loaded firearm endanger life not public, common assault, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm.

Following the arrest, at 2.20pm, a search warrant was executed at the home on Pyne Way, where police seized firearms, ammunition and prohibited drugs.

The man was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court, where he was formally refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Tuesday 12 September 2023.

Inquiries are ongoing.