Category: Newcastle News

A comprehensive review has outlined a strategic path for the City to enhance and protect Newcastle’s five public swimming pools for the community over the next 20 years.

The ‘Inland Pools Strategy 2043’ sets out an investment plan for Newcastle’s network of public swimming pools to ensure they are fit for purpose in the long term, while noting more than $5 million has been spent upgrading and $2 million maintaining our public pools over the past five years.

The draft Strategy proposes the creation of an Inland Pools Reserve Fund to ensure that funding is set aside annually to enhance the City’s five public pools over the next 20 years. The investigation has also found that the condition of the public pools will enable them to continue to operate without replacement until at least 2043.

From next week, CN will seek feedback from the community and key stakeholders, including a newly formed Inland Pools Community Network, that sought nominations from members of the public who regularly use Newcastle’s five publicly owned pools.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft Strategy considered current and future user needs, along with the existing conditions of the pools, to guide future investment.

“City of Newcastle’s public swimming pools attract more than 300,000 visitors every year. Independent research shows public satisfaction with our pools is more than 80%, making them just as popular as the Newcastle Art Gallery and Museum,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 shows how our network of five swimming centres service the community in their own unique way and sets a strategic direction for each, including upgrading Wallsend Swimming Centre as our population in the western suburbs increases.

“We’re now encouraging the community to have their say on the draft Strategy to help us shape how City of Newcastle protects and invests in its five public pools over the next 20 years.”

The draft Strategy was top of the agenda last night amongst the Inland Pools Community Network, a newly formed group of passionate community representatives.

Representatives for Lambton, Wallsend, Mayfield, Stockton and Beresfield swimming centres in addition to a school representative and accessibility advocate were selected via an expressions of interest process to make up the Network.

Cr Nelmes said each community representative is an active member of a local swimming centre and will help share information, provide feedback and advocate on behalf of pool users.

“City of Newcastle looks forward to working together with the Inland Pools Community Network as we invest in these community facilities and ensure they are accessible to everyone,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We look forward to hearing what each community representative brings to the table to help us plan for the future of our city’s much-loved inland pool network.”

Colin Irvine spends most days at Lambton Swimming Centre and said he is committed to actively contributing to the way the facilities are managed.

“These days I coach both swimming and water polo at Lambton Pool and am there most days. I can see the challenges faced by those running swimming pools from many perspectives,” Mr Irvine said.

“I have been a swimmer all my life and have spent a lot of time at Lambton Pool. In my younger years I was an elite level competitive swimmer and water polo player. As an athlete, a parent, a coach, a business owner, and as a frequent user, I have an appreciation for the challenges faced by local and state authorities in balancing competing community needs with scarce resources.”

Consultation will open on the draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 following the Easter holidays.

Beresfield netballers and pickleballers have been given a boost ahead of the new season with upgraded training facilities delivered as part of a $65,000 project to create a new multisport space for the community.

The revitalised community space has been upgraded with a dual netball and basketball court alongside a previously unused tennis court, which has been re-purposed to include facilities for Newcastle’s first pickleball court.

City of Newcastle completed the transformation of the Allendale Street facility in collaboration with the Beresfield and District Netball Club, which secured a $50,000 grant from the NSW Government with support from the State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said local projects such as the upgrade to the Beresfield netball court offer important opportunities for the community to engage in active and healthy lifestyles.

“We are pleased to have worked with the Beresfield and District Netball Club to deliver this innovative multisport community space ahead of the upcoming netball season and in time for the school holidays,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The project has also created Newcastle’s first pickleball court, giving residents a place to try their hand at this inclusive, low-impact sport, which is now one of the fastest growing sports in the United States.

“This upgraded multisport facility will provide a great place for kids and adults to catch up with friends and enjoy some friendly competition.

“City of Newcastle is committed to enhancing our sporting and recreational facilities across the local government area, with plans to invest almost $20 million into new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities as part of a record capital works program in our 2023/24 Budget.”

The upgrade of the Beresfield netball courts was designed to provide safer, high performance court surfaces for the local netballers as training for the upcoming season begins.

The project involved court surface repairs, top coating and a new anti-slip surface on the netball court, where the installation of reversible towers with both basketball and netball hoops and dual line marking extended the potential use of the space. New tennis netting on the adjacent court and line marking for both tennis and pickleball completed the multiuse upgrade of the facility.

Beresfield and District Netball Club Committee Members worked with City of Newcastle to come up with a plan for the multisport upgrade, making it a community facility that would be embraced by current and future players.

“Beresfield Netball Club are very pleased with the outcome of this project. We are beyond grateful to all involved for delivering important sporting facilities that will without a doubt drive our local community teams ahead of the new season,” Beresfield and District Netball Club Secretary Leanne Blackie said.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie.

Mark Walker, aged 45, was last seen leaving a hospital on Croudace Bay Road, Belmont, about 3am yesterday (Tuesday 4 April 2023).

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police Area Command were notified. A search was conducted of the area with the assistance of SES, Surf Life Saving, Fire and Rescue and Polair.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare.

Mark is described as being of Caucasian appearance, olive complexion, about 170 – 175cm tall, of medium build, with black hair, black beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing dark grey track pants, dark jumper, white joggers.

Mark is believed to be in the Green Point Reserve.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police 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. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The next stage of consultation has commenced to gain feedback on the future of the Newcastle 500.

Consultancy firm KPMG held the first of four stakeholder workshops today as part of a comprehensive consultation strategy developed on behalf of City of Newcastle to capture views on the event from across the community.

Industry representatives took part in today’s in-depth focus group, which has been held to understand the perceived benefits and challenges presented by the Newcastle 500.

Additionally, in-depth workshops are being held with local residents on Tuesday and Wednesday, alongside a meeting with local small to medium businesses.

The stakeholder consultation follows an extensive online survey, which launched in February and remained open throughout the delivery of the Newcastle 500, attracting more than 10,000 responses before it closed on 31 March.

During this time, KPMG also conducted a statistically significant phone survey to Newcastle residents, while in-person surveys held around the event precinct during the race period were carried out to provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to capturing views from across the community on the future of the Newcastle 500.

“The community have now experienced the Newcastle 500 four times, we are committed to an open and transparent process of consultation to help inform any future decisions on this event,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re committed to undertaking a robust, open process of consultation through consultants KPMG, who are using a range of online, in-person and telephone surveys before, during and after the race period to gather feedback from a wide a range of people.

“This feedback will allow councillors to better understand the community’s views on issues around liveability, economic benefit or challenges, perceptions of the event and its impact on the visitor economy.”

Should Supercars Australia and Destination NSW first agree to an extension, City of Newcastle’s elected Council will vote on whether Newcastle continues as host city. A report on the feedback and insights from the community consultation will help inform the Council’s decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500.

City of Newcastle (CN) is appealing for information about the removal of more than 35 items of aluminium street furniture from a CN storage facility.

The picnic tables and chairs were being stored at a Shortland site after being temporarily removed from Foreshore Park and the surrounding precinct for the duration of the Newcastle 500.

Work crews were due to collect and re-install the street furniture in their original locations around Newcastle Beach, Nobbys Beach and Foreshore Park last week as part of the Newcastle 500 bump-out.

The apparent theft of the items, which would have required several truckloads to remove, has been reported to Police, and CN is working closely with them to identify those responsible.

CN will work towards replacing the furniture as soon as possible, however it is incredibly disappointing that this theft will come at a cost to the community.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the aluminium furniture or their removal should contact Crime Stoppers on 131-444.

Patients in the Hunter region are a step closer to getting better after hours health care, with an agreement reached with the local Primary Health Network (PHN).

The Albanese Government is providing approximately $5.5 million per annum over four years to the Hunter New England Central Coast PHN to commission Hunter Primary Care to restore after hours services at four GP Access clinics and reopen the Calvary Mater Clinic.

The Former Liberal Government failed to fund the GP Access services, forcing the GP Access clinic at the Calvary Mater Hospital to close permanently and four other clinics to significantly reduce their hours from Christmas Eve 2021.

Delivering on an election commitment, the funding means people in the region will find it easier to see a GP or nurse after hours and reduce pressure on local emergency departments.

With funding for the services due to lapse on 1 July, the agreement also gives certainty to patients and healthcare professionals.

GP Access clinics offer face to face and telehealth primary care services outside business hours. These services are bulk billed to anyone with a Medicare card, and delivered by GPs and Registered Nurses.

The funding will allow the clinics at Belmont Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, Maitland Hospital and Toronto Polyclinic to restore their operational hours, which had been reduced on weekends, public holidays and nights. It will also enable a fifth clinic in Newcastle to be reopened in May 2023, using space at the Calvary Mater Hospital.

GP Access After Hours clinics are open when most general practices are closed, including weeknights (from 6pm), weekends (Saturday from 1pm, Sunday from 9am), and public holidays (24 hours).

Minister Butler said:

“After the Liberals cut the funding to GP Access After Hours the Albanese Government moved quickly to restore and expand after hours health care for people who live across the Hunter.

“It means people of all ages, families and children can get top quality care from GPs and nurses outside of standard business hours.

“Services are free and all patients need is their Medicare card.

“The benefits are many – patients get ready access to care after hours and the demand on local emergency departments is reduced.”

Minister Conroy said:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitments to Lake Macquarie by restoring this unique and vital service.

“Restoring these hours will take pressure off our overcrowded emergency departments during their busiest times.”

“There are very few people in our region who have not used the services of the GP Access After Hours.”

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“The Albanese Labor Government is making good on our commitment to the people of Newcastle.”

“I hear from Novocastrians every week about how hard it is to see their doctor. The former Liberal Government’s cuts and 6-year freeze to Medicare rebates has created a crisis in general practice.”

“Restoring hours at John Hunter Hospital and reopening the clinic at the Calvary Mater Hospital will help ease some of this burden.”

Dan Repacholi MP said:

“I have seen and heard the horror stories of people waiting days and even weeks to be able to get into see their GP. 

“The restoration of the opening hours of the GP Access After Hours Service in Toronto, will mean residents can see a doctor while they are sick, and will reduce our overcrowded Emergency Departments.

“This change will mean residents in Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Morisset, Cooranbong, Toronto, and right across the Hunter electorate, will have access to quality care and will mean a reduction in Hospital waiting times.”

Meryl Swanson said:

“Our Government is delivering on our election commitments to the region by restoring vital health services.

“I’m delighted that the people of Paterson and, indeed, the wider Hunter will see these critical services restored.

“Our Government is taking a practical and common sense approach to improving critical Healthcare for the region.” 

City of Newcastle will begin planning for the renewal of Broadmeadow as a regionally significant growth area providing new housing and job opportunities during the next 20 years alongside the proposed sporting and entertainment precinct at Hunter Park.

Broadmeadow has been identified in the NSW Government’s Hunter Regional Plan 2041 as a regionally significant growth area. Its central location can support diverse and affordable housing options, and become a nationally significant sport and entertainment precinct for Greater Newcastle and the Hunter.

Council last night unanimously endorsed to prepare a draft Place Strategy in partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment and will now engage with multiple stakeholders including the community to seek input about their vision for the area.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Place Strategy will help set the vision, direction and guide where key infrastructure and services should be located within Broadmeadow.

“Broadmeadow’s central location, existing and future public transport opportunities, Government-owned land and large industrial sites offer significant opportunity for open space and community facility improvements along with providing essential housing and the creation of jobs,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is working in close partnership with the NSW Government to ensure that the Department of Planning and Environment proposal to rezone land for additional housing within the precinct fits with the overall vision for this regionally significant area.

“Over the coming months, City of Newcastle will be encouraging locals who live, work and play in Broadmeadow to provide input to help shape the vision to guide future change.

“We want to better understand the precinct’s unique opportunities and we’ll achieve this by engaging with our local community while also utilising a range of technical studies to support planning for Broadmeadow’s future to create a new and enhanced place for the community to use and enjoy for years to come.”

Executive Director Planning & Environment Michelle Bisson said the Place Strategy will look holistically at the precinct.

“We will be considering infrastructure, opportunities and constraints, as well as the planning matters in order to enhance the area for both current and future residents. It will be used to guide future planning proposals and development in the area,” Ms Bisson said.

Residents in and around the Broadmeadow precinct will receive a brochure with more information about the planning process and how they can get involved, including through an online survey and future information sessions.

A report will be presented to the elected Council in late 2023 to publicly exhibit the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy for further comment.

Work is set to commence in the coming weeks on construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall in Stockton.

The protection structure is the first of three planned structures that will shield vulnerable sections of Stockton’s coastline in the event of large swells, significantly reducing the chances of erosion and loss of public and private land.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that she was looking forward to seeing this promised next stage of onshore works at Stockton underway.

“These works are an important part of City of Newcastle’s (CN) $27.5 million investment at Stockton since the adoption of our Coastal Management Plan in 2020, with $9.5 million invested so far,” Cr Nelmes said.

CN’s Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby, said that the structure will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground. Once constructed, only the top of the round beams will be visible at ground level.

“The design of the structure considers its ability to address erosion from storm events, as well as long-term beach recession. It also considers the requirement to protect public assets at high-risk,” Ms Rigby said.

“We are also making progress on repairs to damage from past erosion events at the King Street breakwater and expect construction to be completed next month.”

CN has continued regular liaison with the Worimi Registered Aboriginal Parties to ensure current and future works respect the significance of the Stockton coastline to the Worimi people and protects their heritage.

The buried protection structures and emergency works complement the longer-term strategy of mass sand nourishment. CN has already undertaken significant work to understand the cause of erosion and beach recession, and gain community support for an evidence-based solution in close collaboration with the Stockton community.

The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) is in development and steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

More information about the buried protection structure is available on our project information page.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 March 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

NSW election results

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the election of Chris Minns as Premier and the NSW Labor Government following the NSW State Election held on 25 March 2023, and congratulated local Greater Newcastle and Hunter Members of Parliament on their re-election. It also supported the Minns Labor Government’s promise to reinstate the position of a dedicated Minister for the Hunter and committed to continuing our collaborative working relationship with the NSW Government, the NSW Opposition and Independent Members of the NSW Parliament for the benefit of the people of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle hosts world-class events

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted the increase in local visitation to Newcastle as a result of successful events held in the city in recent weeks. This included the Newcastle 500, during which City of Newcastle helped facilitate raising more than $40,000 for Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children. The Lord Mayoral Minute thanked the work of local businesses, City of Newcastle employees and the Newcastle community for their support and cooperation in hosting these successful events and promoting our beautiful city.

Ordinary business

Public exhibition of draft Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the draft 2023-2024 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and draft 2023-2024 Fees and Charges for 28 days prior to the final consideration by Council.

Adoption of Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy

Council received a report of the public exhibition of the Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy and voted to adopt the updated policy. Council noted correspondence from BIA Chairs, and requested that the BIA facilitator, working with Ms Musumeci, organises combined resourcing for high pressure cleaning in all BIA areas.

Darby Street Streets as Shared Spaces – retention of infrastructure

Council voted to retain infrastructure installed for the Darby Street – Streets as Shared Spaces Trial between Bull and Queen Streets, Cooks Hill including existing traffic calming infrastructure and outdoor dining deck. Council will also place concept plans for upgraded traffic calming infrastructure at the southern and northern entries to the 30km/h zone on public exhibition.

Broadmeadow Place Strategy

Council voted unanimously to endorse the preparation of a draft Place Strategy for the Broadmeadow Regionally Significant Growth Area as identified in the Hunter Regional Plan 2041. A report to publicly exhibit the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy will be presented to Council in late 2023.

37 Llewellyn Street, Merewether – right of way review

Council received a report on the investigation into the right-of-carriageway at 37 Llewellyn Street, Merewether and noted that the investigation is continuing. City of Newcastle is seeking support for a public access to be created through the Merewether Fire and Rescue Station. A formal complaint has been lodged with NSW Fair Trading about the professional conduct of the Private Certifier and a request has been made to the Minister for Fair Trading to investigate.

Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel (HCCRPP) – changes to planning panels

Council voted to appoint Cr Wood, Cr McCabe and Cr Church as additional alternate members of the HCCRPP, upon acceptance by the nominated councillors.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2023.

Tender report – recyclable waste collection services and bin supply

Council voted unanimously to accept a new tender for recyclable waste collection services and mobile garbage bin supply.

Notices of Motion

Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy

Council voted against a notice of motion calling for updates the Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy to explicitly define that a Public Briefing shall not be made by a member of staff.

Requesting attendance data from Supercars

Council supported an amended notice of motion noting that the CEO of Supercars has committed to providing a detailed breakdown of the ticketing for the 2023 Newcastle 500, which will be provided to Councillors and the community to enable the Council to make a more informed decision on the economic impact for the city from hosting the Newcastle 500. This decision will only be required if the NSW Government indicates it intends to support the race’s continuation for another five years.

Funding for Trove

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the importance of Trove as a national digital archive service, to record and access Australia’s history and culture. City of Newcastle will write to the Federal Minister for the Arts, Shadow Minister for the Arts, and the Federal Member for Newcastle calling for sustainable funding to ensure the continuation of free access to the Trove national database and upgrade of the digital archive systems of Trove.

Infrastructure contributions reform concerns

Council endorsed an amended notice of motion that welcomed the election of a Chris Minns Labor Government in NSW and thanked NSW Labor for its steadfast and consistent opposition of the former Liberal Government’s proposed unfair raiding and diversion of Council infrastructure contributions, which would have left councils and local communities worse off, and impacted Council’s ability to fund important local infrastructure required to support growth.

Late item

Determination of income taxation for councillors

Council resolved that Lord Mayor and Councillor fees be subject to income tax withholding under Part 2-5 of the Taxation Administration Act 1953 – sections 446-5 of Schedule 1, with effect from 1 July 2023.

Stories of service life and sacrifice inked on the skin of current and former Australian military personnel have been made into a powerful photographic exhibition now on display at Newcastle Museum.

Curated by the Australian War Memorial, Ink in the Lines features the stories and tattoos of 22 veterans from across Australia. The 76 photographic portraits are the result of an Australian War Memorial photographic commission conducted in 2018.

Audio interviews played on screens within the exhibition help capture the raw emotion of each participant as they explain why they chose to commemorate and honour their service, or the service of loved ones, through the medium of tattooing.

Australian War Memorial senior curator Stephanie Boyle says she is thrilled to bring the touring exhibition to Newcastle and hopes it resonates with local audiences with the region’s strong military heritage.

“Behind every tattoo is a story. Ink in the Lines does what no other exhibition in Australia has done – it shares stories of Australia’s military veterans through their tattoos,” Ms Boyle said.

“Personal stories are the cornerstone of the exhibition. Every veteran who participated in the commission volunteered to share their experiences and motivation for getting inked. Some stories are painful, others inspiring, all are deeply personal.

“Through powerful images and stories, the exhibition provides an engaging and interactive platform for the examination and understanding of contemporary tattooing in today’s Defence Forces, set within the context of the broader history of tattooing in Australian military forces.”

Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said the exhibition evoked powerful emotions and provides a unique insight into the lived experience of Australia’s service personnel and their families.

“One can’t help but walk away from this exhibition with a renewed respect for what it’s like to be a veteran, and the personal toll it takes to serve Australia in the military,” Cr Duncan said.

“This is a very special exhibition to have here in Newcastle especially with upcoming Anzac Day commemorations. I encourage all Novocastrians to view this powerful free exhibition at the Museum.”

City of Newcastle Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said touring exhibitions played an important role in Newcastle Museum’s programming.

“Ink in the Lines demonstrates the Museum’s commitment to providing quality exhibitions that appeal to a wide range of audiences and provide insight into a diverse range of subjects that help us understand our history and identity,” Ms Baird said.

“Tattoo art is an incredibly popular form of self-expression and creativity, which often has deeply personal and meaningful motivation. We’re honoured to be able to explore the stories behind these tattoos in this incredible exhibition, which is sure to attract visitors interested in the tattoos themselves as well as those with a more personal connection to the armed forces.”

Ink in the Lines is on exhibition until Sunday 4 June 2023. Newcastle Museum opens from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday and seven days during the school holidays. Visit the Newcastle Museum website for more information.