Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Central Coast.

Andrew Leggett, aged 56, was last seen in Belmont about 8.30am on Monday (15 December 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for Andrew’s welfare due to him living with a number of health conditions.

Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 185cm tall, large build, bald and may either be completely bald or is clean shaven.

He maybe wearing a shirt and shorts. The colour of these items are unknown.

Inquiries have established that he could be travelling to Queensland

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Extraordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 16 December 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Endorsement of public exhibition for Climate Change Action Plan 2030

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2030 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days, commencing in early 2026.

Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice

Council voted unanimously to adopt a revised Code of Meeting Practice.

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft Local Streets Plan 

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Local Streets Plan: On Our Roads on public exhibition for a period of six weeks, commencing in early 2026.

Newcastle Maritime Museum Society collection

Council laid on the table the original report and instead voted to invite the Newcastle Maritime Museum Co-Chairs to attend an extraordinary meeting of City of Newcastle (to be scheduled on 13 January) in order to allow opportunity to answer any outstanding queries that exist.

Supplementary Report – Adoption of Effective Communication between Councillors and Staff Policy 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Effective Communication between Councillors and Staff Policy, ensuring that Councillors and City of Newcastle staff are aware of what constitutes appropriate communications.

Notices of Motion 

Support for the Link Road Forest Campaign

Council supported a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Minister for the Environment, and relevant agencies seeking a joint meeting with the Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Adamczyk, Council’s Director of Planning and Environment, and representatives of the Link Road Forest Campaign to discuss the proposal for a National Park.

Further advocacy for the reinstatement and expansion of the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to continue advocating to the NSW Government for the reinstatement and expansion of the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund and look at expanding the scheme to cover more of the Newcastle LGA.

Late items

Stockton Ferry Services – Acknowledgement of prompt response by NSW Premier and Transport for NSW

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge the NSW Premier and the NSW Government for providing prompt reassurance and advice regarding the prompt return of Stockton ferry services, and to affirm Council’s support for future investment in a modern, low-emissions ferry fleet, including electric ferry technology.

Condolence motion for the victims of the Bondi Beach tragedy

City of Newcastle acknowledges the tragedy that occurred at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025 and offers sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragedy at Bondi Beach, noting this tragedy occurred on the first day of Hanukkah – a significant Jewish festival of commemoration.

A man will face Court over allegedly displaying an offensive symbol in a public place in the state’s Lake Macquarie area.

On Saturday 6 December 2025, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended a home on Albert Street, Swansea, in relation to a prohibited nazi symbol displayed on a boat parked at the location.

Police commenced an investigation into the matter.

Following inquiries, on Tuesday 16 December 2025, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District executed a search warrant at a house in Albert Street, Swansea, and arrested a 32-year-old man.

Police seized two marine vessels and other items which will be subject to further examination.

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with three offences – cause prohibited Nazi symbol to be displayed in a public place, offensive behaviour and breach of bail.

The man was refused bail to appear in Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 17 December 2025).

City of Newcastle has unveiled a plan to transform part of the remediated landfill at Shortland into a solar farm, battery hub and heavy vehicle EV charging facility.

The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct has the potential to meet City of Newcastle’s growing renewable electricity needs, while also benefiting the community through a renewable energy sharing scheme.

The potential location of the proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct at ShortlandThe project forms part of the draft Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 (CAP 2030), which Councillors will vote to place on public exhibition at next week’s extraordinary council meeting.

The plan sets out the actions City of Newcastle will take to achieve net zero emissions from its operations by 2030 and to support a Newcastle-wide transition to net zero emissions by 2040.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said it provides a clear, evidence-based pathway for taking action to address climate change.

“The CAP 2030 has been developed through extensive community consultation, economic modelling, best-practice research and cost-benefit analysis,” Ms Kikken said.

“The science-based targets in the CAP 2030 align to the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit average global temperature increases to 1.5°C, to significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.

“Australia’s climate has warmed by an average of 1.51°C since national records began in 1910, with eight out of the nine warmest years on record occurring since 2013.

“As our region transitions to clean energy, it’s vital everyone in our community can access affordable, reliable and renewable energy. Our Energy for All program will empower culturally and linguistically diverse communities and renters to lower their energy bills through advice and support, personalised energy bill checks and support to access rebates and savings.

“The ultimate goal would be to move beyond net zero and actively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than is produced by leveraging nature-based solutions such as urban greening, tree planting and the restoration of ecosystems, to sequester carbon.”

Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Declan Clausen said the draft CAP 2030 includes a range of initiatives to help City of Newcastle achieve its climate goals.

“This includes electrifying City of Newcastle’s fleet of vehicles, trialling renewable diesel fuel, and phasing out gas installations and heating with electric power,” Cr Clausen said.

“The plan also includes a new target of net zero emissions from landfill gas by 2040, as well as increasing the utilisation of recovered materials and sustainable product alternatives in City of Newcastle operations and construction works.”

The 60-hectare former landfill on Astra Street operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation at the site to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.

If a business case for the Community Energy Precinct is accepted, the site could feature a large-scale 10-megawatt solar farm and a 20-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System, providing heavy electric vehicle charging for City of Newcastle vehicles and local commercial operators, as well as the potential for a community energy sharing model.

There would also be an opportunity to expand landfill gas collection and flaring at Astra Street to further generate carbon credits.

To implement the CAP 2030, an estimated $42 million of capital investment would be required over the next five years, with City of Newcastle to seek at least 50% matched funding through grants and commercial partnerships.

If the plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year by 2030 thanks to income from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery Energy Storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said City of Newcastle is leading the way in addressing climate change.

“City of Newcastle was the first council in NSW to be powered by 100% renewable electricity,” Cr McCabe said.

“We’ve designed and delivered multiple projects that have reduced costs, lowered emissions and strengthened community resilience.

“The CAP 2030 will be our third Climate Action Plan and will support the delivery of Newcastle 2040, our Community Strategic Plan, and the Newcastle Environment Strategy (NES).

“While the NES sets the long-term vision, the CAP2030 turns that vision into the steps we will take over the next five years.

“The CAP 2030 is built on feedback obtained through the development of the NES where the community told us they want a sustainable Newcastle, where we value our natural environment and respond to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the overuse of resources.

“Cities contribute the majority of global emissions, but councils influence many areas that can curb emissions, including in the areas of urban planning, transport, waste management, energy use and community engagement.”

If Councillors vote to place the draft CAP 2030 on public exhibition, the community will have the opportunity to have their say in early 2026.

MEU: Coal communities need stability and consistency following Net Zero Commission reportMining and Energy Union

The Mining and Energy Union has responded to the NSW Net Zero Commission’s Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report, emphasising the continuing importance of coal mining to the state’s economy and regional communities, and the need for clear, consistent emissions policy.

MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said coal mining remains a foundation of regional prosperity in NSW, supporting jobs, local small businesses and billions in annual state revenue.

“Coal mining delivers more than $3 billion a year in royalties for NSW and supports thousands of secure, well-paid regional jobs,” Mr Kelly said. “It also accounts for just 12 per cent of the state’s total emissions. Any policy discussion needs to recognise both sides of that equation.”

“We look forward to the Commission applying the same level of attention to the other 88 per cent of emissions across the state’s economy,” Mr Kelly said. 

Mr Kelly said the union has been clear in consultations with the Commission that the Commonwealth Safeguard Mechanism is already the established national framework for regulating emissions from coal mines. 

“The Safeguard Mechanism already requires mines to measure, report and reduce emissions, and it is driving investment in new technology,” he said. “Introducing additional state-based requirements of the kind suggested in the report risks creating overlapping obligations when a national system is already in place. Workers and communities need consistency and stability, not multiple sets of rules.”

Mr Kelly said coal mining will remain central to regional economies as new industries develop over time.

“Coal communities in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West have powered NSW for generations,” he said. “Coal continues to provide the economic base that allows regional communities to plan for the future.”

He said the MEU supports orderly, well-planned regional transition — not premature measures that could affect existing jobs.

“A balanced approach is essential,” Mr Kelly said. “We welcome investment in new industries, but the Commission should avoid recommending policies that would constrain necessary and viable coal operations at a time when those jobs, royalties and export earnings remain critical for regional NSW.”

Mr Kelly said the MEU will continue to engage constructively with the NSW Government and the Commission.

“Our priority is ensuring that emissions policy is fair, nationally consistent and supports the long-term wellbeing of workers and regional communities.” He said.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate teenage girl missing from the state’s North Coast, who may now be in Newcastle.

Tamesa Mulherin, aged 15, was last seen at Korora 6.15am yesterday (Saturday 13 December 2025).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District were notified late yesterday and commenced inquiries to locate her.

There are concerns for Tamesa’s welfare due to her young age.

Tamesa is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 170cm to 180cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Inquiries have indicated Tamesa caught a bus to Broadmeadows in the Newcastle area, possibly arriving yesterday afternoon.

Today the Australian Government has unveiled a plan to work with the NSW Government and Tomago Aluminium to keep the smelter open beyond 2028.

This joint effort secures thousands of jobs at Tomago and across the Hunter, and positions Australia as a global leader in aluminium produced using renewable energy.

Over the coming months, Tomago Aluminium will work with the Federal and NSW Governments on a long-term renewable energy solution to support the smelter’s viability when its current energy contract expires in 2028.

The partnership aims to deliver a long-term, fixed-price power purchasing agreement for the smelter, along with concessional finance arrangements to accelerate renewable energy generation and storage developments in NSW.

As part of a successful agreement Tomago Aluminium will contribute at least $1 billion in capital and major maintenance investment over the next decade, which includes identifying further decarbonisation opportunities for the smelter.

This represents a significant milestone towards securing the smelter’s ongoing operations.

The Commonwealth Government, NSW Government and Tomago Aluminium are working together to secure more reliable, renewable energy supply for heavy industry in the Hunter region.

The Coalition’s “wasted decade” of energy policies saw 24 of the nation’s 28 coal‑fired power stations announce closures without a plan to replace this energy generation – scaring off investment in regional industries.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“We want to ensure that Tomago continues to forge Australia’s prosperity, and it continues to create and sustain good, skilled jobs.

“I want to thank the workers and the Hunter community who have faced uncertainty in recent weeks.

“My government is working together with the NSW State Government and Tomago Aluminium on a new energy agreement that will secure the future of the facility.

“Tomago has a proud place in Australia’s history – and we will ensure it has a central place in Australia’s future”

the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres

“Tomago Aluminium is a vital facility for the Hunter region, Australia’s aluminium value chain and Australia’s national interest.

“We want the Tomago workers to have as much certainty as possible – and I want to reassure the community that every lever in government is being looked at to secure industry in the Hunter.”

the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen

“Tomago Aluminium has made it clear: to remain competitive and secure its future the smelter needs a reliable and affordable supply of renewable energy, with ageing coal-fired power options being prohibitively expensive.

“While the coalition fight themselves, we’re fighting for the regions and bringing more renewables online faster – so we can deliver the modern and affordable energy grid Australian’s deserve and industry needs.”

the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson

“This is about our workers, their families, and our local businesses.

“We’ve worked very hard with our Labor colleagues to find a practical solution using renewable energy.

“I stand with my community and with local manufacturing right here in the Hunter region.”

A man has died following a multi-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 1.40pm (Friday 12 December 2025), emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Glennies Creek, near Singleton, following reports of a three-vehicle crash.

NSW Ambulance Paramedics treated the driver of a blue Mazda CX5 wagon – a 72-year-old man – however, he died at the scene.

The driver and passengers of a Nissan Navara utility were able to remove themselves from the wreckage of their vehicle. They were also treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics, with only a 42-year-old female passenger taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment. Her injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The third vehicle involved, a Toyota Tundra, driven by a 41-year-old man, was not injured.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Highway Patrol have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

City of Newcastle is putting local theatre makers in the spotlight with four dynamic productions as part of the 2026 season of Upstage at the Playhouse. 

Now in its third year, Civic Theatre’s UpStage program will feature works by Newcastle playwrights and theatre companies including two debut productions, with all four shows showcasing the region’s creative strength. 

Cr Jenny Barrie and Executive Manager, Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace join the representatives of each 2026 Upstage production outside the Civic Playhouse.Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said supporting Newcastle’s grassroots theatre makers is vital for thriving creative communities. 

“Newcastle is alive with talent that we are proud to showcase through this program, which provides a platform to tell local stories that resonate with our community, while offering visitors a new way to connect with Newcastle’s theatre culture,” Cr Barrie said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to support each of these production companies through this program, which has been embraced by the local community, with over two and a half thousand tickets sold across the four productions delivered during 2025.”

Upstage at the Playhouse was developed by the Civic Theatre to deepen engagement with the local theatre community by co-presenting and supporting works that showcase the talent, creativity, and diversity of the Newcastle region. 

Each of the selected shows will be given a two-week placement in the atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.

Local writer Mikaela Corrigan will be debuting her play She, Her and I with Cats in the Cupboard Productions, established in 2023. The play tells the story of three sisters who reunite after 20 years at their family home in Bar Beach to care for their sickly mother. 

Using visual media and local beach scenes to evoke memory and belonging, She, Her and I is a deeply cathartic and humorous story that will connect audiences to Newcastle’s coastline and the complexity of family dynamics.

Daniel Cottier Productions was established in 2024 and will make its debut with Occasional Combustible Disaster. Set in Karuah, the play follows a young teen who faces a life-altering decision days before finishing his HSC, and is packed with humour, heartbreak and an exploration of the nuclear family.

The Whisper is a dark comedy drama by Carl Caulfield, premiering with Stray Dogs Theatre Company. When a stranger moves into a family home as a lodger, he bears an uncanny resemblance to the family’s deceased son. As unsettling similarities emerge, household tensions begin to spiral. 

HER Productions will be staging Stephen Jeffery’s provocative portrait of the notorious poet John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester. The Libertine explores genius corrupted by excess, hypocrisy and the longing for authenticity. 

Executive Manager, Civic Theatre Leonie Wallace said the program reflects Newcastle’s growing reputation as a hub for original theatre.

“The Upstage program aims to amplify the work of both emerging and established creatives, giving them visibility within our community and beyond,” Ms Wallace said.

“By supporting works from emerging theatre companies alongside seasoned theatre practitioners, Civic Theatre is creating a platform that strengthens our city’s cultural identity and positions Newcastle as a hub for original Australian theatre.”

Occasional Combustible Disaster will be showing in March followed by The Libertine in July, The Whisper in August and She, Her and I in November.

For tickets and more information visit: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/upstage