Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle welcomes the NSW Government’s announcement that the Department of Regional NSW will take responsibility for the delivery of initial amenity sand nourishment at Stockton Beach, after the funding was announced in October last year.

A $6.2 million grant was awarded in October through the Federal Government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Commonwealth and $1.5 million from the City of Newcastle.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that it was pleasing to see that an agency has been formally appointed, and welcomed the Minister for Regional New South Wales, the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, as the new Chair of the Stockton Beach Taskforce.

“We’ve stood together with the Stockton community over many years, particularly through the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Stockton Beach Taskforce, to fight for a fair outcome for Stockton, so it’s fantastic news that the Minns Labor Government have taken this positive next step towards renourishing Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Now that the Department of Regional NSW are on board as coordinator and NSW Public Works are confirmed as the delivery agency, we hope to finally see a consistent approach to the management of sand nourishment for Stockton.

“I look forward to working closely with Minister Moriarty, as well as the local Stockton community as we continue to protect public assets and restore amenity at Stockton Beach.”

The project funded by the grant includes the delivery of the initial amenity nourishment for Stockton, studies into possible sources of mass sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, as well as the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process, which has never before been undertaken in NSW.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting the NSW Government owned Stockton Beach, and the work to develop the draft Extended Coastal Management Program (CMP) is well underway.

“The Extended CMP is critical for realising the long-term vision for the Stockton coastline. It has been informed by extensive consultation with the community, as well as the findings of additional studies and investigations undertaken since the development of the 2020 CMP,” Ms Bisson said.

The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) 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.

The complementary actions featured in the Extended CMP are intended to prolong the benefits of mass sand nourishment.

“Delivering the CMP is a complex process, and each action outlined in the plan needs to be championed and funded by the most appropriate agency,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We look forward to confirming which NSW Government agencies will fund and own the mass sand nourishment implementation actions for managing erosion in Stockton at the upcoming Taskforce meeting, so that we can then finalise the draft CMP and place it on public exhibition later this year,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is appropriate that the NSW Government be tangibly involved in a solution for Stockton Beach, as it is their infrastructure, namely the breakwater and deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, that has been proven as the primary cause of ongoing erosion at Stockton Beach.”

City of Newcastle has taken a key step towards the recommencement of work at South Newcastle Beach following the project’s head contractor Lloyd Group entering voluntary administration in March.

The Newcastle project was one of hundreds across New South Wales and Victoria affected by the decision.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Project Management Robert Dudgeon said while the departure of Lloyd Group would have unavoidable impacts on the overall cost and timing, the project was moving forward with the interim appointment of a local contractor.

Daracon Group has been engaged to manage site safety, address remaining defective work items not completed before Lloyd Group left the site, and assist with confirming remaining works and associated costs.

“During their contract Lloyd Group delivered key components of the project scope, however there were a number of delays and quality issues during this time that extended the delivery program,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“Those defects now need to be quantified so a new contractor can come on board and complete the works.

“While it is disappointing that Lloyd Group’s departure has left us in this difficult position, this initial contract with Daracon will give us a clear picture of the way forward for this project so it can be completed for the community to enjoy.”

Daracon have taken possession of the site from today until City of Newcastle finalise the process to appoint a contractor to complete construction.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby acknowledged the importance of finalising this project for the community.

“Daracon were highly ranked during the original tender process and are experienced working on complex infrastructure projects in coastal environments, with a track record of successful delivery of major projects across Newcastle, including the current restoration of the Newcastle Oceans Baths,” Ms Rigby said.

“We know that the community are keen to see this project completed, and we look forward to recommencing work at the site shortly.”

The South Newcastle Beach Bathers Way project features a shared path from Shortland Esplanade to King Edward Park to improve access to South Newcastle Beach and King Edward Park, parking, landscaping, lighting and accessibility improvements, new fitness equipment, shade, seating, viewing areas, and a new café/kiosk and accessible amenities.

The wheelchair accessible skate bowl and terrain park will complement the advanced-level facilities at Empire Park, and have been designed to both withstand coastal impacts and minimise impacts to the surrounding environment.

City of Newcastle is kicking goals for football fans and players visiting Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval, with work commencing on a major redevelopment of the grandstand and amenities.

Demolition of the existing grandstand commences this week as part of a project worth more than $3 million, which is being funded by City of Newcastle, Newcastle Olympic Football Club (NOFC) and the State and Federal Governments.

The joint investment will deliver a new grandstand for NOFC’s passionate spectators with female-friendly changerooms and improved disability access, as well as the refurbishment of existing amenities and a new formal off-street carpark.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the upgrade of the grandstand, which will seat more than 300 football fans, will address an ever-growing demand for the ‘world game’.

“City of Newcastle is committed to investing in premium-level facilities that will not only benefit our local football talent but allow Newcastle to attract even more sporting events,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This project will deliver female-friendly changerooms to better cater for the growing participation of girls and women in football at both a local and national level.

“It will also ensure the spectator facilities meet the needs of all community members, with accessible parking spaces, new shared footpaths and amenities that will enhance the comfort and experience for people with a disability visiting Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.”

Amenities for people with a disability will be included on both levels of the building, while a lift will ensure the facility is fully accessible. The new grandstand will also include a community space and designated accessibility area on the upper floor for spectating.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project works supports a key action in CN’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan (2020) to provide a sportsground designated for staging NPL and WPL football games.

“We have worked collaboratively with NOFC to bring their long-held ambitions for the sportsground to life with a design that complies with NPL standards whilst ensuring Darling Street Oval can cater for a host of football training and fixtures all year-round including schools, juniors, social, premier women, and men’s football,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

NOFC President George Sofianos said as a club that is approaching its 50^th anniversary in 2026, its facilities have experienced a dramatic increase in usage from their 480 players and visiting teams.

“Newcastle Olympic has long been one of the powerhouse clubs in Northern NSW, but with the introduction of a comprehensive Women’s Football program in 2020, our club has been elevated further,” Mr Sofianos said.

“This new facility, and the upgrades to existing amenities, means that Darling Street Oval will be one of the few football facilities in the area with four changerooms and match official rooms, all of which are female friendly.

“In addition, it will be a more accessible facility, providing a more inclusive and enhanced football experience for all players, staff and spectators.

“Together with grants from the State and Federal Governments and a large contribution from the members of Newcastle Olympic, we are proud to have forged a strong partnership with the City of Newcastle who are a significant contributor to the project.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy reported missing from Mayfield West.

Miles Avison, aged 12, was last seen in the vicinity of Stevenson Park in Mayfield West about 1.15pm today (Saturday 13 May 2023).

Police and family hold concerns for Miles’ welfare due to his age.

Miles is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 157cm tall, with solid build, very short hair.

He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, grey baseball hat with ‘New Zealand’ written on and a long pants.

Anyone who may have seen Miles or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Students swapped the classroom for the great outdoors today during a hands-on lesson about urban biodiversity delivered by City of Newcastle.

Almost 100 Year 4 students from St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton pulled on their gardening gloves to plant 2,000 native ferns, flowering shrubs and grasses beneath six 100-year-old fig trees at Lambton Park, before learning about the importance of vegetation, fauna, and water health during a biodiversity “treasure hunt” for bird nests and insects along Lambton Ker-rai Creek.

The children were also encouraged to get creative with a fun art activity highlighting sustainability and the value of nature-based solutions.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to investing in and caring for our diverse natural environment.

“During the past four years, City of Newcastle has invested $7.8 million in caring for our bushland, watercourse and wetland assets through the design and delivery of on-ground habitat restoration works and community engagement programs,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In addition, the City has invested $6.3 million in street and park tree replacement planting, and growing our urban forest program.

“The greening of our urban landscape has a positive impact on Newcastle and improves our community sense of wellbeing.”

Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk said the outdoor classroom event would help create a sense of connection between the students and the environment in which they live.

“City of Newcastle cares for a wonderful array of natural ecosystems, including 80 kilometres of creeks, 512 hectares of bushland and over 113,000 street and park trees,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“These natural assets help absorb and store carbon, provide food and shelter for native wildlife, and keep our air and water clean, while also making our city a cooler, more beautiful and pleasant place to live.

“Engaging students in hands-on outdoor classroom activities is a fantastic way to increase their knowledge and passion for the local environment, leaving a legacy of expanding the urban forest and biodiversity in their local park that they can be proud of in years to come.

During the past four years, City of Newcastle has invested $7.8 million in caring for our bushland, watercourse and wetland assets through the design and delivery of on-ground habitat restoration works and community engagement programs. In addition, the City has invested $6.3 million in street and park tree replacement planting, and growing our urban forest program.

City of Newcastle is committed to becoming an International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) City with Nature, recognising and enhancing the value of our natural surrounds.

Construction is set to commence on the next stage of the revitalisation of the city’s East End enabling the reinstatement of the Hunter Street Mall as a traditional high street.

This stage of the project is expected to cost $1.9 million and will focus on a section of Hunter Street bound by Perkins and Brown Street, as a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point to the East End Village.

Wider footpaths will make way for alfresco dining and new street trees will increase shade cover, with the work also to include upgraded street lighting, road surfaces and stormwater infrastructure.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the next phase of the project represents an important step in revitalising a historic part of the city undergoing rapid and transformative renewal.

“City of Newcastle is investing in the future of our East End cultural heritage precinct, with this next phase of public domain works aimed at creating opportunities for new development, retail, public spaces and providing notable links to the harbour,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our vision for the East End Village is to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and as an attractive destination for locals and visitors to enjoy, with enhanced outdoor dining and unique local retail opportunities.

“We will be improving pedestrian accessibility, enhancing lighting and providing important cycling links to improve the functionality of entering the precinct.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said delivering these outcomes for the community have taken significant collaboration as well as public and private sector investment.

“City of Newcastle is proud to have undertaken significant planning work to protect the heritage of the East End, including the protection of important view corridors which are so iconic for our city,” Cr Clausen said.

“We are working closely with Iris Capital to deliver upgraded, high quality public amenity through our adopted East End Streetscape Plan, with the first $5 million stage already delivered by the City of Newcastle at the block bound by Hunter Street, Wolfe Street, King Street and Perkins Street.

“Together with Iris Capital and its contractors we are working to best coordinate the sequence of works in this next phase to reduce the impact on the community.”

The East End Village project is being delivered under the City Centre Revitalisation Program, one of City of Newcastle’s four Priority Projects. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend for more information.

A land search is underway in the Hunter region as police continue to search for a missing man.

John Simpson, aged 42, was last seen at an address on Great North Road, Laguna, on Wednesday 12 April 2023.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District have made a public appeal for information and today (Thursday 11 May 2023) commenced a land and water search for the man in the Laguna area.

Local police are being assisted by officers from Police Rescue, Operational Support Group, police divers from the Marine Area Command, and police trail bike officers.

John is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with medium build, brown hair and a grey beard.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The largest ever citizenship ceremony held in Newcastle filled the Civic Theatre on Wednesday morning.

More than 380 conferees from 68 countries were invited to take the pledge of commitment alongside family, friends and dignitaries.

Hailing from all corners of the globe, from Turkey and Colombia to Germany and South Africa, Newcastle’s newest citizens were treated to traditional performances by the Deadly Callaghan Yidaki Group and dancers of Hamilton South and Plattsburg public schools before receiving their citizenship certificates.

Among them was the Mahajan family, of Wallsend; Doctor Nikhil, his wife Shilpi, and their nine-year-old twins, Nishchay and Nishka.

Settling in Newcastle in 2016, Dr Mahajan, a liver and kidney transplant surgeon at the John Hunter Hospital, described his family’s immigration journey as “very smooth” and said they were proud to become Australian citizens.

“Having been born in India and lived and studied all over the country, India will always be home, but if I had to call somewhere else home, Newcastle is it,” Dr Mahajan said.

“When I finally finished my studies, I decided I wanted one or two more years’ experience overseas. We arrived here when our twins were only three, and Newcastle quickly won us over and we chose to stay and make it our new home.

“This city has welcomed and accepted us, there’s no place like it. We’ve lived in big cities like Delhi which has almost 33 million people, but the excitement is short-lived when you can reside this close to the beach and enjoy great work-life balance, plus you’re never more than 15 minutes away from friends.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was proud to confer citizenship upon a record number of Novocastrians and share with each of them such a special day in their lives.

“Today’s ceremony represents a significant achievement for the City of Newcastle, clearing the waitlist for those eligible for citizenship within the Newcastle Local Government Area and completing the all-important final step in the process for hundreds of families, making it easier for them to apply for jobs and an Australian passport, as well as vote at elections,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We are proud to be a progressive and inclusive city and we are so thrilled to be welcoming a record number of new citizens to Newcastle today.”

City of Newcastle (CN) has begun consulting with the community about ideas and feedback on the transformation of Broadmeadow over the next 20 years.

CN is leading the development of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, in partnership with the NSW Government. A new approach is being taken, where CN will lead the work to develop the place strategy and play an integral role in the strategic planning for the area.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she welcomed the opportunity to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver long-term outcomes for the community and rezone land to support 2,000 new homes.

“We know our population is growing, and Broadmeadow provides a unique opportunity to deliver housing, job opportunities and public spaces and facilities right in the heart of the Newcastle LGA,” Cr Nelmes said.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said a partnership between the NSW Government and council would deliver the best result for the community.

“We will work together to develop plans to transform Broadmeadow into a vibrant and connected community, with an abundance of housing, public spaces, and job opportunities,” Mr Scully said.

“This Place Strategy will inform detailed master planning for the precinct, and I encourage everyone to be part of the planning process and help shape Broadmeadow’s future.”

Locals who live, work and play in Broadmeadow are encouraged to help guide future change.

“We want to better understand the precinct’s opportunities from the community’s perspective. Working with the community, and considering advice from the technical experts, we will plan for Broadmeadow’s future and create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit for years to come,” Cr Nelmes said.

Planning is in the early stages and there will be a range of opportunities for the community to provide their feedback on plans as they develop over the next 12 months.

The public is invited to provide feedback via a short survey available on City of Newcastle’s website (https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/broadmeadow-place-strategy) and information drop-in sessions will be held so the community can learn more about the project.

Community information drop-in sessions will be held on:

• Wednesday 31 May from 10-1pm at Hamilton Library (46 James Street, Hamilton)
• Saturday 3 June from 1-4pm at Hamilton Library (46 James Street, Hamilton)
• Wednesday 7 June from 4-7pm at City of Newcastle Digital Library (12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West).

City of Newcastle (CN) will install parking sensors along Darby Street to help improve parking availability for customers of local businesses.

Darby Street commercial precinct was selected as a location for the new technology in response to feedback received during the recent Streets as Shared Spaces trial, and as part of recommendations identified in CN’s Parking Plan ‘On the Street’.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said supporting local businesses by improving parking turnover in this popular area is a priority.

“We conducted extensive consultation with businesses, as part of the highly successful Darby Street Streets as Shared Spaces project. From this feedback, we heard parking turnover was a concern for businesses, who requested that City of Newcastle explore more options to improve parking availability,” Cr Clausen said.

“Most businesses surveyed in the Darby Street and Hamilton precincts supported the installation of parking sensors.

“Installing the sensor technology will allow us to collect data on parking occupancy and turnover, ensuring parking spaces and restrictions suit the needs of customers and traders now and into the future.

“Many local businesses have told us that some drivers are parking well beyond the two-hour limit, which prevents people who are coming for a meal or coffee from being able to find a spot on Darby Street. The sensors will support our staff in enforcing the existing time restrictions, whilst ensuring turnover.”

In the coming weeks, sensors will be set beneath the road pavement in parking spaces along Darby Street (between Queen and Bull Street), Council Street (between Darby Street and Council Street Carpark exit) and in the Council owned carpark behind the Hotel Delany.

The sensors do not collect identifiable information, but work by recording when a vehicle arrives in a parking spot and when it leaves, monitoring the length of time the vehicle has stayed in the space.

Additional locations for parking sensors are under review for commercial precincts in Beaumont Street, Hamilton, and selected areas of Hunter Street, Newcastle.

Installation is planned to occur later this year in Hamilton, with areas in the Hunter Street precinct in Newcastle under consideration for installation in line with current infrastructure works in this area.