Category: Newcastle News

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.

Extended outdoor dining options could be here to stay on Newcastle’s renowned eat street following a successful six-month trial by City of Newcastle.

Councillors will vote next week to retain the popular raised outdoor dining deck installed along a section of Darby Street under the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces initiative.

Key features of the trial recommended to be retained include the raised outdoor dining deck, a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Headphones Courtyard and the reduction of the speed limit to 30km/h.

Extensive consultation was undertaken with businesses, residents, and the community before and during the trial, which was designed to encourage increased visitation and trade along Darby Street after the impacts of COVID-19 while also improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said feedback from businesses and the community showed strong support for the improvements.

“In the first three months of the trial we saw a 67% increase in visitation, a 13% increase in cyclists using Darby Street, and average vehicle speeds north of Council Street were reduced from 42km/h to 30km/h,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Overall, most people (69%) who provided feedback in our online survey support retaining the trial infrastructure.

“This trial gave us a unique opportunity to try new things and test ideas for community spaces and we can take these learnings to other commercial areas across the Newcastle LGA.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said he worked closely with a small number of businesses and residents who raised concerns about the loss of parking and noise impacts from the traffic calming infrastructure.

“During the trial we had some feedback that noise was being generated by speed humps at the southern entry of the 30km/h zone while others provided feedback about cyclist safety at the northern entry,” Cr Clausen said.

“Should the infrastructure be retained, these items would be addressed with a revised design for the traffic calming infrastructure, which would be placed on public exhibition in April for the community to review and comment on.

“We also heard that the community supported the continuation of the free, two-hour timed parking in the Queen Street carpark which was introduced to compensate for on-street parking losses.”

Council will consider the future of the trial infrastructure at next week’s Council meeting.

The trial was made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2) and funding from the City of Newcastle’s Urban Centres Program.

More than $137 million has been earmarked for investment into local facilities and infrastructure projects as part of a record Budget balancing community needs with a $6.9 million surplus.

The Council will place its 2023-24 Budget on public exhibition for community feedback next week.

It includes City of Newcastle’s largest annual capital works program to date, with almost 270 projects planned across the city during the next financial year.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a key focus of this Budget is maintaining ongoing financial sustainability alongside the delivery of a high level of essential community services.

“Our list of projects extends across the city, with increased investments in community infrastructure, facilities and services that will help renew and reinvigorate Newcastle as we continue to build an inclusive, liveable, and sustainable city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Infrastructure renewal is a priority to deliver everyday benefits to all Novocastrians, with $26.5 million to be invested in roads, bridges, footpaths and community buildings including $7.5 million for our citywide road resurfacing program.

“Almost $20 million will be spent delivering new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities, which provide important opportunities for the community to engage in active and healthy lifestyles.

“This includes $5 million towards the first stage of the landmark all-abilities playground and water park at Foreshore Park and construction of the reimagined playground and amenities upgrade at Hamilton’s much-loved Gregson Park, as well as $7.5 million to improve inland pools and ocean baths across the city, including the continued revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and delivery of the Lambton Park Swimming Centre grandstand upgrade in time for the new swim season.

“These projects are fundamental to improving the way we work and live, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and investment.”

Other Budget highlights include:

• $22.5 million towards the expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery
• $14 million to complete the remediation of the former landfill site at Astra Street in Shortland
• $13.5 million for environmental sustainability, including $1.5 million towards street tree planting
• $8 million towards planning and protecting our coastline, estuaries and wetlands
• $6.9 million for urban and city centre revitalisation projects including the next stage of the East End upgrade in the Hunter Street Mall, and Local Centre upgrades at New Lambton
• $5 million will be invested in cycleways and transport options
• $4.9 million on stormwater upgrades to address localised flooding
• $4.7 million towards the construction of an organics facility to compost food and garden waste and a materials recovery facility to increase our capabilities for recycling and reuse of waste products
• $4.2 million towards the replacement of the Boscawen Street Bridge to reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD
• $2 million to continue works to beautify and improve access along Bathers Way.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said prudent financial management will deliver a second consecutive surplus budget without compromising our capacity to maintain services and meet community commitments.

“City of Newcastle is not immune to the unprecedented levels of inflationary pressures and high costs of living impacting our community,” Mr Bath said.

“However, through prudent financial management, we will improve our budget position to a $6.9 million surplus in 2023–2024. Our current and future budget surpluses will provide funding for unforeseen and future projects in our city.”

Newcastle Basketball, City of Newcastle and the State Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper have today announced a new $30 million basketball stadium will be built in Newcastle.

The NSW Government will fund the construction of the regional level, indoor basketball facility in Newcastle after committing an additional $5 million to a previous $25 million commitment for what was then intended to be a new stadium on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown.

The new facility will be built on a Crown Land site managed by City of Newcastle opposite McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow. The 12-court stadium will be built in two stages; stage one seeing the construction of up to eight courts, and stage two including a show court for 2,000 spectators.

Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper, who secured the additional funding commitment from the NSW Government, said the facility will be a major boost for basketball in the region.

“I’m really glad the Government has agreed to this extra funding and I’m hopeful that Labor will match it,” Mr Piper said.

“It’s a shame the stadium couldn’t be built on the originally-intended site in Lake Macquarie, but this still gives us a first-class regional facility which can be accessed by everyone from Morisset to Port Stephens.

“We all know that construction costs have soared by more than 20% in recent years, so this additional money will make sure we get the regional facility we deserve rather than a scaled-back version of the original.

“It will not only cater for our next generation of basketball stars but also major events and sports tourism, so I’m very pleased to have got the $30m required to build this fantastic regional facility.”

Newcastle Basketball President Kristi Faber said the new stadium will be one of the largest in Australia and will serve its massive catchment of Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

“This is a great result for Newcastle basketball. We would like to thank the State member for Lake Macquarie, Mr Greg Piper, for his ongoing support of this project,” Ms Faber said.

“The only thing preventing further growth is our existing stadium beside Broadmeadow Train Station, which is 53 years old and just too small to cater for player demand.

“Because we currently utilise six courts, with only two of these being full size, registrations for all our competitions and programs typically fill within a week. This means we are turning children away literally every week of the year.

“This funding allows elite and amateur basketball to remain in Newcastle, which is the geographical centre of our catchment. The new site on Turton Road has great public transport links, and ample accommodation and hospitality venues to support national tournaments that will now come to Newcastle.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the proposed development immediately across from Broadmeadow sports and entertainment precinct would deliver vital new sporting infrastructure for the community.

“For more than half a century Newcastle has been the physical and spiritual home of basketball in this region, with a proud tradition of developing players who have gone on to represent the sport at the highest level,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Today Newcastle Basketball’s ability to meet the demand for the sport in the region has been constrained by the ageing stadium at Broadmeadow, which is no longer fit for purpose as local basketball booms in popularity.

“It will also provide a facility that allows Newcastle to finally have a team in the Women’s National Basketball League.

“Newcastle will have a venue capable of not only hosting a professional women’s team, but also state and national basketball tournaments, which will increase tourism and deliver positive economic benefits for local businesses.”

The Crown Land site is home to Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, is owned by the NSW Government and is managed by City of Newcastle.

Acting Executive Director Creative and Community Services Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was preparing a precinct plan for the surrounding sportsgrounds including Arthur Edden Oval, Ford Oval, Kentish Oval and Harker Oval, to ensure ongoing and equitable access to and best utilisation of sporting facilities.

“City of Newcastle will work closely with the sporting groups and other stakeholders who currently use Wallarah and Blackley Ovals to see local training and club games continue with minimal disruption,” Ms Duffy said.

The catchment of Newcastle Basketball includes the state electorates of Lake Macquarie, Swansea, Newcastle, Charlestown, Wallsend and Port Stephens.

The new Stadium was originally proposed to be built on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown but was refused by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel in May last year on multiple grounds.

More than 1,200 newly arrived international students and their families were officially welcomed to the city by the Lord Mayor today and equipped with resources, services and programs to orientate them with everything Newcastle has to offer.

The Lord Mayor announced a new International Student Ambassador initiative developed by the University of Newcastle (UoN) and supported by City of Newcastle (CN) to help cultivate a culture of belonging for all international students living and studying in Newcastle.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said international students enhanced Newcastle’s global reputation in education and were an asset to the city’s cultural fabric.

“City of Newcastle is partnering with University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships with international students and set up the foundations for a life-long network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We welcome international students’ skills, knowledge, diversity of experience and cultural expression that actively contributes to the economic opportunities and the richness of our city.

“Investing in people and enabling them to grow is one of the best ways that local government can drive the local economy, and we aim to double international student arrivals by 2030, as outlined in CN’s Economic Development Strategy.

“The Strategy is built on addressing skills gaps in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, TAFE, and secondary schools. Students are presented with opportunities to grow their skills and acquire the knowledge needed to participate in emerging economic opportunities that will come as the city and region transitions to renewable energy technology, biomedical innovation and aerospace manufacturing.”

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said international students were an important part of campus life.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming our international students to the city and our campuses. The pandemic made it difficult with online and remote learning. We missed all of our students, but we’re so pleased to have them back,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This year, we have welcomed our University’s largest cohort of commencing international students ever. They have helped bring our campuses to life with activity and have contributed to the culture and diversity of our communities.

“We are working with City of Newcastle to ensure that international students experience the best our city can offer. Our new International Student Ambassador roles initiative is one of the ways we’re helping to ensure students get the opportunities to build meaningful connections and succeed in our region.”

At today’s event, students were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent through a collaborative artwork piece titled ‘All cultures weave’, providing a vivid representation of the rich cultural tapestry they bring to the city. The collaborative weaving artwork activity speaks to all cultures and will be installed within University of Newcastle’s NUSpace building.

Expressions of interest for the new International Student Ambassador roles will open mid-2023 for members of the Newcastle community who have a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges facing international students.

Visit MoveToNewcastle webpage for free resources, services and will shortly include more information about the International Student Ambassador Program.

Organised Crime Squad detectives have arrested two men and seized a kilogram of methylamphetamine and more than $40,000 in Newcastle.

Earlier this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad established Strike Force Eurack to investigate the alleged manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs, predominately methylamphetamine, in the Hunter region.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested two 30-year-old men in a carpark at Hunter Street, Newcastle, about 1.10pm yesterday (Wednesday 22 March 2023).

During a subsequent search of their vehicle, officers located and seized about 1kg of methylamphetamine and $37,500 cash. A hidden compartment was located, with two mobile phones and a further $4,000 in cash seized.

The vehicle – a Honda Accord – was also seized, with all items to undergo further forensic examination.

Both men were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with supply large commercial quantity prohibited drug and deal with property proceeds of crime.

Police will allege the men travelled between Sydney and Newcastle to transport the prohibited drugs to the Hunter region.

They were both refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 23 March 2023), where they were formally bail refused to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

Investigations under Strike Force Eurack are ongoing.

A man has died following a two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.

About 2.20pm (Wednesday 22 March 2023), emergency services were called to the Glenwood Drive and Poynton Place at Thornton, near Maitland, following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District found a motorcyclist and a blue Mitsubishi wagon had collided.

The male rider died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 38.

The driver of the vehicle – a 70-year-old woman – was uninjured. She was arrested and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing and released pending further inquiries.

A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway.

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