Category: Newcastle News

A man will appear in court today after allegedly throwing a puppy against a wall and assaulting a man in the Hunter Region.

About 9am (Friday 3 March 2023), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into an alleged assault and act of animal cruelty.

Police have been told two men – aged 18 and 24 – became involved in an argument before the younger man allegedly assaulted the older man, causing an injury to his eye.

The younger man has allegedly thrown a cattle x kelpie puppy against a wall causing serious injuries.

Eight-week-old ‘Dax’ was taken to a local vet for treatment for injuries including a broken leg, which had to be amputated.

Following inquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man in Maitland about 7pm (Friday 3 March 2023).

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.

The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Court on Saturday 4 March 2023.

Police will address the media following an aggravated home invasion at Muswellbrook overnight left four people injured.

About 1.15am (Saturday 4 March 2023), emergency services were called to a home on Forbes Street, Muswellbrook, following reports of an aggravated robbery.

Police have been told five men – wearing balaclavas and armed with weapons including machetes, knives, hammers and a pole – forced their way into the house and assaulted four occupants, demanding money.

A 59-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman, a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were treated at the scene for injuries including a suspected skull fracture, broken jaw, broken arm and lacerations. They were all taken to John Hunter Hospital at Newcastle for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Two dogs at the home were also struck with machetes and have been treated by a vet; they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the incident.

City of Newcastle is calling for a meeting of the NSW Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce, to determine which NSW Government agencies will fund and own the sand nourishment implementation actions for managing erosion in Stockton, as discussed at a meeting with the Stockton Community Liaison Group this morning.

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.

The Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce was established by John Barilaro in May 2020 to drive the implementation of sustainable long-term solutions to the coastal erosion issues for Stockton Beach – with a focus on sand sourcing options and pathways to seeking funding – and last met in June 2022.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that collaboration and leadership from all levels of government is vital to delivering a solution for the Stockton community.

“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.

“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.”

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, called on the State Government to commit to a solution as a matter of urgency.

“The east coast lows are likely to arrive any time, and we need commitment from the State Government to solve the problem of erosion.”

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 Extended CMP is an important next step to delivering the long-term vision.

“The Extended CMP 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.

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from the City of Newcastle.

NSW Public Works were appointed earlier this year to manage the project funded by the grant, which 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.

Pending confirmation of the allocation of responsibility for actions, the draft Extended Stockton CMP will then be finalised ahead of public exhibition in mid-2023.

SafeWork NSW are on the ground at this year’s Newcastle Show, checking amusement rides and speaking to ride operators to help ensure safety.

Head of SafeWork Natasha Mann said SafeWork Inspectors will attend the location today and tomorrow to carry out compliance inspections of all amusement rides and devices.

“Rides which are not maintained or operated properly can cause serious injuries and deaths, as we have tragically seen interstate,” Ms Mann said.

“SafeWork will inspect the setup of amusement rides before the show opens to the public, along with targeted verification audits on identified high-risk amusement devices like various roller coasters.

“Inspectors will also be looking for other safety issues such as non-compliant electrical installations, access in and out of the show, and the safe movement of forklifts and other vehicles around pedestrians.

“Thousands of people are expected to attend the Newcastle Show this weekend. SafeWork Inspectors will be out there to enforce the safety responsibilities of the organisers, ride operators and stall holders. We want to ensure that safety is their number one priority so that everyone has a great day out.”

Amusement ride operators are responsible for implementing effective service and maintenance schedules to ensure rides are safe to use. They are also responsible for providing a safe system of work and appropriate training for their workers to operate the rides safely.

Further information from the SafeWork NSW website can be found at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/amusement-devices

City of Newcastle is moving forward with the next stage of its $20.7 million commitment to reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD.

Councillors last night unanimously awarded the contract to replace the Boscawen Street Bridge to Quickway Constructions Pty Ltd, which is one of the key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.

Quickway has constructed roads and bridges for some of the largest infrastructure projects in NSW and Australia in recent years including the M4, the M5, the Ballina Bypass and the Pacific Highway upgrade between Woolgoolga and Ballina.

Construction is expected to begin mid-year on the $5 million project, which will increase the height of the bridge deck and double its span up to 24 metres to accommodate Hunter Water’s future widening of the stormwater channel it owns.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the bridge replacement is another important milestone to reduce the impact of flooding during major rain events and allow the town centre to thrive.

“We’re committed to upgrading the stormwater infrastructure in Wallsend to help alleviate the pressure from the Ironbark Creek channel and reduce the risk of flooding in the CBD,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ve already delivered significant upgrades through the construction of the $3.3 million Tyrrell Street bridge, which replaced the original 1930 bridge.

“This will be augmented by the replacement of both the Boscawen and Nelson Street bridges, as well as planned stormwater improvement upgrades at Cowper Street Bridge, which are critical to ensure we properly address the issue of flooding in Wallsend.

“While City of Newcastle is committed to investing over $20 million into these projects, we will also continue to advocate to the NSW and Commonwealth governments to assist the delivery of the full Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in the most timely manner.”

Flood modelling which has been seen and supported by Hunter Water shows that the only way to significantly reduce the likelihood of flooding in the Wallsend CBD is through the widening of the stormwater channel, which is owned by Hunter Water on behalf of the NSW Government.

The benefits of the new Boscawen Street Bridge will extend beyond flood mitigation measures, delivering a safer and more visually attractive link in the road network between Federal Park and the CBD, as well as enhanced connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians via a new shared pathway.

It will also pave the way for City of Newcastle’s planned program of traffic improvements and amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents in this growing western suburb.

Advocating for the needs of the local community was on the agenda today when City of Newcastle (CN) played host to the peak organisation representing councils across the state.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes met with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Cr Darriea Turley AM to discuss local concerns ahead of the upcoming State Government election.

Cr Turley said LGNSW’s election priorities and broader advocacy work are informed by the local experience of councils across the state.

“Meeting today with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and CEO Jeremy Bath was very productive and an opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues most affecting the council and their community,” Cr Turley said.

“Our visits to councils across NSW are always crucial as our advocacy priorities, including our current 2023 State Election Priorities, are informed by the local experiences of our state’s councils.”

Cr Nelmes welcomed the meeting, which she said provided an ideal opportunity to discuss ideas and collaborate on shared issues.

“City of Newcastle has a proven track record of working collaboratively with all levels of government to deliver the current and future needs of our community, including infrastructure, social programs, financial and environmental sustainability,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Such collaboration ensures our city continues to grow as a global gateway city and provide liveabilty and prosperity for the community.

“Working with Local Government NSW allows councils across NSW to provide a strong, unified front to advocate for the needs of our community, and communities across the state, for the betterment of all.”

Both organisations have released key priorities documents highlighting the critical issues facing the local government sector and detailing the support needed for councils to continue providing the services communities deserve.

This includes calling for the return of 100 per cent of the Section 88 waste levy paid by councils to the State Government, to be reinvested into local recycling facilities, landfill diversion, community education, technology improvements and circular economy opportunities.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss lack of housing supply and affordability pressures impacting communities, potential improvements to the State’s planning system and City of Newcastle’s own Accelerated DA System, which offers potential benefits statewide to streamline and accelerate determinations of development applications.

• For further information on the two advocacy documents, see the relevant links below:

City of Newcastle Advocacy State Election 2023

Local Government NSW Election Priorities 2023

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

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Sympathies for the people of Türkiye and Syria
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the catastrophic devastation caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake which struck Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 that has resulted in the deaths of more than 50,000 people and left more than 1.5 million people homeless.

City of Newcastle will write to the Turkish Ambassador in Australia and the Honorary Consul of Syria in Australia offering the condolences of the City.

In addition, City of Newcastle will also encourage Novocastrians, who would like to make a financial contribution, to donate through the United Nations Crisis Relief fund, with donations going directly to relief organisations delivering life-saving aid to the frontlines of the crisis.

Supporting the Greater Newcastle (Hunter) Offshore Wind Zone
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that welcomed the recent announcement by the Albanese Federal Government of its intent to establish Australia’s second offshore wind zone off the coast of Newcastle.

The Minute acknowledged City of Newcastle’s long history of supporting and implementing renewable projects and noted that an offshore wind industry offers many benefits for Newcastle.

City of Newcastle will provide a detailed, supportive submission, noting that consultation on this proposal is now open until 28 April 2023.

NSW Government to confirm allocation of funding and responsibilities for the draft actions within the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) relating to the on-ground delivery of mass sand nourishment
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that commended the NSW Deputy Premier’s announcement on 30 January 2023 that NSW Public Works would manage the delivery of the NSW Government’s successful $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes the delivery of initial amenity nourishment for Stockton Beach, studies into possible sources of mass sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, and the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment.

The Minute also commended the announcement by the Leader of the Opposition on 8 February 2023, that NSW Labor will commit the $21 million needed from the State Government for mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach if it wins the upcoming March election.

City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Local Government, the Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Local Government, and the State Member for Newcastle, requesting that the allocation of funding and responsibilities within the NSW Government, for the actions in the Extended Stockton CMP relating to the on-ground delivery of mass sand nourishment will be determined and assigned to a NSW Government agency, to offset the impact of the NSW Government owned infrastructure on Stockton Beach, by the end of April 2023.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 November 2022 to 31 January 2023
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 1 November 2022 to 31 January 2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Future Fund Policy
Council voted to adopt the Future Fund Policy to enable CN to invest its cash reserves in additional investment types to diversify CN’s revenue base and enhance long-term financial sustainability.

Endorsement of motions to the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government
Council voted to endorse the motions for submission to the 2023 Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly.

December quarterly budget review
Council received the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement and voted to adopt the revised budget.

Variations to development standards (reporting from 1 October to 31 December 2022)
Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 October 2022 and 31 December 2022.

Six monthly performance report on the delivery program
Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program for the July to December 2022 period, in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act 1993.

Pearson Street Lambton – Lambton Park to Croudace Street cycling connection
Council voted to approve the cycling connection works in Pearson Street Lambton, between Lambton Park and Croudace Street, including pedestrian pathways, traffic calming devices, and pedestrian crossing infrastructure, and one-way restriction in Grainger Street Lambton from Elder Street to Howe Street.

Adoption of the Compliance and Enforcement Policy
Council voted to adopt the Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

Adoption of Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy
Council voted to adopt the Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy, which provides a framework for the approval and operation of mobile food vending vehicles in the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Hunter Water amenity improvement works – Litchfield Park Mayfield
Council voted to approve the creation of an easement for Hunter Water to enable improvement works on the Throsby Creek Channel in Litchfield Park, Mayfield.

Acceptance of offer – utility relocation – University Drive Catchment Rehabilitation
Council voted to accept a contract proposal for the relocation of fibre network assets in the reserve behind 28 Queen Street, Waratah West (Boatman Creek).

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report
Council received the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for the 2021/2022 financial year and noted the 2022/2023 Forward Internal Audit Plan.

Endorsement of Planning Agreement for 30 and 31 Vista Parade Kotara
Council voted to endorse the Planning Agreement for 30 and 31 Vista Parade, Kotara (St James Primary School).

Determination of income taxation for Councillors
Council unanimously voted to lay the item on the table.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for January 2023.

Administration of 2024 Council elections
Council voted to determine the arrangements for the administration of the Local Government ordinary elections scheduled to be held in September 2024.

Tender Report Replacement of Boscawen Street Bridge – Contract 2023/009t
Council voted to accept a tender for the replacement of the Boscawen Street Bridge in Wallsend.

Notices of Motion

Llewellyn Street, Merewether – Loss of right-of-carriageway
Council noted a previous unanimous resolution on 13 December 2022 calling for an investigation by Planning, Transport and Regulation Officers into the effective removal and loss of the right-of-carriageway as a result of development at 37 Llewellyn Street Merewether.

City of Newcastle will expedite the investigation and seek action to remedy and restore the right-of-carriageway, consistent with the current development approval and report back to the next council meeting.

Improving operating hours and resources for Beresfield Police Station
Council defeated a notice of motion asking City of Newcastle to write to the NSW Government and Opposition.

Addressing problem gambling and money laundering in New South Wales
Council supported an amended notice of motion.

Calling for funding for Wallsend Flood Mitigation
Council supported an amended notice of motion calling on Councillor Pull to commit to funding for future mitigation works including the widending of the stormwater channel.

Shark Management Program in Newcastle
Council supported an amended notice of motion noting that shark mitigation is the responsibility of the NSW State Government, not Council, and that City of Newcastle has not undertaken broad community consultation on this matter.

Funding for Minmi Road upgrades
Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the Member for Wallsend, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Metropolitan Road and Leader of the Opposition seeking a commitment for funding for future upgrades and to reclassify the road as regional.

Bar Beach Car Park
Council supported an amended notice of motion that noted City of Newcastle ensures reasonable security measures are undertaken at Bar Beach car park by locking the gates to the car park at Bar Beach at 10pm, and requesting cars to vacate prior to this. CN staff will undertake a review of signage to ensure it clearly communicates the car park closing times and reminds motorists that any hooning behaviour can attract a fine of up to $3,300.

Pep11 and offshore coal, oil and gas exploration and mining
Council supported a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Resources, reiterating City of Newcastle’s strong and decades-long opposition to offshore oil and gas mining off the coast of Newcastle, and to the future extension of the PEP11 gas exploration licence.

Roads in Newcastle will be built back better after recent floods, with almost $8 million to be spent locally on upgrades.

Following last year’s devastating floods, $312.5 million was committed by the Albanese and NSW governments to help rebuild damaged roads and transport infrastructure for 26 disaster-declared councils in NSW, with 2 successful projects announced in the electorate of Newcastle:

Project Name	Project Description	Funding amount	Administered by
Betterment of HW10 Pacific Highway Seg 80 to Seg 8010 and Seg 8110 New England Highway Hexham – Repair and upgrade transverse drainage	Drainage improvements	$4,000,000	Transport for NSW
Betterment of Old Maitland Road Hexham – Road Renewal	Renewal of Old Maitland Road Hexham including shoulder reconstruction on both sides.	$3,957,265.00	City of Newcastle

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP welcomed the local funding and said better quality roads had been on locals’ wishlists for some time.

“These roads really copped it during the floods. It’s great to see the government listen, and provide money to fix them up and actually make them better,” she said.

“This funding provides the opportunity to look at roads that have been damaged in the past and see if raising them or using different materials will stop them from flooding, or at least reduce the impact.

“This will ensure communities are safer, while also reducing repair costs in the future.”

A total of 57 projects that will improve the resilience of roads, bridges and causeways have been successful under this package, which will greatly benefit local communities now and into the future.

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said under this program, roads and transport infrastructure will be rebuilt to a higher standard, making them more resilient to future disasters.

“We saw a lot of towns cut-off because of the floods, and that created concerns around accessibility, evacuation plans and supply chains,” Minister Watt said.

“Straight after the floods, the Commonwealth and NSW Governments activated disaster recovery funding to help councils with emergency repair work, to help regions get back on their feet. But we know that longer-term support to build back better is really important to make sure communities are better prepared for future natural disasters.”

Further information about the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, including the full list of successful projects, is available here: https://nswroads.work/rrtrp

The Australian Government continues to deliver on our commitment to establish a High Speed Rail Authority and has begun the search for Board members who will guide the development of the high speed rail network.

There will be a merit-based process to select the Board members, including the Chair, to ensure the Board is comprised of people who have the appropriate skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience to best bring high speed rail to reality. 

Experts from the rail and infrastructure sectors, as well as planning and financing are encouraged to apply.

The HSRA will be an independent body tasked with advising on, planning, developing and overseeing the construction and operation of a transformational network along Australia’s eastern seaboard.

A high-speed rail network will allow passengers to travel between major cities and regional cities at speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour.

The merit-based process will identify suitable candidates for appointment by the Minister. Applicants will be assessed by an Australian Government selection panel against specific criteria.

More detail on the Chair position can be found at: https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=42536&company=DoIT

More detail on the Member position can be found at:

https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=42535&company=DoIT

Applications should be emailed to hsra@infrastructure.gov.au by 11:59pm on Sunday 12 March 2023.

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

“The High Speed Rail Network will not only revolutionise travel along the east coast, but has the potential to touch the lives of all Australians as the project continues to advance.

“The roles we are recruiting for will play a pivotal role in the future of high-speed rail in Australia.

“I am confident we will assemble a Board that can deliver on the Government’s vision for this transformational project. I look forward to working with the successful candidates.”

Sharon Claydon MP, Member for Newcastle said:

“This is a fantastic next step in progressing high speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle, which the Albanese Labor Government has determined is the first priority of the high-speed rail network.”

“Given the local depth of skills, knowledge and experience in the rail and infrastructure sectors, I encourage Novocastrians to put their name forward for this unique opportunity.”

A Minns Labor Government will establish TAFE Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence to help rebuild TAFE and our state’s domestic manufacturing capacity, boost local skills and apprentices, and create thousands of new jobs – starting with the Hunter. 

The Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence will be able to train, re-train, and upskill more than 300 local apprentices and workers in traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies every year. 

NSW Labor will commit $42.7 million towards upgrading and fitting out three facilities in the Hunter, the Illawarra, and Western Sydney, catering for around 1,000 students a year and offering courses like mechanical engineering and electrical fitting for free.  

The Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence are a key part of NSW Labor’s plan to rebuild TAFE and boost domestic manufacturing to resolve the state-wide skills crisis. 

NSW Labor will build things here 

Labor has already announced that we will build new trains in New South Wales and begin the procurement process for the next set of trains to replace the ageing Tangara fleet in its first term. 

Today, Labor can announce that building the next set of trains in NSW will create 1000 good, long-term jobs, including 200 apprenticeships, during the design and build phase and many more in maintenance for the life of the trains.

Those apprentices will be trained here in NSW through one of the Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence. 

Replacing the Tangaras will begin a long-term pipeline of manufacturing work and form the basis for the return of a sustainable rail manufacturing industry in New South Wales. 

NSW deserves a government that backs Australian-made and will buy Australian-made, and while we can’t rebuild an entire sector overnight, we must start somewhere. 

It took Victoria 7 years, but as a direct result of their procurement policies, they now support 40,000 local jobs – It’s time for a new direction in New South Wales. 

A fresh start for domestic manufacturing and TAFE 

After 12 years of Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, there is a clear choice at the next election. 

More offshoring of skills and thousands of jobs overseas, bungled and broken transport infrastructure. 

Or a fresh start for domestic manufacturing in NSW, with a Minns Labor Government that will back building trains, ferries and buses right here. 

Labor has already announced: 

• A target of 50 per cent minimum local content for future transport rolling stock contracts; 
• Increased tender weightings for local content, jobs creation, small business and ethical supply chains to 30 per cent; 
• A NSW Jobs First Commission – an independent, expert body – to oversee the implementation and growth of local industries. Its first job will be to audit our current domestic manufacturing capabilities; 
• A guarantee of a minimum of 70 per cent of total skills funding goes to TAFE; 
• A comprehensive review of the vocational education system; and 
• Working collaboratively with industry to make the state government’s pipeline as easy as possible for local suppliers. 

Chris Minns, NSW Labor leader said: 

“I want to build trains, buses, and ferries here in the Hunter. But it will take a government with the political will to do – and I am determined to.” 

“The Hunter has missed out on the skills, the jobs and the work because this government was obsessed with offshoring transport projects.” 

“Under Labor, we’ll skill up our people, begin a pipeline of work and get NSW building things again.” 

Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport said: 

“If you vote Labor, they will be built in Australia and NSW. If you vote for Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, they will be built overseas, like all their other failed trains, trams and ferries.” 

Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade said: 
 

“This Liberal Government has neglected our manufacturing industry for the past 12 years. This has led to job losses and declining skills and training opportunities for NSW workers.  

Tim Crakanthorp, NSW Shadow Minister for TAFE and Skills said: 

“Labor will bring transport manufacturing back home, and we build the workforce needed to get these projects rolling in NSW again.” 

“TAFE has a proud history and has trained generations of skilled workers but has been decimated by this government.” 

“Under Labor, TAFE will thrive and train the next generation so NSW can build great things right here, just like we used to.” 

Yasmin Catley, Shadow Minister for the Hunter: 

“Under the Liberals, thousands of manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas. 

“Jobs from regions like ours have been the backbone of our local manufacturing for decades. 

“Under a Labor Government, this will end. We will rebuild our local manufacturing industry and bring jobs back to the Hunter.” 

Sonia Hornery, Member for Wallsend: 

“I’m so pleased to have NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns in the Wallsend electorate at EDI Downer.” 

“The Hunter has a strong history of manufacturing trains, and under a future NSW Labor Government, we will see manufacturing return. 

“We have the policies to ensure our young school leavers can become apprentices building the transport assets of the future and building careers for themselves into the future.” 

“It is vital that we farewell the era of sending domestic manufacturing overseas. We should be building things here and creating jobs in New South Wales for New South Wales”. 

Jodie Harrison, Member for Charlestown: 

“We can and do make rolling stock here in the Hunter.” 

“We need to better support people who want to be part of the changing economy of the Hunter, and this policy will do that.” 

“Many of my family members achieved their trade qualifications at TAFE – we must ensure TAFE is the leading vocational education provider it can be. That’s why I’m so excited to be here for this commitment today.”