Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) welcomes the $2.3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s 2021-22 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program for the first of three protection structures to address immediate erosion risk at Stockton Beach.

This grant will be boosted by further funding from CN for the first protection structure to be delivered as part of the Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) 2020. This will see CN’s investment at Stockton since the adoption of the Coastal Management Program in 2020 increase to $9.5 million. Council has already committed $27.5 million to protecting Stockton Beach.

The first protection structure will be located at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall (just south of Pembroke Street) in Stockton.

CN has completed the design of the protection structure and has recently awarded the tender for the work and this funding will enable construction on the first protection structure to commence in the first half of 2023. CN will continue to work with Stockton Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Group to ensure works respect the significance of the Stockton coastline to the Worimi people and protects their heritage.

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.

The beach protection structures, and the emergency works undertaken at Stockton Beach, complement the NSW Government’s proposed mass sand nourishment on the beach.

An investigation is underway following the fatal shooting of a man in the state’s Hunter Region overnight.

Shortly before 11pm (Tuesday 27 December 2022), emergency services responded to reports of a man being shot at a home on Traders Way, Heddon Greta, approximately 20km east of Cessnock.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man, but he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged 25.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist forensic police.

Detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident under Strike Force Roslyn.

Significant impacts of three consecutive La Niña events added to the challenge of ensuring Newcastle’s famous coastline from Stockton in the north to Burwood Beach in the south remained safe and accessible for the community to enjoy.

Throughout 2022, City of Newcastle (CN) has delivered a program of work along the coastline which includes the emergency response to severe weather events which caused havoc along the coastline and damaged several coastal assets while at the same time undertaking the investigations and planning for coastal management over the longer term.

In the north, this program of work included completing emergency repair works at Stockton Beach where further beach erosion resulted from the series of weather events earlier in the year.

CN is also moving ahead with the work required to receive and place sand on Stockton Beach, with placement designs and environmental approvals expected to be finalised in early 2023.

In the shorter-term, CN has awarded the tender to build the first of three buried terminal protection structures designed to significantly reduce the chances of erosion in the event of large swells. Construction is anticipated to start early next year on the first structure, which will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground at the southern end of the Mitchell Street rock sea wall.

Significant work has also been undertaken on the development of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP), which progresses the Stockton 2020 CMP and extends the boundaries of the Program north to the Local Government Area border. The revised series of draft management actions listed in the Extended CMP will be circulated to community representatives, and their feedback will be considered in the final set of actions, which will go on public exhibition in mid-2023.

South of the harbour, good progress is being made on the stage one upgrade of the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, with renewal of the pools and promenades on track for completion by mid-2023, ahead of re-opening of the baths for swimming by next summer. Consultation on stage two of the upgrade, which centres on the pavilion buildings, will commence early next year.

Just down the coastline work continues on the upgrade to Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach. Improvements to stormwater drainage, removal of contaminated materials and measures to stabilise the cliff line in the area have been undertaken in addition to the upgrade works, leading to unavoidable program delays, along with supply chain and labour impacts of COVID-19. Despite this the lower promenade is almost complete, and the much-anticipated skate park and skate bowl are taking shape, with the facility expected to be completed in Autumn, and opened by mid-2023.

CN is moving forward with another key link in the city’s iconic coastal walkway, with tenders called for the design of the next stage of Bathers Way, which will create a more accessible shared path through the State heritage-listed King Edward Park. Once appointed, the design consultant will build upon an existing concept layout, with community consultation to inform the final design.

At Bar Beach, a series of emergency repairs have been undertaken following major storm events in April. Temporary stairs have been installed to allow lifeguards direct access from the viewing tower and promenade to the beach, as well as improving access to amenities and upgrades to access for lifesaving vehicles.

Further works are planned to follow the busy summer period, including improvements to accessways at four points between Bar Beach and Merewether Beach. The Bar Beach promenade area will also be upgraded, including construction of a new disabled access ramp, new stairs, upgrades to seawalls and the installation of new handrails.

The stretch of coastline between Bar Beach and Merewether is a key focal point for the development of the Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program (CMP), which is currently underway. The Southern Beaches CMP will cover the length of coastline from Nobbys in the north to Glenrock in the south, providing a long-term program of actions required to adapt to immediate and future changes on our coast. Community consultation on the development of the plan will occur throughout 2023.

Dixon Park’s new kiosk will be up and running for summer, completing the building’s transformation, including the iconic Mark Richards mural, which has been expertly renewed by Up&Up Inspirations. Sunnyboy Kiosk will serve up to 15 flavours of gelato, fresh juices, acai bowls, pastries, fish and chips, and hamburgers, with ample shade and seating, all overlooking Bathers Way – delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing coastal revitalisation works.

Christmas has come early for Newcastle beachgoers, with the opening of a new kiosk at Dixon Park Beach just in time for the busy summer school holiday period.

Newcastle’s newest beach coffee haunt, Sunnyboy Kiosk, serves up 15 flavours of gelato, fresh juices, acai bowls, pastries, fish and chips, and hamburgers, with ample shade and seating, all overlooking Bathers Way and delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s ongoing coastal revitalisation works.

Councillor Carol Duncan said the well-positioned kiosk will see it used year-round by locals and visitors.

“Newcastle’s southern beaches are world-renowned, and the revitalisation of the kiosk demonstrates City of Newcastle’s commitment to ensuring our incredible coastal assets remain accessible and attractive for our community to enjoy,” Cr Duncan said.

“The opening of the kiosk completes the building’s transformation and complements the iconic Mark Richards mural, which has been expertly renewed by Up&Up Inspirations.

“We look forward seeing how the community interacts with the revitalised space throughout the summer.”

Sunnyboy Kiosk lessee and operators Tom and Nova Carias said they were ready to serve up tasty treats for the community at Dixon Park Beach.

“Sunnyboy Kiosk will be the place to be this summer,” Ms Carias said.

“We opened our doors to the public this week just in time for the start of the summer school holidays and we look forward to sunny days ahead welcoming surfers straight out of the water, beachgoers off the beach with sandy feet and meeting locals who will make this their regular coffee haunt.”

The refurbishment of the Dixon Park Beach kiosk supports City of Newcastle’s Coastal Revitalisation program, which began in 2010 as part of a long-term commitment to enhance Newcastle’s coastline.

City of Newcastle has hit a key milestone in its plan to build Newcastle’s first Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Summerhill Waste Management Facility.

Consultants GHD have lodged a development application for the facility on behalf of City of Newcastle, paving the way for the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel to begin its assessment of the regionally significant project.

The MRF will sort recyclables from residents’ yellow-lid kerbside bins into separate materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium, which can then be on-sold to recyclers for use in the manufacture of new products.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see progress continue on the MRF, which will ensure City of Newcastle meets community expectations as well as State and Federal Government recycling targets.

“The community has told us very clearly that they support measures to sustainably divert waste from landfill and City of Newcastle is committed to delivering on these expectations through our recently adopted Sustainable Waste Strategy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As there is no MRF operating in the Hunter region, Summerhill Waste Management Facility is an optimal location for a regional solution with close access to the M1 and Hunter Expressway.

“Recyclables collected from Newcastle households have been transported to the Central Coast since 2020 when the only MRF in the Hunter closed affecting City of Newcastle and several other Hunter Councils.

“The construction of the MRF will help us transform Summerhill into an innovative regional resource recovery hub that will reduce waste, increase recycling rates, create new jobs and kick-start local business opportunities within the circular economy.

“The submission of this development application, in conjunction with the current call for tenders to design, construct and operate the MRF, will allow us to maintain momentum towards achieving this goal.”

Concept designs prepared by CN ensure the MRF is scalable to process up to 85,000 tonnes of recyclables per annum, creating a regional solution for recyclable materials from across the Hunter.

The MRF project received $5 million from the Federal and NSW Governments in August last year and is included in the adopted 2022/23 Budget as one of four city-shaping projects that will deliver key outcomes for the community.

Three people have been charged after a woman was stabbed during an assault earlier this week.

About 11pm (Sunday 11 December 2022), emergency services were called to Hassall Street, Hamilton South, following reports of an assault.

On arrival, officers attached to Newcastle City Police Area Command were told two men and two women had been involved in a fight, where a 35-year-old woman was stabbed in the neck and a 46-year-old man sustained a laceration to his hand.

The pair drove to the Mater Hospital before the woman was later taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. She is currently serious but stable.

A 36-year-old woman also sustained serious head injuries and a 38-year-old man sustained a fractured arm.

They were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following inquiries, the two men and 36-year-old woman were arrested and charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed with intent to commit indictable offence and affray.

They were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

City of Newcastle will invite tenders next month for the construction of Newcastle Art Gallery’s $40 million expansion, as work continues on grouting the historic mine tunnels 80 metres below the building.

Four companies have been shortlisted for the project following an expression of interest process and will be invited to submit tenders in January, with construction scheduled to begin mid-2023.

Early works are continuing to progress at the Newcastle Art Gallery site, with almost 70 bores drilled and more than 1,500 cubic metres of grout successfully placed to date in the Borehole Seam.

The mine remediation is scheduled to continue until mid next year in line with the approved Grouting and Verification Plan, with the NSW Government’s Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund contributing towards the cost of this work.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see the much-anticipated project progressing towards a key milestone, which will see a tender awarded for the main construction work.

“After more than 16 years of effort to make this project a reality, we are finally seeing real progress to deliver an expanded and upgraded Art Gallery of international standing, which will become a fitting home for our nationally significant $126 million collection,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By doubling the size of the Gallery and significantly increasing the exhibition space to display works of art of local, national and international importance, this project will launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW.”

Cr Nelmes said all works of art have been professionally moved to a safe and secure offsite location, and Art Gallery staff have also relocated to City of Newcastle’s Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue ahead of the construction work.

Once complete, the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street and will include a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, and a secure international standard loading dock.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will ensure its future is assured.”

The $40 million project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program and $5 million from the New South Wales Government, as well as a $10 million bequest from Valerie Ryan and $500,000 in funding from the Margaret Olley Art Trust through the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation.

Additional fundraising by the Art Gallery Foundation is ongoing to help reduce the cost to ratepayers.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 13 December 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel Refusal of Winten Development Application in Minmi

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel’s refusal of a development application for 144 Woodford Street, Minmi.

City of Newcastle will advocate that any future application should not impact the operations of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, particularly the future southern access road.

City of Newcastle will also write to the Local Government Boundaries Commission noting resolutions of both Lake Macquarie and City of Newcastle elected Councils that agreed to adjust the LGA boundaries to ensure that consistent planning is applied to this strategic site, in particular, Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the recent 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which was held in Egypt. City of Newcastle will write to Chris Bowen, Minister for Energy and Climate Change, expressing City of Newcastle’s interest in hosting a COP29 delegation, should Australia be successful in its bid as host nation, to demonstrate the transformation within the Newcastle LGA from an industrialised town to a naturally diverse, sustainable and livable global city.

Financial sustainability of Local Government

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the most up-to-date data from Local Government NSW’s report, “Impact of cost-shifting on local government in NSW”, shows a shift of costs from state to local government totals more than $820 million in 2018, and more than $6.2 billion since 2008.

City of Newcastle will call on the NSW State Government and Labor Opposition to commit to the recommendations of that LGNSW report.

A robust, resilient region – the need for a ‘Hunter Valley Authority’

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that called on the NSW Government to establish a statutory authority recognising the transformation that is underway in our energy industry. This authority would be charged with mitigating the adverse impacts of coal power station closures on Hunter Valley workforces and communities, as a priority.

Ordinary business

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct complaints statistics report for the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022.

Adoption of 2023 council meeting schedule

Council unanimously voted to adopt the schedule for Council Meetings to be held in the 2023 calendar year.

Compulsory acquisition of community land by Transport for NSW – Newcastle Inner City Bypass

Council notes the compensation value of eight parcels of Community Land compulsorily acquired by Transport for NSW as determined by the Valuer General was $2,140,000. This was $985,000 above the final offer made by Transport for NSW for the land.

Adoption of Council policies

Council voted to adopt the Investment and Borrowing Policy, Community Grants Policy, Housing Policy and Procurement Policy. It is recommended that all policies adopted by the former Council be re-adopted by the new Council, ideally within the first 12 months of the new term.

Adoption of Harbour Foreshore Masterplan

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to adopt the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which covers a precinct inclusive of Wharf Road, Foreshore Reserve and Foreshore Park. The masterplan provides a strategic long-term vision and conceptual layout to guide future development and management of the area as the city’s key iconic destination and premier major events park.

Public exhibition of Newcastle 500 community consultation strategy

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to place the Draft Newcastle 500 Community Consultation Strategy on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. A report will be provided to Council following the consultation period that provides insights across different stakeholder groups on the level of support for the extension of the Newcastle 500 event for a further five years.

Lingard proposal

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Development Control Plan and draft Planning Agreement of the Lingard Hospital Precinct Planning Proposal on public exhibition for 28 days and receive a report on the outcomes of the exhibition.

Tooke Street, Cooks Hill – pedestrian facility upgrades

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to approve the installation of kerb extensions and reconstruction of local traffic area entry treatment on Tooke Street, Cooks Hill, including the associated pedestrian infrastructure and footpath connections.

Tender report – Stockton buried protection structure

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of Mitchell Street, Stockton.

Notices of Motion

Cyber security

Council endorsed a notice of motion that noted the elevated international level of cyber security events and called on the NSW Government to support the local government sector in its protection of data held online, by providing a relevant permanent funding stream to assist and supplement investment of this protection by councils. A workshop will be held for Councillors in early 2023 on CN’s cyber security outlook, initiatives and response.

37 Llewellyn Street – loss of right of way

Council supported a notice of motion that called on City of Newcastle’s Planning, Transport and Regulation team to investigate what appears to be the effective removal, or limitation on the use of, a right-of-carriageway at 37 Llewellyn Street Merewether. Council will receive a report outlining the results of the investigation and identifying the prospects for establishing ongoing access arrangements beyond the completion of the development of the site.

Greater Newcastle TAFE new industries training centres

Council supported an amended notice of motion that noted a recommendation from the Hunter Jobs Alliance that New Industries Training Centres be established at TAFE NSW locations in Tighes Hill and Muswellbrook to meet the vocational training needs for renewable energy, clean technology, hydrogen and decarbonised manufacturing. City of Newcastle will write to all local State Members of Parliament in addition to Alister Henskens MP as Minister for Skills and Training, and Tim Crakanthorp MP as Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE, outlining the benefits of this proposal and seeking their support.

Improving the safety and amenity of Awaba Park, Hamilton

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion that requests the Newcastle Local Area Command re-establish the ‘Business Beat’ program in which local NSW Police engage on a regular basis with Hamilton businesses.

City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Transport, David Elliott, State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, and the Newcastle Local Area Command of the NSW Police, calling for an increase in active Police patrols of Hamilton Railway Station, Awaba Park and the surrounding area; and an investigation of the feasibility of providing additional CCTV cameras and resources by the NSW Government to monitor the alleged and perceived increase in criminal behaviour at Hamilton Train Station, the adjacent Awaba Park, and surrounds.

City of Newcastle will also write the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Health and Woman, Bronnie Taylor, MLC, calling for expanded Mental Health / Alcohol Other Drugs outreach services within the city.

Correspondence from Hamilton Business Association

Council unanimously endorsed a notice of motion to initiate investigations on the installation of a rainbow crossing in Beaumont Street, Hamilton to coincide with World Pride Festivities, or the Newcastle Pride Festival later in 2023. Newcastle will host the first official event of Sydney World Pride with the Pink Salt Dinner on Saturday 18 February 2023.

Rates reduction for Community Housing Providers

Council endorsed an amended notice of motion that notes that Community Housing Providers are regarded as ‘public benevolent institutions’ under s556 of the Local Government Act and are eligible for rate exemption where property is used for purposes consistent with the objectives of their governing constitution.

City of Newcastle will work with CN’s Affordable Housing Working Party to initiate a memorandum of understanding with each of the CHPs receiving rates relief, to formalise the community benefit of affordable housing built or modified in the city, including to see a net increase in the amount of social and affordable housing in Newcastle.

Hunter Regional Plan – Respect for Green Corridor

Council endorsed a notice of motion that notes the release of the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) including changes made since the public consultation of the draft Plan, which now identifies undeveloped sections of the Green Corridor as ‘New Residential Land’.

City of Newcastle will write to DPE and the Greater Cities Commission urgently requesting that the Hunter Regional Plan maps with respect to the Green Corridor and 505 Minmi Road be updated to maintain consistency with Council’s adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement.

Newcastle green thumbs went head-to-head to enliven their neighbourhoods by entering City of Newcastle’s (CN) ‘Green Our City’ street garden competition.

Applications for the competition closed in September 2022 and since then, entrants have been busy bees planning, planting and pruning their street gardens to perfection.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen visited The Junction to congratulate the winner, Jennifer Ray.

The competition’s judging panel said that Jennifer’s garden showed care, creativity and a consideration of native plants and animals.

The winning garden features beautiful timber edging, a driftwood log, and a good variety of natives planted around a bottlebrush street tree, creating a unique habitat for lizards, pollinators, and small birds.

As well as being able to lay claim to having the best new street garden in Newcastle, Jennifer will receive $500 to spend at a local nursery of her choice.

Eleven entries were received and scored against four main criteria including vitality, maintenance (weed free), aesthetics and safety.

Jennifer Ray said she has been humbled by the comments of praise and thanks that have come from neighbours and passers-by appreciating the garden.

Street gardens are a great way to meet others and foster a sense of community. They provide essential understorey vegetation to capture stormwater, offer habitat for pollinators such as insects and birds, and improve carbon content in the soil.

CN offers a wide range of support to residents looking to revitalise their neighbourhood, whether they are looking to simply remove turf and weeds, revegetate, or build a productive vegie garden in raised beds.

For more information, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/streetgardens or call 4974 2000.

Plans to build the city’s largest playground at Foreshore Park are in full swing with a $2.27 million funding boost from the State Government.

The 8,400 sqm Livvi’s Place inclusive regional playground and waterplay area form the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which was unanimously adopted at last night’s Council meeting following extensive community consultation throughout the design process and a recent four-week public exhibition.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the $2.27 million grant will accelerate the delivery of the $12 million stage one project.

“Following the unanimous adoption of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan last night, City of Newcastle will now get to work on delivering this shared community vision for the iconic Harbour Foreshore precinct,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This project will help realise the full potential of one of Newcastle’s premier open areas, creating a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region to enjoy.

“City of Newcastle continues to invest significantly in the delivery of recreation opportunities for our community and I am pleased to see the NSW Government demonstrating its support for our ambitious plans at Foreshore Park through this funding.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the NSW Government is supporting the project with $2.27 million though Round Nine of the Resources for Regions program.

“This will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can come together, have some fun and enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer,” Mr Martin said.

“This is exactly the kind of project Resources for Regions was designed for, helping mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy.

“The playground precinct will offer something for everyone, with an elevated tree-lined boardwalk, accessible amenities, picnic areas and plenty of play spaces and equipment to enjoy.”

The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan will be delivered in stages, with the playground and waterplay area scheduled to commence construction in 2023.

While detailed designs for the fully-fenced accessible playground are currently underway, initial concepts included in the Masterplan feature junior and toddler areas, water-based play, a giant maritime-inspired swing set with inclusive swings, natured-based play areas and quiet space, connected via accessible paths, seating, gardens and lawns.

The playground will have a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city’s Aboriginal heritage with a central whale-themed swing area that takes inspiration from a traditional Awabakal story, while giant canoe-shaped communal benches in the tree-studded picnic area will offer a place of respite.

An elevated climbing structure at the heart of the playground will represent giant nuts and bolts, symbolising Newcastle’s strong industrial ties. The structure will also contain slides, nets and sensory activities, while a surrounding accessible soft-fall area will include carousels, trampolines, rockers and a dual accessible flying fox.

The area will also have a waterplay area unique to Newcastle, accessible amenities including a changing places room, and a kiosk which will service both the playground and the wider Foreshore Park.

The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan is designed to create new connections between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park and along Joy Cummings Promenade. It includes increasing the amount of shaded canopy within Foreshore Park by 250% from 2,800 sqm to 9,800 sqm.

The Livvi’s Place playground will be developed in collaboration with Touched by Olivia and Variety – the Children’s Charity, who have provided funding and expertise to assist with the design phase.