Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting entrepreneurs and professionals to set up shop for three months free of charge as part of a program to diversify and increase the local skills base.

Australian and international innovators are being offered a free three-month membership to the ‘Landing Pad’, a shared working space at the University of Newcastle’s I2N hub with access to smart city infrastructure, an investor network, and collaboration with academic experts.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says Newcastle is ‘start-up heaven’ and the Landing Pad initiative encourages people to experience the city and its local innovation culture before establishing here permanently.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy is built around people, and the Landing Pad provides extra encouragement for entrepreneurs to build their base from our city and help create new jobs or support emerging industries,” Cr Clausen said.

“Local governments often spend a lot of time and money trying to attract big businesses. We’ve flipped that narrative and are attracting highly-skilled entrepreneurs who’ll bring their networks, their expertise, and their innovative businesses to create local opportunities.

“People considering a move away from the big cities will experience the best of modern Newcastle, a place brimming with innovators, a vibrant night-life, and business confidence, with more than $100m in DAs approved by Council each month.”

Senior Manager of I2N and Innovation at the University of Newcastle, Siobhan Curran said the Landing Pad supported a community of innovators to leverage technology to scale their businesses globally.

“A Landing Pad candidate might be looking to mitigate climate change or deliver better health or business outcomes. We’re industry, sector and stage-agnostic, as long as they’re developing a positive product or solution that’s scalable,” Ms Curran said.

“The Landing Pad offers professional office facilities, mentoring opportunities and a network of like-minded people in an enviable location.

“You might strike up a conversation in the cafe or kitchen that could spark your next collaboration, or connect you to customers and clients. You need to increase your surface area for luck to strike, and it’s harder to do that at home on your laptop.”

According to the Regional Australia Institute, recent banking data shows Newcastle is one of five local government areas welcoming the lion’s share of migration away from capital cities. Leading the charge are people in their 30s, looking for economic opportunities with a balanced lifestyle, close to nature.

Leadership coach, Kate Brettell, relocated her family from the Netherlands to Newcastle last year and is one of 30 Landing Pad new members.

“If you want to make an impact in your community, you can do it more easily in Newcastle than a major city. This city welcomes new ideas with open arms,” Ms Brettell said.

The Landing Pad is a joint initiative of City of Newcastle and University of Newcastle to support scaleups and skilled professionals relocating to Newcastle. Eligible applicants will be granted free access for three months to the world-class co-working space in the vibrant Honeysuckle precinct (valid until June 2023).

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 October 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Solidarity with women of Iran

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the women, girls and people of Iran protesting against Iran’s significant discrimination against women and ongoing egregious human right violations and reaffirms its commitment to leading a just, inclusive, and socially cohesive Newcastle. The Lord Mayoral Minute also acknowledged local community members who arranged a moving protest on 15 October in Newcastle showing their solidarity with the people of Iran, and called on Iran to cease its oppression of women.

Lord Mayor’s Scholarships renewal

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that endorsed the request of the University of Newcastle to continue to support disadvantaged students through the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship and the Lord Mayor’s Women’s Scholarship until 2025.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – annual report

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2021/2022 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Variations to development standards

Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 July 2022 and 30 September 2022 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Exhibition of draft renewal corridors section of Newcastle DCP 2012

Council voted to place the renewal corridor sections of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 for Islington, Mayfield, Hamilton, Broadmeadow and Adamstown on exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and receive a report following the formal exhibition period.

Adoption of Newcastle Heritage Policy

Council voted to lay the Newcastle Heritage Policy on the table so it can be reviewed by the Community and Culture Advisory Committee before coming back to the next ordinary council meeting. The policy outlines City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation by identification, preservation, conservation, celebration and promotion of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Exhibition of Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. During that time council staff will investigate additional sites for food trucks that are not within close proximity of restaurants and cafes. The policy provides a framework for the approval and operation of mobile food vending vehicles in the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Adoption of 2021/22 financial statements

Council voted unanimously to receive and adopt City of Newcastle’s 2021/2022 audited annual financial statements, together with the auditor’s report.

Wallarah Road, New Lambton – raised pedestrian crossing

Council voted unanimously to approve the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing with kerb extensions on Wallarah Road New Lambton, including associated lighting upgrades, landscaping and footpath connections.

Bridge Street, Waratah – raised pedestrian crossing

Council voted unanimously to approve the upgrade of the existing children’s crossing on Bridge Street Waratah, to a raised pedestrian crossing with kerb extensions, associated lighting upgrades, rain gardens and landscaping, signage and line marking works.

Adoption of Special Rate Expenditure Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the revised Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy on public exhibition for 28 days. The policy provides a framework for City of Newcastle to manage the Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the executive monthly performance report for September 2022.

Notices of Motion

Submission on the draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to make a detailed submission to the NSW Government regarding the draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan 2041, which is currently on public exhibition. The submission will address a wide range of issues, such as the lack of public rail transport infrastructure in the western corridor and the importance of public transport in connecting our expanding regional employment, economic, educational, and health nodes.

Newcastle needs a year-round aquatic facility

Council supported a notice of motion to write to Venues NSW seeking confirmation that land will be preserved within the Hunter Park precinct to enable a year-round aquatic facility. Council will also develop and promote a public petition to the NSW Legislative Assembly calling on the NSW Government and Opposition to invest in a new year-round swimming facility in Newcastle.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Port Stephens area.

Kytaya Bolt-Wells, aged 13, was last seen on Kingston Parade, Heatherbrae, about 3.30pm on Saturday (22 October 2022).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Kytaya due to her young age.

Kytaya is described as being about 165cm tall, of thin build, with brown eyes and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black “Champion” jumper, black tracksuit pants with skull shape patterns, and white Nike “TN” shoes.

Police believe Kytaya may be using public transport and could be making her way toward the Sydney CBD.

Anyone who may have information into her whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle (CN)’s annual financial report confirms the city invested more than $100 million into infrastructure projects last year, as part of a stimulus program to buffer the local the economy during the pandemic.

Audited financial statements for the financial year 2021/22 show CN delivered $100.6 million in key infrastructure projects, following on from $102.3 million spent the year before, again as a response to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said last year’s budget was strategically boosted to address the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the local community, a move made possible by CN’s strong financial record.

“There’s no doubt COVID-19 placed significant strain on our community and our budget, however as a Council we understand the importance of providing targeted responses and support for those in need,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Council unanimously voted in August 2021 to spend an extra $10 million on additional COVID support measures to stimulate the local economy and help create more than 100 new jobs.”

“This decision, which was made in the midst of a pandemic-enforced lockdown that would ultimately last for more than two months, was only possible due to our strong financial position, a legacy of delivering six consecutive operating surpluses prior to the pandemic.”

While the capital works boost resulted in CN running a $12.5 million deficit if revenue from capital grants and contributions are excluded, CN still recorded a $20 million turnaround in its financial performance from the year before.

In addition to the impacts of the three-month lockdown of Newcastle from August last year was the Wickham fires, which cost $2.5 million in clean-up costs, and to date remains outstanding by the owners of the two demolished buildings.

The Newcastle Airport, which is 50 per cent owned by CN, also suffered a $2.3 million loss versus a forecast profit of $4.0 million.

However, with the impacts of COVID-19 continuing to reduce, CN is forecasting a budget surplus this year of $1.3 million despite a record $132 million infrastructure spend.

The City remains in a strong financial position with net assets of $1.91 billion and total cash reserves of more than $363 million, including unrestricted reserves of $26.6 million.

Cr Nelmes said CN would continue to deliver high-quality services and projects in a financially responsible way.

Highlights of the capital works program delivered in 2021/22 include:

• $16.6 million on renewal and maintenance of the city’s roads
• $14.1 million on waste management including planning for the organic waste processing facility
• $11.3 million on transport projects
• $10.6 million on city centre and urban centre revitalisation
• $8.8 million on recreation parks, sporting facilities and open spaces including the $1.5 million Wallsend Active Hub
• $7 million on the environment including $3.6 million on coast, estuary and wetlands
• $4.9 million on renewal and maintenance of the stormwater network
• $4.3 million on coastal revitalisation
• $3.7 million on aquatics facilities including the first stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade project
• $3.5m on fleet renewal
• $1.8 million on the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said while COVID-19 had caused obvious financial challenges, prudent economic management had allowed CN to increase its support for the community without risking its track record of financial sustainability.

“Our financial statements have been audited by the NSW Audit Office who issued an unqualified opinion for the 2021/22 financial year, which is an outstanding result. CN also outperformed the benchmarks in all but one of the six financial key performance ratios set by the Office Local Government,” Mr Bath said.

“Prudent financial management again enabled us to cope with the economic impacts of COVID-19 and support our community when they needed it most,” Mr Bath said.

“Increasing our works program to $100 million for the second consecutive year helped stimulate the local economy and create new employment opportunities, with every one million dollars we spend generating about 10 new local jobs.

“Importantly, the works were fully funded from the City’s cash reserves, which have been built on the back of six years of strong financial management and surpluses.

“While we’ve felt the enormous impacts of the past three COVID-affected financial years, the underlying financial strength of our organisation and hard work of our staff has ensured we are well positioned to support existing services and invest in new and upgraded infrastructure to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of our community.”

A woman reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been located this morning.

The 61-year-old was last seen about 7pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, when she was dropped at Wellington Street, Umina Beach.

She was reported missing to officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District on Tuesday (18 October 2022), who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Following inquiries, including a public appeal for information, police located the woman safe at Blackwall Mountain about 7.30am today (Friday 21 October 2022).

Police thank the community and media for their assistance.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Susan Chiddy, aged 61, was last seen about 7pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, when she was dropped at Wellington Street, Umina Beach.

She has since failed to contact family or friends and officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District were notified on Tuesday (18 October 2022) and commenced inquiries to locate her.

As part of inquiries, it has been established Susan visited the Deepwater Plaza, on Railway Street, Woy Woy, about 4pm on Wednesday 12 October.

Susan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of thin build, with shoulder length blonde hair.

CCTV shows she was last seen wearing a purple jacket, pink pants, a green cap and was carrying a black handbag.

Anyone who may have seen Susan, or may know of her whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle has announced $1.5 million co-funding in partnership with $4.7 million Federal Government funding for the planning, design and approvals to secure sand for amenity nourishment at Stockton Beach.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes thanked Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, at Stockton Beach this morning and reiterated the importance of this collaborative funding and the work it enables for the Stockton community.

“City of Newcastle has been working hard on the ground in Stockton to protect the beach and secure funding for mass sand nourishment,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This $1.5 million co-contribution is part of our $27.5 million commitment we made in 2020, with $4.6 million already invested into the Coastal Management Program.”

The federal grant includes a 25 per cent co-contribution from City of Newcastle and the immediate priority is to source 300,000 cubic metres of sand from the entrance to the harbour to provide short-term relief to the current shoreline recession pending mass sand nourishment.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting Stockton Beach pending support from the NSW Government.

“The long-term solution is to secure the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed an initial mass nourishment, and annual sand top ups in line with community wishes and the plan endorsed by the NSW Government in 2020,” Ms Bisson said.

The grant will fund these investigations and approvals – looking at sand sources from the north arm of the Hunter River, as well as three suitable bodies of sand in the Stockton Bight which were identified in the NSW Government’s 2021 Stockton Offshore Sand Exploration Project.

“Securing multiple sand sources builds flexibility into the mass-nourishment strategy to ensure the longevity of sand supply to Stockton Beach, building necessary resilience and future-proofing the project,” Ms Bisson said.

City of Newcastle’s Stockton Coastal Management Program was one of the first of any Councils in the State to be certified, under the Coastal Management Act 2016, by the NSW Minister for Local Government in August 2020.

City of Newcastle invested $4.6 million on coastal protection measures over the 10 years prior to the Stockton CMP being certified in August 2020.

The cost to implement coastal management actions including the initial amenity sand nourishment, outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, to provide a buffer for the coastline and beach amenity at Stockton will be $27.5 million, with $4.6 million of this already spent on coastline protection and emergency repair works.

City of Newcastle has completed an engineering design process to determine the best locations to place sand to achieve the objective of providing a buffer against storm erosion risks and projected sea level rise impacts while restoring the recreational beach amenity for the Stockton community and broader Hunter region.

A 700m long avenue of native trees stretching along the creek side of Maryland Drive will create a living legacy in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The 70 mature trees, which were initially planned as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations to mark the Queen’s 70 years of service to the Commonwealth, will now provide a lasting tribute to the late monarch, who visited Newcastle four times during her reign.

The project was jointly funded by City of Newcastle and the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program, which was designed to support community-based tree planting events across Australia.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Federal Member Sharon Claydon visited the site today to unveil a commemorative plaque and plant the final three trees in the Queen’s Jubilee Avenue of Native Trees.

Cr Nelmes said the avenue provided a fitting tribute to the long-lasting reign of the Queen while also contributing to the biodiversity of the area.

“Just over a month ago we joined the world in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II after more than 70 years serving her nation and our country as Australia’s Head of State,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Today we pay tribute to that dedicated service with this splendid avenue of native trees, which will continue to grow and mature over the years for future generations to enjoy.”

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said it was a poignant day that celebrates the Queen’s long reign by creating a living legacy in her honour.

“I am honoured to help plant the final trees and unveil this commemorative plaque, which will provide beautification and sustainability for Maryland locals and visitors alike, whilst commemorating the Queen’s extraordinary life and service,” Ms Claydon said.

A large garden bed planted with native shrubs and grasses is located at the beginning of the Queen’s Jubilee Avenue and features a large sandstone block, providing a striking centrepiece to display the commemorative plaque.

The project supports City of Newcastle’s commitment to increasing urban forest canopy cover and improving open spaces for wildlife and future generations.

Twelve native tree species were chosen in the planting program to provide the maximum benefit to the biodiversity of this area and ensure the successful establishment of vegetation within an important wildlife corridor.

The project also involves restoration of the northern vegetation surrounding Maryland Creek enabling wildlife to move between landscapes, creating more resilient local wildlife populations and ensuring weeds are kept to a minimum.

Future community-tree planting events will be held to improve the connection of the Queen’s Jubilee Avenue of Native Trees, Maryland Creek, and the nearby RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands, which are internationally significant for migratory shorebirds and other wildlife.

City of Newcastle is offering to help nine people take their first career step with applications now open for its annual intake of apprentices and trainees.

Recruitment began this month for a range of early career positions, with roles available across various sectors including environment, horticulture, civil construction, painting and decorating, business administration, and customer experience.

Two positions have been identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of the Trainee and Apprentice program.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was committed to being a diverse, inclusive and culturally welcoming employer of choice.

“We are investing in training and development to create safe employment pathways with equal opportunity as part of our efforts to encourage broad representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across the organisation and in leadership roles,” Cr Nelmes said.

Experienced Painting and Decorating Tradesperson Garry Welsh knows first-hand how valuable CN’s Trainee and Apprentice program has been over the years.

A proud Wiradjuri man, Mr Welsh said it was pleasing to see positions identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I got an apprenticeship with City of Newcastle in 1999 and then came back to work here for the better part of the last decade,” he said.

“It’s great to see such diversity and inclusiveness coming through this program, and I’m stoked to be in a position to be able to help others by mentoring them.

“Just seeing their enjoyment and happiness during the three or four years of their apprenticeship and then securing a full-time position makes it worthwhile.”

During his time at CN, Mr Welsh has revamped the city’s sporting fields, halls, libraries, and other public assets.

He said one job stood out from the others.

“Transforming Lambton Pool was my favourite job in the last five years. I painted the whole facility, including the seating, shelters, grandstands, and non-slip areas,” Mr Welsh said.

“It’s a very rewarding career, particularly when you see customers so happy with the end product.”

Successful applicants under the program will begin work on 16 January 2023. Applications for these roles close on 23 October. Visit CN’s website for more details.

A man has died following a motorcycle crash near Lake Macquarie last week.

About 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, three trail bikes were travelling south along Kalaroo Road, Redhead, when one of the bikes and a Toyota Hilux collided. 

Emergency services attended and treated the trail bike rider – a 24-year-old man – at the scene. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police were notified that the man died in hospital yesterday (Monday 17 October 2022). 

The driver of the utility – a 20-year-old man – was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and his since been released pending further inquiries.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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