Category: Newcastle News

The Newcastle 500 could return to the city’s streets in March next year after councillors voted to support new dates for the final event to be held under the existing agreement between Supercars Australia and City of Newcastle.

The event would be held in Newcastle on 10-12 March 2023 as the season-opening race, although its staging is still subject to approval from State Government agencies including the Heritage Council of NSW, NSW Office of Sport and Destination NSW.

Supercars Australia is awaiting the outcome of its application under Section 60 (S60) of the Heritage Act 1977 to facilitate holding the last Newcastle 500 event under the existing agreement, as the existing S60 for the Camp Shortland area expired in April 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the final race scheduled under the existing contract between Destination NSW, City of Newcastle and Supercars Australia from proceeding in 2021 and 2022.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s support of the March 2023 date ensures clarity for local business and residents. Newcastle could continue as one of Supercars’ premier events, delivering massive promotion for the city and region, while avoiding the previous impact to east end businesses in November and December when Christmas end-of-year trading was occurring.

“Clarifying these new dates in March provides a good alternative to the previous season-closing events in terms of maximising the potential of the event from an economic perspective while also minimising disruption to the community and business operators,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The most recent economic assessment report by Ernst and Young found that on average, the Newcastle 500 delivered $36.2 million annually in total economic impact, which when compared with the $1.6 million cost of Council supporting the race, equates to $22.60 being returned to the local economy for every $1 council invested in the race.

“Local tourism and accommodation providers that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 will be looking forward to benefiting from the economic stimulus provided by the Newcastle 500’s likely return in March next year.”

Council also committed to partner with Destination NSW to prepare and publicly exhibit a community engagement plan in order to deliver extensive and broad community and stakeholder consultation on the potential to extend the current Supercars 500 agreement beyond 2023.

“The future of the Newcastle 500 beyond the final race is a decision of the NSW Government in the first instance as the consent authority for the race,” Cr Nelmes.

“Any inclusion of Newcastle as a potential host city for another five years will be subject to broad community and stakeholder consultation, and a decision of the elected Council after the proposed event next mid to late 2023.”

Councillors also voted to delegate authority to the CEO to enter necessary agreements to facilitate the March 2023 Newcastle 500. The agreements to enable the March 2023 event will be communicated to Councillors and published on City of Newcastle’s website.

Early construction works that will pave the way for a $40 million expansion kicked off this week at Newcastle Art Gallery.

Fencing has been erected and a specialist drill rig has been installed on site to begin the process of remediating abandoned mine workings underneath the Art Gallery.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the remediation was a crucial step to ensure the safety of the site ahead of the main expansion works, which are expected to begin in mid-2023. Shortlisted applicants from the expression of interest process will be invited to tender for the main construction works later this year.

“Newcastle’s long coal mining heritage means that much of the city centre sits on top of a number of historical underground mine workings, which date back as far as the early 1800s,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Remediating these coal seams in the early stages of this project will ensure the long-term stability and protection of the expanded Art Gallery and its nationally significant $126 million collection, which has been relocated into secure off-site storage for the duration of the work.

“We have been waiting more than 16 years to see this expansion come to fruition, so it is exciting to see this significant step being taken, paving the way for the main construction work to begin next year.

“By doubling the size of the Gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, this project will deliver an expanded and upgraded Gallery of international standing that will offer a valuable cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter.”

The remediation is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023 subject to weather and will target the 6.5 metre thick Borehole Coal Seam, which sits around 75 metres below ground level, and the 1 metre thick Dudley Coal Seam located around 27 metres below ground.

More than 100 bores will be drilled throughout the site to allow approximately 15,000 cubic metres of grout to be deployed into the seams as part of the expansion project’s Grouting and Verification Plan approved by Subsidence Advisory New South Wales.

City of Newcastle has successfully applied for funding through the NSW Government’s Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund, which will contribute to the cost of the remediation.

While the Gallery car park has been closed for the duration of the work, the car park on Queen Street behind Newcastle Library remains open, with access monitored by traffic controllers to ensure the safety of visitors to Darby Street and the Library. Other alternative parking can be found nearby on Tyrell Street.

Newcastle Art Gallery’s $40 million expansion project will deliver an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s significant collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of temporary exhibitions, showcasing local, national and international artists.

The project includes a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

City of Newcastle (CN) has been advised by the operators of Beresfield Golf Course, Avana Pty Ltd, that they intend to abandon their lease of the council-owned facility on 31 August.

CN is bitterly disappointed by this decision, which comes just two years into a five-year lease offered to, and signed by, Avana in 2020 following a review of their business plan and financial statements.

Despite returning healthy profits for the past five years, Avana approached CN in June 2022 requesting the early termination of their lease citing financial difficulties and operational constraints imposed by the continued wet weather.

CN endeavoured to work with Avana on a feasible solution that would ensure the continued operation of Beresfield Golf Course for the community.

However, they responded with an unacceptable proposal that sought to shift the costs of operating and maintaining the facility onto Newcastle ratepayers, while Avana would still benefit from the net profits.

Avana has also written to the members of the Viney Creek Golf Club to advise them of their decision to abandon their lease. CN is extremely concerned by a number of false claims made in that communication.

Despite the assertions in their communication to members, the Viney Creek Golf Club does not “belong” to Beresfield Golf Course, it is owned and run by Avana Pty Ltd and was set up by that company in November 2016. As such, members concerned about club memberships paid just two months ago should speak with the owners about a prorated refund.

An additional claim that the competition schedule will continue to operate post Avana’s departure from the course is also false. Having been given just two weeks’ notice of Avana’s intention to walk away from their lease, it is not possible for CN to secure another operator for the club within this time.

CN has written to Avana today to inform them that they are in default of their lease obligations and must remedy that default or CN is within its rights to seek any damages resulting from the default.

Should they continue with their intention to abandon their lease on 31 August, CN will explore options to secure a new operator for the Beresfield Golf Course going forward.

Creative projects designed to increase visitation and boost economic activity will share in almost $1 million as part of City of Newcastle’s annual Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Applications are now open for the new City Centre and Darby Street funding round, with funding available for projects that deliver the most innovative and effective ideas to boost local businesses.


Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the SBR program provided invaluable support for the city’s CBD business precincts, with economic outcomes that flowed right through to the wider Newcastle area.

“Whether it’s through the lasting impacts of the Big Picture Festival’s beautiful murals across the city centre, or the immediate boost through visitation to Newcastle Food Month, our SBR program is delivering real economic benefit for local businesses,” Cr Clausen said.

“More than $1.6 million was distributed through the SBR program in 2020/21 to 19 projects successful under the contestable funding rounds, as well as funding and support services for Business Improvements Associations in the five precincts.

“Modelling by REMPLAN shows last year’s SBR funding generated a total economic impact of $5.8 million for the city with a return on investment of 349%.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what creative applications come from the City Centre and Darby Street SBR round as we continue to provide locals and tourists more reasons to get out, enjoy their city and visit local businesses.”

Key categories for City Centre and Darby Street funding in 2022/23 include: industry and business development; place activation and events; beautification and infrastructure development; and promotion, with between $4,000 and $500,000 available per application.

Applications for the City Centre and Darby Street funding close on 16 September 2022.

More information about the program and funding opportunities can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/special-business-rates.

$150,000 is being shared amongst 10 successful projects aimed at activating key suburban business precincts in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend, including an innovative self-guided op shop trail, vertical “smart” gardens installed on shopfront facades, and a series of community-based art initiatives.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Special Business Rate (SBR) program was integral in bringing people back to business precincts across the city following the impacts felt in recent years from the pandemic.

“Our latest suburban SBR round is set to see beautification in New Lambton, a fringe festival on Beaumont Street, and a fantastic initiative that supports sustainability by promoting shopping at Wallsend’s eclectic op-shops among other great local projects”, Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ll see some exciting new activations like the Curious Legends Halloween celebration Wallsend Frights which will activate Nelson Street with live performance and interactive activities, while New Lambton Library is set to receive a stunning new mural delivered by Up & Up, drawing inspiration from the ideas of the local community”.

Bianca Bartlett, co-founder of the Purple Card Project, said SBR suburban funding will help bring her Op Shop Trail concept to life by tapping into an increased interest in slow fashion and shopping sustainably.

“With SBR funding, in collaboration with the Wallsend Town Business Association, we are developing a self-guided digital trail map that shines a spotlight on Nelson Street’s unique and diverse mix of op-op shops and cafes all in one convenient location,” Ms Bartlett said.

“The trail concept is designed to encourage visitors to spend time and money in the precinct on weekends, when op-shops are usually closed, starting with coffee at a local café, visiting all five op shops brimming with unique wares, and concluding with lunch.”

Wallsend’s business precinct is also set to benefit this Halloween with Curious Legends awarded SBR funding to run Wallsend Frights: a two-day program of family-friendly events on Nelson Street featuring live roving performances, costume-making challenges, installations, interactive activities, and workshops.

More information about the program and funding opportunities can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/special-business-rates.

Successful suburban SBR projects include:

HAMILTON

• Newcastle Fringe Festival, March 2023
  The project will build on the Fringe Festival’s existing presence on Beaumont Street by expanding the number of shows with more family-friendly events and micro-performances in local businesses.
• Beautiful Beaumont Doors
  Six local female artists will beautify and transform six graffitied doorways in between shops along Beaumont Street.
• Herb Urban – Thriving Gardens
  The project involves the installation of standalone smart gardening systems, fixed to shopfront facades throughout Hamilton, connecting Newcastle with greenery throughout the suburbs and City Centre.

NEW LAMBTON

• New Lambton Library Community Mural
  The community mural project will be delivered by Up & Up Inspirations design on the exterior wall of New Lambton Library. The mural design will incorporate the ideas of the people who live, work and play in New Lambton.
• Herb Urban – Thriving Gardens
  The project involves the installation of standalone smart gardening systems, fixed to shopfront facades throughout New Lambton, connecting Newcastle with greenery throughout the suburbs and City Centre.

WALLSEND

• Wallsend Op Shop Trail to Revitalise Nelson Street
  In collaboration with Wallsend Town Business Association, Samaritans, and the other four Op Shops on Nelson Street, the Wallsend Op Shop Trail is designed to encourage visitors to Wallsend on weekends.
• And Then, They Were No Longer Invisible
  This is a photo-storytelling project that shines a spotlight on seniors in our communities. The project will include community workshops, local business engagement and a community art installation in the Wallsend Business Precinct that encourages social cohesion and visitation to the area.
• Banner Art
  This project will involve local primary schools in the painting of images on 20×20 cm boards. 240 images will be chosen to be enlarged onto 80×200 cm banners for the proposed public banner sites in Wallsend business precinct.
• Wallsend Frights
  Curious Legends will produce two days of Halloween-themed activations such as roving performances and costume-making challenges to draw foot traffic to the Wallsend business precinct. The program will culminate with a family event with installations, performances, interactive activities and workshops with community groups and Wallsend businesses.
• Public Mural
  Play State Studio will deliver a mural in a main street of Wallsend with three local mural artists.

A coastal weather event with hazardous surf, heavy rain and strong wind is forecast for this evening and through Wednesday.

City of Newcastle is monitoring its facilities and assets along the coastline including areas in Stockton and the Southern Beaches which may be further impacted by coastal erosion.

Following this weather event, and when safe, City of Newcastle will inspect all beaches and undertake any repairs required.

To stay up to date on weather warnings visit the Bureau of Meteorology at www.bom.gov.au and for information about any emergencies visit the State Emergency Service at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 August 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

State Election Priorities
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported that noted the New South Wales State Election is to take place on Saturday, 25th March 2023, and supported the projects and policies listed within the City of Newcastle Advocacy document as election priorities for the benefit of the Newcastle community.

The LMM also acknowledged that City of Newcastle’s (CN) funding priorities have remained consistent, with CN advocating for funding to deliver these projects across multiple election and budget cycles, and their identification in various external stakeholder strategies.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

Adoption of Council Policies
Council voted to adopt three Council policies: Effective Communication between Councillors and Staff Policy; Art Gallery Acquisitions and De-Accessioning Policy; and Social Media Policy.

Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2022 Local Government NSW Conference
Council voted to endorse 13 motions for submission to the 2022 LGNSW Annual Conference, which will be held from 23 to 25 October.

Adoption of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 Section 6.03 Wickham
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 Section 6.03 Wickham.

Variation to Development Standards – 2nd quarter 2022
Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2022 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Authorisation for signing of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022
Council voted to authorise the signing of City of Newcastle’s Statements by Councillors and Management as required for the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.

Darby Street, Cooks Hill – Adoption of the trial Traffic Calming Infrastructure Concept Plan
Council voted to adopt a six-month trial of traffic calming infrastructure on Darby Street, Cooks Hill from October 2022 until March 2023.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for July 2022.

Write-off of sundry debt
Council agreed to write-off a balance of sundry debt consistent with City of Newcastle’s Debt Management Guidelines and in accordance with the provisions of clause 213 of the Local Government (General) Regulation, 2005.

Notices of Motion

Delivering Regional level playgrounds
Council unanimously supported a notice to motion that noted CN’s success and commitment to delivering new and upgraded high level playgrounds throughout the Newcastle LGA. CN’s adopted 2022/23 Budget has allocated $1 million for the commencement of the construction of the District level playground at Gregson Park in Hamilton, in line with the adopted Gregson Park Masterplan 2021.

Using recycled plastic products in City of Newcastle projects
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged ‘Plastic Free July’ and CN’s longstanding commitment to sustainability initiatives. Council will investigate opportunities to incorporate recycled plastic products in CN projects, where appropriate.

Youth Mock Council
Council unanimously supported a notice to motion that congratulated the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2022. The motion noted that the Youth Mock Council developed and adopted several motions and requests a report to be provided to councillors by the relevant council officers assessing the viability, cost, and merits of each proposal, if they were to be adopted as policy of the Council.

Council also supported reiterating its commitment to the Youth Council and that Council members of the Youth Council review their delivery, including its processes, forward agenda, and the role of the Youth Council/Youth Mock Council in the delivery of Civics education.

Reinvestigating the Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project
An alternate notice of motion was supported by Council that does not support reinvestigating the Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project which was abandoned by the NSW Government 41 years ago. Council supported requesting a report back to Council on the public and private property that would need to be acquired, and the potentials costs (environmental, social and heritage) of delivering this proposal.

Availability and affordability of flood insurance for residents and businesses in low lying areas
Council supported an amended notice of motion noting that a review of City of Newcastle’s flood studies are underway, with the Draft Flood Study for the eastern half of the LGA scheduled to be placed on public exhibition in early 2023. Council will write to the Insurance Council of Australia to request it participate in a public information session in 2023 when the draft flood study is placed on public exhibition.

Community engagement plan for Newcastle 500 contract extension
Council supported an amended notice of motion to delegate authority to the CEO to enter necessary agreements to facilitate the March 2023 Newcastle 500, including a Services Deed. All modifications to the existing Deed and Agreements to enable the March 2023 event are to be communicated to Council and published on CN’s website.

Council also supported CN’s total expenditure for the Newcastle 500 event does not exceed the current budget of $1.6 million, which is consistent with previous events.

The future liveability, public domain and amenity of Wickham are at the centre of updates to the Newcastle Development Control Plan (DCP) adopted by the elected Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Following a four-week public exhibition period, additional planning controls consistent with the Wickham Masterplan have been added to the DCP (Section 6.03 Wickham), including requirements for all developments in Wickham to upgrade their public domain frontages to CN’s specifications.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the amendments respond to community feedback to achieve a shared vision for the precinct’s urban renewal.

“This is welcome news for residents and the community of Wickham who have advocated for Wickham’s urban renewal with a clear vision from the start,” Cr Clausen said.

“Creating community infrastructure with upgraded footpaths and better-connected green spaces as part of all developments, to CN specifications, will maintain Wickham’s inner-city suburban character and protect the Village Hub atmosphere.

“The updates to the DCP are consistent with Wickham Masterplan, and Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan for a liveable Newcastle with enriched neighbourhoods and places of enjoyment.”

Along with the adopted DCP relating to Wickham, CN is currently preparing a comprehensive public domain plan for Wickham. The plan will increase amenity and safety in the area and include traffic, transport and road configuration changes in line with the Wickham Masterplan.

Community engagement is scheduled to commence toward the end of 2022.

City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said CN is committed to delivering good planning outcomes for Wickham residents and the community.

“Wickham’s identity is continuing to evolve and take shape as it transitions from a semi-industrial suburban area into a thriving urban neighbourhood that supports the revitalisation of Newcastle’s West End,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is great to see CN’s shared vision with the community progressing and we look forward to the next stage in the planning pathway.

“Further community input into the public domain plan for Wickham will ensure we meet future growth associated with the precinct.”

A man will appear in court today charged following a pursuit and alleged attempted carjacking in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 11.30am yesterday (Monday 22 August 2022), police were called to O’Hearn Street, Tenambit, following reports of a brawl.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and located a man allegedly armed with a speargun, who immediately fled a Holden Commodore.

Police initiated a pursuit, during which the Holden collided with a caged police vehicle. The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, police were called to Melbourne Street, East Maitland, after the Holden reportedly lost control and the man allegedly attempted to carjack two vehicles while armed with a weapon.

Following inquiries, the vehicle was located parked at the rear of a unit block on Newcastle Street.

Offices forced entry to a unit and arrested the 36-year-old man.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with affray, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, and two counts of aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle – armed with weapon.

The East Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 23 August 2022).

NSW Fair Trading, SafeWork NSW and the NSW Builder Commissioner have commenced “Anytime, Anywhere” inspections on residential apartment buildings in the Newcastle region.

The audits will take place over a two-day period and target multi-unit residential buildings that are currently under construction or recently completed, with a focus on looking for early signs of major building defects, non-compliance and safety.

Department of Customer Service Director for Building and Construction Compliance Matthew Whitton said the inspections were part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and compliant building standards in regional NSW.

“There has been an increase in the construction of multi-storey apartment buildings in the Newcastle region,” Mr Whitton said.

“These inspections help ensure people in regional areas have access to safe and compliant dwellings.

“The community should have confidence developers are being held to account for poor work such as waterproofing, fire safety and defective construction that can cause huge headaches financially and emotionally for consumers down the track.”

There have been significant reforms to the building and construction industry that have improved the design and construction of apartment buildings in NSW.

These included the introduction of the Design and Building Practitioners Act and the Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT), a five-star system to rate builders, certifiers and developers. 

A minimum benchmark average of three stars out of five was required for a builder to be deemed trustworthy. 

Further, the NSW Residential Apartment Building (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act has also transformed industry practices to deliver more trustworthy buildings to consumers.

“If defects are found, they have to be addressed under the law,” NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler said.

“NSW Fair Trading can order a builder to immediately rectify defects or even stop work until the defects are repaired.”

In addition to building defects and compliance, SafeWork NSW inspectors will assess work health and safety compliance on building sites and address any issues that affect worker safety.

For more information on the NSW Government’s building and construction reform program visit www.nsw.gov.au/building-commissioner