Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN) is seeking community feedback on its proposal to construct a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

The facility will allow plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals collected from kerbside recycling bins to be recovered at the Summerhill site, which will reduce transport costs and greenhouse gas emissions and allow Newcastle’s red, yellow and green-bin domestic waste to be processed at the one location.

Recyclables collected from Newcastle households have been transported to the Central Coast for processing since the only MRF in the Hunter closed in 2020, affecting City of Newcastle and several other Hunter councils whose recyclables were also being processed locally.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project would deliver major environmental and financial benefits for the city and community.

“Combined with the organics processing facility, the MRF will be an important foundation for achieving our vision for a circular economy where recyclables can be processed and remanufactured into new products locally,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The proposed design features state-of-the-art sorting technology to produce clean and well-sorted recyclable streams of plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals.

“Up to 28 full-time equivalent jobs will be created at the facility alone, with additional employment generated through the emergence of downstream business incentivised by the local supply of recycled materials.”

The proposed design is scalable to process up to 85,000 tonnes of recyclables per annum, creating a regional solution for recyclable waste from across the Hunter that offers economies of scale plus greater certainty for residents that their recyclables will continue to be collected and recovered without disruption into the future.

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

CN has prepared concept designs in conjunction with site master planning to ensure the optimal location of the facility alongside other waste diversion projects.

Information sessions will be held to provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions and give feedback on the project and its proposed design.

Residents can attend a drop-in session on Tuesday 31 May 22 at the Minmi Progress Hall between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, while an online information session will be held on Thursday 2 June 2022 from noon to 1pm.

Interested residents can find out more about the project, provide feedback and register to attend an information session at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

An Albanese Labor Government will invest $1 million over four years to revitalise the Kaden Centre cancer exercise oncology clinic.

The Kaden Centre delivers custom, targeted exercise programs, prescribed by allied health professionals to drastically improve the long-term health outcomes for people living with cancer.

Tragically, this essential service for people living with cancer and chronic illness was forced to close its doors indefinitely in February, leaving the Newcastle and Hunter Region bereft of a world-class facility and model of care.

The Kaden Centre has developed a ground-breaking model of care delivery for patients undertaking chemotherapy, involving a personalised exercise program to optimise a patient’s fitness prior to definitive cancer treatment.

The program has seen a 50% reduction in major complications, shorter length of hospital stay, reduced readmissions, and more patients returning to complete their intended oncological treatment.

The Kaden Centre has been a lifeline for more than 1,200 people with cancer and chronic illness since its inception four years ago. Under an Albanese Labor Government, the Kaden Centre will be able to support thousands more cancer patients on their pathway to recovery.

Unlike Mr Morrison who denied this essential service support, Labor has heard the message loud and clear and an Albanese Labor Government will deliver funding as a priority.

Labor built Medicare, we will protect Medicare and we’ll strengthen Medicare if the Australian people elect an Albanese Labor Government.

A man has been charged over the alleged assault of a supermarket employee at Newcastle yesterday.

Emergency services were called to a supermarket at a shopping village on Kokera Street, Wallsend, about 2.30pm (Monday 9 May 2022), following reports of an assault.

Police have been told a staff member confronted a male customer before he was struck with a shopping basket. The customer was escorted from the store by staff.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 52-year-old man who reportedly suffered a medical episode following the incident. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition; however, he is now reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and commenced an investigation into the incident.

With the assistance of the Dog Squad, a 36-year-old man was arrested on University Drive at Birmingham Gardens about 7.15pm.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station before being transferred to the Mater Hospital for treatment, under police guard.

The man was later returned to the station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault person with intent to resist/prevent apprehension, armed with intent to commit indictable offence, custody of knife in public place, break and enter house and steal, and attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm (personal).

He was refused bail by Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 10 May 2022) and is due to appear on Monday 16 May 2022.

Organised Crime Squad detectives have commenced an investigation after the body of a diver and more than 50kg of cocaine were located in the Hunter River at Newcastle yesterday.

About 9.30am (Monday 9 May 2022), emergency services were called to Heron Road at Newcastle following reports of an unconscious diver on the shore.

Members of the public and NSW Ambulance paramedics commenced CPR; however, despite their efforts the man died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A number of packages – which contained more than 50kg of a white powder believed to be cocaine – were located in the immediate vicinity.

The cocaine has an estimated potential street value of $20 million.

A crime scene was established by officers from Newcastle City Police District and continues to be examined by specialist forensic police.

A search of the surrounding waters by the Marine Area Command and Police Divers will continue today, assisted by officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF).

An investigation is underway by Organised Crime Squad detectives, who will be assisted by officers attached to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

City of Newcastle has kicked off the process of exploring options for additional affordable housing in Newcastle as part of the implementation of its Local Housing Strategy 2020.

Tenders are being invited from suitable organisations, including community housing providers, to conduct a feasibility study into the delivery of affordable housing on sites owned by City of Newcastle (CN).

The study is in line with priority actions in the community-endorsed Local Housing Strategy adopted by Council in November 2020, which sets the framework for the provision of housing across Newcastle during the next 20 years.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with rising cost of living pressures and a rapidly increasing population, it was important to ensure Newcastle’s housing mix reflected the needs and preferences of the community.

“City of Newcastle is committed to helping increase the range and supply of housing to meet the needs of our growing community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Housing affordability in Newcastle is at or very near to crisis point, with data showing there are more than 10,000 families suffering from housing stress across the city.

“The Newcastle Local Housing Strategy considers demographics, housing supply and demand, as well as land use opportunities and constraints.

“A need to increase the supply of affordable rental housing has been identified as a priority in the strategy, which is why we are partnering with the NSW Government on a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that will increase the range and supply of social housing in Newcastle.

“Separately to that arrangement, we have also invited tenders from suitably qualified property consultants, community housing providers and developers for an affordable housing feasibility study, which will investigate models for the ownership, operation and delivery of affordable housing on CN-owned sites including land with existing buildings and usage, or vacant land.

“This will allow us to explore all possible options, including potential funding streams, to ensure the provision of affordable, accessible and sustainable housing in the city.

“The successful tender would also need to identify how we could incorporate multi-purpose community spaces into any affordable housing designs proposed in this study, in order to deliver broader benefits for future residents and the community.”

Forecasts shows the Newcastle Local Government Area’s population is set to grow by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041, which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

Research has also shown that one in three Newcastle households have an annual income of less than $48,000 and a further 33 per cent suffer housing stress, which is when more than 30 per cent of income is spent on housing.

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An Albanese Labor Government will invest more than $130,000 in Newcastle schools, committing to upgrades of playgrounds, air-conditioning and an innovative outdoor learning facilities in its first term.

The past two years have been tough for families in Newcastle. Kids have missed out on activities and experiences, and many are struggling with their mental wellbeing. It’s also meant that P&Cs haven’t been able to raise the funds to help their schools.

As part of our national plan to invest $440 million into local schools, Labor will deliver:

• $50,000 for upgrades to the outdoor learning space and environment at Heaton Public School;
• $50,000 for air-conditioning and ventilation at Mayfield West Demonstration School; and,
• $31,150 for playground upgrades at Belair Public School.

Being able to learn and play outdoors is so important for the development of our children. I am very pleased to be committing funding to improve the outdoor learning facilities at Heaton Public and supporting the installation of a dry creek bed and nature play facility at Belair Public.

We know that a good education is the ticket to a lifetime of opportunity, and being in a comfortable, enjoyable setting helps foster an environment that is conducive to learning.

That’s why our Schools Upgrade Fund will also help students at Mayfield West with the installation of new ducted air conditioning and ventilation systems to improve air quality, eliminate germs and cool down the classroom.

I’m very proud Labor has committed to delivering this funding as soon as possible in its first term if elected to government on 21 May.

Labor wants every child, in every school, to get a great education. An Albanese Labor Government will make sure our children get the help they need to bounce back after COVID.

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Right now, women in Newcastle fleeing violence are being turned away from accommodation and support services because of insufficient funding from the Morrison Government.  

Each year nearly 10,000 women and children seeking safety are turned away because there isn’t a bed. For many women and children, this means homelessness – couch surfing, sleeping in the car, on the street or returning to the perpetrator. 

This is why an Albanese Labor Government will establish the Housing Australia Future Fund to build 30,000 social and affordable homes across the country. This includes 4,000 homes for women and children fleeing violence and older women on low incomes who are at risk of homelessness, plus an additional $100 million for crisis accommodation. 

We also know that an extra pair of hands can make an enormous difference. The services we talk to say that an extra person working on staff can help between 80 and 100 additional women and children each year. That’s why Labor will invest in 500 new workers across Australia to support people who are facing violence.  

Here in Newcastle, Labor will provide $1.2 million for additional crisis accommodation. We expect this could help as many as 108 women and children to find refuge. We will also fund ten workers to help 800 women and support them during the hardest time of their lives.  

Survivors of violence are strong, and they deserve our help to rebuild their lives. Over the past decade, the Liberals have failed to take this task seriously.  

Labor will tackle the scourge of domestic violence with ambition and urgency. 

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Sharon Claydon MP and an Albanese Labor Government will commit $285,000 to deliver a much-needed upgrade to the Wallsend Park’s irrigation system.

Home to the Wallsend Cricket Club, Wallsend Football Club, and the Wallsend RSL Junior Cricket Club – some of the biggest sporting clubs in the region, Wallsend Park has hundreds of people who use the space on a regular basis.

For the clubs, the current playing surface is outdated and a barrier to growth – especially for the rapidly expanding girls and womens teams.

The upgrades will allow these clubs to grow and reach more people in the local community.

By installing a new in-ground irrigation system, the Wallsend community will finally have its own facility with a playing surface equal to other clubs within the Greater Newcastle Region.

Today’s announcement is a commitment to partner with the Wallsend Cricket Club to deliver modern, accessible playing facilities to meet the future demand of the community.

What is needed is a Commonwealth Government ready to partner with the local community in delivering this much-needed upgrade. An Albanese Labor Government will do just that. 

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Businesses, not-for-profits and community groups are encouraged to apply for a share of $150,000 in funding for projects which activate or beautify the Hamilton, Wallsend and New Lambton business precincts as part of City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Initiatives ranging from the Big Picture Festival, which saw murals painted throughout the city, through to free cultural performances in Gregson Park, have recently been funded through the program, with REMPLAN modelling showing an economic impact of $5.8 million for the $1.6 million invested in the program last year.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said this round of funding would allow for projects which drive visitation and economic activity in the city’s suburban business precincts.

“City of Newcastle has received some truly innovative and unique proposals through recent SBR funding rounds, including Shakespeare in Civic Park and temporary 3D chalk art trails through the city, so we’re looking forward to seeing what comes through for our suburban precincts,” Cr Clausen said.

“Hamilton, Wallsend and New Lambton all have unique offerings as local business centres, and events, activations and beautification projects funded through the SBR program will give people another reason to visit.

“The funding available through the SBR program will see direct benefit to businesses by attracting visitation and making our local centres even better places to eat, drink and shop.”

Key categories of funding in 2022 include: industry and business development; place activation and events; beautification and infrastructure development; and promotion, with up to $50,000 available in each suburban precinct.

Councillor Carol Duncan said over the past few years COVID-19 had created the toughest trading conditions suburban businesses had ever experienced.

“The advocacy of our BIAs in engaging with business owners to activate their precincts is vital in creating thriving business communities to help mitigate the ongoing impact of COVID-19,” Cr Duncan said.

“We’re seeing the benefits of the BIA model across Newcastle, including in Hamilton where there are a host of new businesses popping up and even a new providore market establishing in James Street Plaza from this Saturday.

“We look forward to receiving a range of creative project ideas in the next round of SBR funding to positively benefit our local business precincts in Wallsend, New Lambton and Hamilton.”

Applications for the New Lambton, Wallsend and Hamilton funding close on 20 May 2022.

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

Projects previously supported by suburban SBR funding include:

· Hamilton 150^th Anniversary Celebrations (Curious Legends)
A mini cultural festival was held in Hamilton’s Gregson Park, in December to coincide with the 150^th year anniversary of the suburb of Hamilton. Local artists, musicians, light installations and puppeteers activated the park. The community were also invited to participate in free workshops at Hudson Street Hum prior to the event to get involved with performances.

· Hamilton Hive Interactive Mural (UP&UP inspirations)
This project led to the design and painting of a mural on the exterior wall of the Community Hive building on Beaumont Street, Hamilton. The mural makes the space more vibrant and welcoming and encourages people to visit the Hamilton precinct which increases foot traffic for businesses.

· Walk With Us (Paul Maher)
This project is replacing a number of existing mosaics with safe, level, slip-resistant installations suitable for high foot traffic areas. The mosaics will beautify the Beaumont Street footpath, honour the suburb’s social and entrepreneurial history, encourage engagement with local businesses, and celebrate our shared cultural heritage and history.

· Hamilton Garden Tile Mural
Local ceramic artist, Ali Sobel-Read, in collaboration with the Kent Hotel, will create a unique artwork for local residents and visitors alike on a wall owned by The Kent on Cleary Street.

A key chapter of Newcastle’s social and regional planning history has been preserved with the completion of the Greg Heys Regional Planning Collection.

More than 1,400 documents – including local urban and rural area studies and reports, project proposals and assessments, environmental studies, and the complete set of the original coloured zoning maps for the Northumberland County District Planning Scheme prepared in 1952 – have been catalogued at Newcastle Libraries.

The archives are the life’s work of former Newcastle Lord Mayor, the late Greg Heys, who studied extensively in these fields and had almost completed a PhD thesis on Regional Governance when he passed away in 2007.

A small celebration was jointly held by City of Newcastle and the Planning Institute of Australia Hunter Branch on Thursday evening to mark the project’s completion, more than a decade in the making, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the city’s librarians, the Hunter Planners Network, and Greg’s wife and former Lady Mayoress, Wendy Heys.

Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen said thanks to their tireless work sorting and processing dozens of boxes of documents, these significant items would be available in perpetuity for research and historical purposes.

“Greg Heys was a passionate and devoted town planner, working at the Bathurst-Orange Growth Centre as a social planner from 1976 to 1980, and today’s event recognises his contributions to our built form as well as Mrs Heys’ ongoing advocacy,” Cr Clausen said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge City of Newcastle’s librarians, in particular Sue Ryan, who have dedicated countless hours to this incredible undertaking.”

Wendy Heys echoed these sentiments, adding, “This collection came about through volunteer efforts, especially Len Regan’s, a transport planner with whom Greg worked at the Bathurst-Orange Growth Centre. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the breadth of the task Newcastle Library undertook and is a fitting tribute to Greg’s dedication to regional planning.”

City of Newcastle will now explore digitising the extensive collection using its state-of-the-art archival grade scanner, the only one of its kind outside of the University of Melbourne. This will allow anyone to access these documents online.

Planning Institute of Australia’s State Manager NSW, Karen Goldsmith, said the collection provided a permanent home for planning documents that held regional significance.

“The Planning Institute is proud to have played a part in this important project, carrying on Greg Heys’ legacy,” Ms Goldsmith said.

“The Northumberland County District Planning Scheme, for example, was the first planning scheme in the Hunter Region and set the vision for the region’s growth. As far as we know, it may be the only set of these plans still in existence.”

This latest project milestone provides scope to add Newcastle and Hunter material to the collection in future.