Category: Newcastle News

Hunter motorists are getting a taste of the future, with the first widened section on the Hexham Straight now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are collectively investing $2.2 billion in the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and the Hexham Straight Widening to reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.

The Australian Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.

Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.

There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.

In addition, a new pedestrian crossing and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be put in place.

When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026.

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

“This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey.

“This is a taste of things to come, with the project still on track to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.

“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

State Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a suite of road projects that are transforming the Hunter road network.

“This project will help thousands of people get where they’re going more quickly and easily, helping improve their quality of life and underpinning economic growth.

“The Minns and Albanese Governments are working together to deliver infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and motorists now and into the future.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.

“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering the infrastructure that Novocastrians deserve.”

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP has announced that the East End Cathedral Park Precinct will receive funding in the latest round of the Albanese Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).

This is one of 15 new projects supporting transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia based on the principles of unifying regional places, growing economies and serving communities.

This $16.7 million project will enhance connections between and along Hunter Street, defining the Harbour to Cathedral connection and delivering upgrades to streets, including off-road cycleways, terraced landscapes, augmentation of the sewer network, and heritage rectification works.

The East End Cathedral Park Precinct is a partnership of the Newcastle City Council, Iris Capital, Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation and the local community.

The project has a holistic design approach, and a long-term vision that aims to make the East End Harbour Precinct an exemplary regional destination.

The project will support urban renewal with high quality streetscapes, providing access to active and public transport networks through the broader cycleway network, minimising car use and maintaining quality public spaces.

Off road cycleway provisions will be provided throughout the precinct allowing commuters to travel from the city’s residential and retail hubs to natural areas including the harbour, parklands and beaches.

Further applications to the program are currently under assessment. For more information on the program visit infrastructure.gov.au/regional.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP:

 “This $16.7 million investment in the East End Cathedral Park precinct is a huge win for Newcastle.

“It will transform this much-loved part of our city into a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors alike – celebrating our heritage, boosting tourism, and creating a greener, more connected community.

“I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is backing projects that make Newcastle an even better place to live, work, play and visit.”

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional, rural and remote Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – ensuring that our regions remain great places to live, work and play. 

“Our investments are planning and building more liveable and productive precincts across the state through effective local regional partnerships that provide long-term benefits.”

Newcastle detectives have charged a third man over his alleged role in the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025 and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police will allege a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation was commenced under Strike Force Bolwarra involving Newcastle detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

As part of investigations, strike force detectives have arrested and charged two men for their alleged roles in the shooting.

Both men remain before the courts.

Following further inquiries, about 3.10pm yesterday (Wednesday 20 August 2025), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Tirriki Street, Charlestown.

During the search, detectives located and seized $7,900 cash, 28g of cocaine and an electronic device.

Following the search, an 18-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with possess unauthorised pistol (two counts), passenger not disclose driver’s/other passenger’s identity (two counts), and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Thursday 21 August 2025).

Investigations under Strike Force Bolwarra continue.

Two teenagers have been charged following an alleged stabbing in Charlestown last night.

About 8.40pm (Wednesday 20 August 2025), police were called to a shopping centre on Ridley Street, Charlestown, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District arrived and were told two people had allegedly assaulted a 32-year-old man with a knife before running from the scene.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious lacerations to his arm before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

Following inquiries, police arrested two 17-year-old boys nearby before taking them to Belmont Police Station.

They were both charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with one 17-year-old also being charged with possess prohibited drug.

Both teens were refused bail, to appear before a children’s court today (Thursday 21 August 2025).

A man has been arrested after an incident in Lake Macquarie this morning.

About 9.50am today (Wednesday 20 August 2025), emergency services responded to reports that a man had been assaulted in the carpark of a shopping centre along the Pacific Highway, Charlestown. 

The man – whose identity is currently unknown – died prior to the arrival of emergency services.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation.

Police were informed that another man was seen running south along the Pacific Highway shortly after the incident.

Shortly after 1pm a 53-year-old man was arrested when he attended Newcastle City Police Station.

Police will address the media later today with further information.

A man will face court tomorrow charged after the alleged domestic violence murder of a woman in the states’ Hunter region today.

About 4.45am today (Monday 18 August 2025), emergency services were called to a home on Unicomb Close, Rutherford, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Port Stephens – Hunter Police District attended and found a 20-year-old woman unresponsive with serious facial injuries.

She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, she could not be revived.

Police established a crime scene and detectives commenced Strike Force Clarbeni to investigate the incident.

Following inquiries a 31-year-old man – who is known to the woman – was arrested at the scene.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with murder DV.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 tomorrow (Tuesday 19 August 2025).

Lake Macquarie City Council has been awarded $1.6 million to deliver a major upgrade of Belmont Public Wharf in Swansea.

The project will see the removal of the existing structure and construction of a brand new wharf, improving safety and usability for local boaters, visitors and families.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $23 million investment in safer and more accessible waterways through the Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grant Program.

Across NSW, 46 projects will share in funding from the $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme.

A full list of successful projects is available at Boating Infrastructure for Communities | NSW Government

Further details on this grant program are available at Boating Infrastructure Maintenance | NSW Government

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“This investment will make a real difference for the community”.

“Projects delivered under the program mean safer launching and retrieval, better access for people of all abilities, and more reason for visitors to spend time and money in our local cafes, tackle shops and accommodation.”

“This program will support upgrades to public boating infrastructure, improve disability access, and fund strategic plans for future needs, delivering safer, more accessible waterways for communities across NSW.”

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“These upgrades are about delivering better, safer, and more accessible infrastructure to communities who rely on our waterways for work, leisure and connection.

“From Macleay to Lake Macquarie, Ulladulla to the Hawkesbury, these investments will make a real difference, supporting tourism, local jobs and long-term economic growth in regional NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering infrastructure that matters – projects

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Christopher Shaw, aged 36, was last seen in East Branxton, about 6pm yesterday (Saturday 16 August 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Christopher’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Christopher is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and a long beard.

He may be driving a white Nissan Navara utility with a NSW registration AYE565.

Christopher is known to frequent the Rutherford, Chisholm and East Branxton areas.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the Hunter Region.

Jordan Christian, aged 15, was last seen in Weston approximately two weeks ago.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified about 4:45pm on Monday 11 August 2025, and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jordan’s welfare due to his young age.

Jordan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, and about 175cm tall with medium build.

He is known to frequent Weston, Rutherford and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam vision after a crash closed the Hunter Expressway earlier today.

Emergency services were called to Greta about 5.20pm (Friday 15 August 2025), after two SUVs – both travelling southeast – collided.

A 63-year-old woman driving the vehicle in front, a red 2022-model Isuzu, was not injured and stopped nearby; however, the occupants of the following vehicle were trapped when it rolled several times.

A 61-year-old woman, who was driving the grey 2020-model Honda HR-V, and her 88-year-old female passenger, were trapped for about an hour before the older woman was released and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

The driver was taken by road ambulance to the same hospital.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and have commenced investigations into the incident.