Category: Newcastle News

A $3.7 million upgrade of Blackbutt Village on Orchardtown Road is set to commence next month, delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for New Lambton residents.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said after previously engaging with the community on their ideas for this popular area, it will be wonderful to see this long-awaited upgrade get underway.

“Early in this project the community highlighted concerns about safety, and in particular safety when crossing the busy Orchardtown Road,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our team have been busy developing a design that both improves safety and encourages pedestrians and cyclists to the area, as well as making it a safer place to park your car and visit the local shops.”

The upgrade will include an off-road shared pedestrian and cycle path, a new pedestrian crossing, improved footpath connections to Blackbutt Reserve, as well as introduction of a 40km per hour High Pedestrian Activity Area.

Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade will see the entire public domain of the popular local centre renewed for the local community and visitors, with a focus on place activation and improving public spaces to further promote local businesses.

“Wider footpaths and new plazas will improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the area, while its look and feel will be improved with renewed drainage, kerbs, gutters, road surfaces, footpaths, lighting, street furniture, tree planting and landscaping,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“As a part of our ongoing engagement with the community, we will also invite local residents and businesses to let us know their ideas for the best use and activation ideas for the new public open spaces later in the year.”

Traffic and Transport Manager Ryan Tranter said that City of Newcastle will continue to involve the community and local businesses in discussions about the introduction of timed parking in the local area.

“Parking safety and turnover issues have been strongly identified throughout community consultation to date, and we’ll continue to speak with local businesses and residents to ensure ease of access to the upgraded Local Centre for locals, customers and visitors,” Mr Tranter said.

“We hope that through the improvements we are delivering, the community will enjoy even greater connections in this area and benefit from its links to our expanded pedestrian and cycleway network.”

Following a workshop with business owners in the area, the broader community will be invited to provide feedback on options for timed parking in the coming months.

Construction is estimated to be complete by early 2024. The upgrade has been supported with a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government under Round Seven of the Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions funding is stimulating local economies and supporting the ongoing prosperity of mining towns.

“This project represents the NSW Government’s commitment to providing continued support to mining reliant towns,” Mr Toole said.

“Projects like the Blackbutt Village upgrades will go a long way to help revitalising this area in Newcastle and provide long term benefits for this great mining community.”

The project being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program and follows similar upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.

An initiative to combat social isolation amongst the city’s elderly population caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been dished up today thanks to funds provided by City of Newcastle.

NovaCare’s Scone Time encourages elderly community members, their carers, companions and family members to re-connect over morning tea, with the first event held today in Merewether.

Thirty elderly Newcastle residents came together for the unique social event funded under City of Newcastle’s expanded Community and Economic Resilience Package, which aims to support vulnerable communities through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said initiatives like Scone Time are so important as we continue to feel the impact of COVID-19 and look towards recovering from the pandemic.

“The last two years have presented challenges for everyone, but these are heightened amongst our elderly population,” Cr Nelmes said

“Providing seniors with safe and supported opportunities to seek meaningful social connection will improve the wellbeing of our community.”

City of Newcastle Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said continued support of the community will benefit the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“When the pandemic was declared in 2020, we moved quickly to deliver social, economic and well-being outcomes that would support our community,” said Ms Hyland.

“As the effects of COVID-19 continued to impact our community with social and economic disruption, we extended our $5.5 million community and economic resilience package to provide additional support with a targeted program including assistance for local charities and the most vulnerable in our community.”

NovaCare Chief Executive Officer Joseph McCarthy said City of Newcastle’s support will allow the initiative to be rolled out across a number of locations in Newcastle, with up to 20 events to be held this year.

“The pandemic has caused social isolation amongst older people, some of whom are now feeling lonely and hesitant to re-enter activities” Mr McCarthy said.

“City of Newcastle’s support will enable NovaCare to provide social re-connection to local seniors in a supported environment where they can share homemade scones, their thoughts and feelings, amongst great company.”

The free events are open to anyone over the age of 65, their carers and family members. Bookings can be made by contacting NovaCare.

Northern Settlement Services has also received funding under City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package. The grant will be used for a social and recreational program for vulnerable cultural and linguistically diverse populations.

To find out more about how we’re responding to COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

About 5.20am today (Sunday 27 February 2022), emergency services were called to the Golden Highway, Cassilis, in the Upper Hunter, after reports two trucks were involved in a head-on collision.

The male driver of one of the trucks died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

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

An investigation into the crash is underway and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The Highway is closed in both directions.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area as delays are expected.

Novocastrians are invited to share their expertise to help shape the future of the city and identify opportunities that will benefit the city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has opened expressions of interest for a limited number of community representative positions on six of its advisory committees, which provide advice and guidance to the elected Council and CN on matters of strategic significance.

Strategic advisory committees are a key action implemented as a part of CN’s Open and Transparent Governance Strategy, which was adopted in 2017.

New members of the City’s advisory committees will join existing community members and CN staff to continue to help shape key policies and initiatives across the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the volunteer representatives on the committees play an important role in helping CN progress the shared vision of the Community Strategic Plan.

“We’re looking for individuals from all walks of life, including those with experience in or a passion for areas including urban planning, arts, heritage, innovation, smart infrastructure, the environment and transport, as well as champions for access and inclusion and advocates for Indigenous issues,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Community members with lived experience or expertise in these areas are an invaluable resource whose perspective or skills can help identify challenges and opportunities for our city and provide guidance during the development of key strategies designed to make Newcastle a better place to live, work in and visit.

“With a new Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, expected to be finalised later this year following the current period of public exhibition, we will have a new shared vision for Newcastle and will look to these advisory committees for guidance as we put this plan into action.”

Membership of the committees includes up to three Councillors, the Lord Mayor, stakeholders and up to three community representatives.

Councillor Margaret Wood previously served on the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee as a community member and will now act as co-chairperson following her election to Council in December.

“As a community member of the previous committee, I found that it was a great opportunity to contribute to change,” Cr Wood said.

“I felt that the diverse perspectives of committee members added a lot of value to the City’s work implementing the first Disability Inclusion Action Plan and in developing the new Action Plan.

“I encourage people with lived experience of disability to apply to become involved with the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee.”

The following committees have casual vacancies for community representatives:

Access Inclusion Advisory Committee

Assists with the implementation of CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and provides guidance on disability inclusion in Newcastle.

Community and Culture Advisory Committee

To provide guidance on the development of strategies, and identification of challenges and opportunities, in relation to cultural planning, arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity, and community involvement which encourages a sense of belonging within the LGA.

Liveable Cities Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on urban planning, heritage, safety, affordable housing and healthy and connected urban systems within the local government area.

Infrastructure Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on built and natural facilities and systems within the local government area, including coastal revitalisation programs, environmental matters, transport, traffic and parking, cycleways delivery and floodplain management.

Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on the development, refinement and implementation of strategies, and identification of challenges and opportunities, in relation to the economic development and diversification of Newcastle as destination leading in innovative technologies, climate action, smart infrastructure, high value investment, and major events and tourism.

Guraki Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and gives life to Councillor’s commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of City of Newcastle.

Expressions of Interest to join the advisory committees can be submitted until 20 March. Further information on the process and eligibility criteria can be found online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/projects/city-of-newcastle-advisory-committees

Children in the city’s west will have plenty of reasons to get active in 2022 with four playground upgrades to be delivered this year.

Work has commenced on a full playground replacement at McCauley Park in Tarro, while Minmi’s McInnes Reserve will be next with a complete overhaul of its playground equipment to begin next month.

The neighbourhood playground at Bernborough Avenue in Maryland will benefit from an equipment upgrade in coming months as part of the annual playground improvement program, which will see $650,000 invested across four sites including the three western suburbs projects and a new design and equipment upgrade at Kotara Park.

The Wallsend community is also eagerly awaiting the completion of the $1.5 million Active Hub in Federal Park, which commenced construction in 2021 and is expected to be ready for use by July.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to be delivering improved recreational opportunities for children across the local government area including those in the growing western corridor.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why we’re investing $650,000 to upgrade four local playgrounds this year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city’s playgrounds provide local children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.

“I’m thrilled to see work beginning at McCauley Park in Tarro, which will feature a new-look play area designed to cater for a wide range of ages featuring swings, slides, climbing, and balancing components. I can’t wait to see the projects kick off in Minmi, Maryland and Kotara as well.

“I’m also looking forward to the completion of the Wallsend Active Hub mid this year, which was designed to address the need for non-formal sporting facilities in the city’s western corridor and will include an expanded playspace, bike track, multi-sport courts, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations.

“This $1.5 million project is transforming Federal Park into a vibrant hub of activity and will become a destination not only for residents in surrounding suburbs but for families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces it offers.”

Up to four of Newcastle’s 134 playgrounds are replaced each year as part of the asset renewal works program. City of Newcastle has invested more than $9 million in playground projects during the past five years including construction of the inclusive playground at Stevenson Park at Mayfield, the Stockton and Wallsend Active Hubs and the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

The Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.

To stay up to date with the progress and to find out about works in your neighbourhood visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 22 February 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 22 February 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Ceremonial welcoming of new and returning Councillors
A Lord Mayoral Minute congratulated all successful candidates and welcomed new and returning Councillors to the historic Newcastle City Hall Chamber for the ceremonial first face-to-face Ordinary Council Meeting of the new Council term. First term Councillors were also given an opportunity to address the Chamber.

Tree planting commitment to increase city’s urban forest
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) acknowledging City of Newcastle’s long-standing commitment to the protection and increased planting of street and park trees across the Local Government Area was supported by Councillors.

The LMM called for City of Newcastle to invest $4.5 million during the next three years to increase green cover with new street and park trees as part of the annual tree-planting investment.

Minmi Road upgrade between Newcastle Road and Minmi
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was received by Councillors noting the long-standing issues along Minmi Road and the well overdue upgrades required to alleviate traffic congestion on the major arterial connection for local residents in Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi.

The Minute called for City of Newcastle to invest $26 million to upgrade notorious traffic pinch points along Minmi Road between Newcastle Road and Minmi by duplicating large sections of the arterial western corridor road from one lane of traffic in each direction to two lanes each way.

These essential upgrades will provide a large-scale infrastructure program that will significantly alleviate traffic congestion along Minmi Road and deliver the long overdue upgrades the road requires whilst providing long-awaited relief to many frustrated road users and creating local jobs.

Ordinary Business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

Adoption of Code of Conduct and associated procedures
Councillors unanimously adopted the Codes of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct.

City of Newcastle are required to review and adopt its Codes of Conduct and Procedures within the first 12 months of each council term. There are no proposed changes to the current Codes of Conduct and Procedures.

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report
Councillors received the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for the 2020/2021 financial year and noted the 2021/2022 Forward Internal Audit Plan.

Adoption of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Councillors unanimously adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 following an exhibition period.

Brunker Road, Broadmeadow – proposed pedestrian crossing upgrade near Coolah Road
Councillors approved the proposed upgrade of the pedestrian crossing on Brunker Road Broadmeadow, near Coolah Road, to a raised crossing with kerb extensions.

Adoption of Instruments of Delegation
Councillors voted to adopt Instruments of Delegation to the Lord Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and Development Applications Committee.

Adoption of the alcohol regulated areas review
Councillors adopted the Alcohol Regulated Areas (ARA) for a four-year period (2022 – 2026) and delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to temporarily suspend Alcohol Free Zones (AFZ) to facilitate the approval of licensed events not exceeding five days in length.

Minister’s consent application – lease for Dixon Park Kiosk
Councillors voted to seek consent from the Minister for Local Government for City of Newcastle to enter into a lease with Sunnyboy Kiosk Pty Ltd for Dixon Park Kiosk.

Variation to Development Standards Report – 4th Quarter – 1 October to 31 December 2021
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 October 2021 and 31 December 2021 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Adoption of fees for Lord Mayor and Councillors (including superannuation)
Councillors voted to accept the fees and superannuation contributions payable to the Lord Mayor and Councillors for the current term of Council.

Six monthly performance report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the 2018-2022 Delivery Program for the July to December 2021 period.

December quarterly budget review
Councillors received the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement as at 31 December 2021 and adopted the revised budget.

Executive monthly performance report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2022, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.

Supply of one rear loading bulk waste collection truck – contract no. 2022/097t
Councillors voted to approve an exemption to tender for the supply of one rear loading bulk waste collection truck.

Notices of Motion

Lord Mayor’s earthquake appeal fund and the Newcastle region natural disaster relief fund trustee LTD
A Notice of Motion was received noting that City of Newcastle audited financial statements for the year ending 2020 show the Newcastle Region Natural Disaster Relief Fund Trustee Ltd has assets of more than $1 million, consisting of $734,018 in a term deposit bank account, $146,901 in low interest-bearing bank account, and receivables of $160,806.

The Motion also noted that no donations have been made by the Trust for the past six years and that the Fund annually pays accounting and consulting expenses of more than $5,000 and auditing fees of $3,000.

Councillors supported writing to the Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters Senator Zed Seselja asking for an update of the formal investigation into the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Appeal Fund and the Newcastle Region Natural Disaster Relief Fund.

Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade
An amended Notice of Motion that calls for City of Newcastle to continue to lobby the NSW State Government for the Newcastle Ocean Baths to be included in the State Heritage Register, was supported by Councillors.

Confidential Councillor workshops
An amended Notice of Motion that Council continues to webcast the Public Voice Committee and the Public Briefings Committee and notes that the Code of Meeting Practice is scheduled to be reviewed and placed on public exhibition in May 2022, was supported by Councillors.

Newcastle Climate Action Taskforce
Councillors supported an amended Notice of Motion inviting the Hunter Community Alliance to join the SDG Hunter Region Taskforce and calling on City of Newcastle to undertake a Climate Change Risk Assessment for Council and community assets and services. The Notice of Motion also called on City of Newcastle to develop a Circular Economy Plan and a Climate Adaptation Plan following the development and adoption of the Newcastle Environment Strategy, with the Strategy and both Plans to be placed on public exhibition as well as workshopped with the SDG Hunter Region Taskforce.

City of Newcastle has adopted a bold plan to achieve the community’s vision expressed in the Newcastle 2040 plan, of an inclusive and accessible city for all.

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 (DIAP) was unanimously adopted by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Council Meeting.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said addressing inclusion requires a multi-faceted approach, but one of the most powerful places to start is by increasing awareness and understanding around disability.

“The DIAP acts as a roadmap to guide City of Newcastle’s actions and establish strategies to ensure we create an inclusive community for all people who live, visit and work in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“All people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and have equal access to social, recreational, educational, economic and employment opportunities.

“Community attitudes and behaviours can have a significant impact on the lives of people with a disability – it is up to all of us to ensure that impact is a positive one.”

Actions and strategies presented in the DIAP 2022-2026 are categorised within four focus areas – developing positive community attitudes and behaviours; creating liveable communities; supporting access to meaningful employment and improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes.

Among the 35 key actions to be carried out under the DIAP is a commitment to leading by example with public programming.

“We’re already working towards this through our cultural facilities, where we deliver public programming that is not only accessible and inclusive but also reflects the diversity of disabilities in our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Examples of this include the low sensory sessions at Newcastle Museum developed in consultation with Autism Awareness Australia, and last year’s Sea, Space & Beyond exhibition at the Museum in partnership with Vision Australia, which featured artworks created by the blind, low vision and sighted communities.

“The month-long Count Us In program was also established as an action of the previous DIAP, and included disability awareness training, cultural and arts events, inclusive sports and games, and a range of other events to highlight inclusion. We are currently finalising a grants program for the festival, which will help empower the community to deliver this year’s event.

“By keeping disability front of mind and on people’s agenda, we can challenge the community dialogue to enhance positive attitudes and behaviours towards disability.”

City of Newcastle was the first Council in New South Wales to adopt a DIAP under the current legislation.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson is set to visit Newcastle, NSW, on Monday (28 February,2022) to meet with natural disaster-impacted small businesses.

Mr Billson says he is keen to speak with small business owners that have been impacted by a natural disaster at a feedback session to be held at Overtime Café & Bar (70 Beaumont St, Hamilton) on Monday, 9am-10am.

“We want to hear from small and family business owners who have lived experience of a natural disaster such as bushfires, severe storms or floods and have ideas about how best the government can support them to prepare and remain resilient in the case of an unavoidable event,” Mr Billson says.

“What we learn from small businesses in this session, will help inform the work on our current Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry, including recommendations to improve education and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters.

“I encourage Newcastle small and family business owners to take part in this important discussion.”

Two men have been charged with several robbery and arson offences following a four-month investigation in the Hunter Valley.

In October 2021, rural crime investigators attached to the Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Carribee to investigate a number of alleged arson and property offences which occurred in the Singleton and surrounding areas.

Incidents of note include:

• On Thursday 2 September 2021, two computer terminals were allegedly damaged by rocks in Glennies Creek, before a structure on Middle Falbrook Road, two hay bales and two residential garbage bins were all destroyed by fire.
• On Friday 17 September 2021, three firearms were stolen from a rural property at Putty Road, Milbrodale.
• On Saturday 25 December 2021, a tractor was located burnt out in a paddock on Tilpa-Tonga Road, Tilpa.
• On Wednesday 19 January 2022, machinery and other equipment was stolen from a work site on Goorangoola Road, Goorangoola. An excavator and diesel petrol were also stolen from the same site on Saturday 29 January 2022.
• On 3 February 2022, two firearms were stolen from a rural property on Old Carrowbrook Road, Mount Olive.
• Just before midnight on Wednesday 16 February 2022, two armed men entered a service station on Bridgman Road, Dunolly, and allegedly threatened a female attendant. The employee handed over a sum of cash before both men ran from the store.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives attended a workplace in Muswellbrook about 9am yesterday (Sunday 20 February 2022) and arrested a 19-year-old man. Officers also seized a white Toyota Hilux for forensic examination.

A second 19-year-old man attended Singleton Police Station a short time later, where he was arrested.

Hunter Valley police – with the assistance of Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) and Operation Utah officers – then executed two search warrants at properties in Bridgman and Muswellbrook, where a machete and other items were seized.

Following further inquiries, officers attended an area of bushland in Bridgman where they located and seized five firearms hidden in PVC piping.

Both men were charged with several offences, including robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon, destroy property in company by fire, malicious damage, break, enter and steal, trespass, larceny and possess unauthorised firearm.

They were refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Monday 21 February 2022), where they were formally bail refused to next appear at Singleton Local Court on Thursday 28 April 2022.

Investigations under Strike Force Carribee are continuing.

The Queen’s longevity is providing an unexpected opportunity for Novocastrians to ignite their green thumb.

Local groups and organisations are being urged to apply for up to $20,000 of funding to hold commemorative events that will see regionally appropriate trees planted to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022.

There is $100,000 of grant funding up for grabs across the Newcastle electorate.

This is a terrific opportunity, but I know the $100,000 will disappear fast. This program provides grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000 for up to 10 projects in Newcastle.

One catch is the trees have to be at least two metres tall when they mature, and there needs to be a formal event with a commemorative sign or plaque.

Each Federal Member of Parliament has been charged with identifying and nominating suitable projects, so I’m calling for groups and organisations to put their hand up to apply for the funding.

Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations – such as Scouts or Girl Guides – Landcare groups, government and non-government schools, P&C associations and other community groups, as well as local councils.

I’d encourage those who might be interested in putting forward a project to have a look at the program guidelines at business.gov.au/ptqi

Interested groups and organisations should lodge expression of interest by Friday 25 March 2022. Further information is available at https://www.sharonclaydon.com/grants or by contacting my office via 4926 1555.