Tonight’s Committee meetings will be held in the Council Chambers. To ensure COVID safe practices for City of Newcastle’s Council meetings, arrangements have been made for members of the public to observe the meeting from the digital library space on the ground floor of the City Administration Centre, in accordance with Public Health Orders.
City of Newcastle’s COVID Safe Plan for the digital library space restricts the number of people who can attend and requires members of the public to check-in via QR code, be fully vaccinated, and wear face masks. Members of the public are also able to view the proceedings via the livestream.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Solar farm anniversary shines a light on City's power pledge
City of Newcastle is powering ahead with its commitment to renewable energy, celebrating the success of its solar farm while also rolling out more rooftop solar systems at key facilities.
This month marks two years of operation of the five-megawatt solar farm, which was built at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre on a capped landfill site.
Covering an area of around five football fields, the solar farm’s 14,500 photovoltaic solar arrays are producing enough electricity to meet the equivalent annual power needs of more than 1300 Newcastle households.
The project is expected to save ratepayers around $9 million, after costs, over its 25-year lifespan, and ensures City of Newcastle is meeting 100 per cent of its power supply through renewable energy sources, in conjunction with a power purchase contract that sources electricity from the state’s largest windfarm.
Individual rooftop solar systems are also adding to City of Newcastle’s clean energy mix, with more than 800 kilowatts of photovoltaic systems installed across 16 key council sites including the City, Wallsend and New Lambton libraries, No.1 and No.2 sportsgrounds, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum, the City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, the Visitor Information Centre and the Works Depot.
An additional 100 kilowatts are being installed this year, with systems recently commissioned at Fort Scratchley and Summerhill Waste Management Centre, while planning is underway to add a rooftop solar system to the Civic Theatre.
This commitment to renewable energy is among the range of strategies being implemented under the Climate Action Plan 2021-2025, which are designed to allow City of Newcastle to achieve its adopted target of net zero emissions for its operations by 2030.
Summerhill Waste Management Facility Statement
There is no agreement to take any waste from Sydney with Transport for NSW (TfNSW). TfNSW contacted City of Newcastle (CN) in September requesting a meeting to discuss future waste from the Northern Beaches Link project.
At that meeting we explained that in order for any waste to be considered for landfill disposal at the Summerhill Waste Management Facility it must meet our strict requirements set under the EPA’s Waste Classification Guideline for General Solid Waste.
We also stressed that any waste would need to be independently tested to confirm that it meet our strict licensing requirements.
TfNSW undertook from that meeting to come back to us when they knew with more confidence about the make up of the waste. To date we haven’t heard anything more.
A decision regarding the disposal of any material offshore would be made by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Appeal for information – Kurri Kurri Industrial Fire
Police are appealing for public information following a large industrial fire in Kurri Kurri yesterday.
About 10.40am (Sunday 14 November 2021), emergency services were called to an industrial complex on Mitchell Avenue, Kurri Kurri, following reports of a large fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW have multiple crews on scene and are continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze.
The building is believed to have been unoccupied at the time and no injuries have been reported.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced an investigation into the incident.
Anyone who may have information or footage, including dashcam, from the area is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Ongoing Protests Targeting The Rail Network
Yesterday officers from Newcastle City Police District formed Strike Force Tuohy as they continue proactive operations to actively prevent and disrupt illegal protests in the Hunter/Newcastle region.
The ongoing protests are placing public safety at risk and endangering the lives of all those who use the rail network. They will not be tolerated.
Accordingly, I have sought further legal advice today and am warning anyone who intends on behaving in the manner we’ve seen over the past week that they could be charged with offences under Section 211 of the Crimes Act 1900, which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
This is in addition to the various trespass and rail disruption offences numerous protestors have been charged with since Friday 5 November.
Officers from Strike Force Tuohy, with the assistance of Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad, PolAir and intelligence resources, stand ready to target anyone engaging in this dangerous and criminal behaviour, and will not hesitate to take the appropriate action.
Police have formed Strike Force Tuohy as they continue proactive operations to actively prevent and disrupt illegal protests in the Hunter/Newcastle region.
Newcastle City Police District and Police Transport Command have been dealing with ongoing protest activity aimed at disrupting sections of the rail network, with commuter and coal trains again affected today.
Since Friday 5 November 2021, officers have arrested 17 people – including eight men and nine women – who are all members of same group.
Those people have been charged with various trespass and rail disruption offences. An additional man received a penalty infringement notice.
Officers attached to Strike Force Tuohy will be conducting proactive patrols and targeting anyone engaging in suspicious behaviour.
Officers from Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad and PolAir, as well as intelligence resources, will also assist as required.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said police have increased security and surveillance along the rail corridor to prevent further disruption to commuter and freight trains in the area.
“This government will not tolerate protestors undermining commuter activities and causing significant damage to these local industries which employ people from across the region,” Mr Elliott said.
“Specialist and local police officers are patrolling the area to ensure any illegal protest activity is disrupted. Already local police have arrested 17 people and brought them before the courts.”
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said police were targeting protestors as a priority and their activities would not be tolerated.
“The actions of this group and individuals involved are placing lives at risk,” Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
“Illegally entering rail corridors and expecting trains that are over 1.5km in length to stop for people placing themselves in front of them is outrageous and incredibly dangerous behaviour.
“We will continue to use the full force of the law to locate and arrest any persons involved in this criminal activity.”
Police will continue to work with Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and other members of the coal supply network to prevent further disruptions.
Additional security, surveillance and lighting have also been instigated at high-risk access points.
Police will continue to monitor and respond to any ongoing unauthorised protest activity and anyone who breaks the law or engages in antisocial behaviour will be dealt with accordingly.
Industrial Fire – Kurri Kurri
Police issue warning as a large industrial fire continues to burn in the Hunter region.
About 10.40am today (Sunday 14 November 2021), emergency services were called to an industrial complex on Mitchell Avenue, Kurri Kurri, following reports of a large fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW have multiple crews on scene and are continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze. There is currently no risk to residential properties
The building is believed to have been unoccupied at the time, and no injuries have been reported.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District are on scene assisting with traffic management with local traffic diversions in place.
Members of the public suffering from respiratory conditions are advised to avoid the area.
Delays are expected and motorists are urged to avoid the area where possible and check www.livetraffic.com for updates.
At this stage, the cause of the fire is not known.
Mother and newborn missing from Lake Macquarie located
A woman and her newborn who were reported missing from Lake Macquarie yesterday have been located.
Concerns were raised for the 20-year-old woman after she failed to keep a medical appointment.
She was reported missing to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District yesterday (Saturday 13 November 2021), and police commenced inquiries to locate her.
About 8pm today (Sunday 14 November 2021), the woman and her newborn were located in Medowie and have been taken to hospital for assessment.
Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.
Charges laid following serious crash as critical incident investigation continues – Hamilton
Police have charged a man as part of a critical incident investigation into a serious crash in the state’s Northern Region earlier this week.
Just after 11.10am on Thursday (11 November 2021), officers attached to the Northern Region High Visibility Policing Unit were conducting proactive patrols at Everton Street, Hamilton, when they observed an unregistered red Suzuki Swift.
The driver allegedly failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Officers continued patrolling the area and located the Suzuki rolled on its side after colliding with a Toyota Hilux at the intersection of Lawson and Denison Streets.
A rear seat passenger of the Suzuki – a 27-year-old woman – was trapped in the vehicle before being freed by emergency services. She was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
The driver and two other passengers of the Suzuki fled the scene on foot; however, were located and arrested by police a short distance away.
The two passengers – a 29-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man – were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released.
The driver of the Suzuki – a 38-year-old man – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition under police guard.
The driver of the Toyota Hilux – a 40-year-old man – and his passenger – a 21-year-old man – were not injured during the incident.
A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Following extensive investigations, officers attended John Hunter Hospital and charged the 38-year-old man with 12 offences including;
- Dangerous driving occasion grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous,
- fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm,
- cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle,
- not stop at/before stop line/stop sign,
- negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm),
- police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously
- not comply P2 licence condition not display P plates,
- not give particulars to other driver,
- use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road,
- use uninsured motor vehicle,
- driver fails/refuses to disclose his/her identity, and,
- fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury.
The Morisset man was refused bail to appear via AVL at Newcastle Bail Court today (Saturday 13 November 2021).
A critical incident team from the Hunter Valley Police District will continue investigations.
Seed library grows further across Newcastle
Green thumbs across Newcastle have contributed to the growth of Newcastle Seed Library, with a wider variety of seeds now available to borrow from the city’s Digital Library.
City of Newcastle Manager Libraries & Learning Suzie Gately said that Newcastle Seed Library has been expanded due to its popularity and is a great way for people to get into gardening and learn new seed-saving skills.
“Gardening has become a popular pastime throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, with vegetable gardens flourishing in the backyards of homes throughout the nation,” Ms Gately said.
“There are so many benefits to gardening, including improved health and wellbeing, and the opportunity to live more sustainably by eating fresh produce straight from your own garden.
“Over 1,200 seed packets have been borrowed since the seed library first opened, as locals have embraced the opportunity to borrow seeds for free, teach children about the life cycle of plants and learn how to save seeds.
“While sometimes growing from seed doesn’t go as planned, we encourage borrowers to donate seeds back, which will ensure the continued growth of the Seed Library with a collection of varieties that have adapted to local conditions.”
In October 2020, Newcastle Seed Library launched through an innovative community partnership with Newcastle Libraries, and enthusiastic gardeners have been able to borrow and donate seeds from Wallsend Library.
Certified organic varieties including basil, tomato, zucchini, pumpkin and bush bean were initially available to borrow from the Newcastle Seed Library and thanks to donations from community members, new additions include flat leaf parsley, marigold, Madagascar lima bean, loofah, sunflower, mixed lettuce and poppy.
Seeds can be borrowed from the Digital Library from today and Lambton Library when it reopens later this year, while seed donations can now be made at any Newcastle Libraries branch.
The Newcastle Seed Library is a free service and available to all members of Newcastle Libraries. Membership to Newcastle Libraries is also free and can be arranged by phoning 4974 5300 or visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
Tutorials are available to view on the Newcastle Libraries website to provide members with the knowledge to build their own skills to grow produce and flowers from seed. Over Summer free workshops will be held about native bees and natural pest control, and the Newcastle Seed Library newsletter is full of free seed saving tips.
City of Newcastle Manager Libraries & Learning Suzie Gately said that Newcastle Seed Library has been expanded due to its popularity and is a great way for people to get into gardening and learn new seed-saving skills.
“Gardening has become a popular pastime throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, with vegetable gardens flourishing in the backyards of homes throughout the nation,” Ms Gately said.
“There are so many benefits to gardening, including improved health and wellbeing, and the opportunity to live more sustainably by eating fresh produce straight from your own garden.
“Over 1,200 seed packets have been borrowed since the seed library first opened, as locals have embraced the opportunity to borrow seeds for free, teach children about the life cycle of plants and learn how to save seeds.
“While sometimes growing from seed doesn’t go as planned, we encourage borrowers to donate seeds back, which will ensure the continued growth of the Seed Library with a collection of varieties that have adapted to local conditions.”
In October 2020, Newcastle Seed Library launched through an innovative community partnership with Newcastle Libraries, and enthusiastic gardeners have been able to borrow and donate seeds from Wallsend Library.
Certified organic varieties including basil, tomato, zucchini, pumpkin and bush bean were initially available to borrow from the Newcastle Seed Library and thanks to donations from community members, new additions include flat leaf parsley, marigold, Madagascar lima bean, loofah, sunflower, mixed lettuce and poppy.
Seeds can be borrowed from the Digital Library from today and Lambton Library when it reopens later this year, while seed donations can now be made at any Newcastle Libraries branch.
The Newcastle Seed Library is a free service and available to all members of Newcastle Libraries. Membership to Newcastle Libraries is also free and can be arranged by phoning 4974 5300 or visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
Tutorials are available to view on the Newcastle Libraries website to provide members with the knowledge to build their own skills to grow produce and flowers from seed. Over Summer free workshops will be held about native bees and natural pest control, and the Newcastle Seed Library newsletter is full of free seed saving tips.
Critical incident investigation underway following fatal crash – Hamilton
A critical incident investigation is underway after a woman was seriously injured following a crash in the state’s Northern Region.
Just after 11.10am yesterday (Thursday 11 November 2021), officers attached to the Northern Region High Visibility Policing Unit were conducting proactive patrols at Everton Street, Hamilton, when they observed an unregistered red Suzuki Swift.
The driver allegedly failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Officers continued patrolling the area and located the Suzuki rolled on its side after colliding with a Toyota Hilux at the intersection of Lawson and Denison Streets.
A rear seat passenger of the Suzuki – a 27-year-old woman – was trapped in the vehicle before being extracted by emergency services. She was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition, where she remains.
The driver and two other passengers of the Suzuki fled the scene on foot; however, were located and arrested by police a short distance away.
The driver – a 38-year-old man – was also taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition, where he remains under police guard.
The two passengers – a 29-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man – were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Toyota Hilux – a 40-year-old man – and his passenger – a 21-year-old man – were not injured during the incident.
A crime scene was established and examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
A critical incident team from the Hunter Valley Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
No police officers were injured during the incident.