Category: Newcastle News

A woman and her dog have been saved from a burning home in the Hunter Valley.
About 1.20pm yesterday (Tuesday 26 October 2021), a 28-year-old man was walking along Alexandra Street, Kurri Kurri, when he heard a smoke alarm emitting from a nearby home and observed smoke coming from the back door of the property.
With assistance from a nearby council worker, the pair ran inside to assist a 58-year-old female resident and her dog from the home which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames.
The passer-by contacted emergency services, with crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attending a short time later, extinguishing the blaze.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, would like to thank the members of the public who ran in to save the occupant of the home before the blaze took hold.
“It’s the heroic actions of these two men which saved this woman and her dog’s life yesterday, and on behalf of all the emergency services involved, we would like to thank this pair. Both of these men will be considered for bravery recognition for their actions,” Det Insp Matt Zimmer said.
The circumstances surrounding the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Strike force detectives have released an image of a similar vehicle of interest as they continue to investigate the shooting death of a woman in Stockton earlier this year.
Just after 8pm on Wednesday 9 June 2021, emergency services were called to a home on Queen Street, Stockton, following reports of a shooting.
A 61-year-old woman answered her front door before she was shot; she died at the scene and was later identified as Stacey Klimovitch.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Backhouse to investigate the circumstances surrounding Stacey’s murder.
As investigations continue, strike force detectives have released an image of a similar vehicle which they believe was used in the commission of the offence.
It’s believed to be a dark coloured 2013 to 2017 Holden Commodore VF SSV V8 sedan.
Strike force detectives believe the vehicle is linked to persons involved in the shooting, either directly or through a third party.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have noticed a vehicle matching this description in and around the area at the time of the homicide to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone who may have information which could assist Strike Force Backhouse investigators is urged to come forward.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 October 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 October 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Supporting alfresco outdoor dining in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that the NSW Government has announced a new policy, and grant funding, to support local businesses to expand their footprint to new outdoor spaces through the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, was unanimously supported by Councillors.
City of Newcastle will notify local businesses about its support for the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, including facilitating the implementation of the expanded alfresco outdoor dining policy. Information will be provided to local businesses so they can take full advantage of the initiative as they recover from the affects of the pandemic.
Basketball Courts at National Park
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that a key principle of the current 2012 National Park Plan of Management (PoM) is to provide sporting, recreation, and leisure facilities to meet the current and future needs of the community, was supported by Councillors.
The Minute also noted that the former tennis courts site is categorised as ‘sportsground’ under the current PoM, with the objective of sportsground land being to ‘encourage, promote and facilitate organised and informal sporting activities and games’.
Council endorsed the provision of four new basketball courts, currently under construction, following the success of the construction of two basketball courts in September 2020, noting that a Review of Environmental Factors has stated that the project aligns with the intention of the National Park Plan of Management 2012.
The Minute acknowledged that since the adoption of the 2012 PoM, the conversion of the former Life Without Barriers site has provided an additional 9750m2 of green space not previously accessible to the public, which has been rehabilitated for passive recreation.
The Minute also recognised that the provision of four new basketball courts returns this space back to the public and aligns with the 2012 PoM, while providing an additional 1250m2 of green space surrounding the new courts, and significantly updating public amenity including the provision of new shelters, seating, a drinking water station and brand-new playing surfaces.
Councillors noted that the exhibition of an updated National Park Plan of Management will occur in 2022.
Ordinary Business
Suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott
Councillors noted the Office of Local Government suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott from civic office for six weeks from 18 October until 29 November 2021.
NSW Land and Housing Corporation – Memorandum of Understanding Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, to formalise a shared vision in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing in Newcastle.
Quarterly Budget Review – September 2021
The September Quarterly Budget Review Statement was adopted by Council.
Adoption of the Housing Policy
Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Housing Policy, which outlines City of Newcastle’s commitments and priorities to facilitate more affordable housing in strategic growth areas and provide direction for the provision of affordable housing in new development.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Councillors unanimously voted to place the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025 on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The draft DIAP outlines strategies and actions to ensure people in the community with a disability can access services and facilities.
Special Flood Considerations Clause – Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Council unanimously supported the inclusion of the ‘special flood considerations’ clause within the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
City of Newcastle will confirm to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that is wishes to have the ‘special flood considerations’ clause included.
Endorsement of Planning Proposal and Development Control Plan for Community Infrastructure Incentives at Wickham
Councillors unanimously voted to lay this item on the table.
Request for Interim Heritage Order – St Columban’s Church Mayfield
Council endorsed a request to the Heritage Council of NSW to place an Interim Heritage Order over St Columban’s Church in Mayfield.
Adoption of Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plans Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Section 7.11 Development Contribution Plan and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plan. The Plans will come into force on 1 January 2022.
Adoption of the 2021/21 Annual Financial Statements
Councillors received and adopted City of Newcastle’s audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021.
More information about the Annual Financial Statements can be found here.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – Annual Report
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 2020/21 in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Alcohol Regulated Areas
Councillors endorsed the placement of proposed amendments to Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
Temporary Suspension of Alcohol Free Zones
Councillors approved the temporary suspension of Alcohol Free Zones in the Newcastle Foreshore area for the purpose of two events in December 2021.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender Report – Biennial Civil Construction and Maintenance Heavy Patching
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the provision of heavy patching to deliver road pavement repairs throughout Newcastle.
Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1.
Notices of Motion
Development Control Plan Review
A Notice of Motion relating to the scheduled review of City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plan (DCP) was adopted by Council.
As part of the review, City of Newcastle will consider issues including car stackers, sustainability of buildings, access and service stations.
Charter of Commitment Honesty
A Notice of Motion was introduced that called for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Election to ensure any election commitment are properly costed, budgeted, or any new expenditure is offset by savings or additional revenue.
City of Newcastle will establish a Charter of Budget Honesty for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections.
SIEV-X Memorial Plaque
A Notice of Motion which acknowledged the 20^th anniversary of the SIEV-X tragedy, which saw the SIEV-X sink on the way to Australia, resulting in the drowning of 146 children, 142 women and 65 men on 19 October 2001, was adopted.
City of Newcastle will refer the Motion to the Community and Culture Community to consider a commemorative plaque in remembrance of the SIEV-X at Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore.

An improved framework to fund future community infrastructure will be considered by the elected Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting, to support 23,000 new residents by 2036.
The new Section 7.11 and 7.12 Development Contributions Plans propose that new developments reasonably contribute towards the cost of community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds to support new residents and growth across the city.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the draft Development Contribution Plans gained in principle support from key industry groups during recent public exhibition.
“Our Development Contribution Plans are needed to fund future infrastructure and bring Newcastle in line with neighbouring Councils, and have been met with complimentary feedback by key stakeholders,” Ms Bisson said.
“Newcastle will see 23,000 new residents and 11,500 new dwellings by 2036, and we need to ensure public infrastructure keeps pace with growth and is equitably funded, to ensure current ratepayers aren’t financially burdened by infrastructure requirements as a result of future development.
“Industry groups recognise the future population growth over the next 15 years will create demand for new and improved transport, community and social infrastructure, and they are generally supportive of this new framework that sets reasonable contributions to support the supply of new infrastructure in areas where developments occur.
“From the first of January, contributions from the new Plans will be used to fund vital community infrastructure over the next 15 years as our urbanised city evolves and continues to grow, including the cycleway network, pedestrian accessibility and mobility network, local area traffic management works, bus shelters, parks and playgrounds, sporting grounds and recreation facilities, and town centre public domain improvements.”
An additional $6.5 million per year is expected to be raised for investment in essential roads, sporting facilities and playgrounds for the Newcastle community’s benefit, whilst contributions rates will remain less than surrounding Councils.
Whilst there has been a recent boom in development applications as residents have undertaken minor renovations during the COVID lockdown, minor works under $200,000 undertaken on existing residential dwellings will not be affected.
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Chief Executive NSW Steve Mann said it is pleasing that the City of Newcastle has, in recent years, been investing heavily in local infrastructure.
“City of Newcastle’s spending on local infrastructure has recently been outpacing its developer contributions,” Mr Mann said.
“So whilst we are always concerned by any increase in the rate of development contributions and the impact on housing affordability that the new plan may have, UDIA does not oppose the introduction of a new Section 7.11 plan to ensure the city can continue to deliver for its residents.
“UDIA is keen to work with City of Newcastle to ensure they continue to spend the contributions for the purpose for which they are collected.”
In the 2020/21 financial year, City of Newcastle collected $3.35 million in development contributions (outside of the Western Corridor). In the same period, City of Newcastle spent $13.2 million on identified infrastructure and priority projects.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie.
Keith Metcalfe – aged 71 – was last seen at a facility at Toronto Road, Booragul, about 6.30pm yesterday (Monday 25 October 2021).
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified a short time later and commenced inquiries to locate Keith.
Police have serious concerns for his welfare as Keith lives with dementia.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with a bald head and grey goatee.
Keith was last seen wearing a striped white top with a blue collar and brown pants.
Anyone who sights Keith, or who has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact police immediately

A woman has been charged as investigations continue into a fatal domestic-related stabbing in the Hunter region earlier this year.
About 7.20pm on Saturday (16 January 2021), emergency services were called to a home on Ronald Street, Tenambit, after reports a man had been injured.
Upon arrival, officers found a 51-year-old man suffering stab wounds to the stomach, he died at the scene.
A 23-year-old woman, known to the man, was arrested at the scene and charged; she remains before the courts.
Detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced Strike Force Creekborough to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives attended a home in West Wallsend about 8am today (Tuesday 26 October 2021), where they arrested a 26-year-old woman.
She was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder and hinder discovery evidence re. serious indictable offence.
She was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today, where she was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Monday 20 December 2021.
Investigations under Strike Force Creekborough are continuing.

Major events have broad support from residents and businesses, while each Supercars Newcastle 500 delivers an average $36.2 million in economic output and 149 jobs, according to global accountancy firm Ernst & Young (EY).
City of Newcastle (CN) engaged EY to evaluate community perceptions of major events with a statistically robust survey of 650 locals and businesses, and to undertake an economic analysis of the Newcastle 500 as part of an ongoing review and planning process.
EY found more than two-thirds of residents and businesses believe the benefits of major events outweigh any negative impacts, along with strong support for CN’s investment in attracting large events.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said events were a key part of delivering on City of Newcastle’s vision of being a vibrant emerging global city.
“Newcastle’s position as an events city has been growing since the early days of Surfest in the 1980s, but it was only after delivering our first Newcastle 500 in 2017 that the rest of Australia has really taken notice,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Research tells us that events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy, with greater visitation, investment and liveability outcomes.
“Local tourism and accommodation providers that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 will be looking forward to and benefit from the economic stimulus provided by the Newcastle 500’s return in March next year.
“Major events in Newcastle, be they motor racing, music festivals or world-class surfing, are here by design, not by chance. On the back of research like the EY reports, we’ll continue working to build Newcastle’s position as a global events city.”
Business support for events is especially strong, with more than three-quarters saying the benefits of major events outweigh any disruptions, while 88 percent believe major events are a benefit for businesses across the LGA.
The benefits of major events are also enjoyed throughout the region, with a resounding 96 percent of accommodation providers outside of Newcastle saying major events deliver benefits to the region as a whole.
When asked which major event had the most positive impact on turnover, the Newcastle 500 came out strongly on top for both local businesses and accommodation providers in the region. CN’s annual budget for the Newcastle 500 (including a licence fee to Destination NSW and services provided to Supercars) is $1.6 million, which means for every $1 of ratepayers’ money invested in the race, $22.60 is returned to the local economy.
More than 80 percent of residents said major events are a benefit for the city, and 60 percent were either supportive or neutral for the Newcastle 500 continuing.
EY’s economic assessment measured the impact of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Newcastle 500 events, finding an upward trend in big-spending international and interstate visitors offsetting a slight decline in total spectators from the inaugural event.
Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the return of major events to Newcastle was something to look forward to as the city emerges from COVID-19 restrictions.
“Events bring a significant amount of economic stimulus, particularly through the visitor and hospitality sectors, which are those that are hurting the most right now because of COVID-19,” Mr Hawes said.
“Confirmation from Supercars Australia that the Newcastle 500 would be returning in March 2022 has been very positive news for the Hunter’s businesses, and the research released by City of Newcastle matches the feedback we are receiving from many of our members.”
Ernst & Young Partner Erik Heller said a conservative methodology has been adopted in analysing the benefits of major events, while the economic impact of the Newcastle 500 was determined by estimating the direct and indirect expenditure of people that visited Newcastle for the event or extended their stay following the event.
“Ernst & Young has taken a balanced, statistically-driven approach in evaluating residents, businesses and accommodation providers’ awareness, perception and sentiment towards major events in Newcastle,” Mr Heller said.
“To capture a robust sample of people who live in the Local Government Area (LGA), quotas and weighting have been applied to provide results that are representative of the population of Newcastle based on age, gender and ward populations.
“The weighting process has also been applied to collecting data from businesses, considering 17% of businesses are located in the City Centre and 83% are in the wider Newcastle LGA.”
The relevant reports, the ‘Newcastle Major Events Evaluation’ and ‘Economic Impact of the Newcastle 500 Supercars Event’ can be downloaded here.

Sporting facility upgrades for Alder Park in New Lambton, Empire Park opposite Bar Beach, Cook Park in Shortland and Hamilton Park Tennis Club are among 59 projects awarded a combined $450,000 in funding from the City of Newcastle.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, who is a member of the City’s Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, said the grant funding is eligible to projects that improve sportsgrounds used by grassroots sporting clubs.
“Novocastrians love their sport, which is why City of Newcastle is committed to assisting local clubs with projects that will benefit the region’s players for years to come,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“Grant funding provides clubs the opportunity to enhance the facilities they use on a weekly basis, without impacting upon the cost of playing.
“The injection of $450,000 of grant funding into the local economy will also assist in the creation of jobs as Newcastle recovers from COVID-19 and the recent lockdown.”
Image: Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and New Lambton FC President Clayton Harrison at Alder Park, which will benefit from new seating thanks to City of Newcastle grant funding.
New Lambton Eagles Football Club President Clayton Harrison said that the grant funding secured through City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Grants Program will be used to enhance spectator experience with new seating at Alder Park.
“We’re grateful for the financial support from City of Newcastle, which will allow our club to install tiered seating at Alder Park in New Lambton,” Mr Harrison said.
“The seating will not only benefit New Lambton FC spectators throughout the winter season, but also the athletics community which operates from the park during summer.”
Financial support has also been provided to Wallsend Football Club for playing surface improvements at Cook Park, Hamilton Park Tennis Club for electrical upgrades and Merewether District Cricket Club for irrigation upgrades at Empire Park.
The Community Support and Infrastructure Grants assist a wide variety of projects across diverse funding streams including arts, culture and heritage projects, environmental programs and social inclusion initiatives. Façade improvement projects and sustainability initiatives have also been funded through the program.

City of Newcastle has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Newcastle is an inclusive community via an updated Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to be presented to Councillors at Tuesday’s Council Meeting.
Councillor Carol Duncan, who is a member of the City’s Access Inclusion Advisory Committee, said that City of Newcastle’s DIAP helps ensure that people living with disability can access services and facilities.
“City of Newcastle is committed to making our city more liveable for all people who live, visit and work in Newcastle by taking action that will lead to a more inclusive and equitable society,” Cr Duncan said.
“An estimated 30,000 Novocastrians are living with a disability and the DIAP acts as a roadmap to guide City of Newcastle’s actions and establish strategies to ensure Newcastle is an inclusive community for all.
“City of Newcastle’s first DIAP achieved many positive outcomes including the establishment of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee to provide people with disabilities a stronger voice to Council. Committee members have also been consulted and co-designed a number of major projects for the City of Newcastle including the planned revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths, and inclusive play spaces for Stevenson Park and Harbour Foreshore.
“The DIAP and the Advisory Committee have initiated the establishment of the inclusive Count Us In Festival and improved accessibility to Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Museum through the installation of an adult lift and change facilities.
“I look forward to the achievements that will come to fruition as a result of the new DIAP over the coming years and thank the community members who participated in the consultation which informed the new Plan.”
The City’s first DIAP 2016-2019, was developed in 2016 and included 57 actions, of which 55 were significantly progressed or completed across the four-year period.
Community engagement including in person consultation sessions, focus groups, online survey and staff consultation was undertaken to guide the development of the DIAP 2021-2025.
Under the new DIAP, key actions will be carried out to achieve the community’s vision for Newcastle in line with the City’s Community Strategic Plan and pave the way for City of Newcastle to become a more inclusive organisation by championing inclusion.
Actions and strategies presented in the draft DIAP 2021-2015 are categorised within four themes prescribed by the NSW Disability Inclusion Act including Attitudes and Behaviours, Liveable Communities, Systems and Processes and Employment.
On Tuesday night Councillors will vote to place the DIAP on public exhibition throughout November. Accessible and easy-read versions of the draft DIAP will be available for comment during the public exhibition period.
Highlights achieved as a result of the DIAP 2016-2019:

• Establishment of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Count Us In Festival, a month-long program of events and activities focussed on disability inclusion
• Installation of accessible adult lift and change facilities at Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Museum
• Access Inclusion Advisory Committee co-design of major projects
• Inclusive design and consultation incorporated in City of Newcastle’s Local Centres Upgrade Program
• Inclusion of accessible activities in events at New Year’s Eve celebrations
• Training provided to external event organisers on how to run inclusive events
• Disability awareness staff training to create more accessible content, programs and built environments
• Delivery of new and improved infrastructure in the public domain, including accessible and inclusive playground features
• Facilities improvements, such as the introduction of wedge mats for better seating options at Civic Theatre for wheelchair users and improved access to City Hall via automatic doors
• Improved program planning and inclusive customer service delivery at City of Newcastle facilities including Newcastle Art Gallery, Libraries, Newcastle Museum and Civic Theatre
• Data sharing to assist with better orientation and mobility across the city
• Online map of accessible parking published on City of Newcastle website
• Development of an Inclusive Sports and Cultural Activities Guide

When the stones were set in the arches at South Newcastle Beach, horse and carts filled the streets of Newcastle and beach attire consisted of three-piece suits and ankle length dresses.
Fast forward more than 113 years and the historic structure still stands as one of the oldest European hand-crafted structures on the New South Wales coast.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle has embarked on work to shore up the foundations of the historic beach shelter to ensure the iconic arches are preserved for decades to come.
“The foundations of the stone shelter have deteriorated over time. This was revealed during work on the Bathers Way revitalisation project at South Newcastle Beach, so City of Newcastle has developed a solution to strengthen the structure.
“The stone shelter and its foundations have been surveyed and stabilisation works, that honour the original structure while allowing construction activities to continue safely, are underway.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the City. It’s important we prioritise this historic feature in its existing location so people can continue to enjoy the shelter along Bathers Way, as have countless beachgoers since 1907.
“Significant progress has been made on the Bathers Way revitalisation project at South Newcastle beach since August 2020, with the piling to create a strong foundation and protect the coastline now complete and the majority of the bleachers constructed. The foundations for the skate bowl are in place, with the surrounding skateable surfaces due to be constructed in the coming months.”
Image: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust Co-chair Mark Metrikas onsite at the Bathers Way revitalisation project at South Newcastle Beach
Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust Co-chair Mark Metrikas said the stone shelter holds significant heritage value and has been an enduring feature of Newcastle Beach for more than 113 years.
“National Trust is delighted that City of Newcastle is preserving the South Newcastle stone beach shelter by integrating it with the new skatepark and Bathers Way extension.
“We appreciate that City of Newcastle reached out to the National Trust to discuss options to stabilise the shelter when recent excavation revealed some issues with the rubble stone foundations.
“The stone shelter was built in 1907 as part of beach improvement works. In that era, most of the bathing and picnicking took place at South Newcastle.
“The arched stone shelter harks back to the time when promenading was popular, and people wore their Sunday best clothes to be seen near the beach.
“The shelter is the last of several pavilions and shelters in New South Wales.”
The Bathers Way revitalisation project at South Newcastle Beach is part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Revitalisation Program and is partly funded by a $5 million grant from Round Five of the Resources for Regions program, part of the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government is supporting mining related communities through the Resources for Regions Program with 149 projects totalling $345 million already delivered since 2012.
“Mining makes a significant contribution to the NSW economy, supporting more than 100,000 jobs across the State, and this program helps provide crucial funds to maintain community facilities and roads,” Mr Toole said.
“I’m thrilled to see this project progressing, not only is it helping create new jobs and driving economic growth, but it’s also delivering lifestyle improvements that will enrich the wellbeing of the Newcastle community for generations to come.”
The project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2022 and will feature a shared path from Shortland Esplanade to King Edward Park, improved access to South Newcastle Beach and King Edward Park, new skatepark and bowl, parking, landscaping, lighting and accessibility improvements, new fitness equipment, shade, seating, viewing areas, and a new café/kiosk and accessible amenities.