Category: Newcastle News

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 8.30am (Tuesday 5 October 2021), emergency services were called to George Booth Drive at Buchanan, following reports a vehicle had left the road and hit a tree.
Upon arrival, police located the body of the driver – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – however, he is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
George Booth Drive remains closed in both directions between John Renshaw Drive and Richmond Vale Road, local diversions are in place. Drivers are urged to expect delays.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Although it’s not possible to get out to your favourite restaurant or watering hole at the moment, the city’s beautiful parks are the perfect place to meet up with up family and friends for a COVID-Safe picnic, provided you’re fully vaccinated.
Under the current NSW Government guidelines, if you are fully vaccinated, you can attend an outdoor gathering in a public place of up to five people for exercise or outdoor recreation. So, if you’ve had two COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s time to pull your picnic blanket and basket out of hiding and pack your favourite food and drinks to make the most of the Spring weather. If you head to one of the following Newcastle parks between 8am and 8pm, it’s even consume an alcoholic beverage: ​

• King Edward Park
• Harbour Foreshore and Foreshore Park
• Bar Beach Hill
• Stockton Foreshore
• Centennial Park
• Nesca Park
• Civic Park
• Pacific Park
• Islington Park
• Gregson Park

If you’re picnicking at one of the City’s parks, please use the bins provided or take your rubbish with you and adhere to COVID-19 rules at all times.
If you’re not fully vaccinated, you can still get outside and enjoy your local park for exercise and recreation with one other person that you do not live with, or your nominated “singles bubbles” visitor.
During the stay at home orders which have been in place since early-August, Newcastle’s parks and open spaces have been more important than ever, with locals making the most of public spaces in their own backyard. Don’t forget that you can only visit parks in your Local Government Area, or within 5 kilometres from your home.
For a full list of Newcastle’s parks and to find one near you visit our Playgrounds and Park page.

A critical incident investigation has been launched after two men – including a police officer – suffered serious injuries following a motorcycle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie region today.
About 4.40pm (Monday 4 October 2021), emergency services were called to Mandalong Road near Deaves Road, Mandalong, after reports of a crash between two motorcycles.
A 36-year-old on-duty senior constable, riding a marked NSW Police Force motorcycle, suffered serious injuries and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The second rider, a 69-year-old man, also suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A crime scene was established by officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
A critical incident team from the Tuggerah Lakes Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
No further details are available at this time.

City of Newcastle continues to demonstrate its leadership in addressing climate change, with Councillors voting to join the international Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience campaigns at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that by taking the Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience Pledges, City of Newcastle has reinforced its stance on the urgent need for real action on climate change and a commitment to action in the lead up to the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in 2026.
“City of Newcastle is a leading government authority in Australia with regard to implementing strong and decisive initiatives to address climate change, which is why we have already formally committed to the principles and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re committed to a sustainable future for our city, and to becoming a net zero emissions city by mid-century which is in line with global efforts to limit global warming. City of Newcastle is leading by example and will reach net zero emissions for operations by no later than 2030.
“By taking the Cities Race to Zero Pledge, we join over 750 global cities who are advocating for stronger action on climate change and resilience, and commit to continued climate change action in the lead up to COP26.”
The international Cities Race to Zero campaign is an avenue for local government to showcase climate leadership, advocate for and commit to stronger action in support of Race to Zero, a global campaign which rallies leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
Cities Race to Resilience is a sister campaign to Race to Zero which focuses on building resilience to climate change and provides an opportunity to showcase action within a local context.
City of Newcastle is a member of number of committees and programs formed to prioritise climate change action. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Chairs the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and City of Newcastle is a founding member of ICLEI, a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.
Cities Race to Zero aligns to Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) commitments and the Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) GreenClimateCities program, and allows City of Newcastle to report its climate change action progress through an existing CDP-ICLEI reporting mechanism.
In January 2020, City of Newcastle became the first New South Wales Council to be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and the city’s Climate Action Plan 2021-2025 was endorsed by Council in July 2020. The Climate Action Plan acts as a roadmap for achieving positive impacts such as increasing clean energy, continuing resource efficiency, reducing emissions in our supply chain, supporting sustainable transport and addressing important issues such as setting targets for net zero emissions and building a vision for a low carbon economy.

Tenders for a construction contractor to complete the Stage 1 upgrade of Newcastle Ocean Baths have closed with City of Newcastle on track to appoint a head contractor at the October Council meeting.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade is a staged project with the pools, promenades and pumps prioritised for Stage 1 while the upper concourse and pavilion building will be considered in Stage 2.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said a less visible but highly important part of the Stage 1 work is the upgrade of the pumps which will see three new submersible pump sets constructed adjacent to the existing pumpstation, which is being retained as a heritage feature.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths is approximately four times the size of an Olympic sized swimming pool and holds around 6.5 million litres of water,” Cr Clausen said.
“Currently the pool is operated by being filled and drained once a week with no or limited circulated water in-between when the oceans are calm, as is often the case during peak-use periods in summer.
“A new pump system with capacity to turn the pool water over in six hours will significantly improve water quality and clarity.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said six pumping system options were considered before a final wet well structure was specified to deliver improvements to health and safety and equipment reliability and maintainability.
“There is a lot to consider for infrastructure located in a sea water environment. Currently we need to replace the pumps every three months, however we expect to get up to six years of life from the new pump system,” Ms Rigby said.
“Safety for our pool maintenance team will also be improved with the ability to operate the pump system remotely, minimising the need to access the infrastructure which, in the current location in large swell events, is hazardous or just not possible.”
The new pump system will be located underground to the north of the existing pump house with only the pumpstation access lids being visible.
City of Newcastle is committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths and has directed the $9.5 million recovered from the sale of the Frederick Ash Building towards the project.
Stage 1 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade also received $3 million in funding from the NSW Government under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Newcastle’s economy and COVID-hit tourism industry is set to benefit from the season opener of the 2022 Supercars Championship series converging in the city for the Newcastle 500 on 4-6 March.
The flagship event was rescheduled from the final event of the season to the first race of the 2022 season, following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the confirmation of the event date provides certainty to local residents and businesses and is a welcome boost to the economy and racing fans’ spirits following prolonged COVID-19 restrictions.
“Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I’m confident they will love to attend the season opener,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses which confirms that the Christmas and January holidays will be unaffected by the track set-up.
“Newcastle’s beaches will remain accessible to the public during the track installation period in February through the usual road connections, and during the three-day event by following Bathers Way from King Edward Park.
“Businesses can also now prepare for the post lockdown busy trading period over the summer and hopefully enjoy the extra visitation and economic benefit that Supercars brings.
“Event organisers will work with NSW Health to deliver a robust COVID-safe event that adheres to Public Health Orders to ensure the safety of our community.”
The five-year agreement to host the Newcastle 500 concludes with the 2022 event, which was discussed at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
City of Newcastle will undertake a full analysis of the event, including economic benefits to the region and impacts on residents.
A report will come back to the elected council to determine any extension beyond 2022.
Like with previous events access to the beach and facilities will remain open both during a shorter bump-in and during the event. Council’s expectation is that the event organisers will minimise disruptions to residents and beachgoers in the lead up to the event.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said talks are ongoing with Destination NSW and Supercars Australia regarding the future of the event in Newcastle.
“We look forward to reviewing the outcomes of the new time slot and Newcastle being host of the first race of the season,” Mr Bath said.
“Newcastle has cemented its rightful place as a premier events destination and we have our eyes set on an event-led economic recovery, with an impressive line-up of potential major events being planned for 2022.”

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 28 September 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Bypassing freight from residential Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute about City of Newcastle’s submission into the recommended route for the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, which will provide a future dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and Hexham that bypasses residential Newcastle, was supported.
The Corridor will dramatically alleviate traffic congestion at level crossings such as Adamstown and Clyde Street. City of Newcastle’s submission requests that the Corridor is aligned to catalyst areas including the Port of Newcastle and the emerging Black Hill industrial precinct, seeks assurance that key infrastructure projects like the Richmond Vale Rail Trail won’t be more onerous or costly as a result, calls for project integration with the proposed M1 extension, and requests that the preferred option at Hexham delivers on the concept of ‘Port Side Rail’, which would minimise community impact and support future economic growth.

The Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience Campaigns
A Lord Mayoral Minute regarding two global campaigns, Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience, which aim to rally support and action on climate change in the lead up to the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, was supported.

To reinforce its stance on action against climate change, City of Newcastle will take the Cities Race to Zero Pledge, which recognises the global climate emergency, pledges a commitment to keeping global heating below the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement and pledges reaching (net)-zero in the 2040s or sooner, or by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°Celsius. City of Newcastle will also take the Cities Race to Resilience Pledge, which is focused on building resilience to climate change and will see City of Newcastle integrate climate change adaption in urban planning.

Progress Pride Flag
Councillors unanimously supported a Lord Mayoral Minute regarding City of Newcastle’s support of our LGBTQI+ community. City of Newcastle will fly the Progress Pride Flag at City Hall, Civic Park, the City Administration Centre, and other appropriate locations, during Mardi Gras, Pride Week and other times significant to Newcastle’s LGBTQI+ community.

Ordinary Business

Community and Economic Resilience Package Extension
Councillors noted the development of a second phase of the Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) in response to the impact caused by the continuing lockdown of the Newcastle LGA, including an increase of the 2021/22 works program of at least $10 million.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation – Memorandum of Understanding
Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, which recognises and acknowledges the cultural importance of Newcastle Art Gallery and records the spirit of cooperation and respect between City of Newcastle and the Foundation.
Adoption of Wickham Masterplan 2021 Update
Councillors adopted the Wickham Masterplan 2021 update, which was amended following a 28-day public exhibition period.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
Inner City Bypass – Peattie’s Road Depot
A Notice of Motion relating to Transport for NSW’s proposed Peattie’s Road Depot for the construction of the Inner City Bypass was adopted by Council.

City of Newcastle will not enter into a lease or licence on the Council-owned site for the purpose of the Depot. City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Transport and Roads to ensure the proposed Peattie’s Road Depot does not proceed, and to request the Minister enters discussions with the Minister for Health to ensure that the original proposal for a construction depot for the Inner City Bypass on site behind John Hunter Hospital can be implemented.

Principal Pedestrian Network
A Notice of Motion was introduced requesting that council staff provide an update on the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN), including a briefing at a councillor workshop, which includes: an overview of the process of identifying and prioritising footpaths, including ramp, when the PPN will be completed, when a project list is scheduled to be completed, an annual indicative budget required to adequately progress though the routes and projects on a rolling program and how Councillors can participate.

A Director’s comment noting work is underway towards the development of the Principal Pedestrian Network and a draft Walking Plan with a Councillor workshop to be held in early 2022 was supported.

Changes to 2022 Newcastle 500 Supercars
Councillors voted to approve a Notice of Motion that requires any changes to the current agreement with Supercars in relation to the timing, staging, access or other aspects of the 2022 Newcastle 500 event to be reviewed and approved by the elected Council prior to approval.
Woodchip Exports from the Port of Newcastle
A Notice of Motion calling for City of Newcastle to oppose the export of woodchips from the Port of Newcastle and a proposal to export 60,000 tonnes of native forest woodchips per annum to Japan was unanimously supported by Councillors.

City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Minister for Environment and NSW Minister of Planning and Public Spaces to express its concern of the use of woodchips for the creation of clean energy.

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening hospital staff with a blood-filled syringe at a Hunter hospital overnight.
About 4.30pm yesterday (Monday 27 September 2021), a 32-year-old man was transferred to Maitland Hospital for medical treatment.
The man later became aggressive towards staff and was directed to leave the hospital by security.
He was removed however re-entered a short time later and allegedly threatened security staff and a nurse with a blood-filled syringe.
The man dropped the instrument and continued to threaten staff before police arrival.
Following a short struggle, the man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
He continued to resist arrest and allegedly became abusive towards police.
He was charged with nine offences, including:

• Behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school
• Armed with intent to commit indictable offence (x3)
• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (x4)
• Resist officer in execution of duty

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 28 September 2021).

A man is in hospital after a truck and a train collided at a level crossing in the Upper Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 7.15am (Wednesday 29 September 2021), emergency services were called to Turanville Road, Scone, following reports a southbound train and a flatbed truck collided at a level crossing.
The 29-year-old male driver of the truck was trapped by confinement for a short time before being freed by a passer-by.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken by road ambulance to Scone Hospital and later airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.
The driver of the train was uninjured.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The rail line will be closed for some time whilst the train is assessed.