Newcastle News – Page 199

Hamilton’s James Street Plaza makeover complete

City of Newcastle’s transformation of James Street Plaza on Hamilton’s Beaumont Street is complete after four months of construction.
During the final stages of the upgrade finishing touches were made to street furniture, artworks installed and landscaping and tree planting finalised.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the changes to the space are impressive following the project which is aimed to attract more visitors, families, and shoppers.
“In response to community feedback we have delivered a safer, more appealing place for people to spend time,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Once COVID-19 restrictions lift, we will welcome the community back to gather and activate the space with music, markets and food.”
Councillor Carol Duncan said that the transformed plaza delivers an attractive meeting place for the Hamilton community.
“You can really see the community’s ideas and feedback brought to life, from the unique historical elements to new furniture and gardens,” Cr Duncan said.
“I love the special details like the built-in drinking bowl for our canine companions in the water fountain and I can’t wait to see the lighting display once it’s launched in the coming months.”
“The Plaza will be a vibrant, safe and inclusive space for our community during the day and at night.”
In June the community was asked to vote on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.
The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the favourite and was developed into a full-length animation which will be launched to light up the space at night, after COVID restrictions have eased.
In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.
Image caption: L-R Councillor Carol Duncan and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the completed James Street Plaza

Rock bags offer emergency protection but sand remains the focus for Stockton

Work to place a temporary protection structure along Stockton foreshore at Barrie Crescent is now complete while City of Newcastle remains committed to sourcing sand for mass nourishment at Stockton Beach.
The beach in front of Barrie Crescent Reserve at Stockton suffered severe shoreline recession following successive east-coast low storm events in 2020, triggering an emergency response to protect the adjacent road and properties.
The structure replaces previous sandbagging works and comprises around 1260 Kyowa rock bags, weighing more than 5000 tonne and covers a 210-metre section of coastline. At a cost of $3.9 million, on top of the $10 million already invested to manage erosion at Stockton, the rock bags provide temporary protection from further shoreline recession in severe weather events.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment for Stockton Beach, as outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program, remains the focus and priority for City of Newcastle.
“The rock bags offer a robust, sustainable and economical temporary management option for coastal erosion however they are not a long-term solution,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our Stockton Coastal Management Program identifies mass sand nourishment as the preferred solution to buffer Stockton from coastal hazards and return amenity and access to the beach and we will continue to work with the Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce to source the sand needed for Stockton Beach.
“We are expecting a report from the NSW Government which will provide further detail about the three potential offshore sand sources announced by the Deputy Premier last month.”
City of Newcastle is investigating the costs, additional studies and approvals involved to secure a mining licence to source offshore sand while also continuing to work with agencies on opportunities to source sand from within the harbour.
“There are several streams of work underway to source sand and we are very firmly focussed on working collaboratively with the NSW Government to investigate planning and approval processes, and funding mechanisms for mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.
The NSW Government-certified Stockton Coastal Management Program sets the intent to establish a pathway for mass sand nourishment while simultaneously planning and delivering immediate, high-risk site erosion protection measures, which includes the rock bag structure at Barrie Crescent.

Man in court following incident at chemist – Jesmond

A man will face court tomorrow after he was charged following an incident at a chemist near Newcastle last week.
Just before 5pm on Friday 20 August 2021, a man attended a chemist in Blue Gum Road, Jesmond to obtain a vaccination.
The man was initially refused entry as he was not wearing a mask and returned a short time later with an appropriate face covering.
As staff began inquiring about his details for the vaccination, he allegedly became verbally aggressive towards staff.
The man was asked to leave the store and as he was exiting, he picked up a plastic bag of glass bottles and allegedly began swinging them towards staff and customers, before finally leaving.
The incident was reported to police and an investigation commenced by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.
Today, (Wednesday 25 August 2021), the 54-year-old man was arrested at a house in Jesmond and taken to Waratah Police Station.
He was charged with affray and failing to comply with public health order – not wear face covering.
He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 26 August 2021).

Newcastle Ocean Baths pool designs finalised

City of Newcastle has called for construction tenders for the first stage of Newcastle Ocean Baths’ revitalisation including the pools and lower promenade.
‘Stage 1’ of the upgrade project addresses key safety, accessibility and water-quality issues that have been identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice.
As part of the upgrade, the iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will be renewed, and a new pump station installed that can replace the water of the baths within six hours, improving water quality. The undulating rock bottom of the pool will be capped with concrete to improve safety and water quality, and sand will continue to build up on the floor by the same processes as today.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community engagement had been key to finalising the designs for Stage 1, with feedback shaping elements such as the location of ramp access, replacement of art-deco circular stairs, and boardwalk material.
“The final design for Stage 1 captures what the community told us was important to them, and we’ve worked with our expert consultants to also ensure the design meets accessibility, safety and health requirements,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a generational investment in the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which will celebrate its 100th birthday next year, which is why City of Newcastle have meticulously worked with both the community and experts to ensure what’s delivered meets the needs of current and future users.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has shared feedback to date and especially our Community Reference Group who have helped shape a range of upgraded features including access ramps, the appearance of the lifeguard lookout, how to incorporate the iconic circular stairs, and even materials we use for railings and the boardwalk.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said the project team would work with preferred tenderers to ensure overall disruption to Baths users was limited.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths is an important community asset enjoyed by a range of users ranging from tourists, families, lap swimmers and those committed to a daily dip,” Ms Rigby said.
“We’re asking tenderers to come up with a construction program that will see the least possible disruption to the thousands of people who enjoy Newcastle Ocean Baths every year.”
The Stage 1 final designs also deliver significant improvements for people with a disability or low mobility. The design includes ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool and the route from a vehicle at the entrance to the facility and down into the pool has also been considered.
Chair, Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust, Mark Metrikas, said heritage had been considered through the design process.
“I was actually delighted that the circa 1937 art deco bleachers and 1948 boardwalk are retained, and in the case of the boardwalk, improved,” Mr Metrikas said.
“It took a bit of work to get the design right to retain these important elements and we’ve worked alongside City of Newcastle to provide that input.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 24 August 2021

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 24 August 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 24 August 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
City of Newcastle COVID-19 Community and Economic Resilience Package 2.0 and protecting local jobs
A Lord Mayoral Minute was received by Councillors that acknowledged City of Newcastle’s 2020 Community and Economic Resilience Package which saw $5.5 million invested across the City, including interest free payment plans for residential and business rates, free online training packages, a significant community grants program to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members and targeted industry support initiatives.
Councillors supported re-initiating a Community and Economic Resilience Package, including an ongoing commitment to assisting local residents and businesses with financial hardship support for rates, a community grants programs to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, support for affected local industries including the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as continuing to build on the City’s successful business innovation support programs such as NewSkills and the Product Development Mentoring Program.
The Lord Mayoral Minute also noted that the unemployment rate in Newcastle has risen significantly in 2021. More than $100 million was successfully invested into the City’s capital works program in 2020/21, generating hundreds of local jobs and increasing the local economy’s economic output by more than $200 million, with capital works projects brought forward to assist in stimulating the local economy and protect our workforce.
The Minute recognised that the current works program for 2021/22 is $90.4 million, at least $10 million less than that delivered by staff last year as part of an adopted COVID-19 employment stimulus program.
Councillors supported a review of the City’s adopted 2021/22 Budget, to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect jobs, while identifying any capital works projects that could be expedited or re-prioritised to have maximum impact on stimulating the local economy.
Ordinary Business
Public exhibition of draft Gregson Park Masterplan and amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park
Councillors resolved to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan and draft amendments to Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park on public exhibition for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 May to 31 July 2021
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest, for the period 1 May to 31 July 2021, by the Chief Executive Officer.
Advisory Committees’ Annual Performance Reviews
Councillors received the annual performance review from City of Newcastle’s advisory committees.
Variations to Development Standards Report – Second Quarter 2021
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 April 2021 and 30 June 2021 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012 (NLEP 2012).
Public exhibition of City of Newcastle draft Development Contributions Plan
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plans for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
12 Stewart Avenue Contract administration costs
A Notice of Motion requesting an itemised break-down of the four separate projects associated with the fit-out of 12 Stewart Avenue was received. Councillors supported a Director’s comment as an amendment.
Infrastructure Contributions Bill
Councillors supported A Notice of Motion to join numerous other local Councils in calling on the NSW Government to withdraw the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Infrastructure Contributions) Bill 2021 from the NSW Parliament.
Councillors voted to affirm its support to Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and requests that LGNSW continue advocating on City of Newcastle’s behalf to protect local government from any amendments to infrastructure contributions which leave councils and communities exposed to expending ratepayer funds on new infrastructure made necessary by new development that is currently the responsibility of developers.
New Weather Station Newcastle
A Notice of Motion acknowledging correspondence received from Nat Jeffery, long standing former weather presenter on NBN Television, concerned about the location and operation of an automatic weather station for Newcastle, was noted by Councillors.
Councillors also noted the history of weather stations near the coast and that the responsibility for this service rests with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to write to the BoM to advocate for a new weather station in the Newcastle LGA and offer to investigate possible council owned sites around Newcastle, to provide data that is relevant to the city’s urban growth corridors.
Public Safety – Young Street, Cooks Hill
A Notice of Motion acknowledging concerns made by residents of Young Street Cooks Hill, was noted by Councillors.
Councillors also noted suggestions made by residents to address the issues which require a coordinated and multi-agency response.
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to facilitate a meeting to discuss strategies and an action plan to improve amenity in the area with residents, City of Newcastle employees and Councillors, NSW Police, Telstra, and NSW Department of Communities and Justice.

City supports Aspen Medical disability vaccination hub

City of Newcastle has worked with Aspen Medical to establish a Newcastle disability vaccination hub at Wallsend Library.
The vaccination hub will operate from today for eligible individuals within the disability sector including people with a disability and disability support workers.
Eligible people with a disability include:

NDIS participants aged 12 and over
Those who have a significant disability or underlying medical condition aged 12 and over
Residents living in a group home with two or more people

Eligible people working in disability include:

Carers of NDIS participants aged 12 and over
Staff, carers, infrequent visitors and volunteers in a residential care setting
Workers who provide in-home and community disability and aged care, including centre-based care

The clinic will cater for at least 50 customers at one time and plans to vaccinate up to 200 eligible people a day.
City of Newcastle is pleased to be able to support Aspen Medical to continue their rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination.
When Aspen Medical approached City of Newcastle for support to locate a suitable venue to accommodate the disability vaccination hub, its emergency management team worked quickly to identify Wallsend Library as a location which met Aspen Medical’s operational requirements.
Wallsend Library has wheelchair access, disabled parking and room to facilitate vaccinations with ample space for safe waiting areas.
Ineligible walk-ins to the vaccination hub are unable to be accommodated. Bookings can be made by registering interest with Aspen Medical by emailing nswbookings@aspenmedical.com

Man charged after alleged attempt to introduce contraband into correctional facility – Hunter region

A man will face court today charged with allegedly attempting to deliver contraband inside a correctional facility in the Hunter.
Yesterday (Sunday 22 August 2021), officers from Hunter Valley Police District received information regarding a plan to drop contraband into a correctional centre in Cessnock via a drone.
Police notified the facility and patrols were conducted on the prison complex.
Following inquiries, police stopped a Holden Commodore on Maitland Road, Cessnock, about 11.45pm, and spoke to the female driver and male passenger.
A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted, where police seized a drone, and a plastic bag containing a mobile phone and charger, tobacco, lighter and buprenorphine.
A 25-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with two counts of unlawfully deliver or attempt to deliver anything to inmate, and one count each of take part supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, bring etc prohibited drug/plant into place of detention and goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.
Police will allege in court the man was coordinating the operation with someone inside the facility.
He was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Monday 23 August 2021).
Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, said officers will continue to work alongside officers from Corrective Services NSW to identify and take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband.
“Our joint operations with Corrective Services NSW will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to facilitate the supply of prohibited drugs or other contraband into facilities in the Hunter Valley district,” Det Insp Zimmer said.
Inquiries continue.

City prepares operators for tourism-led economic recovery

City of Newcastle is inviting businesses to learn more about developing unique and marketable visitor offerings so they can make the most of an expected post-COVID-19 tourism boom.
The City’s Product Development Mentoring Program has already helped 15 businesses offering everything from bike tours to baked goods with training and mentoring to shift their product in a way that appeals to visitors.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is committed to enhancing the local visitor experience, with tourism set to play a vital role in the city’s economic recovery.
“Prior to COVID-19 Newcastle’s thriving tourism industry contributed over $945 million to the local economy each year, with more than 5.1 million international and domestic visitors flocking to experience our city’s diverse natural beauty, vibrant nightlife and world-class events,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our sights are set on tourism to bolster Newcastle’s COVID-disrupted economy by leveraging and celebrating Newcastle’s cultural, natural and built heritage points of difference.
“We’ve engaged expert consultants who will work alongside 10 local businesses to develop bookable experiences to attract visitor dollars, which in turn will help promote greater industry resilience, drive destination awareness and grow the visitor economy.
“The results of our pilot Product Development Mentoring Program established in 2020 were encouraging, with 15 local businesses benefiting from the program, including the launch of a new business called Newy Rides.
“Other beneficiaries such as Baked Uprising and Mitch Revs Gallery explored new opportunities in the tourism market to enhance their core offerings. Urban Hum refined their tourism experience while other businesses have expanded their operations, employed new staff and relaunched products, which were put on hold by COVID-19.
“By improving our city’s existing bespoke bookable tourism experiences, Newcastle will be well positioned to welcome back visitors when lockdown restrictions ease.”
The program will be delivered virtually, with an in-depth business review followed by five one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to each individual operator’s needs.
The Product Development Mentoring Program is funded under the City’s NewSkills training program.
Expressions of interest are now open, visit City of Newcastle.

Proposed Development Contributions Plans to Fund Future Infrastructure

Consultation on an improved approach to funding future infrastructure to support growth in the city will be considered by the elected Council on Tuesday night.
The draft Section 7.11 and 7.12 Development Contributions Plans propose that new developments pay a levy towards the financial cost of necessary improvements to community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, parks and playgrounds to support new residents and growth in the Local Government Area.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the City’s Development Contribution Plans have been updated to bring Newcastle in line with neighbouring Councils and ensure ratepayers weren’t being short-changed.
“Our city is experiencing a development and population boom, with a forecast 23,000 new residents and 11,500 new dwellings by 2036, which is why we need to ensure public infrastructure keeps pace with growth and is equitably funded,” Ms Bisson said.
“Under the draft plans, our proposed contribution rates will still be less than surrounding Councils, while allowing for an additional $6.5 million per year to be raised for investment in essential roads, sporting facilities and playgrounds.
“The draft Development Contribution Plans won’t apply to minor works undertaken on existing residential dwellings under $200,000, which means pools, garages and minor extensions won’t be affected.
“The draft Plans reflect Newcastle’s emergence as an urbanised city, ensuring future development makes a reasonable contribution toward the cost of infrastructure required to cater for those future populations, while keeping our city as one of the lowest contribution schemes in the region.”
In the 2019/20 financial year, the City collected $2.49 million in development contributions (outside of the Western Corridor). In the same period, the City spent $3.05 million on identified infrastructure projects, including Beresfield Local Centre public domain works, the fit out of Civic Station Visitor Information Centre, and other connectivity projects such as pathways, bus stops and cycleways.
“Development contributions will help fund important community infrastructure over the next 15 years as our City 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,” Ms Bisson said.
If endorsed by Council, the draft Plans will be publicly exhibited for 28 days, allowing the community and the development sector to make submissions.

The draft plans:

Draft 7.11 Plan applies to residential accommodation comprising new additional dwellings/lots (outside of the Western Corridor area). The contribution rate is charged per dwelling / lot.

Draft 7.12 Plan. The contribution rate is charged as a percentage of the estimated cost of the development.

Hunter Regional Councils Contribution Rates

Lake Macquarie Council per dwelling / lot

Belmont $27,731.21
Toronto – Central $28,295.60
Glendale catchments $21,685.12 – $24,206.59
Charlestown $25,509.92

Port Stephens Council per dwelling / lot

Central Growth Corridor $19,649.00
Raymond Terrace – Rural $17,686.00
Tomaree Peninsula $18,444.00
Fern Bay $15,814.00

Maitland Council per dwelling / lot (3 bed dwelling/lot rate used for comparison)

Thornton North $20,088 – $29,998
Lochinvar $19,070 – $25,744
Louth Park $8,258 – $14,857
Gillieston Heights $6,825 – $11,863
Farley $22,224- $30,000
City Wide (other) $4,173 – $7,505

Note: This information is provided for indicative comparison purposes only. Information on respective Council contribution rates was sourced in early 2021 and are subject to indexation each quarter in accordance with those Council’s respective contributions plans.

Key Facts

Existing dwellings are unaffected by the draft Plans
Draft Plans would generate an additional $6.5 million to be invested in community infrastructure, including cycleways, footpaths, playgrounds and libraries
Approximately 70% of projected dwelling stock anticipated to comprise secondary dwellings, 2 bedroom units, multi dwelling housing) to house the future population growth by 2036 – cost per dwelling in these circumstances is around $10,000-$13,000.
Single dwellings will only be 5% of the total future housing stock. The contribution rate for a single dwelling house of approximately $17,000 is comparable to similar rates in adjoining LGAs, for example $16,000 in Fern Bay, $22,000 in Glendale and $26,000 in Charlestown.
Development contributions do not adversely affect affordability. The following is an extract from the 2021 Productivity Commission Report (p33):
“Contributions do not necessarily add to the final price of new housing. The maximum price achievable for a new apartment or dwelling will be determined to a large degree by the broader housing market, with consideration of the unique characteristics of the property and its location. When a contribution is levied, to the extent that the broader housing market and characteristics of the dwelling are no different, the maximum price achievable for the dwelling would remain unchanged.”

Crisis support package urgently needed for Newcastle-Hunter region early learning sector

The Newcastle early learning sector is headed for crisis if the Morrison Government doesn’t act urgently and provide support to child care services in the region.
“The Morrison Government’s decision to finally include Newcastle in the gap fee waiver is welcomed, but it means very little if the sector is left hanging out to dry,” Ms Claydon said.
“My office has received many emails and calls from concerned Newcastle parents and early learning centres alike who are worried about the long-term feasibility of the sector.”
Ms Claydon said she was aware that a lot of services are charging gap fees because they can’t afford to give up their income.
Providers are being put in a no-win position, having to choose between either:

Waiving gap fees for families, and taking such a hit to their revenue that they are at risk of closing their doors, leaving early educators without work and essential workers without care for their children; or
Not waiving gap fees for families, leaving parents upset that they have to pay for a service they cannot access, and risking them un-enrolling altogether.

“Many providers are being forced to charge parents full fees because the Morrison Government is refusing to offer replacement revenue to child care centres.”
“The Morrison Government needs to ensure families are not left out of pocket during lockdowns for child care they cannot access, because they are doing the right thing and staying home.”
“There are many providers who are struggling to stay afloat because they’re ineligible for other business support payments.”
“In order for centres to waive the gap fee, the Morrison Government must provide a support package to early learning centres similar to the one implemented in Victoria last year.”
During the prolonged Victorian lockdown last year, the Morrison Government introduced a financial support package for early learning services that allowed them to stay open to serve essential workers, while also waiving gap fees for families, and surviving from lower attendance levels.
“It would be truly devastating for Newcastle families and our local economy to see the collapse of the early learning sector.”
“It’s crucial that the Morrison Government acts urgently and provides a support package to early learning centres in our region to keep workers in a job and our local economy afloat.”