Category: Newcastle News

The NSW Government’s intervention at Mount Pleasant coal mine will protect hundreds of Hunter jobs and give workers and their families vital certainty, the Mining and Energy Union said.

The Minns Government announced today it will legislate to address uncertainty created by the recent High Court decision affecting the mine’s 2022 expansion approval, allowing production of up to 16.5 million tonnes a year until 2032.

The statutory consent depends on MACH Energy maintaining its permanent workforce until 2032. Mount Pleasant currently supports 826 permanent employees and contractors.

MEU General President Grahame Kelly said the Government had listened to workers and acted quickly.

“This is a very welcome decision for Mount Pleasant workers and their families, who have faced enormous uncertainty through no fault of their own.

“Without urgent intervention, hundreds of mineworkers could have been out of a job by Christmas. The Government has recognised the unique circumstances and acted with the urgency required.”

The Union warned that reverting to the former 12.4-million-tonne annual limit could cost 370 jobs by Christmas and hit Hunter suppliers and local businesses.

“These are good mining jobs supporting families, businesses and communities across the Upper Hunter.

“We thank Premier Chris Minns and Resources Minister Courtney Houssos for acting decisively.

“There is more work to do on Mount Pleasant’s future beyond 2032, but the job security delivered by this announcement is very welcome.”

The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMS HEG) won the High Court case over the Mount Pleasant coal mine. It says the NSW Government’s plan to legislate for higher production at that one mine looks like legislative overreach, and is asking the Government to publish the Bill and answer how much coal the mine has been producing, and under which approval.

The Government says it will introduce legislation in the next sitting fortnight to authorise Mount Pleasant to produce 16.5 million tonnes a year until 2032, with a guarantee that MACH Energy keeps its current permanent workforce until then. The Bill would also add conditions to minimise the mine’s Scope 3 emissions.

The Government’s own release says MACH Energy has been scaling up its operations in line with the 2022 Independent Planning Commission approval, which the courts have found was made invalid. The mine’s current approval allows 12.5 million tonnes a year to 2032 (approved in August), up from 10.5 million tonnes under the original consent. DAMS HEG has asked the Department of Planning what the mine has produced and under which approval, and has not received answers.

DAMS HEG says workers’ livelihoods matter, and that protecting them should not depend on a special law for one company.

Elaine Johnson, Director, Johnson Legal, the firm that represents DAMS HEG in the Court of Appeal and High Court, said: “The announcement from the Government today that it will legislate to allow increased production at Mount Pleasant coal mine looks like legislative overreach.

“The proposed changes to the law to allow an increase in production limits at one mine in NSW makes it look like laws are being written for individual mine owners and not in the public interest.

“The mine already has a modified approval allowing continued production until 2032. It’s unclear why it needs special legislation to increase production without going through the proper planning process.

“Communities engaged in good faith in the planning process around this mine. This community brought public interest litigation seeking to enforce the law of the land. They won. That decision needs to be respected.

“What is needed is not special legislation increasing coal production. What is urgently needed is a sensible and appropriately funded transition plan for places like the Upper Hunter for a clean and healthy future for all.”

Wendy Wales, President, DAMS HEG, a retired science teacher who lives next door to the Mount Pleasant mine, said: “We have never wanted anyone in the Hunter to lose their livelihood. What was asked was whether our governments properly consider the cost of climate harm unleashed by the burning of export coal. The Government’s own release says the mine has been scaling up on an approval the courts have set aside. A law written for one company, days after the High Court ruled against that company, is an inappropriate use of the NSW legislative process. The laws should reflect a balance where the overall welfare of citizens and environment is paramount and industry serves the needs of all citizens.”

Tony Lonergan, Treasurer, DAMS HEG, a retired science teacher and farmer whose family has worked land in the Upper Hunter for generations, said: “If parliament can find the time to legislate for one mine in a fortnight, it can find the time to finish the Future Jobs and Investment Bill, which passed the upper house on Thursday and now returns to the lower house. That bill is for workers at every coal mine, not just one. Mount Pleasant already has an approval to run until 2032. Six years is enough to plan properly for the people who work there.” 

DAMS HEG is asking the Government to publish the Bill before it is debated, to say what Mount Pleasant has produced since July 2025 and under which approval, and to make clear whether the Bill validates past production.

BACKGROUND

• The High Court dismissed MACH Energy’s appeal by a 3 to 2 majority on 7 October 2026. The 2022 approval for the Mount Pleasant expansion (to 21 million tonnes a year and 2048) remains invalid, and the matter returns to the NSW Land and Environment Court.
• The mine’s approvals are 10.5 million tonnes a year under the original consent (DA 92/97) and 12.5 million tonnes a year to 31 December 2032 under Modification 8, approved on 14 August 2026.
• The NSW Government announced on 19 October 2026 that it will introduce legislation in the next sitting fortnight to authorise 16.5 million tonnes a year until 2032, require MACH Energy to sign a Jobs Guarantee to keep its permanent workforce until 2032, and add conditions to minimise Scope 3 emissions. It describes the Bill as a one-off for Mount Pleasant.
• The Government’s release refers to 400 jobs and also to 826 permanent workers and contractors at the mine. The Mining and Energy Union has said more than 700 jobs are affected.
• The Future Jobs and Investment Bill establishes a fund and a public authority to promote economic diversification in coal-dependent communities, and requires coal mine owners to provide transition support for workers when mines close. It passed the Legislative Council on Thursday 15 October with minor amendments and now returns to the Legislative Assembly.
• DAMS HEG is represented by Johnson Legal. Johnson Legal case page: https://www.johnsonlegal.au/the-latest/mach-energy-v-denman-high-court-of-australia 

City of Newcastle has turned the page on two decades of stories, learning and community connection at Wallsend Library, celebrating 20 years at the heart of the western suburbs in 2026.

Since 2006, the library has welcomed close to four million visitors, who have borrowed an incredible 7.9 million books from its shelves.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Cr Callum Pull and City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archives, Library and Learning Julie Baird celebrate 20 years of Wallsend Library, which has seen almost eight million books and other items borrowed by the community.

Wallsend Library has cemented its role as one of the region’s most used and loved community assets, notching up the title of Newcastle’s most visited library for 19 of its 20 years, beaten only by the Newcastle City branch last year.

Councillor Callum Pull said the role that the library had played in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people cannot be understated.

“In a fast but furious 20 years, Wallsend Library has shown a remarkable ability to be all things to all people,” Cr Pull said.

“Think of the youngsters who learn their ABCs here, the parents who rely on baby book club for connection, the students who study hard, and the thousands of Novocastrians who borrow books, surf the web, grab seeds for their gardens, and enjoy all the things a library offers.

“Newcastle should be proud of its libraries, and I encourage everyone to visit your local branch and take advantage of what these incredible community spaces have to offer, especially if it’s been a little while since your last visit.”  

Architecturally stunning and award-winning upon its opening in 2006, Wallsend Library provides a unique oasis for millions of people with luscious indoor trees, high curved roofs, skylights and UV filtered windows.

Built to service the needs of the fast-growing western corridor, the current Wallsend Library replaced the 1948-built Wallsend Branch Library on Cowper Street.

City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archives, Library and Learning, Julie Baird said the branch plays a vital role in connecting people with one another.

“We are in the heart of the Wallsend retail precinct, you can catch a bus to our front door, and we were purpose-built for the growth we’re continuing to see in this part of the city,” Ms Baird said.

“To celebrate 20 years the community have created a kaleidoscope of butterflies for the windows, representing the transformative power of reading and storytelling, as well as the shared growth and transformation of the library and its community.

“We are proud that Wallsend Library can offer such a wide range of programs to support literacy, education, digital inclusion, and social connection across our western suburbs, and of the role that this branch and our people play to respond to the changing needs of our communities.”

Local resident Ashraf Abdelbkay said Wallsend Library has played a significant role in the lives of his family over the years.

“The library means a lot to me and to my family and to the community I belong to. I’m trying to connect my kids with a library here, to read books from a young age, to be familiar with the environment here in the library,” Mr Abdelbkay said. 

“For my community, it’s a place where they come to the different programs here, [such as] Multicultural Book Club where people come and meet other people and exchange cultures. And I’m happy to see a lot of books here in the library in different languages.” 

Visit the Newcastle Libraries website to learn more about the programs, exhibitions, events, catalogues, Newcastle history, venue hire, study spaces, online archives, and dozens of other services on offer.

Further charges laid after ten people were allegedly struck by a vehicle in the state’s Hunter region earlier this month.

About 9.30am on Saturday 3 October 2026, emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road, at the Transfield Drive roundabout, Wallsend, following reports a vehicle had allegedly struck multiple people.

The persons struck were part of a large crowd that were in attendance to support a local sporting team.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended, alongside Traffic and Highway Patrol officers and NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Ten people were injured and were treated on the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.

The driver – an 18-year-old P1 Provisional licence holder – was arrested and charged.

Following further investigations, the 18-year-old man has now been served with an additional eight offences including:

* Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous,

* Negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and

* Six counts of cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle.

The matter is next in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday (15 October 2026).

Maitland-based company ROBBOR Pty Ltd (ROBBOR) has been fined $30,000 for unlawfully operating a waste facility on a rural property it owns near Woodberry.
An investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) found ROBBOR was using the property to receive, store and sort a range of mixed waste materials, including demolition timber and scrap metals, despite not having the required environmental approvals.
NSW EPA Director Field Operations Greg Sheehy said ROBBOR’s actions demonstrate a clear disregard for environmental law, especially as its director has previously been convicted of the same offence.
“This is not a case of an operator being unaware of their responsibilities. The director has a prior conviction for unlawfully operating a waste facility through a different company and knew, or should have known, that activities at the site required proper approval.
“Instead, waste materials were brought to the property, stored and sorted without approval from either the local council or the EPA.
“This is particularly concerning because EPA officers identified stockpiles of hazardous materials on site, including fragments of asbestos and end-of-life electronics, which can pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not managed properly.
“Companies and individuals cannot simply ignore the rules and bypass the planning and environmental safeguards designed to ensure waste is handled safely and lawfully.
“Repeated non-compliance will not be tolerated, and those who choose to operate outside their legal obligations can expect the EPA to take strong enforcement action.”
Under NSW environmental laws, a waste facility is any site used to receive, store, sort, process, recycle or dispose of waste. It is an offence to operate a waste facility without the necessary land-use planning or environmental approvals.
Follow up inspections of the property confirmed waste activities at the site have now ceased and the waste material has been cleaned up.

A family devastated by the impact of cancer is giving back to the community by supporting the charitable work of City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year, Peter Sleap.

Cameron and Michelle Turner received much-needed practical and financial assistance from the charity Mr Sleap created, Sleapy’s Foundation, as their daughter Florence underwent a 13-month battle with paediatric brain cancer.

Following her passing, the couple created Flo’s Day to celebrate her spirit and raise money for families in need, with part of the proceeds from this month’s fundraiser going to the Foundation.

Peter and Robynn Sleap celebrate Peter’s Citizen of the Year award from City of Newcastle in 2026.

Mr Sleap was named City of Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year in 2026 for his work with Sleapy’s Foundation.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Citizen of the Year awards across four categories.

Mr Turner said the awards are a wonderful way of recognising those people who make Newcastle a better place.

“Sleapy’s Foundation was there for us during some of our darkest moments. Their kindness and generosity helped ease some of the immense pressure our family was facing,” Mr Turner said.

“Our way of saying thank you is by using Flo’s Day to ensure Sleapy’s Foundation can continue providing that same support to families facing childhood cancer in the future.

“I think the Citizen of the Year awards are another great way for our community to show their thanks for everyone who goes above and beyond to help others.

“People like Peter don’t do what they do for awards or praise, but I am so glad someone made the effort to nominate him last year.” 

Since 2019, Mr Sleap’s charity has delivered financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with the majority of funds going directly back into the community.

Mr Sleap said it was an unexpected honour when he was named Citizen of the Year in 2026.

“After surviving stage four throat cancer I wanted to give back to the community and that’s when I started Sleapy’s Foundation,” Mr Sleap said.

“There are people in the community that don’t think they are doing extraordinary things, but they are.

“Someone took the time to nominate me and it reminded me that kindness matters.

“I wanted to share the award with everyone, from those who’ve donated or partnered with the Foundation, attended events or simply supported our work along the way.

“Their efforts show how amazing Newcastle is as a community and I want to encourage people to nominate another worthy recipient.”

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said these awards are about making Newcastle stronger, kinder and more connected.

“Every day across Newcastle, there are people quietly making a difference. They do it simply because they care,” Cr Morris said.

“Imagine what your nomination could mean to someone who’s been helping the community for years.”

Nominations are open via City of Newcastle’s website for the 2027 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year. 

Nominations close on 20 November 2026, with recipients to be announced in early 2027.

Flo’s Day will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026 from 12pm at Club Lambton. For more information visit the website at https://flos-day.com/

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 6 October 2026 (items adjourned from 22 September 2026). NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Support for those affected by the tragic event at Transfield roundabout on the Link Road

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed that City of Newcastle extends its heartfelt sympathy to the people injured at Wallsend on Saturday 3 October 2026, their families and friends, and all who witnessed the incident, and wishes those injured a full recovery. City of Newcastle acknowledges and thanks all those who provided support at the scene and across the community.

Congratulations to the Newcastle Knights

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously endorsed congratulating the Newcastle Knights on their 2026 season and their run to the Grand Final and thanking the players, coaching staff and everyone at the club for giving the city something to believe in. Council also congratulated the Newcastle Yowies on their 2026 Koori Knockout women’s grand final over the weekend.

Notices of Motion 

Progressing universal and equitable mobility: Updating the Newcastle Transport Strategy in 2026 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that Councillors and the community receive a public briefing from City of Newcastle staff on the approach to update the Newcastle Transport Strategy, contributory plans, targeted engagement and actions prior to the draft updated strategy being tabled to Council for public exhibition.

No more missed opportunities for accessible footpaths

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle develop a process to improve accessibility by incorporating compliant kerb ramps and other practical accessibility improvements into the planning, design and delivery of all Council pathway, road and public domain renewal and upgrade works wherever reasonably practicable.

Maintaining meaningful local community participation in planning 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to alert the community to changes to the statewide Community Participation Plan for public engagement on development, recommit to the organisation’s high standard for involving communities in shaping our city and update the city’s Community Engagement Strategy as relevant.

Advocacy on the Central Cost and Lower Hunter Plan 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to establish City of Newcastle’s key priorities for the preparation of the NSW Government’s forthcoming Central Cost and Lower Hunter Plan, ahead of its anticipated public exhibition in 2027.

Supporting residents affected by recent CBD parking changes

Council supported a notice of motion requesting a post-implementation review of the recent city parking changes, including the impacts on turnover and usage, and requests that the CEO consider options to address the impacts on residents in affected areas, particularly residents without off street parking.

Youth Mock Council 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to congratulate City of Newcastle’s Youth Council for holding a successful 2026 Youth Mock Council and share the Youth Mock Council Notices of Motion with the relevant directorates or advisory committees for consideration.

Two Newcastles: 40 years of sister-city friendship 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to recognise the 40th anniversary in 2027 of the Sister City relationship between Newcastle NSW and Newcastle upon Tyne, and to commence work with our sister city, International Newcastle Inc and Newcastles of the World on a shared program of activities for September 2027.

Raising the Tibetan Flag on Tibetan National Uprising Day

Council supported an amended notice of motion that Council expresses solidarity and support for the voices of Tibetan people, recognises the role Council plays in representing the diverse cultures, background and values of its residents, and lights up the clock tower with the colours of the Tibetan flag on 10 March to mark Tibetan National Uprising Day.

Prioritising grassroots sporting infrastructure and strategic investment in Newcastle’s sporting future 

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion calling on the Lord Mayor and Councillors to adopt a “basics first” approach to sporting infrastructure ensuring that major projects compliment rather than displace investment in local sporting facilities used by thousands of Novocastrians each week, and aligned with adopted plans, strategies and other means. 

Surfest WSL Challenger event 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that the CEO negotiates with World Surf League, Freeman of the City Warren Smith and the New South Wales Government to secure the Challenger Series, as part of the Surfest event, for another three years from 2028 to 2030.

Transparency of correspondence on behalf of the elected Council

A notice of motion to implement a process for correspondence arising from Council resolutions was not supported by the Council.

Councillor Declan Clausen will today commence a one-year term as Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, returning to a role he previously held for seven consecutive years from 2017 to 2024. 

The appointment marks Cr Clausen’s eighth year serving as Deputy Lord Mayor, the longest period of service in the role in Newcastle’s history.

Cr Callum Pull, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson and Lord Mayor Gavin Morris gather for the formal handover of Deputy Lord Mayor duties.

Cr Clausen said it was a privilege to again have the opportunity to serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor.

“I’m incredibly proud to have represented our community on Council for more than 11 years, and it is a great privilege to again serve Newcastle as Deputy Lord Mayor,” Cr Clausen said.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Cr Morris since his election as Lord Mayor. He has brought real energy and commitment to the role, and I share his positivity for our city and look forward to continuing to work with him and the other Councillors in the year ahead.

“I’d also like to thank Cr McCabe for her contribution as Deputy Lord Mayor. She took on significant additional responsibilities during a difficult period for Council and carried them out with integrity.

“Newcastle has changed enormously since I was first elected in 2015, but my enthusiasm for our city and its future is as strong as ever. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our community in the year ahead.”

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris thanked outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor Cr McCabe and welcomed Cr Clausen to the role for the coming 12 months.

“I want to firstly say a sincere thank you to Cr McCabe. When former Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge was unwell, and again after he resigned, Cr McCabe took on the responsibilities of Lord Mayor,” Cr Morris said.

“She did so with care through a really tough period, and she’s earned the thanks of Council and the Newcastle community for the way she managed that process.

“I’ve really valued working with Cr Clausen since I became Lord Mayor. With more than 11 years on Council, including having previously served as Deputy Lord Mayor, he knows this city and this organisation inside out.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside him, and with every Councillor around the table, to keep delivering for Novocastrians.”

Cr Clausen was elected to Newcastle Council in 2015 and first became Deputy Lord Mayor in 2017. He served continuously in the position until 2024, with his new term representing a record eighth year as Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor. 

During his time on Council, Cr Clausen has been closely involved in initiatives across renewable energy, local infrastructure, affordable housing and community services, including the Summerhill Solar Farm and $2 pool entry trial.

The changeover forms part of Council’s unanimously approved 2024 decision to share the Deputy Lord Mayor position between four Councillors during the current term. 

Cr Clausen succeeds Cr McCabe and will serve until 7 October 2027, when Cr Deahnna Richardson is scheduled to take on the role. Cr Callum Pull was the first Councillor to serve as Deputy Lord Mayor under the adopted arrangement in this Council term.