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.
Category: Newcastle News
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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 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.”
Deja vu as no replacement Federal Circuit Court judge in sight
One of Newcastle’s three Federal Circuit Court judges has retired, leaving the community in the dark over a future replacement.
Federal Circuit Court judge Janet Terry reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 earlier this month, with no announcement from the Federal Government about her prospective replacement.
“The Federal Government has a responsibility to provide efficient and appropriate judicial and court services to the people of Newcastle,” Ms Claydon said.
Following reports of Judge Terry’s retirement, Ms Claydon wrote to Attorney-General Senator Michaelia Cash on 31 July seeking clarification over the retired judge’s successor.
Ms Claydon stated that she is still waiting to receive a response from Senator Cash on the appointment process.
“This isn’t the first time the Liberal Government has failed to appoint a replacement Federal Circuit Court judge in Newcastle within a timely manner.”
“Last time the Government waited many months to find a replacement, leaving judges with twice the case load and Novocastrians on waitlists for nineteen months, subsequently blowing the backlog out of proportion.”
“I’m sick of the Morrison Liberal government’s inability to forward plan a timely replacement, given they know full well that judges are compelled to retire at the age of 70.”
Ms Claydon said that lives could be put at risk if a replacement for Judge Terry is not actioned immediately, given that many cases involve the trauma of martial breakdown, domestic violence, drug abuse, and child custody disputes.
“The Morrison Government’s failure to find a replacement is deeply distressing for the many families who are already in vulnerable circumstances.”
Ms Claydon stated that the Morrison Government’s negligence will place an extra burden on the already underfunded judicial system.
“Once a replacement judge is installed, there will still be the issue of the massive backlog that has resulted from the Government’s continuous attacks on the Family Court system.”
“With retired judges set to return to the bench to clear the national 7,000 case backlog, the last thing the Hunter region needs is an empty appointment and unnecessary grief for families.”
“I intend to raise this issue in Parliament next week.”
Man charged after allegedly hosting gatherings in breach of Public Health Order – Shortland
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have served a 22-year-old man with a Future Court Attendance Notice for breaching the current Public Health Order.
Police will allege a 22-year-old man hosted a number of large gatherings at a home on Sandgate Road, Shortland, on three separate nights from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 July 2021.
He is due to face Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 28 September 2021.
Two women, aged 21 and 20, have previously been issued Future Court Attendance Notices for attending the gatherings; they remain before the courts.
All three people have since tested positive to COVID-19 and are now isolating.
A further three people – two men aged 21 and 26, and a 20-year-old woman – were issued with $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices for attending the gatherings as police continue their inquiries to identify further guests.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
ADF personnel join NSW Police Force in Dubbo, Newcastle
ADF personnel will join the NSW Police Force in Dubbo and Newcastle today, as part of an expansion of the COVID-19 welfare and compliance activities across NSW.
Police officers will be assisted by ADF personnel as they conduct welfare doorknocks and compliance checks of stay-at-home and self-isolation orders.
50 ADF personnel will assist with compliance in Dubbo and the surrounding area, with a further 50 to assist with compliance in the Hunter region.
Further deployments are expected by the end of the week.
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, welcomed the arrival of troops in regional towns.
“The NSW Police Force has a long history of co-operation with the ADF and they have provided vital assistance over the past 18 months,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“First and foremost, the troops are there to support the community alongside police. Among other tasks, you will see them delivering hampers and checking on the welfare of our most vulnerable people.
“I want to thank them for their help and again appeal to everyone across our regions to stay at home as much as possible – please do everything you can to help us stop the spread.”
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Contract for Business Improvement Association Support Services
Hamilton business owner Janice Musumeci has been awarded a two-year contract to provide Business Improvement Association (BIA) support services, replacing previous provider Purser Corporate Communications (Purser).
The initial support services contract was awarded to Purser in 2019 following independent recommendations made to improve the use of Special Business Rate funds, which are collected to promote, beautify and develop the City’s business precincts.
The centralised support service for BIAs delivers efficiencies for its members by providing a shared resource to manage their administrative and compliance obligations. This allows members more time and resources to focus on delivering projects and events that will activate, promote and enhance their precincts.
The contract with Purser ends this month, with the consultancy announcing in July it would be closing its doors after almost 40 years in Newcastle.
Ms Musumeci was awarded the support services contract following a competitive tender process. She has demonstrated a strong ability to deliver outcomes for the business community through her role as Chair of the Hamilton Business Improvement Association, a position she will leave to take the support services contract.
Visit Business Improvement Associations on the City of Newcastle website for more information.
Community steers vision for historic Gregson Park
City of Newcastle has unveiled a new vision for Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park as part of the development of a draft masterplan.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community feedback in 2020 has helped shape the future of the much-loved park.
“We asked our community to tell us their aspirations for Gregson Park, as well as their memories from days gone by to help guide the way the park is managed and renewed into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The valuable feedback we received has informed a masterplan for the renewal of Gregson Park that ensures the community’s needs and wants are reflected in future improvements.
“We heard that the community wants to see the incorporation of Aboriginal culture, more planting of native species, an upgrade of amenities, improvements to the playspace, creation of spaces for the community to come together, provision for active recreation, and the retention of the existing heritage elements and much-loved fig trees.
“The new masterplan for Gregson Park, which showcases three key components including a new playspace, community hub on the former bowling green and multi-sports activity hub, aims to celebrate the existing heritage of the site and Awabakal culture, while meeting the recreational needs of the local community.”
Local history writer, Ruth Cotton, welcomed the exciting plans for the inner-city park which is steeped in history.
“Gregson Park continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians and I’m really pleased that the heritage of the park will be retained into the future. I have no doubt that as the plans come to fruition, Gregson Park will remain a historic gem that continues to pay homage to its past.” Ms Cotton said.
The vision for Gregson Park shows a larger inclusive playspace in its existing location, new community shelter on the former bowling club site, more shaded seating areas, potential for community gardens and kiosk, resurfaced tennis courts, additional active recreation facilities and upgraded amenities.
It also proposes the realignment of some pathways, opportunities for a stormwater retention tank and removal of the glasshouse building subject to heritage assessment.
Gregson Park also has great potential as an event space, due to the connection through the local area and proximity to the business district in Beaumont Street. The southern area of the park and new shelter will provide opportunities for markets, community festivals, and activations through the year.
The Masterplan for the site is intended to be implemented across a ten-year period with short-term and long-term priorities.
Short-term priorities earmarked for implementation within five years include the playspace, realigned paths, plantings and community shelter. Work on the playspace featuring nature play, water play and small yarning circle, will start in 2022 under the city’s annual asset renewal program.
Long-term priorities include the active recreation area, community gardens and stormwater retention tank.
To enable the realisation of the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan, amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park are also being prepared.
Council will consider a report to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan, along with amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park, on public exhibition in late-August.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community feedback in 2020 has helped shape the future of the much-loved park.
“We asked our community to tell us their aspirations for Gregson Park, as well as their memories from days gone by to help guide the way the park is managed and renewed into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The valuable feedback we received has informed a masterplan for the renewal of Gregson Park that ensures the community’s needs and wants are reflected in future improvements.
“We heard that the community wants to see the incorporation of Aboriginal culture, more planting of native species, an upgrade of amenities, improvements to the playspace, creation of spaces for the community to come together, provision for active recreation, and the retention of the existing heritage elements and much-loved fig trees.
“The new masterplan for Gregson Park, which showcases three key components including a new playspace, community hub on the former bowling green and multi-sports activity hub, aims to celebrate the existing heritage of the site and Awabakal culture, while meeting the recreational needs of the local community.”
Local history writer, Ruth Cotton, welcomed the exciting plans for the inner-city park which is steeped in history.
“Gregson Park continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians and I’m really pleased that the heritage of the park will be retained into the future. I have no doubt that as the plans come to fruition, Gregson Park will remain a historic gem that continues to pay homage to its past.” Ms Cotton said.
The vision for Gregson Park shows a larger inclusive playspace in its existing location, new community shelter on the former bowling club site, more shaded seating areas, potential for community gardens and kiosk, resurfaced tennis courts, additional active recreation facilities and upgraded amenities.
It also proposes the realignment of some pathways, opportunities for a stormwater retention tank and removal of the glasshouse building subject to heritage assessment.
Gregson Park also has great potential as an event space, due to the connection through the local area and proximity to the business district in Beaumont Street. The southern area of the park and new shelter will provide opportunities for markets, community festivals, and activations through the year.
The Masterplan for the site is intended to be implemented across a ten-year period with short-term and long-term priorities.
Short-term priorities earmarked for implementation within five years include the playspace, realigned paths, plantings and community shelter. Work on the playspace featuring nature play, water play and small yarning circle, will start in 2022 under the city’s annual asset renewal program.
Long-term priorities include the active recreation area, community gardens and stormwater retention tank.
To enable the realisation of the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan, amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park are also being prepared.
Council will consider a report to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan, along with amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park, on public exhibition in late-August.
$1 million rewards announced for information into 1979 disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson
The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced two $1 million rewards for information regarding the disappearances and suspected murders of Lake Macquarie teenagers Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson more than 40 years ago.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
Robyn Hickie, aged 18, left her home around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 April 1979, and was last seen standing at a bus stop on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North.
A fortnight later, Amanda Robinson, aged 14, was last seen walking along Lake Road, Swansea, on Saturday 21 April 1979, after attending a dance at her high school in Gateshead.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, neither of the girls have been located.
A subsequent Coronial Inquest into their disappearances found that the teenagers were deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
As investigations continue, police are renewing their appeal to the community to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their inquiries.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the increased rewards demonstrates how strongly the NSW Government is supporting the Lake Macquarie Police District investigators.
“For far too long, Robyn and Amanda’s families have lived with the pain of losing a child but without any idea of how it happened or who is responsible,” Mr Elliott said.
“They have been in limbo for four decades not knowing. They deserve answers now and we believe that offering these new rewards should be sufficient incentive for those with information to come forward.
“If your conscience won’t make you act, maybe $2 million will,” Mr Elliott said.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Steve Benson, hopes this reward will encourage those who have been holding onto vital information since 1979 to share what they know with police.
“The disappearances of these teenagers triggered every parent’s worst nightmare. The Hickie and Robinson families have been fighting for the truth for four decades, they deserve to know what happened to their girls,” Det Insp Benson said.
“Our dedicated detectives under Strike Force Arapaima have re-examined all the evidence compiled over the past 40 years and are hoping this government reward will result in further information being provided to detectives to follow up and investigate.”
Anyone with information about Strike Force Arapaima is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.