Category: Newcastle News

 
A teenager reporting missing from the Hunter region has been located safe and well.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified when a 15-year-old boy left John Hunter Hospital yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020).
The teen has been located safe and well at a Sydney hospital overnight.
Police would like to thank the media and community for their assistance.

City of Newcastle is encouraging residents to register for its free flash flood alert service after July brought record-breaking rainfall and severe East Coast Lows.
July’s wet weather saw residents flock to the service to receive up-to-the-minute information, with a 41% increase in subscriptions between 25 July – the day before an East Coast Low dumped 107.6mm of rain at Nobbys weather station in three days – and mid-August. Subscriptions spiked from 3,337 to 4,711 across the eight zones.
The late July weather event triggered moderate flood warnings to be issued across four zones, encompassing suburbs such as Wickham, Hamilton, New Lambton, Jesmond and Stockton. Around 2,000 emails and text messages were sent to residents, as well as 474 pre-recorded messages to landlines.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was the largest-scale alert distribution since the service was successfully trialled in Wallsend in 2017 and rolled out across the LGA in 2018.
“Due to our city’s topography, heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas extremely quickly,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is why our flash flood alert service is an important tool to help residents avoid hazardous areas and remind them to never walk or drive through fast-moving and unpredictable floodwaters, potentially preventing serious injury or worse.
“Anyone can register for free, but those who would most benefit include those who live, work, visit or own a business in Newcastle.”
The eight zones covered by the flash flood alert service are:

• Wallsend and Elermore Vale vicinity
• Jesmond, Birmingham Gardens and Callaghan
• Kotara and New Lambton vicinity
• Lambton, Hamilton, Islington, Broadmeadow and Mayfield
• Merewether, Junction, Cooks Hill and Newcastle West
• Carrington, Stockton, Maryville and Wickham
• Beresfield, Tarro, Hexham and Sandgate
• Stockton, Kooragang, Carrington and Wickham

You can register to receive alerts for multiple zones. Alerts are sent by SMS, email or recorded voice message to landline, and there are three levels: minor, moderate and major flood warning.
The alerts are activated through the Early Warning Network (EWN), which continuously monitors local rainfall gauges and records intensity and duration.
For more information, including how to register, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/floodalert

A man reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area earlier today have been found and is being checked in hospital as a precaution.
Police from Lake Macquarie PD thank everyone who helped in the appeal for assistance.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from his home in the Lake Macquarie area.
Mr Patrick Thaidy, aged 60, was last seen about 2.40pm today (Friday 28 August 2020), at his home in Macquarie Hills and has not been seen since.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 180cm tall, with curly greying/black hair. At the time he was wearing black track pants, a grey hoodie and black shoes.
Mr Thaidy has a serious medical condition and requires regular medication so may appear confused or disoriented.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District are now searching for Mr Thaidy, assisted by family members, volunteers and the Westpac helicopter.
Police have been told Mr Thaidy may travel to the Sydney area and are working with public transport authorities. Mr Thaidy has also strong links to Unanderra and has travelled to the South Coast previously.
They are appealing for anyone with information about his whereabouts, or who may have seen Mr Thaidy earlier today, to call Belmont Police Station on 02 4922 8899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 immediately.

A man is recovering in hospital following a police pursuit in the state’s Hunter region.
About 12am today (Thursday 27 August 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were travelling along Port Stephens Street in Raymond Terrace when they attempted to stop a Suzuki motorbike.
It’s alleged the motorbike failed to stop and officers initiated a pursuit.
Shortly after, the bike hit a gutter at a roundabout at the intersection of Port Stephens Street and Bourke Street
The rider, a 29-year-old man, was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to a serious leg injury.
He remains at the hospital under police guard in a stable condition.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.

A man will face court today after cannabis plants were seized and a hydroponic setup uncovered in Raymond Terrace yesterday.
Following an investigation by officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter Drug Unit into the cultivation of prohibited drugs, investigators executed a crime scene warrant at a home on Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace about 11am yesterday (Wednesday 26 August 2020).
During the search, police allegedly located and seized a dozen mature cannabis plants inside a hydroponic setup, steroids and ammunition. The hydroponic setup was dismantled.
A short time later, a 28-year-old man arrived at the property and was placed under arrest.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited drug and possess ammunition without permit.
He was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 27 August 2020).

Detectives have charged a Corrective Services NSW employee over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former inmate at a correctional centre in the state’s Hunter Region.
In June this year, detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit commenced an investigation under Strike Force Canopus, following a referral from a correctional facility in state’s Hunter region, over an alleged inappropriate relationship between a female employee and former male inmate.
Following extensive inquiries, officers arrested a 52-year-old woman at a home at Muswellbrook just before 10.30am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
She was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with engage in relationship with inmate cause safety risk and engage in sexual conduct compromise sentence.
Police will allege in court that the woman, who is a Service and Programs Officer for Corrective Services NSW, commenced a romantic relationship with a 56-year-old man, while he was an inmate at the facility.
She was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.
The woman’s employment has been suspended.

A plan designed to ensure the supply of sporting fields keeps up with the City’s growing population and sporting needs, has been placed on public exhibition.
The 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was developed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area (LGA).

It provides guidance and direction for 13 sports who jointly have 41,790 participants. The sports considered under the Plan are athletics, AFL, baseball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.
“Understanding and planning for sports and recreation is essential in ensuring the community has sufficient and equal opportunities to lead a healthy and active life,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“As a growing city whose population will pass 200,000 during the next 20 years, we need to plan for ongoing changes in the City’s sporting and recreation landscape to meet both existing and future demands.”
There are currently 63 sportsground venues (140 fields) across Newcastle, covering an area of around 370.5 hectares.
Research by the Otium Planning Group found just 27 per cent of the City’s sporting fields were currently utilised at, or over, capacity and that more than half were underutilised.
It identified a concentration of fields in the east and central areas of the LGA, and the need for additional facilities in the western growth corridor.
It also recognised the importance of integrated planning with major regional development projects such as the Broadmeadow Sports and Entertainment Precinct.
Key recommendations under the draft Strategic Sports Plan include a review of sportsground allocations to achieve a more even, optimised usage and the implementation of a rolling capital works program to progressively renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds, with a focus on drainage, lighting upgrades, additional shade provision, and improved, accessible and female-friendly amenities.
The draft Plan recommends consideration of opportunities to secure up to 20ha of land in the western corridor for future sportsgrounds.
Cr Nelmes said extensive research and preliminary consultation with sporting clubs and the broader community had already been used to inform the draft plan and its recommendations, however additional feedback is sought before the 10-year Plan is finalised.
“The draft Strategic Sports Plan will go on public exhibition for 42 days from 26 August via the City of Newcastle website and I encourage anyone interested in the future of sports in Newcastle to have their say on this important plan for our community,” Cr Nelmes said.
A further report will be presented to Council on 24 November for adoption of the Strategic Sports Plan.

The Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA) has been shut out of more than $170 million in government grants in just one year because of inconsistent funding rules.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes said the disparity in Newcastle’s eligibility for funding, which is based on an inconsistent classification of the City as being either regional or metropolitan depending on the funding program, is a significant disadvantage that must be addressed.
“Our City often falls between the gaps of policy development and grant funding as Newcastle is a metropolitan centre that services regional populations across the Hunter,” she said.
“Newcastle is the major economic hub of the Hunter region with gross regional product of $17.7 billion, yet we are not receiving fair access to State Government funding.”
According to an independent report by the Hunter Research Foundation Centre, six regional funding sources totalling $5.86 billion have been identified where Newcastle has been deemed ineligible, but no metropolitan alternative has been provided.
“For comparison, neighbouring equivalent sized councils in the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast LGAs were eligible for all six funding sources,” Cr Nelmes said when introducing a Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported at last night’s Ordinary Council meeting.
“Furthermore, the Newcastle LGA has received just 0.06 per cent of Restart NSW funds allocated to date, well below its 2.11 per cent share of the state’s population and its three per cent share of Gross State Product.
“Newcastle is ineligible to access the Regional Cultural Fund, as it is defined as ‘metropolitan’, but there is no equivalent opportunity within metropolitan funding rounds.
“Newcastle is effectively shut out of all NSW cultural infrastructure grants.”
In a submission to the Public Accountability Committee’s inquiry into the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs, City of Newcastle has recommended the Committee create a Gateway City classification.
This would recognise that LGAs like Newcastle and Wollongong are major regional economic centres that sit between a metropolitan and regional classification.
“The historical metropolitan versus regional dichotomy no longer reflects Newcastle’s transformation as a major regional economic centre,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Australian Gateway Cities hold a significant place in the economy but are underestimated in terms of public policy.
“In partnership with Wollongong and Geelong, City of Newcastle has established a Gateway Cities Alliance to advocate and collectively explore economic opportunities.
“It’s crucial that governments are willing and able to make the necessary long-term strategic investments in both physical and social infrastructure that will underpin not just regional growth but national interests.
“Fairer access to funding opportunities would also improve the efficiency and value for money of government grant programs.”

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 August 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions, please see the Council Meeting Minutes and/or webcast archive for more information.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

A Lord Mayoral Minute received support after it called on the NSW Government to commit to building the state’s vital transport infrastructure in NSW. The Minute also congratulated Novocastrian Cory Wright and ex-Novocastrian Steve Murphy on their respective elections as the NSW and Federal Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, and committed to seeking their input into protecting and strengthening manufacturing and supporting Newcastle manufacturing workers through the COVID recovery and transition to a net-zero carbon economy.
A second Lord Mayoral Minute to ask the Public Accountability Committee to establish a consistent geography and classification across all NSW Government funding sources that enables equitable access for all LGAs was supported. The minute also called for the creation of a Gateway City classification to recognise that LGAs like Newcastle and Wollongong are major regional economic centres that sit between a metropolitan and regional classification.

Ordinary business

King Street, Stockton – Marine Rescue Land Only Lease
Council resolved to enter into a 21-year Land Only Lease with Marine Rescue NSW to allow them to construct a new operations centre on the Stockton site.
Tabling of pecuniary interest returns – 1 May to 31 July 2020
Council noted the tabling of pecuniary interest returns received from designated persons between 1 May and 31 July 2020 in accordance with the City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct for Staff.
Public exhibition of the Draft Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update August 2020)
Council voted to place the draft Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update August 2020) on public exhibition for 28 days.
Variations to Development Standards 32
Council received the report on development variations approved between January 2020 and July 2020.
Emergency egress for high-rise occupants with a disability
Council voted to write to the Council of Australian Governments’ Building Ministers’ Forum, the Australian Building Codes Board and the NSW Minister representing the State on the Council of Australian Governments’ Building Ministers’ Forum to seek support for the creation of provisions that improve emergency egress for people with a disability, particularly with respect to emergency egress from high-rise buildings.
Council will also write to the NSW Building Commissioner to seek support for the creation of formal administrative arrangements that marry in with the Commonwealth’s disability discrimination provisions, and investigate amending City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plans / Planning Guidelines to include consideration of emergency egress from high-rise buildings for people with disabilities.
Young Road, Lambton – intersection realignment and pedestrian refuge at Durham Road and intersection realignment at Wallarah Road
Council voted to approve the realignment of the intersection of Durham Road at Young Road Lambton.
Adoption of Asset Management Policy 2020
Council voted to adopt the revised Asset Management Policy.
Public exhibition of Draft Strategic Sports Plan
Council resolved to place the draft Strategic Sports Plan on public exhibition for 42 days and requested that a report on submissions received be brought back to the Council following the public exhibition.
Authorisation for signing of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020
Council noted that the preparation of City of Newcastle’s Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2020 is underway and upon completion they will be referred to the NSW Audit Office. Council voted to authorise the Lord Mayor, a Councillor, the Chief Executive Officer and the responsible Accounting Officer to sign the Statements by Councillors and Management at the conclusion of the external audit.
Investment and borrowing policy annual review
Council voted to adopt the updated Investment and Borrowing Policy.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2020.
Appointment of Deputy Lord Mayor
Council reappointed Cr Declan Clausen as Deputy Lord Mayor for the period 13 September 2020 until the day before the next ordinary election.
Transfer of Civic Hotel liquor licence
Council voted to endorse running an Expression of Interest for the transfer of the former Civic Hotel liquor licence. The Chief Executive Officer or his delegate was granted authority to execute all relevant documentation to enact the transfer to a successful proponent for an amount that meets or exceeds the current valuation of the licence. The proceeds will be transferred to City of Newcastle’s ‘Works Program: Specific Projects’ internally restricted reserves.

Notices of Motion

Newcastle Inner City Bypass
A notice of motion to engage with the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health, and write to various NSW Government Ministers and the Member for Wallsend, seeking to include a rapid transport connection between John Hunter Hospital and the University of Newcastle on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, was supported.