Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is asking community members to provide feedback on the rules that guide Council meetings. 

City of Newcastle’s Code of Meeting Practice applies to all Council meetings. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director of Corporate Services David Clarke said NSW legislation requires all Councils in NSW to adopt a Code of Meeting Practice, based on the prescribed Model Code of Meeting Practice, within the first 12 months following an election. 

“The draft Code also contains some additional clauses and changes to align with City of Newcastle practices and procedures,” Mr Clarke said. 

“The recent Davidson Independent Review made findings and recommendations into the conduct of Council meetings, so it is timely to review the Code of Meeting Practice.  

“We’re asking community members to take a look at the Code and share their thoughts on the provisions, as well as any changes they think should be considered.” 

The Code of Meeting Practice covers all aspects of Council meetings, including everything from the agenda and order of business to the rules of debate and voting. 

It also sets guidelines around the timing and notification of meetings, who can attend and the way in which they are recorded and broadcast to the public. 

City of Newcastle will review submissions received during the public exhibition period and prepare a summary to be included in a report to the September Ordinary Council Meeting.  

If no submissions are received, the draft Code of Meeting Practice will be considered adopted without a further report to Council. 

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page on City of Newcastle’s website. The public exhibition period will close at 5pm on Wednesday 3 September 2025.

Residents in Newcastle’s western suburbs are being invited to share their experiences of local flooding to help City of Newcastle develop an updated study to inform mitigation and management strategies for the area.

The Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study will increase City of Newcastle’s understanding of flood behaviour and risk, enhance resident awareness and improve community resilience to flooding and climate change.

Feedback from the community will build on existing information to improve the accuracy and reliability of the study, which will be used to plan and prepare for flash flooding events and more effectively manage the risk to people and property.

City of Newcastle is partnering with Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to prepare the study, which will cover approximately 200 square kilometres of catchment incorporating the local town centres of Wallsend, Jesmond, Fletcher and Beresfield.

Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the current work will update City of Newcastle’s last flood study for the area.

“Since the last study was completed in 2008 there have been significant advances in flood modelling capability and remote sensing technology, as well as an increase in development across Newcastle,” Ms Kikken said.

“The Newcastle Local Government Area was built on a low-lying floodplain and approximately 30% of current residential properties are impacted by flash flooding.

“It’s not possible to stop significant flooding from occurring by simply widening channels or investing in larger pipes. Rebuilding the city’s drainage system to accommodate flooding would require massive changes that would make many suburbs unrecognisable.

“For this reason, we are seeking to gain a better understanding of flash floods, including their depths, extent and hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change on flooding behaviour, to inform the most effective management strategies to deal with flood risk.

“We have already undertaken a similar study in the eastern section of the local government area, covering the Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek catchment area.

“We will use information from both studies to guide flood mitigation and management measures.”

The State Emergency Service (SES) is currently updating their Flood Emergency Management Plan across the western suburbs.

City of Newcastle will share the outcomes of this study with the SES, who will use it to assist with improving their emergency flood response.

Acting Northern Zone Commander Graeme Craig said NSW SES looks forward to the results of this study.

“It could help inform future plans and community preparedness ahead of flooding,” Acting Commander Craig said.

“It is critical people understand their flood risk, and we will continue to work with local councils and the community.”

The Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study is being delivered by City of Newcastle, with the support of a grant from the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management program.

Maitland and Cessnock City Councils have also helped partially fund the study as its scope includes small sections of their LGAs.

Flood studies are prepared in accordance with the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023) and Australian Rainfall and Runoff Guidelines (2019).

The community can contribute to the Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study by visiting the Have Your Say page and completing the online survey or by adding comments and photos to an interactive map.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 22 July 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

Exhibition of Code of Meeting Practice

Council unanimously voted to place an amended draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Should no submissions be received, the draft will be considered adopted without a further report to Council.

Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2024

Council received the Urban Design Review Panel Annual Report 2024. The Panel provides independent, expert advice to City of Newcastle and applicants about the quality of the urban design and amenity of developments. 

Financial assistance for ratepayers impacted by New Lambton landslip incident

Council unanimously voted to publicly notify City of Newcastle’s intention to grant financial assistance to ratepayers impacted by the 23 May 2025 New Lambton landslip.

Tender report – OEM parts and service suppliers 2025-2028

Council voted unanimously to accept an exemption to tendering requirements for the supply of Original Equipment Manufacturer parts and services for City of Newcastle fleet vehicles. 

Notices of Motion 

Honouring the life, achievements and service of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan

Council honoured the life, achievements and service of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan and extended condolences to Cr Francis-Coan’s family and friends after her sudden and tragic passing.

Remembering former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy

Council extended condolences to the McCloy family following the passing of former Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy after a battle with motor neurone disease. A service was held on 8 July 2025 at Newcastle City Hall to remember and celebrate the life, legacy and achievements of Mr McCloy.

Hunter Street Mall – Newcomen to Thorn Streets

Council noted the significant investment committed by City of Newcastle to the East End Public Domain Plan, including the Hunter Street Mall between Thorn and Newcomen Streets, as outlined in the Budget and upcoming detailed design work, and acknowledges the short-term safety and amenity upgrades completed since January 2025, including lighting repairs, pavement remediation, and graffiti removal on public assets.

Hamilton BIA board changeover

Council thanked Reece Hignell and Amanda Hinds for four years as Chair and Vice Chair of the Hamilton Business Improvement Association, and welcomed new members Alissa McCulloch (Chair), Evan Reid (Vice Chair), and Kathy Sloss (Secretary). Council also thanked Kasey Pollard (Treasurer), Josh Distefano, Ram Khatri and Lovkesh Asija for their continued efforts as volunteer members of the Board of the Hamilton BIA.

Horseshoe Beach / Camp Shortland

Council unanimously voted to write to the Member for Newcastle, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, and Transport for NSW requesting them to address a range of issues relating to the Horseshoe Beach precinct.

Recognising the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Council unanimously voted to commemorate the 80^th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and affirm that nuclear weapons continue to pose an unacceptable threat to humanity and our shared environment.

505 Minmi Road

Council recognised the State Government’s decision on 505 Minmi Road and unanimously voted to continue advocating on this issue.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has been re-elected as Deputy Speak of the House of Representatives in the 48^th Parliament.

As Deputy Speaker, Ms Claydon will support the Speaker, the Hon Milton Dick MP, in presiding over debates, maintaining order in the House, and ensuring parliamentary rules and procedures are followed.

This is Ms Claydon’s second term in the role, having served as Deputy Speaker in the 47^th Parliament, during which time she oversaw the serious work of implementing the recommendations of the Set the Standard report. This work included drafting the first ever Codes of Conduct for the Commonwealth Government which were then accepted by the Parliament and implemented last year.

With the Parliamentary Codes of Conduct now in place, Ms Claydon welcomes the opportunity to build on these important reforms to improve parliamentary standards and behaviours.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“It is a tremendous privilege to be elected as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and I thank Members from all sides for placing their trust in me.

“I am incredibly proud to continue representing the people of Newcastle on the national stage. This appointment is recognition of the strength and voice of Newcastle in the Australian Parliament.”

“I take this responsibility very seriously and will approach the role with the fairness, integrity and respect that it demands. Our democracy depends on a Parliament that works efficiently and inclusively, and I am committed to ensuring all Members can contribute to a respectful and productive environment.”

A driver has died following a two-truck crash on the state’s Central Coast.

About 2.45pm today (Tuesday 22 July 2025), emergency services responded to reports of a crash between two trucks in the south bound lanes of the M1 at Morisset.

The male driver of one of the trucks died prior to the arrival of emergency services. The man is yet to be identified.

The second driver – a 57-year-old man – was uninjured.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have established a crime scene and are awaiting the arrival of specialist police.

South bound lanes on the M1 are closed and traffic diversions have been implemented. The roadway is expected to remain a crime scene for a considerable amount of time and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

As investigations commence police are urging anyone with information about the crash – or was in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – is urged to contact Morisset Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For details relating to traffic diversions please monitor www.livetraffic.com

A woman has been charged after an investigation into several property offences alleged to have occurred in the Hunter Region.

On Friday 30 May 2025, police began an investigation after a bank card was allegedly stolen from a vehicle on Lake Road, Argenton.

Police will allege that the bank card was later used to make unauthorised purchases at electronics and sporting goods stores.

Further stealing and property offences are alleged to have occurred between Sunday 1 June 2025 and Saturday 19 July 2025 in the Lake Macquarie and Rutherford areas, that police believed were linked.

Following extensive inquiries by Port Stephens-Hunter Police, a 28-year-old woman was arrested at Maitland Police Station about 7.30pm yesterday (Monday 21 July 2025).

She was subsequently charged with 12 offences:

• Dishonestly obtain property by deception (three counts),
• Enter vehicle or boat without consent of owner/occupier (three counts),
• Larceny value (greater than $5000 and less than or equal to $15,000),
• Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse,
• Larceny (three counts), and
• Breach of bail.

She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today (Tuesday 22 July 2025), where she was formally refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 23 July 2025).

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of the Institution’s historic and ongoing contribution to Newcastle’s cultural, economic and social life. 

The civic honour was formally conferred during a special graduation ceremony at City Hall today, celebrating the University’s 60^th anniversary and its enduring partnership with City of Newcastle.

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of 60 years of impact. From L to R: Aunty Cheryl Newton, 
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge 
and Aunty Amanda Kelly at the official presentation during the University’s graduation ceremony at City Hall today.

Image: University of Newcastle

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is proud to recognise the institution’s six decades of service and its profound impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“The University and its students have played a pivotal role in transforming Newcastle into a city of learning, aspiration and progress. Their influence is woven through our city and communities,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Over the past 60 years, the University has transformed lives and opened doors for tens of thousands of people in our city.

This honour particularly recognises the University’s role in enabling so many ‘first in family’ students to go to university, and the University’s ongoing commitment to providing educational opportunities for all.”

The motion to bestow the Keys to the City was initiated by Cr Declan Clausen and supported by the elected Council in May, acknowledging the transformational power of education and the University’s leadership in fostering access and equity through programs such as Yapug and Open Foundation.

“The University has long been a leader of inclusive education, with a deep commitment to equity that has delivered lasting benefits to our city, region, state, nation and beyond,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our ongoing collaboration continues to be a cornerstone Newcastle’s progress, from community health and sustainability to First Nations engagement and urban innovation.

“The University’s central role in Newcastle’s urban renewal, through developments like NUspace and the City Campus, has helped shape the vibrant city we are today.”

The Key was accepted on behalf of the University by Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM. The ceremony also featured Aunty Cheryl Newton and Aunty Amanda Kelly, Elders in Residence at the University’s Wollotuka Institute, alongside students and special guests from the University’s 60-year history, including some who have been part of the community since its earliest days.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said the honour reflected the collective efforts of the entire University community.

“This is a proud moment for our institution. For 60 years, our staff, students and alumni have worked to deliver meaningful change, for Newcastle and across the world,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“We’re honoured to accept the Key to the City and will continue to be ambassadors for Newcastle and the values we share.”

The City of Newcastle ambassador program was established in 2017 to highlight individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to Newcastle. The University now joins 13 other recipients who have been honoured with the Key to the City.

Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.

Another key milestone has been achieved on the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass with the installation of a steel arch pedestrian bridge at the northern interchange. Once the interchange at Jesmond opens to traffic, this new bridge will connect shared paths on Newcastle Road and Illoura Street, providing pedestrians and cyclists an uninterrupted journey over the on- and off-ramps and under the bypass. Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the installation was carried out overnight. “A 400-tonne crane lifted the steel bridge into place, with the installation completed in just a few hours,” Ms Zycki said.” “The pedestrian and cyclist bridge installation follows other significant recent progress at the northern interchange”. “May saw the opening of the permanent right-hand turn for motorists travelling west on Newcastle Road onto the northern lanes of the bypass towards University Drive. This has removed one of the sets of traffic lights, helping improve traffic flow in the area as construction continues”. “Work on the southern interchange for the project has also progressed significantly, with the recent shift of the Lookout Road and McCaffrey Drive intersection onto the new bridge structure. “This has seen traffic switched to the new signalised intersection and use of what will be the final northbound off-ramp until the bypass is open to traffic.” “The final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Rankin Park to Jesmond is just part of a massive package of road projects across the Hunter region. “Along with the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, Hexham Straight Widening and Singleton Bypass, Hunter motorists can look forward to safer, more reliable journeys for all road users, and saving businesses time and money.” These changes can be seen by viewing fly-through videos on the design map at the project portal https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/rankin-park-to-jesmond

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man died in a crash during a police pursuit in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.

About 7.30pm Saturday (19 July 2025), police attempted to stop a motorbike on King Street, Hamilton, as it did not have number plates.

When the vehicle did not stop as directed, a pursuit commenced.

The pursuit travelled south on the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, where the male rider came off the bike a short time later.

The rider – a man believed to be aged in his 20s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Police established a crime scene and a critical incident team from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.