Category: Newcastle News

We are carrying out emergency repair works on the rock bag structure at the northern end of Barrie Crescent, Stockton, following damage that occurred in September.

A temporary fix was implemented using rock bags from the crest at the northern end of Mitchell Street.

A permanent solution has now been designed and will be installed from Monday 2 December 2024.

During the repair works there may be periods of disruption, as well as noise from machinery on site. Some weekend works may be required.

Traffic and parking restrictions will be in place at the northern end of Mitchell Street and Barrie Crescent while the work is carried out.

We anticipate work will be complete by the end of December 2024, weather permitting.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Neil Westcott, aged 79, was last seen leaving Westfield Kotara Shopping Centre and walking along Park Avenue, Kotara towards Adamstown at 12.30pm today (Thursday 28 November 2024).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare as he lives with dementia.

Neil is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of thin build, with short grey hair and is clean shaven.

He was last seen wearing a cream/brown stripped wide brimmed hat, grey polo shirt with black collar, blue shorts, black socks, brown walking shoes and carrying black and white polka dot umbrella.

Neil is known to frequent Kotara.

A fourth person has been charged following the alleged fatal stabbing of a man in Newcastle earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday 17 November 2024, and found a 22-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds. He died in hospital a short time later.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Mannum, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

During the investigation, a 27-year-old man, 33-year-old woman, and a 35-year-old man were each charged with murder. They remain before the courts.

Following investigations, about 5.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 November 2024), a 43-year-old man presented to Moree Police Station where he was arrested and charged with murder.

He was refused bail to appear before Inverell Local Court today (Thursday 28 November 2024) where he was refused bail again to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

A third man has been charged following the alleged fatal stabbing of a man in Newcastle earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 2.40am on Sunday 17 November 2024, and found a 22-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds. He died in hospital a short time later.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Mannum, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

During the investigation, a 27-year-old man and a 33-year-old man were each charged with murder. They remain before the courts.

Following further investigations, detectives attended a Silverwater correctional facility about 10.40am today (Thursday 28 November 2024).

He was charged with murder, affray, use etc offensive weapon in company with intent to commit indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).

A 35-year-old man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 28 November 2024).

City of Newcastle is taking the next step towards a new future for Queens Wharf, with site investigations to pave the way for redevelopment of the vacant western building. 

The popular harbourside location, which includes two separate buildings, public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf, was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 with an estimated life of 25 years. 

Thirty-six years later and the western building has been largely vacant since a fire in May 2020 rendered much of it unusable. 

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the time had come to take action on the future of the site. 

“Queens Wharf has been a popular harbourside destination for decades, with its function centre in particular creating cherished memories for countless Novocastrians,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“Since the fire, the site has presented a number of challenges, which Councillors have now been briefed on.

“But the time has come for City of Newcastle to meet the expectations of the community and take action on this significant harbourside site. 

“I look forward to seeing the construction of new buildings that would aim to be architecturally sensitive to enhance the waterfront in this special location.”  

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle has been continuing to investigate solutions for the challenging site, which is built on a concrete shore platform supported by steel piling and a sea wall. 

“Councillors were taken on a tour of the site last week, receiving an insight into the complex nature of the sub-structure construction, which has required a lengthy due diligence assessment to ensure the long-term future of the site,” Mr Bath said. 

“Most people would be unaware that not only is the entire Queens Wharf site built on piers above the harbour, but so is the majority of the adjacent road. 

“As a result, we have had to confirm the structural integrity of the steel platform and sea wall. Fortunately, this work has confirmed that these assets have at least 50 years of life left in them.  

“The same cannot be said for the western building, which is no longer fit for purpose and contains areas of non-compliance with current building codes and standards, which make it unusable. 

“Given the age of the building and the nature of the repairs required, we will be demolishing the building in the early part of 2025 to make way for a new future for the site. 

“Further due diligence assessments will begin early next year, followed by an expressions of interest process to identify a potential partner for the redevelopment and lease of the building. 

“We will soon commence site assessments for the early works and approvals needed to support future redevelopment. 

“When we commence consultation with the community early next year, we will be proposing that any new development occurs in two stages and as separate buildings so that the view corridor from Stockton across the harbour and up to the Christ Church Cathedral is protected. 

“The lease for the Queens Wharf Hotel doesn’t expire until 2033 and so rather than expose ratepayers to a costly payout, the popular hotel will be allowed to continue trading for another eight years.”  

City of Newcastle has on a number of occasions ruled out the option of selling any part of the site and this remains its position.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 November 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes 

NRLW Magic Round 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that notes that the NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced Newcastle as the host city for the inaugural National Women’s Rugby League Magic Round to be held at McDonald Jones Stadium in July 2025.

Newcastle’s bid to host 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that proposed Council formally expresses its interest to the NSW Government in hosting 2026 Rugby League World Cup matches, offers support and assistance to a NSW Government bid to secure World Cup matches for Newcastle and prepares a detailed event bid for Newcastle as a host city.

Updates from meetings with State and Federal Government 

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted that on 29 October 2024 Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joined NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the announcement of the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus. This demonstrates the strong working relationship between Council and both State and Federal Governments in delivering significant outcomes for our community.

Ordinary business

Adoption of 2025 Council meeting schedule 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the schedule for Council and Committee Meetings to be held in the 2025 calendar year.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 August to 31 October 2024 by the Chief Executive Officer.

September Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – September Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

Endorsement of the 2023/2024 Annual Report, State of our City Report and adoption of the financial statements

Council voted unanimously to endorse City of Newcastle’s 2023/24 Annual Report and State of Our City Report 2022-2024, which reports on the delivery of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan during the current Council term. Council also adopted City of Newcastle’s audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Public exhibition of Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days in accordance with section 253 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Application for Local Public Holiday for Newcastle Show 2025 

Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations, seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 28 February 2025 as a Local Public Holiday, and if that is not approved by the Minister, request their approval for it to be proclaimed as a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW).

Adoption of revised CEO Performance Review Policy

Council voted unanimously to adopt the revised CEO Performance Review Policy.

Merit-based application process – City of Newcastle nominee director/s to Newcastle Airport companies

Council noted that a merit-based application process to enable the selection of a permanent City of Newcastle nominee director to Newcastle Airport companies will be managed by a consultant who has previously managed the recruitment of independent directors to Newcastle Airport.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2024.

Tender report – Western Corridor – Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue Road Construction

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for construction of the Western Corridor Road Upgrade, consisting of upgrade projects on Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue, Wallsend, and a separable project to upgrade the intersection of Cowper Street and Kokera Street, Wallsend.

Tender report – purchase or hire of articulated offroad watertanker at Summerhill Waste Management Centre 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase or hire of articulated offroad watertanker at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Notices of Motion 

Carrington pedestrian crossings

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that adds the pedestrian crossing on the corner of Cowper Street and Young Street Carrington to the list of crossing priorities unanimously endorsed by Council on 27 June 2023 and requests that additional funding be sought through future budget processes to ensure improved pedestrian infrastructure is prioritised for delivery across the city.

A body has been located in the search of a man missing near Newcastle.

About 5pm yesterday (Monday 25 November 2024), emergency services were called to the Croudace Bay Dog Park, Bareki Road, Valentine, following reports of a man in the water.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and were told a 60-year-old man was attempting to retrieve a tinny which had become loose from its mooring.

The man was last seen swimming to the tinny before a witness lost sight of him.

Police, with the assistance of officers from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter conducted an extensive land and sea search.

About 7.30am today (Tuesday 26 November 2024), a body, believed to be that of the missing man, was located near a boat ramp in Valentine.

The man is yet to be formally identified.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

170 people have been arrested this weekend over the disruption of a major facility and failure to comply with marine safety directions in the Port of Newcastle.

Yesterday (Saturday 23 November 2024), two men and a woman were charged with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety.

Just after 10am today (Sunday 24 November 2024), a large group of people entered the shipping channel and presented serious safety risks to themselves and others, causing significant disruptions to the operation of the harbour.

156 adults and 14 youths have now been charged in total – 138 with disruption of a major facility, and 32 with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety. Two were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 24 November 2024).

34 people were required to be retrieved from the water during arrests, ten people required assistance from police to return to shore, and one police officer suffered a fractured ankle.

Unrelated to activities in the water, there were numerous traffic infringements issued, and a further five charges were laid.

Despite disruptions, the harbour remains open and continues to operate with 31 shipping movements over the weekend since Friday (22 November 2024).

The police operation is ongoing.

The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community and there will be zero tolerance for illegal and dangerous behaviour.

Police will address the media this afternoon as a police operation continues in Newcastle.

170 have been arrested over unsafe behaviour in the water, serious disruption of a major facility, and other offences.

10 people also required assistance from police to return to shore.

The harbour remains open despite some serious disruptions.

The operation is ongoing.

Police have arrested over 100 people as a police operation continues in the Port of Newcastle.

Just after 10am today (Sunday 24 November 2024), a large group of people entered a shipping channel and interfered with the movement of vessels.

138 people have now been arrested after refusing to comply with a direction to move away from the channel.

The police operation is ongoing.

For their own safety and that of the other users of the port, police request that people refrain from entering the harbour with the intention to obstruct other users of the port. We also encourage all participants to follow the directions of police.

The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.

The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.

Three people have been charged as a high-visibility police operation continues in the Port of Newcastle.

About 1.45pm today (Saturday 23 November 2024), officers attached to Marine Area Command issued directions to a number of people to move away from a shipping channel due to safety concerns.

When two men – aged 27 and 59 – and a 26-year-old woman allegedly remained in the water, they were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were charged with not comply with direction by authorised officer relating to safety.

They were all granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 13 January 2025.

A number of other people were not arrested on the water, but were assisted by police when they struggled to return to shore.

The police operation will continue over the weekend to ensure the safety of participants, the community, and users of the Port of Newcastle.

For their own safety and that of the other users of the port, police request that people refrain from entering the harbour with the intention to obstruct other users of the port. We also encourage all participants to follow the directions of police.

The community is reminded that under NSW legislation, the safe passage of vessels is protected. Unlawful activity may result in fines or imprisonment.

The NSW Police Force will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to actions which threaten public safety and the safe passage of vessels.

Three people have been arrested as a police operation continues in Newcastle.

About 1.45pm today (Saturday 23 November 2024), officers attached to Marine Area Command removed three people from the water at the Port of Newcastle.

Two men – aged 27 and 60 – and a 26 year-old woman, were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where they are assisting police with their inquiries.

The police operation is ongoing and more information will be provided when it becomes available.

City of Newcastle is a step closer to increasing the range of residential options across the city with its Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme now on public exhibition.

The planning proposal was endorsed by Councillors at the December 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has now determined it satisfies pre-exhibition conditions.

The scheme proposes to add affordable housing provisions to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012, which will enable a condition of consent for new residential and mixed-use developments to make contributions towards affordable housing, where a new development is greater than 540m2 or benefitting from zoning uplift.

Contributions will be in the form of a financial subsidy, a dedication of land or completed dwellings to City of Newcastle and would be managed by a community housing provider and used to maintain, build, and develop affordable housing. 

Affordable housing is available to support very low to and moderate income households experiencing housing stress, which occurs where housing costs are greater than 30 per cent of gross household income after other basic living costs. 

Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said the scheme modelled construction costs, taxes, location, land value, and return on investment to retain residual value and ensure viability and feasibility. 

“I am particularly pleased to have received endorsement from the Department’s Housing Policy Team who commended the work of our City of Newcastle team,” Ms Bisson said.

“Our planners have developed a rigorous methodology to establish appropriate contributions rates for development in different parts of the city.”   

With the latest forecasts showing the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle LGA, with need for almost 20,000 new homes, City of Newcastle is committed to supporting the increase of affordable housing in the city.

City of Newcastle’s Housing Policy sets a target of 15 per cent affordable housing across the city on privately owned land, and 25 per cent on government land, consistent with benchmarks to deliver affordable housing and housing diversity. 

City of Newcastle’s Affordable Housing Working Party Chair Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the scheme has been carefully developed in consultation with housing experts and industry stakeholders and refined through an extensive development feasibility assessment.

“Our team has done incredible work to ensure that we can increase our supply of housing and maintain development feasibility, while increasing the availability of much-needed affordable housing across the city,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“With ever increasing numbers of people in our community experiencing housing stress, affordable housing is an important social infrastructure that supports liveability and wellbeing by enabling a strong, diverse, and inclusive community.

“This scheme is consistent with the objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan and our community’s vision for a liveable, sustainable, caring, and inclusive city.”

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the planning proposal and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme via City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page until 2 February 2025.