Category: Newcastle News

The third earthquake in two weeks in NSW’s Hunter Valley today highlights the serious questions about the Liberal National Coalition’s plans for nuclear reactors they are still refusing to answer, says Solutions for Climate Australia.

The earthquake’s epicentre was again very close to the existing Liddell power station, where the Coalition aims to build at least one nuclear reactor. Solutions for Climate Australia Senior Campaigner Elly Baxter said the Coalition has not answered the many questions already raised about safety, emergency response, radioactive waste and water availability at the site.

“Five of the seven sites proposed by the Coalition as suitable for nuclear reactors experience earthquake activity,” Baxter said. “Their energy spokesman Ted O’Brien told ABC Radio Newcastle that a nuclear reactor at Liddell would not proceed if it was deemed unsafe, but what about the four other sites? If these sites are ruled out, where will the Coalition build their nuclear reactors? And will those communities be informed ahead of the federal election?

“Meanwhile, the safety issues we raised two weeks ago remain unanswered. Would local firefighting volunteers handle the nuclear material? What training would local firefighting volunteers receive in handling nuclear radiation? Who would train them? Would the army come in to help? 

“How would iodine tablets be distributed to locals to try to reduce cancer risk? What would be the fallout zone and where would the local emergency staging area be? Where would nuclear refugees be accommodated?

“Would the Federal Government be responsible for the emergency management given under the Liberal National policy, the Federal Government would own the nuclear reactor?

“What would happen to the radioactive waste and who would be responsible for that? Where would the enormous volume of water come from to deal with the toxic, radioactive emergency?

“The safety issues highlighted by these earthquakes only compound our concerns that nuclear reactors will take far too long to build to protect Australians from the worst impacts of climate change.”

NSW Police and other emergency services have been alerted to an earthquake in the Hunter Valley this morning (Saturday 7 September 2024).

The earthquake recorded a magnitude of 4.7 near Muswellbrook.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have not been made aware of injury or damage to infrastructure.

Residents are advised to alert their local relevant authorities of any injury or damage.

City of Newcastle welcomed 180 new Australians from six continents on Thursday as they took the pledge of commitment to their new home in a moving citizenship ceremony at City Hall.

Among the new citizens were Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam, 43, and Minimalar Thankamani, 40, from India. The husband and wife met at church and began raising their daughters Shanice, 9, and Shawna, 6, in their home state of Tamil Nadu.

(l-r) New Australian citizen Dr Mary Amponsah, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and (clockwise from top left) new citizens Mrs Minimalar Thankamani, Dr Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam, Shanice Sathish and Shawna Sathish.

Dr Sathish, now a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at the University of Newcastle, toured Australia in 2018 as a visiting scientist and the family have since made Elermore Vale their home.

“Our first moments in Australia were a whirlwind of emotions. As we stepped into Australia, it starkly contrasted with what we were used to. We were struck by the friendliness of the people we encountered, which immediately put us at ease,” Dr Sathish said.

“Newcastle’s beaches, parks and forests offer endless outdoor activities and relaxation. These natural spaces have helped us to connect with the Australian way of life.”

As Mary Amponsah, 35, took the pledge she marked a new chapter in a life that began in the shanties of Kumasi, Ghana and has yielded a PhD in Economics at the University of Newcastle.

The oldest child following the loss of her brother and father, Dr Amponsah won a scholarship that meant leaving her mother, two sisters and Africa for the first time.

Her first safe harbour in Australia was a sympathetic cabbie; her safest of all is Sister Diana Santleben. The Zara’s House founder and Newcastle refugee champion recruited Dr Amponsah as a financial administrator and protegee.

“I was that shy person when I arrived. The biggest thing I’ve gained in Newcastle is being more confident, seeing how approachable people are. It helps me open up,” she said.

“I’m also glad I have gardening with Sister Di.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said citizenship is one of the most rewarding duties of her office. 

“We live in a vibrant, multicultural community that includes speakers of more than 130 languages, with almost 20 per cent of its residents having been born overseas,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I congratulate all of today’s new citizens, who join more than 340 people to have taken the pledge in Newcastle this year.”

Lost dogs are enjoying a more comfortable stay as they wait to be returned to their owners or re-homed thanks to major upgrades at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility.

Twelve new dog kennels have been constructed at the Tighes Hill site featuring improved ventilation, climate control, lighting, and access ramps, while a fenced area for exercising the animals has also been provided.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen with Jackie, Acting CEO David Clarke, Dog Rescue Newcastle Shelter Manager John Giddens, City of Newcastle Rangers with Bella the Ranger dog and kelpie pup Lucy at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility at Tighes Hill.The kennels not only set a high standard for the care of animals, but their design allows for the facility to be expanded or relocated in the future.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the new facilities will help Rangers provide efficient, quality care as they continue to deliver their other regulatory and educational responsibilities.

“Our Rangers do a fantastic job looking after the animals that come into their care,” Cr Clausen said.

“In the past year alone, they have helped reunite 126 lost pets with their owners, while a further 90 animals were able to find new homes thanks to the strong working relationships our Rangers have developed with rescue agencies locally, statewide and nationally.

“These new kennels ensure we continue to meet best practice guidelines for an animal facility, providing enriching opportunities for daily exercise in the sun and fresh air. 

“This will ensure the animals remain in a safe and comfortable environment while they wait to be returned to their owners or find a new home.”

A pregnant female Staffordshire Bull Terrier affectionately known as Bonnie is among the Rangers’ most recent success stories.

With no foster carers available in the Hunter, the Rangers used their interstate contacts to match her with an organisation in Victoria that specialises in caring for pregnant dogs.

Bonnie is now living with a foster carer until she gives birth, then when her pups are around eight-weeks-old, she’ll be able to find a permanent home.

Last week proved a busy time for the Rangers, who also reunited an American Staffy named Tank with his distraught owner, who had recently moved into a new house in Newcastle.

Tank’s owners were in the process of ‘dog-proofing’ the yard when he snuck through a hole in the fence, but thankfully his microchip details were up to date, including his new address, so he was quickly returned home.

The rescue wall at City of Newcastle’s Animal Facility at Tighes Hill.Cr Clausen said stories like Tank’s demonstrate the importance of registering and microchipping your pets.

“Out-of-date registration details, a lack of collar, ID tag or microchip, all make it much harder for our Rangers to make these reunions possible,” Cr Clausen said.

“We also want to make sure our beloved pets are as safe as possible, which is why through the provision of free microchipping and pet registry advice, we can help busy pet owners take these important tasks off their to-do list.

“The heartbreak of a lost pet can be easily prevented by taking a few simple registration steps, which our rangers are very happy to help pet owners achieve.”

City of Newcastle Rangers will be providing free microchipping to all eligible dogs at the next ‘Pups in the Park’ event on 19 October from 9am in Federal Park, Wallsend.

Dog owners can learn all about responsible pet ownership, meet local dog-based business owners and receive assistance updating details for existing microchips.

For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

More than half (55%) of Hunter Valley low-income households are going without prescribed medication or healthcare due to cost-of-living pressures according to a new report by peak social services body NCOSS.

The report, Impossible Choices: Decisions NSW communities shouldn’t have to make, was commissioned by NCOSS and undertaken by the University of Technology Sydney this year. It surveyed a representative sample of more than 1,080 residents living on low incomes and below the poverty line in NSW.

The research revealed the following across the Hunter Valley region:

69% are in housing stress (i.e. they spend more than 30% of income on housing)
65% had no money set aside for emergencies
55% went without prescribed medication or healthcare
52% could not afford to travel for essential reasons
45% went without meals
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the research had demonstrated the extreme impacts being felt by households in Hunter Valley on low incomes and below the poverty line.

“Hunter Valley families should not be forced to choose between paying for food or medication,” Ms Varian said.

“The basics of life should not be considered a luxury that most low-income families cannot afford.

“These impossible choices make every day a challenge and, most disturbingly, we are setting up intergenerational disadvantage. We must do better.”

The research revealed the following across the state of NSW:

Single parents were the hardest hit cohort, with nine out of ten single parents going without essentials over the past 12 months.
NSW children are also bearing the brunt of the growing cost of living pressures, with parents cutting back spending on meals, essential healthcare, and education resources.
Three in four households (74 per cent) sacrificed spending on their children.
Half of households (52 per cent) sacrificed spending on health and wellbeing essentials.
One in five delayed early childhood education.
“The ripple effects of these sacrifices are profound, causing increased stress and tension within households, affecting relationships, mental health and wellbeing, and child development outcomes,” Ms Varian said.

“Most people on low incomes in this survey were working, many taking on additional jobs and hours but still going backwards. Even those who received a pay rise could not match the increase to their costs of living.”

Ms Varian said the peak body had a set of recommendations for the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, developed in consultation with NCOSS members.

“These are complex issues, but governments have the power to change it,” she said.

“Implementing our recommendations would significantly ease the crushing pressure that is pushing people to breaking point.”

The recommendations include:

Lifting Commonwealth income support for Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payments.
Increasing the rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Providing universal early childcare.
Ensuring 10 per cent of all NSW housing is social and affordable.Making NSW rental increases fair and reasonable; urgently implement no grounds evictions for all lease types; and legislate rental bidding.
Implementing a universal school food program in NSW.
Providing adequate funding for NSW emergency food relief services.
Expanding public transport concessions to better support people on low incomes.
Improving bus networks in regional, rural and remote communities.
For more information, and to read the full report, visit ncoss.org.au

Definitions:

Below the poverty line: defined as households living on less than 50 per cent of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs (below $560 per week).
Low-income households: defined as households living on 50 – 80 per cent of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs ($560 – $896 per week).
About the survey: the research, undertaken by the University of Technology’s Institute of Public Policy and Governance, involved stratified random sampling to engage a statistically representative sample of 1,086 NSW residents, living on low incomes and below the poverty line, through an online survey. 23 people also participated in focus groups and interviews.

Four in five (81%) Newcastle and Lake Macquarie low-income households are in housing stress due to cost-of-living pressures according to a new report by peak social services body NCOSS.

The report, Impossible Choices: Decisions NSW communities shouldn’t have to make, was commissioned by NCOSS and undertaken by the University of Technology Sydney this year. It surveyed a representative sample of more than 1,080 residents living on low incomes and below the poverty line in NSW.

The research revealed the following across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie:

81% are in housing stress (i.e. they spend more than 30% of income on housing)
53% went without prescribed medication or healthcare
60% could not afford to travel for essential reasons (e.g. work, to attend education)
55% went without meals because they were short of money
62% had no money set aside for emergencies
47% used Buy Now Pay Later to pay for essential goods (e.g. food, transport)
NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the research had demonstrated the extreme impacts being felt by households in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie on low incomes and below the poverty line.

“Newcastle and Lake Macquarie families should not be forced to choose between paying for food or medication,” Ms Varian said.

“The basics of life should not be considered a luxury that most low-income families cannot afford.

“These impossible choices make every day a challenge and, most disturbingly, we are setting up intergenerational disadvantage. We must do better.”

The research revealed the following across the state of NSW:

Single parents were the hardest hit cohort, with nine out of ten single parents going without essentials over the past 12 months.
NSW children are also bearing the brunt of the growing cost of living pressures, with parents cutting back spending on meals, essential healthcare, and education resources.
Three in four households (74%) sacrificed spending on their children.
Half of households (52%) sacrificed spending on health and wellbeing essentials.
One in five delayed early childhood education.
“The ripple effects of these sacrifices are profound, causing increased stress and tension within households, affecting relationships, mental health and wellbeing, and child development outcomes,” Ms Varian said.

“Most people on low incomes in this survey were working, many taking on additional jobs and hours but still going backwards. Even those who received a pay rise could not match the increase to their costs of living.”

Ms Varian said the peak body had a set of recommendations for the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, developed in consultation with NCOSS members.

“These are complex issues, but governments have the power to change it,” she said.

“Implementing our recommendations would significantly ease the crushing pressure that is pushing people to breaking point.”

The recommendations include:

Lifting Commonwealth income support for Jobseeker, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payments.
Increasing the rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Providing universal early childcare.
Ensuring 10% of all NSW housing is social and affordable. Making NSW rental increases fair and reasonable; urgently implement no grounds evictions for all lease types; and legislate rental bidding.
Implementing a universal school food program in NSW.
Providing adequate funding for NSW emergency food relief services.
Expanding public transport concessions to better support people on low incomes.
Improving bus networks in regional, rural and remote communities.
For more information, and to read the full report, visit ncoss.org.au

Definitions:

Below the poverty line: defined as households living on less than 50% of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs (below $560 per week).
Low-income households: defined as households living on 50 – 80% of the median NSW household income after tax and housing costs ($560 – $896 per week).
About the survey: the research, undertaken by the University of Technology’s Institute of Public Policy and Governance, involved stratified random sampling to engage a statistically representative sample of 1,086 NSW residents, living on low incomes and below the poverty line, through an online survey. 23 people also participated in focus groups and interviews.

A groundbreaking planning tool designed by City of Newcastle, which has slashed determination times for simple developments by more than 75 per cent, will be rolled out across two Hunter councils. 

City of Newcastle will leverage a $1 million Federal grant to integrate and expand its award-winning Accelerated Development Application (ADA) system across Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shire Councils as part of a memoranda of understanding with its Hunter neighbours.

Since being introduced by Newcastle in 2022, the system has reduced the average assessment of low-impact, decision-ready development applications to seven days, down from the previous average of 40.

It has also helped cut Newcastle’s overall processing times by 30 per cent.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the three-council accord will springboard the acclaimed ADA into more efficient approvals for low-risk developments.

“This is a significant achievement that means our hard work and expertise is set to benefit our colleagues at Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook shire and ultimately more people across the Hunter,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I’m delighted that the vision of our staff is being recognised through this federal grant and I’m proud that City of Newcastle is leading and collaborating through this first-of-its-kind system, which is setting a benchmark for other councils across NSW.

“By expanding the ADA program across the Hunter, we will help increase the planning capability and housing delivery in the region.”

The councils jointly secured the grant through the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program, part of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

The system will be rolled out to Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook councils by City of Newcastle through training, support, shared expertise and mentoring.

City of Newcastle will also lead analysis and expansion of ADA, with input from the development sector, key stakeholders and artificial intelligence, to capture and speed up a greater share of applications.

The three councils will then collaborate to finetune the expanded ADA on an ongoing basis.

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said gaining ADA as an approval tool would remove barriers to vital housing and development.

“Just like everyone who lives in the Hunter and across the state, our residents want housing that meets their needs,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Being able to share and take ownership of this proven system for Muswellbrook is going to help us address that need into the future.”

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison praised the cooperation of the three councils in securing the federal grant and signing the memoranda of understanding.

“Newcastle, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are unique places with their own unique qualities but we have many things in common – an expectation of timely approvals is one of them,” Cr Collison said.

“Already we’re seeing the benefits of working together and this shared approach to the benefits of ADA is a prime example.”

The ADA system has proven highly effective at slashing red tape around the hundreds of simple, decision-ready development applications made to City of Newcastle each year.

The higher efficiency frees council resources for more complex DAs, increasing capacity for merit assessment and responding to site constraints.

The system also improves the quality of information lodged and uses an eligibility checker to quickly determine if an application can be assessed through ADA. In the most recent financial year, ADA determinations accounted for 27 per cent of all applications determined by City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s ADA pathway covers 10 types of developments. Most applications determined are residential, including alterations and additions, single dwellings and secondary dwellings.

Highly qualified professionals from all over Australia expressed interest in being part of Newcastle’s growth as a member of the City’s Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP).

The most recent UDRP, which evaluated and critiqued more than $1.5 billion worth of developments in Newcastle just last year, completed its three-year term at the end of June.

‘Arbour’ at 810 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.The new panel has been expanded to meet growing demand, incorporating seven members and a Chairperson, who will provide advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of the design and amenity of development proposals.

An expression of interest process was held to formulate the make-up of the new panel, with 35 applicants whittled down based on experience and technical expertise to ensure a balanced spread of design disciplines.

Phillip Pollard will return as Chairperson for the new three-year term, while Kerry Hunter, Kristine Cianci, Kelly O’Connell and Colin Brady have all been retained as members.

Joining them on the panel for the first time will be Elisabeth Peet who has qualifications in architecture and urban design, award-winning architect Lachlan Seegers and landscape architect David Taylor.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the URDP has played an important role in the development of Newcastle.

“The panel is the oldest continuously serving urban design and architectural advisory body in New South Wales,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The former panel met 13 times in 2023 to contribute their extensive industry experience and expertise, providing guidance to City of Newcastle and applicants on 48 development proposals to ensure we continue to raise the bar in urban planning and design.

“We are excited to welcome three new highly capable members to the panel for the next three years who will continue to set positive benchmarks for future development in and around the city.”

Chairperson Phillip Pollard said he’s delighted to be reappointed to the UDRP.

“By providing expert urban design advice at an early stage, the UDRP has consistently demonstrated that good design need not cost more, and that design quality contributes in multiple ways to the outstanding heritage and natural attributes of the city,” Mr Pollard said. 

“The input of the UDRP has also offered the local building and development industry a degree of confidence to pursue high design quality goals and adventurous city making.

“I’d like to thank the members and former members for their dedication and outstanding contribution and look forward to contributing positively to the development of the city over the next three years.”

Kerry Hunter said the UDRP brings a passion and commitment to positive city-making.

“It’s exciting to see City of Newcastle introducing a larger collegiate of skilled architectural, urban and landscape practitioners who will further enrich this design review process,” Ms Hunter said.

“We are seeing many projects recognising there is a shared public and private benefit, and greater public value that communities bestow on development that achieves design excellence. These outcomes shape the physical form and quality of spaces, places and buildings, and improved amenity that will be enjoyed for decades to come.

“City of Newcastle has been ambitious in its aspirations and is to be congratulated. I very much look forward to the next three years of the UDRP.”

Significant development proposals considered by the URDP in 2023 included $71 million twin-tower luxury apartment complex, ‘ONE’ on National Park Street in Newcastle West, a $29 million mixed use development and a further $116 million mixed use development both on Hunter Street, and a $12 million customised commercial space, ‘Arbour’, also in Newcastle West.

Members of the new panel bring a range of experience to the role including master planning, crime prevention through environmental design, heritage architecture, residential, commercial and urban design.

Other areas of expertise include locally significant projects such as residential flat buildings, seniors living developments, affordable housing projects, new schools, childcare projects and public parks.

HSU members at John Hunter Hospital will band together with the local community to rally against HealthShare’s misguided decision to close their staff cafe, part of a spate of four closures across the state. 

Over 1,000 staff members across various medical fields rely on the retail outlets operated by HealthShare, and the cafe at John Hunter is an important venue for staff to relax and recharge, while enjoying an affordable coffee or meal. 

Alternative private providers do not accept a meal vouchers that staff receive when they work extended shifts.

A petition calling for the decision to be reversed has garnered 4,000 signatures.

The rally will be held outside the The Royal Newcastle Centre from 12:30pm on Thursday September 5.

“It’s not too late for HealthShare to reverse this regrettable and illogical decision,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary. “The John Hunter Hospital cafe provides affordable meals for exhausted and stressed out health workers. Why disrupt something that’s working? 

“Management’s arguments make little sense.Reverse the decision and give exhausted hospital workers somewhere to relax.”

Thousands of cyclists and pedestrians will find it safer and easier to navigate a busy Newcastle intersection thanks to a $2 million upgrade being delivered by City of Newcastle.

Construction has kicked off on the project, which will address challenging safety and accessibility issues experienced at the existing crossing on Maud Street, near the intersection of Vera and Prince Street, Waratah West.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle Works Coordinator Trevor Cocksedge at the Maud Street upgrades.This crossing is used by more than 3,200 people each month and is a key link in the regionally-significant cycleway connecting the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus with the city centre.

The current pedestrian refuge will be replaced with a signalised crossing to reduce the risk of interactions between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while improved lane alignment, kerb extensions and shared paths will further boost safety at the intersection.

Stormwater upgrades, road resurfacing, landscaping and new kerb and guttering will also be delivered as part of the project, which is being partly funded by $300,000 from the NSW Government.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the upgrades will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living and working in the area.

“We are committed to ensuring Newcastle is a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city,” Cr Clausen said.

“Feedback during the public exhibition of these plans indicated that the majority of the community supports the need for crossing improvements, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety, and connectivity.

“The upgrades will make it easier for students travelling to the nearby University by improving this important link in Newcastle’s wider cycleway network.

“The NSW Government funding for the new traffic signals that will be installed on Maud Street will further support these significant safety improvements and enhance the connection from the suburbs through to the city.” 

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upgrades will boost safety for pedestrians and cyclists commuting to and from the city and University.

“These upgrades will go a long way in supporting City of Newcastle’s vision to make Newcastle a cycling and pedestrian-friendly city, as well as supporting active lifestyles for people who choose to ride to work in the city, or the University,” Minister Moriarty said.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the project will involve day and night work to minimise impacts on Maud Street. 

“Our team has worked with Transport for NSW to design and plan a solution for what is currently a challenging crossing to negotiate for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Thomson said. 

“These road safety improvements will also include improved lane alignment when traveling northbound on Maud Street, and kerb extensions and shared paths on Prince Street and Vera Street. Vera Street will be changed to a left-in only from Maud Street to further improve safety at this intersection.  

“There will be minor disruptions during the construction period with some temporary changes to traffic, cycling, and pedestrian access in the area. We encourage all road users to plan ahead and drive safely on our roads.”  

This project is part of City of Newcastle’s commitment to developing vibrant, safe and active public places, and is expected to be completed by October, subject to weather.

For more information and updates on this project, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works