Category: Newcastle News

The Port of Newcastle and broader Hunter region are on track to become hydrogen-ready and contribute to Australia’s transformation to net zero.

Supported by $100 million funding from the Albanese Government, the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct has reached a major milestone signing agreements for key design work and environmental impact studies.

The precinct will renew a disused 220-hectare industrial site to facilitate clean energy production, storage, transmission, domestic distribution and international export.

The Government is supporting these latest studies along with the procurement and delivery of enabling works for the precinct. The project is being delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through a Federation Funding Agreement Schedule.

The Port of Newcastle plays an important economic role as a major deep-water global gateway.

The commencement of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies follow previous work by the Port of Newcastle including public and industry engagement and feasibility studies. Formal community consultation and further industry engagement will now be undertaken by the Port.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This Clean Energy Precinct demonstrates how legacy infrastructure can be repurposed towards making Australia a renewable energy superpower.

“Through our investment, we are supporting Australia’s transition to net zero while creating jobs and economic opportunities in the Hunter region.

“The project will help position Australia as a global leader in technologies and products that reduce carbon emissions including hydrogen and green ammonia.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen:

“The Hunter has been industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a clean energy precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.

“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with more affordable and reliable renewable energy.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic boost for our region.”

“Newcastle and the Hunter have powered Australia for Generations. This project makes sure we will continue to do so for generations to come as we lead the transition to Net Zero.”

“Establishing the Port as a hydrogen exporter will ensure good local jobs are protected and created into the future.”

NSW Minster for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter has powered our state for decades and we’re ensuring it continues to do so for many years to come.

“Our energy market is transforming and we’re playing a central role; this project will support almost 6,000 local jobs and add billions to the regional economy.

“Today’s announcement will help ensure a bright future for the Hunter.”

NSW Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“I’ve been working closely with the Port of Newcastle over the last ten years to support them in their diversification away from coal.

“With Newcastle’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, there is no better place in NSW for this precinct.”

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody:

“The Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct is expected to support around 5,800 jobs throughout construction and provide new business growth and expanded career pathways for the region, adding an estimated $4.2 billion to the Hunter regional economy.

“The FEED and EIS studies will cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure and pipelines to berth. The studies will be completed by successful tenderers Lumea (electrical), coNEXA (water) and GHD (general infrastructure, storage, berth and pipelines), informing future site enablement, site layout and land platform design, which will be used to prepare concept planning approvals.

“Pending planning and legislative requirements and timeframes, our production partners, KEPCO, are expected to begin construction of facilities in 2027, with the precinct to be operational from 2030.”

For more information, visit www.portofnewcastle.com.au/landside/major-projects/clean-energy-precinct.

Sharon Claydon, Federal Member for Newcastle, has today welcomed the news that the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon. Ed Husic MP, has carefully considered all material submitted by Asset Energy Pty Ltd and formed a preliminary view that the PEP-11 applications should be refused.

“The Minister’s preliminary view that PEP-11 should be refused is great news for Newcastle”

“The Newcastle community’s message has been loud, clear and consistent – PEP-11 is not welcome. NOT in Sydney, NOT on the Central Coast, and certainly NOT in Newcastle.”

“This is an important step in making sure that we put an end to PEP-11 once and for all.”

“I thank the Newcastle community – this couldn’t have happened without your steadfast advocacy!”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Johdyn Richards, aged 26, was last seen on Barringum Close, Medowie, on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were notified on Monday (7 October 2024) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Johdyn is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 167cm tall, with a large build, and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing an orange jacket, and brown tracksuit pants.

He is known to frequent the suburbs around Charleville in Queensland and Wodonga in Victoria.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Tuggerah Lakes Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to help determine whether the first day of the 2025 Newcastle Show should be declared a local public holiday.

A community survey will gather feedback from people who live, work and run businesses in Newcastle to gauge support for the proposal, with specific questions about the economic and social benefits as well as tourism industry promotion of the region.

Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the community has traditionally supported the idea of a local public holiday.

“City of Newcastle conducted community consultation in 2023 and 84 per cent of respondents supported a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” Mr Clarke said.

“The Newcastle Show is an important historical, social and cultural event that dates back to 1901, and visitor numbers have continued to increase since the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of the community survey City of Newcastle will consult with chambers of commerce, banks, major employers and schools that would likely to be impacted, should the day be declared a local public holiday.”

“If the day was to be declared a local public holiday it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.”

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case in recent years. A local event day is not a public holiday, but can be considered as one, for those employees in the area who have agreed to observe the day in their relevant industrial agreement and any other employers who want to participate.

The community survey is now open and will close at 5pm on 5 November.

Feedback will then be presented to Council for consideration, prior to an application being made to the NSW Government. 

You can have your say by completing the online survey here before 5pm on 5 November http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Newcastle-regional-show-day-2025

The 2025 Newcastle Show will run from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from the state’s north.

Alea Picket, aged 14, was last seen on Ford Street, Muswellbrook, about 12.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 October 2024).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

Alea is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm-170cm tall, of thin build, with blonde hair brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Muswellbrook area.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Great News!

A 48-year-old woman reported missing from the Hunter Valley yesterday (Thursday 9 October 2024), has been found safe and well today (Thursday 10 October 2024).

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to help determine whether the first day of the 2025 Newcastle Show should be declared a local public holiday.

A community survey will gather feedback from people who live, work and run businesses in Newcastle to gauge support for the proposal, with specific questions about the economic and social benefits as well as tourism industry promotion of the region.

Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the community has traditionally supported the idea of a local public holiday.

“City of Newcastle conducted community consultation in 2023 and 84 per cent of respondents supported a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” Mr Clarke said.

“The Newcastle Show is an important historical, social and cultural event that dates back to 1901, and visitor numbers have continued to increase since the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of the community survey City of Newcastle will consult with chambers of commerce, banks, major employers and schools that would likely to be impacted, should the day be declared a local public holiday.”

“If the day was to be declared a local public holiday it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.”

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case in recent years. A local event day is not a public holiday, but can be considered as one, for those employees in the area who have agreed to observe the day in their relevant industrial agreement and any other employers who want to participate.

The community survey is now open and will close at 5pm on 5 November.

Feedback will then be presented to Council for consideration, prior to an application being made to the NSW Government. 

You can have your say by completing the online survey here before 5pm on 5 November http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Newcastle-regional-show-day-2025

The 2025 Newcastle Show will run from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March.

Two teenagers have been charged following a pursuit in the Hunter Valley region overnight.

About 12.20am (Tuesday 8 October 2024), police attached to the Hunter Valley Police District attempted to stop an allegedly stolen vehicle on Deakin Street, Kurri Kurri.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through several suburbs before the vehicle came to a stop on Love Street, Cessnock.

Three occupants ran from the vehicle, and with the assistance of the Dog Unit, were located nearby.

The driver, 19-year-old man, and his two passengers, both 16-year-old boys, were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.

The man was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, never licensed person drive vehicle on road, possess prohibited drug, take & drive conveyance without consent of owner.

He was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Tuesday 8 October 2024).

A 16-year-old boy was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.

He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court later today (Tuesday 8 October 2024).

The other 16-year-old boy was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

The NSW Electoral Commission has finalised the count for the local government election held on 14 September 2024, with Dr Ross Kerridge elected as Lord Mayor. 

Five new Councillors and seven returning Councillors will form the new 13 person Council. 

Returning councillors include Charlotte McCabe (Ward 1), Declan Clausen (Ward 1), Jennie Barrie (Ward 2), Nuatali Nelmes (Ward 3), Elizabeth Adamczyk (Ward 4), Deahnna Richardson (Ward 4) and Callum Pull (Ward 4). 

They will be joined by new Councillors Peter Gittins (Ward 1), Joel Pringle (Ward 2), Paige Johnson (Ward 2), Sinead Francis-Coan (Ward 3) and Mark Brooker (Ward 3). 

Lord Mayor: 

Dr Ross Kerridge 

Ward 1: 

Charlotte McCabe (Greens) 

Declan Clausen (Labor) 

Peter Gittins (Independent) 

Ward 2: 

Joel Pringle (Greens) 

Jenny Barrie (Liberal) 

Paige Johnson (Labor) 

Ward 3: 

Sinead Francis-Coan (Greens) 

Nuatali Nelmes (Labor) 

Mark Brooker (Independent) 

Ward 4: 

Elizabeth Adamczyk (Labor) 

Deahnna Richardson (Labor) 

Callum Pull (Liberal)