Category: Newcastle News

Bin morning will become quieter and cleaner for Newcastle residents after Councillors voted to add a hydrogen-powered truck to the City of Newcastle waste collection fleet.

City of Newcastle will undertake a 12-month trial of the rear-loading hydrogen fuel cell electric truck with Australian clean energy business Pure Hydrogen as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions from its vehicles and equipment.

Summerhill Waste Management Centre

The lease will include the option for a four-year extension based on the outcome of the trial, with the zero-emissions waste collections truck expected to make its maiden round in Newcastle later this year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the trial aligns with a key priority under City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy.

“We’re seeing zero-emissions vehicles emerge as a marker of the best-run cities in the world and this trial is a step forward that Newcastle can and should be proud of,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This truck will help many of us get a better sleep on collection days. We can also rest easy knowing it’s helping make our city a cleaner, quieter, more sustainable place to live.

“We’re committed to delivering a 100% reduction in carbon emissions from City of Newcastle vehicles during the next decade and we’ll continue driving toward this goal by trialling new technologies that contribute to this transition.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the trial was consistent with Newcastle’s emerging future as a global hydrogen leader.

“Newcastle is the only hydrogen hub designated by both the NSW and Australian governments,” Cr Clausen said.

“I’m proud that Newcastle is taking real action with this hydrogen vehicle trial and I’m proud that our work is shaping the Hunter’s hydrogen transition road map.”

Unlike diesel trucks, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles emit no exhaust, minimal heat and a trickle of pure water. They are also significantly quieter. Newcastle joins cities such as Tokyo and Amsterdam in adding a hydrogen vehicle to its waste collection fleet.

The Newcastle truck will run on Green Hydrogen. While the hydrogen energy to run the truck will be produced by electrolysis using grid power, Green Power Purchase agreements will offset any carbon emissions.

The new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle aligns with the City’s net zero emissions and fleet transition plans under the Newcastle Environment Strategy, as well as liveability, sustainability and circular economy targets in the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

Business Hunter Chief Executive Officer Bob Hawes welcomed City of Newcastle’s support of green hydrogen technology.

“This isn’t just ticking a sustainability box, this is the way the smartest cities are heading and Newcastle and the Hunter needs leadership prepared to be early adopters for communities and industry to be competitive and relevant,” Mr Hawes said. 

“City of Newcastle is backing an Australian business and backing a crucial, zero-emissions technology pathway to net zero is going to be very challenging.

“Every initiative adopted in using new technology in the public and private sector is going to count.”

Data from the 12-month trial will help inform City of Newcastle’s future purchases of waste trucks. Over the coming four years City of Newcastle is expected to replace a significant number of its existing diesel powered green and red lid bin trucks as part of the routine renewal of the fleet.

Work will get underway at Smith Park next month as part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the popular Hamilton North sportsground.

Councillors unanimously voted this week to award the contract for construction, which includes new drainage and irrigation, the realignment of fields used for football, Oztag and cricket, as well as the repositioning of three synthetic cricket wickets.

The upgrade of the 56,000 sqm site is being delivered by City of Newcastle with support from a $2.5 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project aligns with the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

“Newcastle 2040 calls for the community to be engaged in local planning to help create quality parkland and recreation facilities, promoting active and healthy communities, and ensuring people of all abilities can enjoy our public spaces,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle has received positive feedback following community consultation regarding the draft Smith Park Masterplan and the stage one works.

“We’ll continue to engage with the community throughout the development of the Masterplan to ensure the requirements of our residents are considered.”

NSW Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper said the upgrade of Smith Park will enable more Newcastle residents to play sport, be active and healthy. 

“Enabling more people to play sport, regardless of age, gender or ability through inclusive and accessible facilities is a key objective of the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund,” Minister Kamper said.

“The approval of the construction contract by City of Newcastle is an important milestone in this vital community sporting project, which will create jobs and provide an economic boost to the region.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the stage one works are just the beginning for Smith Park.

“Stage two of the Masterplan forms part of our Strategic Sport Plan 2020 and is designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing improvements to our sporting infrastructure,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Future works proposed for Smith Park include a community building, upgraded carparks and footpaths, new lighting, a multi-sports court and the upgrade of cricket practice nets.

“Time and time again the Strategic Sport Plan 2020 provides us with a platform to work with our local sporting organisations.

“It helps City of Newcastle align our priorities and facilitate successful grant applications, enhancing our already positive relationships with clubs and officials.”

Newcastle Junior Cricket President Andrew Cornwell said the association is delighted to partner with the NSW Government and City of Newcastle to deliver this much needed upgrade.

“This $2.5 million investment will provide top quality playing conditions for the next generation of Newcastle’s young cricketers,” Mr Cornwell said.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 May 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Condolence motion – Professor Lyndall Ryan AM

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging with profound sadness the passing of Emeritus Professor Lyndall Ryan AM on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.

The Minute recognised the significant impact Professor Ryan made throughout her remarkable career, as an activist, scholar and educator.

City of Newcastle sends sincere condolences to Professor Ryan’s family, friends and colleagues.

NSW Government Inquiry – Ability of Local Governments to Fund Infrastructure & Services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that the NSW Government is currently undertaking an inquiry into the ability of local governments to fund infrastructure and services. 

City of Newcastle has made a detailed submission to the NSW Government Inquiry.

City of Newcastle grants and sponsorship program

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that City of Newcastle’s 2024/25 annual Grants and Sponsorships and Special Business Rate programs will soon open for applications, funding approximately $900,000 across a number of streams.

The Minute asked that in light of the current cost of living crisis, up to $100,000 in additional funding be considered for eligible Social Inclusion grant applications should the program be oversubscribed.

Ordinary business 

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 February to 30 April 2024) by the Chief Executive Officer.

March Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – March Quarterly Performance Report and voted to adopt the revised budget. 

Endorsement of draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy for public exhibition

Council voted to place the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy on public exhibition for 42 days, noting the supporting documents including the Local Infrastructure Discussion Paper and the Interim Aboriginal Engagement Outcomes Report. Council will receive a report on the outcomes of the exhibition.

St James Primary development – transport infrastructure amendments

Council voted unanimously to approve the transport infrastructure amendments in Vista Parade and Princeton Avenue Kotara to support the St James Primary School development. The proposed transport infrastructure amendments are consistent with the Planning Agreement endorsed by the Council in February 2023.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2024.

Tender report – asphaltic concrete and pavement services 

Council voted unanimously to accept tenders for the provision of asphaltic concrete and pavement services required by Civil Construction and Maintenance to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal as required across the Newcastle local government area.

Tender report – Smith Park sports field upgrade 

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for the construction of the Smith Park sports fields upgrade.

Late item

Winten developments in Newcastle

Council voted unanimously to accept a late item that reiterated the previous concerns of the elected Council over the many inadequacies of Winten’s current and future proposed work in the city between Fletcher and Minmi, that suggest a disregard for the potential significant impacts on the local community.

An urgent traffic investigation will be undertaken by City of Newcastle staff on the operation and capacity of Minmi Road including potential funding mechanisms, to service current and future populations across a range of transport modes.

Notices of Motion 

Public Art Reference Group items 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that noted the success of City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group and requested that the draft 2024/25 Budget consider funding a resource to achieve coherence of City of Newcastle’s public art policy and subsequent art outcomes.

The motion requested that the Director of the Newcastle Art Gallery, in consultation with the Executive Director of City Infrastructure, implement an appropriate process for the curation, conservation and maintenance of public art owned by City of Newcastle.

The motion further requested that City of Newcastle’s draft 2024/25 budget consider whether additional funding is required to enable the repair of the Michio Ihara ‘Wind’ sculpture on Newcastle Foreshore.

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to provide feedback on a 30-year plan that outlines how housing, employment opportunities and public spaces are developed in Broadmeadow. 

Councillors voted unanimously last night to place the Draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy on public exhibition next month for six weeks. 

The Strategy presents a shared vision to revitalise the 313-hectare precinct, with up to 20,000 new homes for 40,000 people, and 15,000 jobs to be created, while retaining Broadmeadow as the region’s premier sport and entertainment destination. 

It was developed by City of Newcastle in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in response to the NSW Government’s Rezoning Pathways Program, which identified Broadmeadow as one of 10 precincts to significantly contribute to housing supply across NSW. 

The precinct includes areas of Broadmeadow, Hamilton, Hamilton North, and Hamilton East. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Broadmeadow Place Strategy will help set the vision, direction and guide where key infrastructure and services should be located. 

“Broadmeadow offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver vital affordable housing, jobs and infrastructure to support our housing strategy, as well as access to quality public open spaces and improved leisure facilities in the heart of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“The NSW Government has been working in partnership with City of Newcastle to develop the Place Strategy. We are the only Council in NSW involved in such a partnership, ensuring early input into the strategic planning for the renewal of the Broadmeadow precinct. 

“Our vision for Broadmeadow is to be a vibrant destination with highly connected neighbourhoods that balance the needs of a dynamic community and growing Newcastle.  

“The draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy provides strategic direction on how to achieve that vision.” 

“I encourage the community to take this opportunity to have their say so that together we can plan for Broadmeadow’s future and create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit for years to come.” 

To support the supply of new housing, DPHI will also release a discussion paper that proposes the development of more than 3,000 new homes on certain parcels of government-owned land as part of the first stage.  

This will be placed separately on public exhibition by the NSW Government. 

Cr Nelmes said feedback from the community and stakeholders will help ensure the Place Strategy is fit for purpose and comes with the social, community and transport infrastructure required for a growing community. 

“There have been many plans and promises for this site for many years, it’s great to have the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure now leading community engagement to ensure that all our current users and future residents are included in the plans,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“It’s vital that any future changes incorporate the continued operation of the PCYC, Newcastle Basketball, Newcastle Tennis, Broadmeadow Magic and Newcastle Show in the precinct, together with significantly enhanced public community open space, indoor sports and leisure and aquatic facilities. 

“We support the advocacy from the Hunter Community Alliance for a minimum of 30 per cent of new homes to be set aside as social and affordable homes in perpetuity as part of any residential development that goes ahead. 

“We also support the integration of transport planning principles via the inclusion of the extension of the light rail corridor to Broadmeadow. Increases in population must come with commensurate investment into public transport infrastructure across the city. 

“It is really important to advocate strongly and clearly our expectations for this 30-year vision, and for what is delivered in the next decade in particular.” 

The outcomes of the Draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy public exhibition will be reported back to Council later this year.

Olympians Natalie Burton, Simon Orchard, Kate Jenner and Zoe Newman will be in Newcastle this week cheering on nearly 700 of the state’s best primary school athletes for Magic Round, as the city plays host to the NSW Public Schools Sports Association boys and girls state hockey and basketball championships.

The championships kick-off with an opening ceremony at Newcastle Basketball Stadium from 8am on Tuesday 28 May and run through to Friday 31 May.

The boys and girls hockey championships will feature the best 364 primary-aged players in the state, representing each of the different regions.

Muswellbrook-born Olympian and Kookaburras player, Simon Orchard, will join Hockeyroos Kate Jenner and Zoe Newman in cheering the players on as they contest the pool rounds and finals at the Newcastle International Hockey Centre in Broadmeadow.

At Newcastle Basketball Stadium, 280 players will be vying for the state championship in both boys and girls competitions with Opals star Natalie Burton courtside in support.

The Executive Director of the NSW Department of Education’s School Sport Unit, Dr Sylvia Corish, said having the Olympians in town to support the championships was a massive thrill for our young athletes and for the adults too.

“Natalie, Simon, Kate and Zoe are in Newcastle for the championships as part of the Olympics Unleashed program,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity for some of our best up-and-coming young athletes to meet an Olympian and talk about the pathways they took on their journey to be among the very best in their chosen sports”.

In addition to the nearly 700 athletes, more than 2000 supporters are expected to attend the championships.

The finals of the championships will take place on Friday 31 May, where the NSW teams to contest the national basketball and hockey titles will also be announced.

For more information about the Olympics Unleashed program, visit https://www.olympics.com.au/olympics-unleashed/

City of Newcastle is moving forward with remediation and accessibility improvements at Bar Beach, inviting tenders for the next stage of rehabilitation works at the popular coastal destination.

The stretch of beach, and the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club, suffered significant damage from huge swells in April 2022. 

Since then, a staged program of works has been developed and is being delivered to ensure minimal disruption to beach users. 

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said City of Newcastle is continuing to address the significant storm damage and increase accessibility for emergency service vehicles, lifesavers and beachgoers.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring all members of our community and visitors can continue to access Bar Beach, while delivering improvements to our valuable recreational areas,” Mr Thomson said.  

“We worked with Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club to schedule the work outside of the busy summer season, with construction expected to commence mid-year following a tender process.”

The next phase of remediation work will concentrate on the southern end of the promenade adjoining Cooks Hills Surf Life Saving Club, including the reinstatement of a vehicle access ramp from Memorial Drive to the beach, and new stairs to enhance pedestrian access to the sand.

A wave deflector wall topped with a new walkway and handrail will be constructed to help protect the surf club and provide pedestrian access across the front of the building.

Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club President Michael Clancy said the ongoing remediation and enhancements are welcomed by the local community.

“Cooks Hill Surf Club and the extended community that we serve are looking forward to seeing the work underway in coming months, to continue remediation works and improve beach access for all,” Mr Clancy said.

Emergency works at Bar Beach were initially undertaken following the storm to enable use of the club house and facilities and provide temporary vehicular access to the beach.

Further work was carried out in 2023, including the construction of a temporary beach access ramp and upgraded balustrade fencing to replace temporary water-filled barriers. 

City of Newcastle has received $1 million in funding from the Australian and New South Wales governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

City of Newcastle is continuing to work with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the stretch of beaches between Nobbys and Burwood Beach. The CMP will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued and much utilised stretch of coastline.

Police are appealing for information as part of an investigation into a carjacking at Rutherford this morning.

About 6.10am today (Sunday 26 May 2024), a man left his vehicle in the driveway of a business on Racecourse Road, Rutherford, when an unknown woman got into his Mercedes Benz 4WD.

The owner was trying to remove the woman from his car when an unknown man – armed with a firearm – directed the owner to leave his car, and the woman drove it away.

The armed man then left in a Nissan Skyline sedan.

The owner was not injured and contacted officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District, who arrived on scene a short time later.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for public assistance to locate a 2012-model silver Mercedes Benz with NSW registration ETZ-43F and a 1990-model white Nissan Skyline with NSW registration EOW-76F.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is also urged to come forward.

Anyone who sights the vehicle is reminded not to approach the vehicle or the occupants and to instead call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Novocastrians can add their voices to reconciliation by joining City of Newcastle in a pop-up choir in Museum Park next week to sing the Warumpi Band’s famous anthem, ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’.

The free event on 30 May will run from 12pm to 1pm and be coordinated by local group, The Sum of the Parts, who’ll lead the rehearsal and provide sheet music, as well as a three-piece band.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is proud to support local events during National Reconciliation Week.

“City of Newcastle has a strong track record of leading the way when it comes to reconciliation, becoming the first Council to raise the Aboriginal Flag over a civic building under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week is Now More Than Ever and it’s a reminder to everyone the fight for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said events such as the pop-up choir were an ideal way to unite all members of the community in the journey towards reconciliation.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia,” Cr Richardson said.

“Our pop-up-choir at Museum Park is part of a national initiative by Reconciliation Australia, which is encouraging communities across the country to lend their voices to reconciliation.

“Blackfella/Whitefella is a call for all people of all backgrounds and races to come together and stand up for change and we’re proud to be championing that message through this free community event.”

Reconciliation Week activities continue on 1 June with Newcastle Art Gallery and Aboriginal education group Speaking in Colour hosting a community drop-in workshop at The Olive Tree Markets.

Visitors can join a traditional weaving circle to discover Aboriginal methods and the importance of these practices, while also learning about the historical impact of Reconciliation Week on First Nations communities and discuss what needs to be done in the future.

City of Newcastle will also be represented at the University of Newcastle Reconciliation Ball which is being held on 30 May at the Great Hall, providing an opportunity for the community to connect to culture, Country, and each other.

The celebration will feature Minimbah Dancers, installations from the staff and students of the College of Engineering, Science, and Environment, as well as deadly local DJ Baker Boy and food by renowned Gamiliaraay Wonnorua Wailwan chef, Corey Grech.

National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey, the 1967 referendum for Aboriginal recognition on 27 May and the High Court Mabo decision on 3 June 1992.

For more information visit the City of Newcastle website.

Community groups, residents and business owners are being given the chance to share in almost $900,000 from City of Newcastle to enhance the culture, environment, and economy of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program covers a range of initiatives such as community support, sustainability, the environment and event sponsorship.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with a previous recipient of a City of Newcastle grants and sponsorships funding allocation.

Funding through City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate program will be allocated to projects that support the promotion, beautification and development of Wallsend and Hamilton, prior to applications opening for the City Centre later this year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said funding can be used for a wide range of activities and projects.

“This is the community’s chance to secure grants for initiatives that improve our local way of life,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our grants and sponsorships program can also help to alleviate the cost of living crisis with funding for things such as social inclusion.

“Last year our funding helped Grainery Care maintain an Outdoor Foodcare Delivery Space, allowed the University of Newcastle to create an employment clinic for the newly arrived migrants and maintain a student grocery hub.

“Our environmental and sustainability grants helped Apnom, a sustainable technology developer, create a program aimed at saving energy while maintaining food security and community nutrition, assisted the Diocese of Newcastle with the operation of a community garden, and funded Newcastle’s first Community Textile Recovery Hub at Wallsend.

“Our Special Business Rate program is an important way of involving businesses and the community in the continued improvement of their local precincts.

“It’s played a part in the Newcastle Fringe Festival at Hamilton, Streets Alive Wallsend and the Wallsend Op Shop Trail.

“The funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton will be assessed on their impact, creativity, and innovation.”

Hockey NSW secured $20,000 from last year’s major events funding to host the Regional Challenge in Newcastle.

Competitions manager Nathan Walker said Hockey NSW is extremely grateful for the support.

“We’ve formed a great relationship with City of Newcastle that’s allowed us to bring premier events to the region and utilise one of the best hockey facilities in Australia,” Mr Walker said.

“The funding helps Hockey NSW grow existing tournaments and by strengthening our relationship we hope to attract world class events to the Newcastle International Hockey Centre in the future.”

Hamilton and Wallsend SBR funding expressions of interest open on 27 May and close 23 June.

Applications for the grants and sponsorships program open on 3 June and close 30 June. 

Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants which target minor capital activities including Recreation Facilities Grants and Façade Improvement Grants.

Community Support Grants support community-based groups, sport and recreation clubs, and service organisations to enhance community services through Arts, Culture and History Grants, Social Inclusion Grants and Youth Climate Action Grants.

The Event Sponsorship Program provides a mechanism to promote active and vibrant spaces, attract local and out of region visitation and enhance Newcastle’s profile and reputation as an events city and includes General Sponsorships, Major Sponsorships, Incubator Sponsorships and Business Events Sponsorships.

Tourism and Economic Development sponsorships target activities and initiatives that provide economic benefit through enabling skills, innovation, vibrant places and spaces, and business event attraction.

To learn more about or apply for a City of Newcastle grant or sponsorship visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

For SBR expressions of interest for Hamilton and Wallsend, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/business/supporting-local-business-people/business-improvement-associations/special-business-rates-program