Newcastle News – Page 105

NSW Government acts on initial bus safety recommendations

The NSW Government is working to improve safety on buses and coaches, accepting all 5 recommendations from the Bus Taskforce First Safety Report, that was ordered following the Hunter Valley tragedy.

The initial report addresses a number of key areas, including a new safety campaign to promote seatbelt usage and possible speed restriction mandates for school buses, as well as addressing risks for passengers standing on buses, travelling in speed zones over 80 km/h.

Transport for NSW has begun work to implement the recommendations, prioritising awareness around seatbelt compliance.

Immediately following the devastating bus incident in the Hunter Valley on 11 June 2023, the Transport Minister instructed the taskforce to expand its scope to examine the safety and regulatory arrangements of bus operations in NSW.

Transport for NSW will launch the new safety campaign from this week, aimed at educating passengers about the importance and legal requirements of wearing a seatbelt on a bus where one is available. Wearing a seatbelt doubles the chance of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of injury.

The campaign will initially appear on buses and coaches to ensure people buckle up when they travel. A second awareness campaign will appear later this year to coincide with peak holiday travel period.

The government looks forward to the findings of future reports, which will make further recommendations to address safety concerns that arose from the tragedy.

Recommendations from the First Safety Report of the Bus Industry Taskforce:

That the NSW Government and Transport for NSW complete the current implementation of the NSW Rural and Regional Seatbelts Program as soon as possible.
That a road safety campaign be implemented to promote compliance with seatbelt laws on buses, including by school children.
That Transport for NSW consider how bus operators can be best assisted to comply with their obligation to inform passengers about the mandatory use of seatbelts. This could include additional guidance material, or regulatory or contractual amendments.
That Transport for NSW conducts a thorough examination of the risks associated with standees on buses and explores potential risk mitigation approaches.
That Transport for NSW consider whether the 80km/h rule for dedicated school bus services with standing passengers could be rolled out across all services and examine ways of reducing risks for standees on buses travelling over 80 km/h.

Read the full first safety reportlaunch on the Transport for NSW website.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“There is still work to be done when it comes to bus safety in NSW, but the NSW Government is taking an important step by accepting all 5 recommendations from the first bus safety report.

“My heart is with the families and community devastated by this tragedy. I’ve spoken to them personally and will continue to let their voices be heard as we work towards a safer future on our roads and public transport.

“I have asked Transport for NSW to ramp up vital work in raising awareness of the importance of seatbelt laws on buses, especially on school buses.

“We want everyone to remember that seatbelts save lives. If there is a seatbelt available on the bus you’re travelling on, you must use it.

“I want to thank the Bus Taskforce for leading the first phase of this important ongoing work on examining safety in the bus and coach industry.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The tragic bus accident in the Hunter Valley which happened just 5 minutes from my electorate of Maitland and sadly took the lives of ten beloved members of our community touched the lives of people across our nation and triggered an outpouring of grief and trauma.

“Not since the Clybucca bus accident in 1989 have we seen such a loss of life on our roads in a single incident. It strengthened my resolve to do all I can to reduce road trauma.

“The initial Bus Industry Taskforce First Safety Report is just the first step towards this goal and I welcome the recommendation that Transport complete the implementation of the Rural and Regional Seatbelts Program as soon as possible.

“I have met with some of the members of those families who tragically lost their lives and given them my commitment to work with all the affected families to do our best to make sure an incident like this never happens again.

“The grief, trauma and regret caused by these tragedies lasts a lifetime.”

Road safety advocate John Gaffney said:

“As someone impacted by the tragic crash in the Hunter Valley and someone passionate about road safety, I welcome this safety report and support the campaign to raise awareness about seatbelt use on buses.

“Wearing a seatbelt doubles the chance of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of injury. In NSW, each year, on average, 29 drivers and passengers are killed and around 79 seriously injured in crashes when not wearing available seatbelts. Many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if seatbelts had been worn.

“I also welcome the work transport officials in NSW are doing with the bus and coach industry to ramp up activities already being done to roll out seat belts on school buses and support the community and the bus industry in complying with seat belt laws.”

Fatal crash in Ravensworth – Hunter Valley PD

A man has died after a two-vehicle crash in Hunter Valley region.

Just after 6.15am on Friday (13 October 2023), emergency services were called to the Bayswater Creek Bridge, on the New England Highway at Ravensworth, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found a truck and a ute had collided head-on.

The driver of the ute – a 22-year-old man – was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

The driver of the truck – a 27-year-old man – was treated at the scene with injuries in his muscle and leg before being taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing in a stable condition.

He is assisting police with their inquiries.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.

A reported will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Safer cycleway connections for Hunter Street

Newcastle’s cycling network continues to grow, with City of Newcastle seeking community feedback on the second stage of the Hunter Street Trial Cycleway project.

The proposed cycleway between National Park Street and Ivy Street will run on both sides of Hunter Street, separated from other traffic.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, President of the Newcastle Cycleways Movement Sam Reich, Cr Carol Duncan, Cr Charlotte McCabe, Cr Katrina Wark and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes announce the start of community consultation into stage two of the Hunter Street cycleway.

The project follows successful completion of the Stage 1 Hunter Street trial cycleway between Worth Place and National Park Street in 2021.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this project is part of an ongoing effort to deliver safe, connected and convenient cycleways across the city.

“By prioritising our investment in cycleway infrastructure, we want to provide connections for people of all ages and abilities to ride along safely and confidently, giving everyone the choice to incorporate cycling into their lives,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re applying a human-centred approach to our planning that promotes sustainability and liveability. As a result, we are making a significant investment in new, safe cycleways with almost $5 million being allocated to cycleways projects under the 2023/24 capital works budget.”

Councillor Charlotte McCabe invited the community to embrace the opportunity to discover the joy of riding more in our beautiful city.

“As population growth puts pressure on our roads and streets, providing additional space for cars is not the answer, but re-evaluating how we use these spaces will help to support and enrich our daily lives and lead to a healthier, greener and more connected Newcastle,” Cr McCabe said.

Stage 2 of the trial cycleway proposes a reduction to one travel lane on each side of the road to improve pedestrian safety and allow for parking to be retained, new treatments at all intersections and at the rail bridge, and safe buffer zones with plastic separators.

Once linked with Stage 1, this 2km long dedicated lane for cyclists will connect commuters, residents and visitors from the suburbs of Islington and Tighes Hill into the city.

President of the Newcastle Cycleways Movement Sam Reich said the project aims to address the need for safer active transport networks.

“The Hunter Street Cycleway builds towards the current best practice approach by providing a safe separated bicycle lane in each direction, between the parked cars and the footpath,” Mr Reich said.

“Since the installation of the separated cycleway as part of stage one of this trial, we’ve seen an increase in the number of cyclists using Hunter Street.

“By connecting it to this second stage of the project, it will help encourage people in Mayfield, Islington, Hamilton and Wickham to take up bike riding for at least some of their short to medium trips into the city, thereby reducing traffic volumes and congestion and freeing up car parks whilst undertaking enjoyable exercise.”

City of Newcastle received $1.5 million from Transport for NSW under the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active Program to complete this important cycleway connection.

Community feedback on the proposed concept plans for Hunter Street Trial Cycleway Stage 2 is open until 5pm, Wednesday 8 November 2023. Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay, to complete the online survey.

To find out more information on City of Newcastle’s current and future cycleways projects visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/cycleways

City of Newcastle delivers flood improvements for University Drive

A $5 million project to reduce the risk of flooding on a major Newcastle roadway has been completed by City of Newcastle.

The work will significantly decrease the likelihood of University Drive at Waratah West flooding due to heavy rain by improving the flow of water through Boatman Creek.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, City of Newcastle Assets Coordinator – Stormwater Ben Lovell and City of Newcastle Asset Engineer Luke Jaszczyk celebrate the completion of the stormwater upgrade at Boatman Creek.

The low section of this busy road, which is a major thoroughfare to the Mater Hospital and University of Newcastle, was notorious for flooding during major wet weather events, causing road closures and damage to nearby properties. In 2020, ten people were rescued by the SES after a bus entered floodwaters at this location.

A 100-year-old brick arch culvert that was restricting the capacity of Boatman Creek and posing a blockage risk has now been replaced with a new sandstone channel. The upstream creek has also been rehabilitated to maximise flow capacity and channel durability.

A new cycleway pedestrian bridge located above the stormwater channel was also constructed as part of the project to maintain access for students and the community.

While the new upgrades won’t entirely flood-proof the area, the project will mean less disruption to traffic on this important road by reducing flooding frequency.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is continuing to invest in projects across the city that deliver modern infrastructure to help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

“We are committed to delivering largescale stormwater infrastructure upgrades that ensure the safety of community and property now and into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By replacing the culvert, upgrading the channel in Boatman Creek, and moving water away from people and properties, this work will reduce the impacts of flooding on lives, homes and businesses.”

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

“The construction of a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the embankment has also ensured the project maintains access to the University for students and continues to be an important link in our city’s wider cycleway network,” Cr Clausen said.

Man in Newcastle court on 45 charges

A man is due in Newcastle court today charged with 45 offences after allegedly exposing himself to school children.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Fitzwater to investigate multiple reports of a man exposing his genitals to children in the Merewether and Cooks Hill area.

As part of inquiries, detectives were patrolling the Cooks Hill area yesterday (Friday 6 October 2023), when they followed a vehicle to Robey Street, Merewether, and arrested the 65-year-old driver.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he has now been charged with 45 offences,

Intentionally do sexual act towards child between 10 to 16 years (21 counts)
Stalk person intent to cause physical or mental harm (22 counts)
Intentionally sexually touch child 10 years or older and under 16 years, and
Carry out sexual act with another without consent.
He has been refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 7 October 2023).

A number of items have been seized for further examination from both the vehicle and a home in the Newcastle area.

Northern NSW man jailed for transmitting and soliciting child abuse material

A Hunter man, 28, has been sentenced to a maximum of five years imprisonment in the Newcastle District Court for a range of child abuse material offences.

The investigation began after the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a report from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a user uploading child abuse material to several online platforms.

AFP investigators linked the Hunter region man, then 26, to the illegal activity.

A search warrant was executed at the man’s home near Raymond Terrance in August 2022, with AFP investigators seizing a mobile phone and laptop that contained child abuse material.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen warned that watching, downloading or purchasing child abuse material was not a victimless crime.

“The charges demonstrated the AFP’s commitment to investigate and charge offenders believed to be involved in child exploitation and sexual abuse,” Det A/Supt Millen added.

“Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators, and our investigators will continue to be relentless in their pursuit of anyone sharing or accessing child abuse material.

“Anyone who views this material is committing a crime.”

The man pleaded guilty to:

One count of using a carriage service to procure child under 16 years of age, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
One count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
Two counts of using a carriage service to cause child abuse material to be transmitted to self, contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
One count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material contrary to section 474.22(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
One count of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code (Cth).

He was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Newcastle District Court yesterday (4 October, 2023), with a non-parole period of three years.

The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse.

The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE at www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available at www.accce.gov.au/support.

Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety. Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at www.thinkuknow.org.au, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

For more information on the role of the ACCCE, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit www.accce.gov.au.

Appeal to locate missing teen – Hunter Valley PD

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Muswellbrook area.

Emily Garton, aged 15, was last seen at a home on Wollombi Road, Muswellbrook, about 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 October 2023).

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

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

Emily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of a solid build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a pink crop top, blue denim jeans, and black and red joggers.

Emily is known to utilise public transport and is known to frequent the Rutherford and Maitland areas.

Anyone who has seen Emily or has information of her whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigation underway following break-in and robbery near Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a break-in and robbery near Newcastle.

About 4am yesterday (Sunday 1 October 2023), police have been told two men broke into a home in Gosford Road, Broadmeadow, before they threatened the male occupant with a knife.

The two men stole a handbag and car keys before fleeing the property in a white Holden Barina.

No one was physically injured.

About 5.40am yesterday, a 31-year-old man was driving in a Toyota Corolla sedan on Mitchell Street, Merewether, when a Holden Barina pulled up next to his vehicle and two men inside threatened him with a knife.

Police have been told the two men tried to steal his car before driving away in the Holden Barina.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced investigations into both incidents, which are believed to be linked.

As inquiries continue, police wish to speak with two men who may be able to assist with the investigation.

The two men are described as both being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance. One of the men is further described as being aged in his late teens to early 20s and was last seen wearing dark-coloured clothing. The second man has been described as wearing light-coloured clothing.

Back-to-back champions to be honoured with civic reception

The Newcastle Knights are once again the toast of the town after beating the Gold Coast Titans 24 points to 18 in the grand final in Sydney this afternoon to claim their second-straight NRLW premiership.

To help celebrate their historic achievement City of Newcastle (CN) will host a civic reception for the 28-player squad and coaching staff at City Hall on Tuesday, October 3.

Knights fans celebrate the 2022 NRLW grand final win

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Knights’ women have become incredible ambassadors for Newcastle.

“This team has achieved so much in such a short space of time and it’s important we acknowledge their continued success,” Cr Nelmes said.

“A lot of the players are born and bred Novocastrians and wonderful role models, showing our local women and girls they can achieve their dreams close to home, even in a sport traditionally dominated by men.”

One of those locals is captain Hannah Southwell, who missed out on the 2022 grand final victory over the Parramatta Eels because of injury.

She returned to play a pivotal role in the 2023 NRLW season, where the Knights won the minor premiership for the first time, before capping off the campaign by claiming back-to-back titles.

The civic reception will be held at City Hall from 4:30pm and is free and open for the public to attend to help celebrate back-to-back titles.

Following the official proceedings, fans will have the chance to meet their heroes as part of an autograph signing session.

CN was a foundation sponsor of the Knights women’s team during their historic debut season in the 2021 National Rugby League Telstra Women’s Premiership.

Hundreds of Knights fans lined King Street outside City Hall last year to celebrate the Newcastle Knights’ historic 2022 NRLW Premiership win. At that time, the team was also presented with a Key to the City by the Lord Mayor.

Appeal to find man missing from Hunter Valley

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter Valley region.

Alexander Moore, aged 22, was last seen at Rothbury about 8.30pm on Sunday 24 September 2023.

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

Police and family hold concerns for Alexander’s welfare as he has a number of medical conditions.

Alexander is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall, with a slim build, blond hair, green eyes, and is bearded. It’s not known what he was wearing when he left the premises.

Alexander may be driving a 2012-model silver Holden Commodore with NSW registration, CV14LA.

Anyone who has seen Alexander since 24 September, or has information of his whereabouts or has any further information is urged to contact Cessnock Police 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.