Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 March 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Support for a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was supported noting that a motion to establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide passed the House of Representatives on Monday, 22 March 2021, with the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party calling for a Royal Commission since December 2019.
The LMM called for Council to support the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, and the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party’s calls for the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, to listen to veterans and advocates, the will of the Australian Parliament, and establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide immediately.
The carried LMM called for council to write to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, thanking the Federal Opposition for their ongoing advocacy to establish a Royal Commission in Veteran Suicide. In addition, the minute called for council to write to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, calling on the Australian Government to immediately establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide.
New Annual Facts
A Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported, called for Cr John Church to retract his factually incorrect letter in the Newcastle Herald, noting that Cr Church cannot both support the arts industry in this city and congratulate the artists and organisers of New Annual, while misrepresenting festival attendance figures and opposing funding for the amazing creative and performing arts industries in Newcastle.
TRANSform Newy
A Lord Mayoral Minute, which was supported, congratulated Hunter Gender Alliance, who were successful in receiving a Boost Your Place Grant for their TRANSform Newy initiative. The project aims at improving the rights, health and lives of trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, with a resource booklet with personal experiences and practical tips to help organisations TRANSform their places into a welcoming and safe environment for all.
The LMM asked council to take the TRANSform Newy Pledge, and commit to work with the Hunter Gender Alliance to implement positive changes for TGD people in Newcastle.
In addition, the minute called for City of Newcastle to publish the pledge on its website, with a copy of the TRANSform Newy resource booklet.
Racism Not Welcome Campaign
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was carried to support the ‘Racism Not Welcome’ campaign, as recently endorsed by the City of Sydney and Inner West Council, and headed up by former Socceroos Captain, SBS commentator and human rights campaigner, Craig Foster.
The minute acknowledged Newcastle’s long and proud history as a progressive, welcoming city, including its official status as a Refugee Welcome Zone, and consistent advocacy as a local government leader when it comes to providing support for refugees and migrants settling in Newcastle.
The LMM will explore partnership opportunities with local multicultural organisations and peak bodies as well as grant funding opportunities to support the delivery of the campaign; and asks for the promotion of the ‘Racism Not Welcome’ campaign on City of Newcastle’s website, social media channels and in communication material.
Ordinary Business
Administration of 2021 Council Elections
Councillors voted to determine arrangements for the administration of the Local Government election in the Newcastle Local Government Area on 4 September 2021.
Appointment of voting delegate to the 2021 National General Assembly of Local Government and endorsement of motions
Councillors voted unanimously to appoint the Lord Mayor to exercise Council’s voting rights at the 2021 Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly (NGA) or to appoint a voting delegate from among the Councillor attendees.
Councillor representation on external committee – Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel
Councillors noted Councillor Jason Dunn’s resignation from the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel and appointed Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz as City of Newcastle’s representative on the Panel with Councillor Brad Luke selected as an alternative representative, until the day before the next local government election.
Stairway to Heaven feasibility analysis
Councillors voted to authorise the Chief Executive Officer to enter into a Heads of Agreement with Iris Capital to reach in-principle agreement on the terms and conditions under which the parties might progress the Stairway to Heaven concept. The project would create a landmark public space to enhance the visual and physical connections to Christ Church Cathedral through an integrated approach incorporating City of Newcastle owned land and Iris Capital owned land.
Supplementary report nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve (King Edward Park) on the State Heritage Register
Councillors voted to endorse a nomination to list Newcastle Recreation Reserve (King Edward Park) on the State Heritage Register, which will be forwarded to the Heritage Council for consideration.
The nomination area excludes the King Edward Headland Reserve, which is owned by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The motion recognised that the inclusion of items on the State Heritage Register is a matter for the NSW Government and the Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts (The Hon Don Harwin MLC). It also acknowledged that regardless of its inclusion on the State Heritage Register, any future development of the Headland Reserve will need to be consistent with the City’s zoning and planning controls. Any future development application will need to address and respond to both onsite heritage and the heritage values of adjoining parcels.
Adoption the 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan
Councillors voted to adopt the 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan, which provides a framework and initiatives to support and expand the Newcastle visitor economy as it recovers in a post COVID-19 environment.
Scholey Street, Mayfield – proposed pedestrian /cycle refuge, road cushions and intersection realignment
Councillors voted to approve the pedestrian and cycle refuge and road cushions on Scholey Street, Mayfield near Nelson Street and realignment of the intersection, to facilitate connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists and improve safety.
Wallarah Road at Young Road, Lambton – pedestrian refuge
Councillors voted to approve a pedestrian refuge on Wallarah Road at Young Road, Lambton, to modify vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety and connectivity in this location.
Beresford Lane and Cooper Street, Newcastle West – Changes to traffic flow direction
Councillors voted to approve the traffic flow changes of Beresford Lane, Newcastle West from eastbound to westbound between Stewart Avenue and Cooper Street and Cooper Street Newcastle West from two-way traffic flow to one-way southbound between Beresford Lane and Hunter Street.
Public Exhibition of the draft 2021/22 Our Budget (Delivery Program 2018-2022 and Operational Plan 2021/22)
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft 2021/22 Our Budget (2018-2022 Delivery Program and 2021/22 Operational Plan) and draft 2021/22 Fees and Charges Register for 28 days prior to final consideration by Council.
Update to Special Business Rate guidelines
Councillors voted to adopt the updated Assessment Panel membership for the Special Business Rate Expression of Interest Guidelines.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
City of Newcastle Webcam Network
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to seek NSW Government ‘Smart Places’ funding to develop a strategic network of high-resolution webcams across the LGA to support the visitor and experience economy.
Maintenance of Street Trees under aerial powerlines
Councillors unanimously carried a Notice of Motion for City of Newcastle to write to Ausgrid’s CEO Richard Goss requesting that he provide Councillors with a briefing on current practice for street tree maintenance and management under aerial powerlines.
City of Newcastle notes the contribution of Newcastle’s street tree population to the city’s urban forest, an intergenerational resource that provides multiple community benefits, and the need to improve practices and capacity to ensure these benefits.
GIPA Policy Review
Councillors unanimously carried a Notice of Motion endorsing recent changes to the presentation of confidential items in the Council agenda and business papers to provide greater transparency to the community.
Consistent procedures for sensitive development
Councillors unanimously carried a Notice of Motion that the elected Council is to be notified via memo when a development application is received that involves the demolition or destruction of a Heritage Item, or when a planning proposal is received.
Tourism plan to shape Newcastle’s visitor economy as a destination with a difference
A first-of-its-kind plan to reposition Newcastle as a premier tourism destination with focuses on events, natural assets and cultural heritage has been approved by City of Newcastle.
The Newcastle Destination Management Plan (DMP), developed in partnership with tourism industry partners, will reset Newcastle’s tourism identity and brand in the highly competitive visitor economy celebrating Newcastle’s indigenous, natural and built heritage points of difference.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there is significant opportunity for a tourism-led economic recovery and success with initiatives and projects designed to attract new visitors and increase tourist spend.
“City of Newcastle is taking the lead in spearheading a collaborative and consolidated whole of industry approach toward shaping Newcastle as a premier destination for future visitors and tourists,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Prior to COVID-19, Newcastle’s tourism industry contributed $1 billion to the local economy each year, with more than 5 million international and domestic travellers visiting in 2019.
“This plan builds on the success of our events strategy that has seen Newcastle continue to grow jobs and expand our visitor economy over the last six years. Showcasing our strengths as a city, including making the most of our rich aboriginal and post-colonial heritage, world class coastline and building on our reputation as a world-class events city with an updated Events Strategy and expanded conferencing facilities.
“Our Tourism Product Development Program is a great example of what City of Newcastle is already doing to support local tourism businesses. In late 2020, we provided 15 local businesses with training and B2B mentoring on how to develop tourism products. The results have been excellent – multiple new bookable tourism products (including Newy Rides, Earp Distilling Co, Mitch Revs Gallery and Urban Hum), businesses expanding operations, and importantly, the employment of new staff.
“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy in order to future-proof Newcastle to withstand disruptions like COVID-19.
“The DMP is a blueprint for collaboration across government and industry, creating meaningful partnerships to achieve a shared vision for Newcastle as a premier visitor destination.”
Director of Strategy and Engagement Brett Smith said the City is intently focused on repositioning Newcastle as a premier tourism and major events destination in readiness for tourism to rebound.
“The business events sector is showing green shoots of recovery and the city is well positioned to attract a future wave of domestic and international ‘revenge travellers’ as consumer confidence increases and travel restrictions ease across the globe,” said Brett.
“Despite world class beaches, a thriving arts scene and small-bar culture, Newcastle isn’t always thought of as a tourism destination. The DMP addresses this with a plan to debunk misconceptions and create a clear identity for the city.
“Newcastle is a contemporary urban playground, steeped in heritage, bustling with arts and culture with a vibrant night-time economy, while boasting a stunning section of the NSW east-coast.”
Newcastle’s appeal and tourism infrastructure continues to grow with new hotels under construction, including the five-star Kingsley in the former City Administration Centre, Iris Capital’s QT Hotel, and with plans underway to develop the historic Newcastle Post Office into a conference and function space.
Preliminary design for Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 1 shows improvements to access and safety
City of Newcastle will meet a community reference group for the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade this Wednesday, to discuss a preliminary design which focuses on improving the two ageing pools and lower promenades.Stage 1 has now reached preliminary design stage, with an initial design developed in consultation with the broad community, the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group (CRG), and with expert advice on heritage, safety and accessibility.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the preliminary design will be presented to the CRG and shows the iconic bleacher seating remaining with a renewal of the boardwalk.
“We’re also planning accessibility improvements to ensure the ocean baths can be enjoyed by everyone in the community,” Cr Clausen said.
Director Infrastructure and Property, Ken Liddell said that part of the pool upgrade includes a new pump station which will enable more effective pool cleaning.
“By dramatically increasing water circulation and subsequently minimising the opportunity for algae to grow, the new pump system will allow for increased consistency in water quality and reduce the need to clean the baths only during low tide,” Mr Liddell said.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade is a staged project that will begin with the restoration of the pool and promenades in the second half of 2021 as part of Stage 1. Stage 2 will focus on the upper concourse and pavilion building.
In December 2020, GHD Pty Ltd was named principal design consultant for the first stage of the upgrade, with the preliminary design to be presented this week to the project’s CRG.
Three formal CRG meetings and two focus group sessions have been held since March 2020, with the fourth CRG meeting to take place on Wednesday.
Stage 1 preliminary design includes addressing the undulating rock bottom while retaining a sand floor, allowing for more thorough cleaning and improved water quality while increasing safety for pool users when sand levels are low.
Following the CRG meeting, a concept for the upgrade to the pool and promenades will be developed and presented to Councillors prior to proceeding to detailed design, with construction expected to commence mid-year.
City of Newcastle is committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths in full and will direct the $9.5 million recovered from the sale of the Frederick Ash Building to the project. The sale was made possible through the relocation of the Council Administration Centre to its new staff premises at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West, in October 2019.
WESTMEAD’S WORLD-CLASS HOSPITAL OFFICIALLY OPENED
More operating theatres, patient rooms and world-class services, including two new Emergency Departments, are all part of Westmead Hospital’s new 14-storey clinical tower officially unveiled today.
Staff and services began relocating to the new hospital building in February, with both the adult and children’s Emergency Departments now open to the public.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Central Acute Services Building is the centrepiece of the more than $1 billion Westmead Health Precinct.
“This new state-of-the-art health facility will serve Western Sydney’s health needs for generations to come, with world-class research and education capacity embedded on every floor,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Westmead Health Precinct was fast-tracked under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response and will include a range of integrated adult and children’s health services for the first time, including separate emergency departments.”
Mr Hazzard said the collaboration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney will mean patients receive cutting edge treatment and care.
“Westmead is a shining example of how to attract leading health staff and researchers to provide the very best healthcare to Western Sydney residents,” Mr Hazzard said.
Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, said: “Western Sydney is expected to have a population of about 1.3 million people by 2031 so this is great news for the local community.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said: “The Westmead Hospital Upgrade is terrific for the local community. Further refurbishments are on track to be completed in 2022, delivering even more world-class healthcare facilities for Western Sydney residents.”
Key features of the new Central Acute Services Building include:
- Two new emergency departments — one for adults and one for children;
- 25 digital operating theatres;
- More than 300 patient rooms; and
- 1.5 floors for the University of Sydney to further integrate education, research and health services.
In March 2019, the NSW Government announced an additional $619 million for Stage 2 of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This includes a new Paediatric Services Building and car parking.
SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES HIT BY STORMS AND FLOODS
The NSW Government has issued a total of 34 Natural Disaster Declarations over the last 48 hours to ensure immediate support reaches communities across the State affected by the floods and storms.
Disaster declarations have been issued for the following Local Government Areas in collaboration with the Commonwealth: Armidale, Bellingen, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock City, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour City, Cumberland, Dungog, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Inner West, Kempsey, Ku-ring-gai, Lake Macquarie, Liverpool, Maitland City, Mid-Coast, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle City, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Sutherland, Tenterfield Blacktown, The Hills and Wollondilly.
The assistance now available is one of a series of funding packages that will be triggered by the Government as the impacts of the floods are assessed:
- help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged;
- support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring
damaged essential public assets;
- concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations;
- freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said although the disaster is still underway, the NSW Government is already looking ahead to the recovery and ongoing assistance.
NSW is experiencing the most significant storm and flood event that we have seen in decades, with widespread destruction affecting countless communities,” Mr Elliott said.
“We have worked quickly to declare disasters in 34 Local Government Areas. This assistance activates practical and immediate supports for communities, primary producers, small businesses, not-for-profits and councils.”
“We will stand side by side with our communities over coming weeks and months as we work through the significant recovery that lays ahead of us.”
For information call Disaster Customer Care Service on 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/
SMALL BUSINESS REBATE SCHEME OPENS SOON
A new $1500 rebate scheme designed to help tens of thousands of small businesses pay for NSW and local government fees and charges, such as licences, council rates, and registration fees will open early next month.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which was announced in November’s Budget, would provide support for eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations.
“It’s important that we support businesses to recover from the impact of the COVID pandemic and encourage business growth by reducing the cost of running a business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The NSW Government has committed close to $500 million for the new scheme, which shows our commitment to small businesses which are the life-blood of the NSW economy, supporting more than 1 million jobs.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said businesses would be able to access the scheme through Service NSW.
“In the same vein as other support programs delivered by Service NSW during the pandemic, we want to ensure the application and redemption process is as seamless and intuitive as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want small businesses to be spending as much time as possible serving customers and the minimum possible time dealing with government bureaucracy.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said a small pilot program would start this month before it rolled out state-wide.
“Many licence fee waivers are about to expire and I encourage small businesses below the new 2020-21 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million to apply for this new rebate scheme,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This will help hundreds more businesses, along with entrepreneur and family businesses across the state, ensuring they have more money in their pockets as NSW continues its post-pandemic recovery.
“We want to make it easy to run a business and when we support small businesses, we support the recovery and jobs.”
Under the scheme, small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations can apply to be reimbursed up to $1500 for NSW and local government fees and charges that are related to the cost of doing business. These include:
- Food authority licences
- Liquor licences
- Tradesperson licences
- Event fees
- Council rates
- Business vehicle registration fees
The scheme cannot be used for fees and charges specifically excluded under policy guidelines, such as fines and penalties, and will only be available for those charges and fees that are due and paid after 1 March 2021.
It will be available via Service NSW in early April and will run until 30 June 2022. The scheme will allow eligible small businesses to draw down on a $1500 credit to offset the cost of eligible NSW and local government fees and charges. More information, including the program guidelines, are available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate
State Emergency Operations Centre opens following widespread flooding event
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) at Homebush has been activated following severe wet weather and flooding throughout New South Wales.
The SEOC is a central hub, based at Rural Fire Service Headquarters, where experts can monitor the situation in real time and coordinate a whole of government response to flood relief efforts.
The SEOC will be in operation to support the State Emergency Services (SES) as they lead the emergency response to this significant weather event. The team will access live information, intelligence sharing, digital mapping, as well as public information and media broadcasting resources to quickly get critical information to the public.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, reinforced the importance of flood-threatened communities working with emergency services and observing any directions they are given.
“We don’t want to see people going into flood-affected areas and then finding themselves in difficulty. It not only puts their own lives at risk but the lives of the emergency service workers and rescuers also,” Minister Elliott said.
“It’s about making smart decisions and following the advice of experts.
“That way, our responders can concentrate their efforts on helping people in most need during this extraordinary and significant weather event.”
State Emergency Operations Controller, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM, has appealed to flood-affected communities to observe flood warnings and evacuation orders as police work closely with the SES and other emergency service agencies.
“This severe weather event is impacting communities across the state. The State Emergency Operations Centre will bring agency operations together under the one roof to manage the situation in real time,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“We will be relying on the timely advice of various experts at the Bureau of Meteorology and other agencies to make critical decisions to protect life and property, particularly to support our preparedness and planning as the weather event spreads across the west and south coast NSW.”
More information can be found:
- The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) has been activated and can be contacted 1800 227 228 for the most up to date information.
- Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
- For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
- People are urged to register for Register.Find.Reunite – an online service designed to connect friends and family following a disaster. The public can register at www.redcross.org.au
- For the latest on road closures members of the community can visit the website www.livetraffic.com or contact their local councils.
Missing girl located – Muswellbrook
A teen missing in the state’s Hunter Valley region has been located safe and well.
The 14-year-old was last seen about midday today (Monday 22 March 2021) at a high school in Muswellbrook.
Police were notified and commenced an investigation when family members couldn’t get in touch with her.
Following inquiries, the teen was located safe and well at Wollongong tonight (Monday 22 March 2021).
Police wish to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
Appeal to find missing girl – Muswellbrook
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Hunter Valley area.
Courtney Snowden, aged 14, was last seen at her high school in Muswellbrook about midday today (Monday 22 March 2021), and missed the last two periods of school.
When she failed to return home, officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified of her disappearance and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family have concerns for Courtney’s welfare due to her young age and family believe she may be heading to the Wollongong area.
Courtney is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a school uniform described as being a blue polo shirt with a black hooded jumper.
Police are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Fires one year, floods the next – the grim future of global heating
The Australian Greens have said the disastrous flooding in NSW was a grim look at the future of extreme weather in a climate crisis, warning that more action must be taken to prevent the situation from rapidly worsening.
The Greens say that parliament must urgently declare a climate emergency, then start a rapid transition away from coal, oil and gas, the primary causes of global heating.
Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:
“This is an utterly tragic situation in New South Wales. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their home, livestock, or is currently out in the extreme conditions battling to protect their communities and save lives,” Mr Bandt said.
“This is a grim look at the future of Australia’s climate in a future of global heating, where we’ll see bigger fires and worse floods, all with less time of normal weather in between. ‘Unprecedented’ fires one year, ‘once in a 50 year’ floods the next. This is not normal.
“Like bushfires, no one flood can be blamed on the climate crisis, but scientists warn that a warming planet will increase the intensity of extreme rainfall and bushfires.
“While our brave firefighters and emergency services are up to the challenge, we must take urgent action to move away from coal, oil and gas. If not, we’ll see more and more lives taken, more houses burnt or swept away, and more bushland and wildlife lost.
“The Liberals have taken millions in donations from coal & gas companies and are backing plans to expand these industries. They’ve put their donations, and the profits of the coal and gas industry ahead of the safety of you and your family.
“The Greens refuse donations from coal & gas corporations. We are working in parliament everyday to push the Labor and Liberal parties to go further and faster to tackle climate change.
“It’s time for the Parliament to declare a climate emergency and start taking urgent action to transition away from coal, oil and gas.
“Through an urgent transition away from coal, oil and gas and onto renewables, we won’t just create tens of thousands of jobs in regional Australia, we’ll protect our regional communities from the worst ravages of global heating. There’s no time to waste.”
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Senator for NSW said:
“Scientists have been telling us for years that the climate crisis increases the risk of extreme weather events,” Senator Faruqi said.
“Every day the Liberals prop up fossil-fuels and drag their heels on tackling the climate crisis, they risk more extreme weather, including worse and more destructive floods.
“The science is clear: coal, oil and gas worsen the climate crisis and are making floods more intense.
“My thoughts are with communities across NSW, many of which have already been badly impacted by the floods. Stay safe and follow the official advice.”