Category: Newcastle News

NEWCASTLE & CENTRAL COAST HOUSING CRISIS PUSHES MORE INTO POVERTY

New research shows that the poverty rate for regional NSW is higher than Greater Sydney, with young people (15-24) and older people (65+) seeing the biggest average increases in the last five years. 

The research was commissioned by peak social service body NCOSS, and conducted by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of Canberra.

It found that the housing crisis is a key driver of poverty in regional areas, with mortgage holders experiencing the biggest increase in poverty, up by more than 80 per cent since 2016. 

The report revealed the following key findings for Newcastle and Central Coast:

·         Newcastle-Cooks Hill: Newcastle-Cooks Hill has one of the highest overall poverty rates in rural and regional NSW (25.1%), having doubled since 2016.

·         Newcastle-Cooks Hill: The poverty rates for private renters has more than tripled since 2016 (was 10.7%, now 35.6%).

·         Raymond Terrace: The poverty rates for homeowners with a mortgage has more than doubled since 2016 (was 5.4%, now 11.5%).

·         Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest: The poverty rates for homeowners with a mortgage has doubled since 2016 (was 8.8%, now 17.5%).

NATSEM analysed 2021 census data to reveal the dire state of poverty across NSW and how it has changed in the five years since the previous census.

Today’s release of the full report is accompanied by interactive maps which show the poverty rates in each suburb and town across NSW in 2021 compared to 2016, broken down by demographic groups.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said the report is a wakeup call for the state’s leaders, urging the NSW Government to respond quickly.

“These statistics are devastating, showing the grim reality of poverty reaching into every suburb and town in NSW – but with some communities really bearing the brunt,” Ms Quilty said. 

“What we are seeing is a housing crisis on multiple fronts – people experiencing poverty in rural and regional areas are most likely to be in the private rental market, but it’s those still paying off a mortgage who are increasingly struggling.  

“And while public housing tenants in rural and regional NSW are small in number, the majority of them (more than 58 per cent) live below the poverty line.

“We know that the situation has only gotten worse since 2021, with relentless rate hikes and soaring cost of living pressures.

“People living in poverty are resourceful and do whatever they can to survive. But we know for some, this can mean forgoing medication, healthcare or food to cover housing costs, or living in overcrowded or unsafe situations because there is no other option. 

“We are pleased the newly elected NSW Government has recognised the urgent need to address the state’s housing crisis.

“To help, we have put forward a set of actionable and practical recommendations for the NSW Government to consider, and we look forward to working with the Government on these solutions.”  

NCOSS has called on the NSW Government to adopt a set of recommendations, including:

1.     Bolster supply of social housing in NSW to 10 per cent of all housing stock, via a long-term plan with established targets and identified locations. 

2.     Make renting more affordable and secure, including increasing rental supply and capping rents, which build on commitments to remove ‘no grounds’ evictions and establish a Rental Commissioner. 

3.     NSW Government should advocate to the Federal Government to lift the income support payment to above the poverty line, and increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50 per cent to enable an acceptable standard of living for recipients.

“I’d like to thank NATSEM for its thorough work on this report, and I look forward to working with the NSW Government on addressing these issues,” Ms Quilty said.

About this research:

·         The Mapping Economic Disadvantage in NSW report was undertaken by the National Centre of Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of Canberra, and was commissioned by NCOSS.

·         The report breaks down poverty rates by suburb and demographic – including age, sex, employment, family arrangement and housing tenure. It uses the most recent data available, the 2021 census data, and compares the trends from the previous census data in 2016.

·         NCOSS has published a Key Themes Report which provides an analysis of the key themes and trends, examining how poverty has changed between 2016 and 2021.

·         The Online Mapping Tool of interactive maps allows users to filter data by suburb and demographic across NSW.

Creative projects designed to increase visitation and boost economic activity in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend business precincts will share in $150,000 as part of City of Newcastle’s annual Special Business Rate (SBR) program.

Initiatives ranging from the recent Newcastle Fringe Festival, which saw a smorgasbord of free artistic and cultural performances throughout Hamilton, through to the installation of shopfront “smart” gardens and sky-high murals, have recently been funded through the SBR program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the next round of SBR funding will help unlock a whole new range of creative projects that drive visitation and economic activity into the city’s suburban business precincts.

“The Special Business Rates program has seen many amazing projects come to life, including the Big Picture Festival and quarterly food, art and wine trails throughout the city, so we’re looking forward to seeing what comes through next for our suburban precincts,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Carol Duncan said local businesses directly benefit from SBR funded projects which enhance the appeal of each suburban business precinct.

“Funding available through the Special Business Rates program directly benefits local businesses through projects that increase visitation and beautify the precinct for residents and visitors alike, making them even more attractive places to eat, drink and shop,” Cr Duncan said.

“Business owners play a key role in providing input into the projects that best activate their own precincts which is vital to creating thriving business communities and increasing visitation to suburban areas like New Lambton, Wallsend and Hamilton.”

Proposals for this round will be considered based on their creativity, impact and level of innovation, with up to $50,000 available in each suburban precinct.

Local business owner and Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Reece Hignall welcomed the next round of SBR projects.

“The advocacy of our BIAs in engaging with business owners to activate their precincts is vital in creating thriving business communities to help drive increased visitation into suburban shopping precincts” Mr Hignall said.

“We’re witnessing the benefits of the BIA model across Newcastle, including Hamilton, where we’ve welcomed more than 50 new businesses since COVID began.”

Applications for the New Lambton, Wallsend and Hamilton funding round close at 4pm on 19 May 2023.

More information about the Special Business Rates program and funding opportunities can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/special-business-rates.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Wednesday 26 April 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

150th anniversary of municipal government in Wallsend

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that 2024 marks 150 years since Wallsend became a municipality in 1874 and calling for City of Newcastle to provide support and financial assistance to the community of Wallsend to prepare for celebratory events marking this historic occasion.

Local Government summit

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported calling for City of Newcastle to write to NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully requesting they hold a Local Government Summit to allow constructive discussions of the financial and legislative impediments facing the local government sector.

Ordinary business

Inland Pools Strategy 2034

Council noted that City of Newcastle is currently consulting with stakeholders and the community regarding the draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 – our plan for protecting and improving Newcastle’s public pools for the next 20 years.

Council will receive a report for the adoption of the Inland Pools Strategy 2043 following consultation.

Adoption of Local Social Strategy 2030

Council voted to lay the Local Social Strategy 2030 on the table.

Adoption of draft Section 6.04 Renewal Corridors of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012

Council unanimously voted to adopt Section 6.04 Renewal Corridors of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012.

Adoption of the revised Privacy Management Plan

Council unanimously voted to adopt CN’s revised Privacy Management Plan in line with best practice and following external review by the Information and Privacy Commission (NSW).

Advisory Committees Annual Reports

Council received the Advisory Committee Annual Reports for the 2022 calendar year.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2023.

Tender Report – Newcastle Art Gallery expansion

Council unanimously voted to adopt a tender for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project construction works. City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Government and Federal Government to request that their previously committed funding be indexed in line with inflation.

Notices of Motion

Buzzing with life: A pollinator-friendly Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to communicate to the community the significance of participating in the local pollinator census during Australian Pollinator Week 11-19 November 2023.

Council also supported incorporating an urban pollination program into City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy to create vibrant pollinator corridors in the city.

The Albanese Government is ensuring the voices of young people are heard on the issues that matter to them.

Today, young representatives, aged 16-25, from the Newcastle Hunter region will have their say at the Newcastle Youth Forum.

The Newcastle Youth Forum will be an opportunity to engage directly with the Minister for Youth, Dr Anne Aly and local Federal Members Sharon Claydon MP and Meryl Swanson MP, about the big issues that are facing young people at a local and national level.

Young Australians are best placed to provide advice on creative solutions that work for them to help solve issues that they care about. 

The Youth Forum builds on the work the Albanese Government is already doing to restore trust with young Australians in our political and government institutions.

This work includes re-establishing the Office for Youth, a dedicated unit within government to improve and harmonise policies impacting young Australians, and appointing the Youth Steering Committee made up of 15 diverse young people from across the nation to help shape our Government’s Youth Engagement Model.

Additionally, the Government has appointed 40 young Australians to five Youth Advisory Groups providing advice across matters in a range of portfolios, including Climate Change and Energy, Indigenous Australians, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Industry and Science and Social Services.

These exciting initiatives are ensuring two-way conversations with young Australians on the issues that matter most to them, making sure they have a genuine platform to shape the future of our nation. 

MINISTER FOR YOUTH DR ANNE ALY said:

“We’re ensuring young people have a genuine seat at the table, to be really listened to and to effect the change that is important to them.”

“We know that a government that not only works for young people, but also with them, will be far more effective – delivering a better future for all of us.”

MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE SHARON CLAYDON MP said:

“There are so many young Novacastrians who want to see things improve for their generation, our community, and the future of our planet. The Albanese Labor government is ensuring the voices of young Novacastrians are heard at the highest level.”

“We know that young people are best place to help shape real solutions on the issues that matter to them. That’s why these discussions in Newcastle today are so important.”

MEMBER FOR PATERSON, MERYL SWANSON MP said:

“We’re empowering young Australians, making sure we are engaging them in two-way conversations.”

“Young Australians in Paterson want to be a part of shaping the solutions that work for them.”

New data reveals strong enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education courses across New South Wales, thanks to a landmark agreement between the Australian and New South Wales Government.

The Australian Government partnered with the NSW Government to invest $319 million in the state, as part of a 12-month Skills Agreement, to deliver up to 120,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education places in 2023.

New figures show that about 65,000 students have enrolled in TAFE NSW under the Fee-Free initiative, highlighting the demand for education and training.

Hunter students enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE courses save thousands of dollars on their course fees, helping relieve the cost of living pressures. For instance:

• A student studying a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) will save up to $8,220.
• A student studying a Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) will save up to $4,060.
• A student studying a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care will save up to $4,970.
• A student studying a Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) will save up to $3,960.

We also know that clean energy industries are the future for our workers, and include solar installation, large-scale renewable projects, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable manufacturing.

That’s why the Australian Government is spending $95.6 million over nine years to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships.

There are currently 6,635 apprentices in training in the Hunter, including New Energy apprentices who commenced from 1 January 2023, who can receive up to $10,000 over the course of their apprenticeship to assist with the cost of living.

Whether in the care sector, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, construction, or technology, it remains vital that we continue to deliver skills training in an effective and accessible way.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said:

“Fee-Free TAFE is focused on identified priority courses in areas experiencing skills shortages right now. These courses will lead to jobs needed most by employers.”

“The Albanese Government is spending $95.6 million over nine years to support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships.”

“They could be electricians rewiring homes for rooftop solar, batteries and efficient appliances, or machinists and metal fitters maintaining gearboxes at offshore wind farms.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said:

“The courses offered through Fee-Free TAFE align directly with areas where we need thousands more workers, but importantly offer a critical value-proposition, in this current economic climate, where financial barriers are removed.”

Fee-Free TAFE represents opportunity for workers in our local Hunter region, both in existing industry and those preparing for emerging occupations.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been elected to return TAFE to the heart of the vocational education system.

“We have started to work closely with Minister O’Connor and the Albanese Government to support TAFE. Fee-Free TAFE is critical to that success.”

Young people are gearing up to take over Wheeler Place and Museum Park this Saturday with pop-up skate ramps, live music, market stalls, art exhibits and workshops to kick off Youth Week 2023 celebrations.

City of Newcastle (CN) is hosting and supporting an exciting program of youth-led events, designed and delivered by young people, that highlight the contribution young people make to the community, as part of the state-wide event which runs until 30 April.

Together with the NSW Department of Community and Justice, CN has provided funding towards three events that will take place during Youth Week to promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing.

CN will open the doors to the City Administration Centre for an Open Day, by invitation only, providing local high school students with the opportunity to learn more about civic engagement and Council services and facilities. Whilst opportunities for creative and cultural expression, as well as social connection and wellbeing will be the focus of the Civic Takeover and Young N’ Cultured events.

Visit What’s On Newcastle for more information on Newcastle Youth Week events.

Newcastle Youth Week events and activities:

Civic Takeover
Wheeler Place and Museum Park
Saturday 22 April 2pm – 6pm
All ages, free event, no bookings required

Pop down to Wheeler Place and Museum Park this Saturday for an afternoon of live music from emerging local performers, market stalls, a youth art exhibition, an artist-led sculptural workshop and pop-up skate ramps. Civic Takeover is presented in partnership with Newcastle Art Gallery, Skate Connection, Newy Youth Markets and Tantrum Youth Arts.

Young N’ Cultured
University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus
Friday 28 April, 4pm – 6pm
All ages

Come celebrate diversity and join the sharing of vibrant cultures and knowledge with an evening enriched by the sounds, colours, and spirit of cultural songs, dance and storytelling. Presented in partnership with University of Newcastle, Young N’ Cultured showcases both traditional and contemporary talents embodied across Newcastle’s multicultural communities.

City of Newcastle (CN) will expedite processing a soon to be lodged Development Application by Iris Capital, to enable the demolition of the buildings located in Phase 3 of its award-winning East End development.

Phase 3 is bound by Hunter, Newcomen, King and Laing Streets and includes the building which previously housed several retail outlets and a food court.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN is committed to the long-term revitalisation of Hunter Street and this is another step towards improving the Mall area as an attractive destination for locals and visitors.

“Delivering the long overdue transformation in the Hunter Street Mall has been a vital project for City renewal. The initial stages highlight the overall vision for the future completed revitalisation of the heritage precinct. The next stage of public domain works are planned and ready to deliver.

“Through close collaboration with NSW Police and Iris Capital we identified that we have some public safety concerns in the final stages of the heritage revitalisation, so action is progressing on the demolition of the non-heritage buildings so the site can be adequately contained,” Cr Nelmes said.

Iris Capital Development Manager Jamie Boswell said this site completes Iris Capital’s contribution to the East End Village and the demolition is an important step towards future development.

“This site provides another opportunity for revitalisation and for Iris Capital to contribute further to the transformation of the Hunter Street Mall and along with City of Newcastle we are committed to public safety and the best outcome for the community is to progress with the demolition of the existing structure as quickly as possible,” Mr Boswell said.

The DA for demolition of the buildings will be expedited following concerns about the current state of the buildings and antisocial behaviour from members of the public and local business owners.

Police are aware of reports of antisocial behaviour in and around these buildings and will continue to work collaboratively with the City of Newcastle and increase proactive police patrols in response.

CN’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said her team will undertake the assessment as a priority to ensure all requirements are met, including heritage considerations and expect to have the application determined shortly after lodgement.

The East End Public Domain project consists of multiple phases of work with the long term vision to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and an attractive destination for locals and visitors, with outdoor dining and boutique retail opportunities.

With school holidays underway, families are celebrating City of Newcastle’s ongoing investment in recreational spaces with five new local playgrounds officially opening for children with energy to burn. Young people will be able to swing, slide and climb on upgraded equipment at Loch Ness Drive Park in Fletcher, Waratah Park in Waratah, Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens, Vera Wilson Park in Beresfield and Avon Street Reserve in Mayfield.

With a total investment of $750,000 across the five playgrounds, there are activities to suit all ages and importantly, equipment that allows children’s senses to go wild these school holidays.

Loch Ness Drive Park, Fletcher

The largest of the five playgrounds, the design of the renewed playground at Loch Ness Park was guided by Everyone Can Play principles. The playground has an activity for every age, with a total of 41 inclusive activities split across two-levels.

Waratah Park, Waratah

Nestled amongst greenery, Waratah Park’s playground design is sympathetic to its natural surroundings. The new playground offers a range of 22 activities to encourage children to enrich and improve their skills on items including a climbing wall, challenging climbing nets, swings, and a slide.

Harold Myer Park, Birmingham Gardens

This renewed playground features 35 activities, with multiplay equipment designed to encourage interaction between children with slides, gangways, climbing nets and climbing walls.

Vera Wilson Park, Beresfield

This playground showcases areas for children to build strength and endurance, as well as elements that encourage creativity and social interaction. With 24 challenging and inclusive activities, children of all ages will be able to enlighten their senses on commando tubes, climbing walls, swings, slides, climbing nets and play panels.

Avon Street Reserve, Mayfield

Stimulating hearing and a sense of rhythm, this playground offers musical play activities in the form of underground pipes with attached dongers. These pipes double up us talk tubes, enabling children to interact with other children in the playground. Multiplay equipment also offers swings, slides, balancing beams, play panels, gangways, and climbing nets.

Find out more about our Playground Replacement Program on our project page.

50 people have been charged following an unauthorised protest in the Hunter region this morning.

About 10am (Sunday 16 April 2023), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, along with specialist police resources, attended Tourle Street, Sandgate, in relation to unauthorised protest activity.

Police spoke with a group of 50 people who entered the railway corridor, with a portion of those people who had climbed onto a train carriage.

47 people were issued court attendance notices for offences including obstructing a railway (locomotive), assist in obstructing a rail locomotive, aggravated enter inclosed lands and interfere with business, and enter inclosed lands.

During the event, it is alleged two more people damaged property and a third person assaulted a security officer, all while attempting to gain entry onto the railway corridor.

All three were arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.

A 32-year-old man was charged with common assault and assist in obstruction of rail locomotive or rolling stock.

A 59-year-old man was charged with destroy or damage property, cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands interfere etc business.

They were both granted bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 1 June 2023.

A 47-year-old man was charged with destroy or damage property, assist in obstruction of rail locomotive or rolling stock, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands interfere etc business.

He was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Monday 17 April 2023).

The Upper Hunter’s newest racing facility will be unveiled with an historic TAB meeting on Sunday afternoon at Muswellbrook.

Following a $3 million redevelopment of the facility, the Muswellbrook Greyhound Track will host a Grand Opening family day to celebrate the club’s first ever TAB race meeting.

“It’s a very exciting time not only for our racing participants in the region – which is a heartland of our sport in NSW – but for the community in and around Muswellbrook,” Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Chief Executive Officer Rob Macaulay said.

“What greyhound racing does within local communities, is that it supports livelihoods of participants and but there are also flow on benefits throughout the towns.

“We estimate the facility will bring an additional $20 million into the Muswellbrook economy, and 20 additional jobs.

“The local community will see an influx into the economy from those coming to race,  and, as part of a new GRNSW policy initiated last year, local suppliers were the preferred supplies for work, and will continue to be.”

GRNSW purchased the track from the Greyhound Breeders, Owners & Trainers Association in 2021 with the aim of rebuilding the facility. The last race meeting staged at Muswellbrook was an 11-race, Non-TAB card on August 1, 2021.

As the case is with all GRNSW track upgrades, the focus of the rebuild at Muswellbrook  has been firmly on safety.

“The reason why we are investing in these tracks around the State is to bring all of our racetracks up to the safest standard for our greyhounds, and we have done exactly that here at Muswellbrook,” Mr Macaulay said.

“The safety and welfare of our animal is paramount.”

Among the work conducted at the track has been a full refurbishment with the remediation and re-profiling of the track and the turf surface, the installation of a new safety rail, safety padding on the turns and in the catching pen, and a Safechase lure system.

The kennels have new insulation and air conditioning installed, new starting boxes and new synthetic mats at the boxes are in place, and a new swabbing bay and stewards’ room have been built.

“We are very, very proud of the new facility at Muswellbrook, it looks spectacular, and to celebrate the Grand Opening, we are inviting everyone from around the region to come along and be part of what will be a memorable day,” Mr Macaulay said.

“There will be lots of free activities for all the family, including a jumping castle, face painting, sausage sizzle, fairy floss, kids’ zone, and local band Hurricane Fall will be performing, and it will all be free.”

Local participants have shown their support for the new facility with a large number of nominations ensuring a 12-race card has been scheduled.

The completion of the upgrade at Muswellbrook will offer participants another state-of-the-art venue in the region to race at, along with The Gardens in Newcastle and the Maitland track.