City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was adopted by Council at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The plan’s objective is to address future demand, inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure with consideration to current and future needs of the community, other adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability.
With the city’s population expected to increase by over 27,000 by 2031, the Strategic Sports Plan provides strategic guidance and facility direction for 14 outdoor sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, basketball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the plan was developed in close consultation with Newcastle’s sporting community and is crucial as the city’s population continues to rise.
“During the development of the Strategic Sports Plan, we sought valuable feedback from local sporting clubs and associations, State Sporting Organisations, neighbouring councils and government agencies,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It was this feedback that informed the draft plan, which was then placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days, during which we received 172 submissions.”
“Our city currently has 63 sportsgrounds venues which are home to 140 fields that span over 370 hectares, with the need to provide additional facilities to meet the demand that will come with the continued growth of western corridor suburbs.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz echoed the Lord Mayor’s comments that the Strategic Sports Plan will be vital to ensure our community has access to the facilities needed to remain active.
“COVID-19 highlighted the value of getting outdoors, staying active and participating in sport, and as restrictions continue to ease, we are seeing more of our community recognising the importance of sport and recreation,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“As an ever-growing city, we need to plan for future growth and ensure that our community has access to a variety of sport and recreation facilities now and into the future.”
The highlights of the Strategic Sports Plan include optimisation of existing sportsgrounds, implementation of a rolling capital works program to progressively renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds and improvement of City of Newcastle’s communication and administration processes.
A full list of the City’s sportsgrounds can be accessed here.
Author: admin
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 8 December 2020
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 December 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Offshore Wind
A Lord Mayoral Minute commending the NSW Parliament on the recent passing of the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill 2020, paving the way for the creation of the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, was carried.
The minute welcomed the emergence of large-scale offshore wind infrastructure as a viable renewable energy source with the potential to unlock $30 billion of investment and create thousands of local, well paid jobs and noted the opportunity for a new infrastructure manufacturing industry to emerge in Newcastle and the Hunter, paving the way for our City to become a renewable energy hub of the Asia-Pacific region.
The minute called for Council to write to Energy and the Environment Minister Matt Kean asking for the inclusion of offshore wind in the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, and to meet with a delegation of City of Newcastle, industry, business and Trade Union representatives to discuss its opportunities for environmental sustainability, local jobs and economic diversification.
COVID-19 Taskforce Update
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to recognise the work and initiatives of the City Taskforce, which was established in April to provide local leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanking the members of the Taskforce and Action Team for their valuable contribution to the City’s recovery.
The minute also requested that, rather than dissolve at the end of 2020, the functions of the Taskforce be transferred to the Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee chaired by Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, as a mechanism to continue address COVID-19 pandemic matters as they arise.
Dr Anthea Bill, Lead Economist, Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC), was invited to present to Council in 2021 regarding HRFC’s City Taskforce Evaluation.
Ordinary business
Code of conduct annual statistics
Council received a report on City of Newcastle’s annual Code of Conduct complaints statistics for the period 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020, in accordance with Office of Local Government requirements.
Stairway to Heaven concept
Council voted to endorse the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ concept, which seeks to open up connections and view lines from Newcastle foreshore and the Hunter Street Mall to Christ Church Cathedral. The Chief Executive Officer was authorised to undertake feasibility analysis and discussions to progress the concept. This includes exploring the potential for the Mall Car Park site to be redeveloped to deliver the concept while also protecting the public car parking spaces and social infrastructure to ensure that was provided in any new concept.
Adoption of 2021 Council meeting cycle
Council resolved to adopt the Council meeting schedule that will apply from February to December 2021.
Adoption of Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020)
Council voted to adopt the Section 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020), which determines the Section 7.12 local infrastructure levy that applies to land within the Newcastle Local Government Area and what public facilities are to be funded by the levy. The Plan is reviewed annually to reflect City of Newcastle’s adopted Budget.
Endorsement of planning proposal to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 – 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher
Council voted for an amended motion to maintain the zoning of 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher as E4 Environmental Living and write to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to consider including it into the National Parks estate, noting the property’s strategic importance to the Green Corridor.
Urban Design Review Panel
Council voted to endorse the establishment of a new Urban Design Review Panel, which provides independent advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of urban design and amenity for development proposals.
Implementation of Live Music and After Dark Strategies – planning certificates
Council voted for an amended motion to progress with the implementation of planning certificate notations to notify future purchasers of properties within the Newcastle Local Government Area of City of Newcastle’s adopted Live Music Strategy and Newcastle After Dark Night-time Economy Strategy.
Council asked to receive a briefing from the relevant NSW Government agency or Office of Live Music on the new laws and seek a report from Officers at the next meeting of Council on the opportunities the new laws provide in the delivery of CN’s Live Music Strategy and After Dark Strategy.
Maryland Drive, Maryland – proposed pedestrian refuges near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street
Council voted to approve the construction of pedestrian refuges on Maryland Drive near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street, Maryland.
Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated – Memorandum of Understanding
Council voted to endorse the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated to recognise and acknowledge the historical and cultural importance of the site to the local community; work undertaken by the Society to preserve the site; and a commitment of City of Newcastle and the Society to the ongoing management and operation of Fort Scratchley.
Adoption of Strategic Sports Plan
Council voted for an amended motion to adopt the Strategic Sports Plan, which addresses future demand and informs the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrading of sporting infrastructure with consideration of current and future community needs, adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability. The amendment included the provision of both recreational and competition basketball facilities in the Plan.
Adoption of Carrington Greenspace Masterplan
Council voted to adopt the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan, which outlines a vision and principles for the strategic development of greenspaces and public domain in Carrington, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
Tender report – parking meter services – 2021/125T
Council voted to enter into a contract for Parking Meter Services for City of Newcastle’s existing fleet of parking meters.
LED street lighting upgrade
Council voted to enter into a contract with Ausgrid to replace all remaining non-efficient residential and main road street lighting with LED lighting.
Notices of Motion
McDonalds
Council adopted a notice of motion to request that McDonalds Restaurants attend a workshop with Ward 1 Councillors and a small number of representatives from the Newcastle West Residents group on the safety, security and cleanliness measures that are in place at the King St, Newcastle West McDonalds’ premises and any future measures currently being planned.
Domestic violence, violence against women and children, and coercive control
Council adopted an amended notice of motion to receive a report on City of Newcastle’s policies or plans that support existing domestic violence support organisations and women’s refuges within the LGA, and ensure that City of Newcastle workplace policies are reviewed to provide safe and effective mechanisms for staff to report incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviours. Council will also partner with City of Newcastle’s charity partner Got Your Back Sista to investigate and support the publication and promotion of a pocket guide on relationships, domestic abuse and coercive control to assist people to understand what help is available.
Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia (VESPAS)
Council adopted a notice of motion that seeks to explore opportunities to benefit from the accelerated trend of residents leaving capital cities for a ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’, known as VESPAs (Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia), by promoting Newcastle to VESPAs as a lifestyle city for innovative and creative talent.
Love Lambton 150 years event
A notice of motion was supported to recognise the 150th anniversary of the Municipality of Lambton in June 2021 and provide $10,000 in cash and in-kind support to support the delivery of the event.
KEY MILESTONE FOR BEACHES LINK
Plans to slash travel times for drivers and public transport commuters in Sydney’s north have taken a major step forward with the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the mega-project will include twin tunnels under Middle Harbour with three lanes in each direction, allowing commuters to avoid peak hour congestion on the Spit Bridge, Military Road and the Roseville Bridge.
“Beaches Link will transform the way people move to and from the Northern Beaches, bypassing 19 sets of traffic lights through The Spit, Mosman and Neutral Bay and help save up to 56 minutes between Dee Why and Sydney airport,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Residents in Neutral Bay, Mosman and Cremorne will experience less congestion and noise, with traffic volumes expected to reduce by around a third along Spit Road.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link program is expected to support around 15,000 full-time jobs.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the project will integrate with new and existing public transport connections.
“There will be the opportunity for new express bus services to key centres including St Leonards, Macquarie Park, North Sydney and Sydney CBD, and direct access to North Sydney to interchange with the new Sydney Metro,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re also planning more than five kilometres of new cycle and pedestrian pathways, including links to the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct.
“This is the next stage of the consultation process, giving the community another opportunity to have its say.
“Transport for NSW has adapted its community engagement in line with current health advice regarding COVID-19, and will be providing enhanced online engagement with virtual information sessions throughout January and February.
“We’ll also work closely with locals in Balgowlah, where we’ll be returning an area equivalent to around 90 per cent of the current open space to the community. Further consultation will be held with the community on open space in Balgowlah later in 2021.”
The tunnel will be up to 108 metres in depth (approximately 33 storeys) and include new connections on the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon, Warringah Freeway at Cammeray and direct access onto Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah and Wakehurst Parkway at Seaforth.
The Wakehurst Parkway will be widened from one lane to two in each direction between Seaforth and Frenchs Forest.
The project is also expected to slash future travel times by:
- up to 38 minutes between Balgowlah and Sydney CBD
- up to 54 minutes between Frenchs Forest and Rozelle
- up to 32 minutes between Manly and Macquarie Park
The EIS will be on extended public exhibition from Wednesday 9 December 2020 until Monday 1 March 2021.
CASHLESS WELFARE CARD EXTENSION COULD HIT VULNERABLE NOVOCASTRIANS
Federal Member for Newcastle has warned that vulnerable Novocastrians could find themselves caught up in the Morrison Government’s plan to extend the cashless welfare card system.
Ms Claydon said while the trial rollouts have largely targeted First Nations people, the Government’s plan to extend the cashless welfare card, making it permanent and mandatory, could capture all Australians on income support payments.
In a speech to Parliament, Ms Claydon accused the Morrison Government of “punishing people for their disadvantage” through the introduction of a mandatory income management regime.
“Let’s not sugar-coat this: The cashless debit card will capture all those marginalised and disadvantaged people and tie them up into an income management regime where there is no apparent pathway for escape, no means of breaking the cycle of poverty and no way to regain agency,” Ms Claydon told the Parliament.
“It will take away their capacity to make decisions about very fundamental aspects of our lives such as how they choose to spend their money. And, in doing so, it will remove autonomy, it will disempower them and instil fear, shame and stigma.”
Ms Claydon said the scheme would make it harder to find stability and move away from income management.
“This is the laziest form of public policymaking. It won’t provide any of the necessary wraparound services that are required in order to meet the very real challenges people face,” Ms Claydon said.
“This is not how you remedy poverty. Indeed, it’s how you entrench disadvantage even further.”
Ms Claydon called on the government to reconsider the plan.
“This is just plain cruel, punitive and ideological, not to mention ridiculously short sighted.
“The government needs to abandon this plan and, instead, invest in evidence based policies, job creation and much-needed community services.”
The Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Continuation of Cashless Welfare) Bill 2020 is currently before the Senate.
Ms Claydon said while the trial rollouts have largely targeted First Nations people, the Government’s plan to extend the cashless welfare card, making it permanent and mandatory, could capture all Australians on income support payments.
In a speech to Parliament, Ms Claydon accused the Morrison Government of “punishing people for their disadvantage” through the introduction of a mandatory income management regime.
“Let’s not sugar-coat this: The cashless debit card will capture all those marginalised and disadvantaged people and tie them up into an income management regime where there is no apparent pathway for escape, no means of breaking the cycle of poverty and no way to regain agency,” Ms Claydon told the Parliament.
“It will take away their capacity to make decisions about very fundamental aspects of our lives such as how they choose to spend their money. And, in doing so, it will remove autonomy, it will disempower them and instil fear, shame and stigma.”
Ms Claydon said the scheme would make it harder to find stability and move away from income management.
“This is the laziest form of public policymaking. It won’t provide any of the necessary wraparound services that are required in order to meet the very real challenges people face,” Ms Claydon said.
“This is not how you remedy poverty. Indeed, it’s how you entrench disadvantage even further.”
Ms Claydon called on the government to reconsider the plan.
“This is just plain cruel, punitive and ideological, not to mention ridiculously short sighted.
“The government needs to abandon this plan and, instead, invest in evidence based policies, job creation and much-needed community services.”
The Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Continuation of Cashless Welfare) Bill 2020 is currently before the Senate.
Serious single vehicle crash – Medowie
Police remain at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash in Port Stephens this afternoon.
Shortly after 12-midday (Wednesday 9 December 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were driving along Medowie Road near Ringwood Road when they have located a single vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, police located a female driver – and sole occupant of the vehicle – trapped inside.
Further emergency services were called and the woman was released before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police escort in a critical condition.
Medowie Road remain closed between the Pacific Highway and Ringwood Road, with local traffic diversions in place. It’s expected the road will be closed for several hours which will significantly impact peak hour travel. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
A crime scene has been established and Port Stephens-Hunter Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team arrests 18-year-old Albury man
A man from the southern NSW city of Albury is expected to be charged with terrorism-related offences following a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation.
The 18-year-old man was arrested earlier this morning (Wednesday, 9 December 2020) and is due to be charged with a range of criminal counter-terrorism-related offences.
He is expected to face Albury Local Court once charged, and an application will be made to have the matter heard in a Sydney court at a later date.
The investigation began in August 2020 after NSW JCTT investigators became aware of a number of online posts containing an extreme right wing ideology that indicated potential criminal activity.
It will be alleged in court that the man has regularly used social media forums and communications applications during 2020 to encourage other people to commit violent acts in furtherance of an extreme right wing ideology.
NSW JCTT investigators became concerned about the escalating content of some of the man’s communications, which allegedly indicated his willingness to commit a violent and criminal act. The decision was made to execute a search warrant on his Albury residence.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said NSW JCTT investigators were concerned about the man’s actions to date, and made a decision to act early to ensure community safety.
“The sole aim of today’s activity was to ensure the safety of the community by preventing further planning, preparations or advocacy by this man that could have resulted in an attack in Australia,” he said.
“The investigation into this matter remains ongoing, but we remain wary about the speed with which lone actors can progress from online activities to ones that impact the real world. It highlights the commitment and professionalism of the people and agencies involved in the JCTT, and their desire to protect the community by bringing people to account for their criminal actions.”
NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said regardless of the nature of a person’s extremist views, there was no place for them within our community.
“The NSW JCTT will continue to work together to ensure the community is protected from those who seek to do us harm, and those who think they can exploit the online environment to spread their extremist ideologies.
“If we see activity that concerns us – as we have during the course of this investigation – we will act swiftly to ensure that activity does not escalate.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that they are our eyes and ears – so if you see something online, report it. Your information is often invaluable in assisting investigations such as this one.”
The man is expected to be charged with one count each of the following offences:
- Urging violence against members or groups, contrary to section 80.2A (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is seven years imprisonment.
- Advocating Terrorism, contrary to section 80.2C (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years imprisonment.
The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
There is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.
NO CARD, NO DEALS
The Government is using the final Parliamentary sitting week of this year to push through legislation to make the current Cashless Debit Card trial sites permanent and extend the card to the Northern Territory and Cape York to replace the BasicsCard, despite no evidence it works.
“We’ve had 13 years of this discriminatory punitive policy. 13 years of targeting First Nations peoples and those on low incomes with income management, Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens Spokesperson on Family and Community Services said.
Supporting this bill essentially entrenches one of the most paternalistic measures of the Northern Territory Intervention.
This is not a bill for the crossbench to make deals over. This is about vulnerable people’s lives.
People have been subjected to this social experiment for far too long and it’s impacting on their dignity, quality of life, and mental health.
Income management does not meet its stated objectives and is making people’s lives worse.
This card has been imposed on communities without proper consultation and constantly extended on an ad-hoc basis year after year.
We can and should do better.
No card, no deals.
GREENS DEMAND ANSWERS: DID THE PM MISLEAD PARLIAMENT ON CLIMATE SUMMIT INVITATION?
There is now a serious question as to whether the Prime Minister has led Parliament, said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt.
Mr Bandt was today gagged by the Government while seeking to compel the Prime Minister to confirm Australia’s attendance at the UN Climate Ambition Summit. Last week, Adam Bandt asked the PM in question time about Australia’s attendance status and Scott Morrison told the Parliament that he would attend and speak, but reports emerged today that Australia is not invited to this weekend’s UN Climate Ambition Summit.
Labor supported the Liberals’ move to gag the Greens in the Senate when Greens Senate Leader, Larissa Waters, sought to compel an answer from the government.
“First Scott Morrison lied about Kevin Rudd, and now he may have misled Parliament about climate action as well,” Mr Bandt said.
“Last week, the Prime Minister said that he was going to the Climate Ambition Summit and that he’d have a lot to say. Now it looks like his attendance was never confirmed and that he may have misled Parliament.
“You’re only invited to the Climate Ambition Summit if you’re promising to do more and lift your climate ambition. It appears Scott Morrison’s vow to not cheat by using ‘carryover credits’ isn’t enough to earn him an invitation, especially when countries like the UK are bringing plans to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030.
“Today, we moved in the House and the Senate to compel the Prime Minister to outline whether he will be attending, and table any documents he’s received from the event organisers. The government gagged us in the House and Labor voted with the Liberals in the Senate.
“This is embarrassing. Everyone else is going to the party this weekend, Scott Morrison may have failed to score an invite, and instead of admitting it, it seems he’s misleading parliament.
“We need the Prime Minister to fess up: are you speaking at the summit not?”
Recycling industry at a loss as Government celebrates its own win
The Government’s Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020 has today been passed un-amended by the Senate, despite staunch support for substantial amendments from the recycling industry, local governments and NGO’s.
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “It beggars belief that we could have once-in-a-generation legislation before us that doesn’t include any measures on reducing single-use plastics or meeting plastic packaging recycling targets.
“This legislation has been called the “recycling and waste reduction bill” but, ironically, it includes no direct measures to reduce plastic packaging waste or give the recycling industry the policy certainty it needs to upgrade and invest our way out of this waste crisis.
“Greens amendments would have done exactly this but they have been rejected by the Senate.
“This will come as a shock and surprise to so many Australians who have been following this debate, hoping for change, expecting that such simple measures would be a no-brainer for our Federal Parliament.
“The PM clearly hasn’t lived up to his promise to the UN last year that he would show global leadership on tackling marine plastic pollution and the waste crisis in Australia.
“The Greens will hold the PM and this government to account and will make this an election issue.
“The community and industry stakeholders want action, not spin.
“The recycling industry has made it clear they want federal laws to make the circular economy work, to create jobs and boost investment – but they didn’t get this from today’s legislation.
“The Greens have the support of Labor who voted for mandatory packaging targets and backed in the recycling industry.
“The plastics crisis can be found in the ice cores of Antarctica, in deep sea trenches and mountain peaks, right through our food chain and in our atmosphere.”
Regional Tech Hub improving digital literacy for rural Australians
Australians in regional, rural and remote areas now have access to advice and assistance on telecommunications issues, thanks to the Regional Tech Hub launched today by Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton MP.
Minister Coulton said the Regional Tech Hub will help rural Australians understand the telecommunications options available to them, decide which option best suits their needs, and resolve problems they experience with their phone and internet connections.
Also attending the launch today at Parliament House were National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President, Fiona Simson and Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) CEO, Teresa Corbin.
The NFF was selected to develop and run the Hub following a tender process earlier this year. The NFF is working closely with ACCAN to ensure the information provided through the Hub is practical, relevant and easily accessible.
“The Regional Tech Hub delivers on the Government’s commitment to help improve the digital literacy of Australians in regional, rural and remote areas by providing a one-stop source of independent, practical advice,” Minister Coulton said.
“The Federal Coalition is committed to improving digital connectivity and access to the internet for all Australians, and the Regional Tech Hub is an important part of our approach to ensuring people understand all the options available to them, from mobile networks to the NBN Sky Muster Plus.”
NFF President Fiona Simson said the Hub includes an easy-to-use online portal, an enquiry Hotline staffed by tech support experts located in regional Australia, and dedicated social media platforms.
“The Tech Hub builds on the outstanding work pioneered by the volunteer organisation Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia,” Ms Simson said.
The Regional Tech Hub has been funded as part of the Government’s $220 million Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity Program, which was announced in March 2019 in response to the recommendations of the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review.
The NFF has been contracted to deliver the Tech Hub for an initial 12 months with an option for a further two year extension.
Australians rural areas needing practical advice on their telecommunications options and issues can visit the Regional Tech Hub website at regionaltechhub.org.au or contact the Hub’s hotline on 1300 081 029.