Category: Newcastle News

Roads in Newcastle will be built back better after recent floods, with almost $8 million to be spent locally on upgrades.

Following last year’s devastating floods, $312.5 million was committed by the Albanese and NSW governments to help rebuild damaged roads and transport infrastructure for 26 disaster-declared councils in NSW, with 2 successful projects announced in the electorate of Newcastle:

Project Name	Project Description	Funding amount	Administered by
Betterment of HW10 Pacific Highway Seg 80 to Seg 8010 and Seg 8110 New England Highway Hexham – Repair and upgrade transverse drainage	Drainage improvements	$4,000,000	Transport for NSW
Betterment of Old Maitland Road Hexham – Road Renewal	Renewal of Old Maitland Road Hexham including shoulder reconstruction on both sides.	$3,957,265.00	City of Newcastle

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP welcomed the local funding and said better quality roads had been on locals’ wishlists for some time.

“These roads really copped it during the floods. It’s great to see the government listen, and provide money to fix them up and actually make them better,” she said.

“This funding provides the opportunity to look at roads that have been damaged in the past and see if raising them or using different materials will stop them from flooding, or at least reduce the impact.

“This will ensure communities are safer, while also reducing repair costs in the future.”

A total of 57 projects that will improve the resilience of roads, bridges and causeways have been successful under this package, which will greatly benefit local communities now and into the future.

Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said under this program, roads and transport infrastructure will be rebuilt to a higher standard, making them more resilient to future disasters.

“We saw a lot of towns cut-off because of the floods, and that created concerns around accessibility, evacuation plans and supply chains,” Minister Watt said.

“Straight after the floods, the Commonwealth and NSW Governments activated disaster recovery funding to help councils with emergency repair work, to help regions get back on their feet. But we know that longer-term support to build back better is really important to make sure communities are better prepared for future natural disasters.”

Further information about the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, including the full list of successful projects, is available here: https://nswroads.work/rrtrp

The Australian Government continues to deliver on our commitment to establish a High Speed Rail Authority and has begun the search for Board members who will guide the development of the high speed rail network.

There will be a merit-based process to select the Board members, including the Chair, to ensure the Board is comprised of people who have the appropriate skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience to best bring high speed rail to reality. 

Experts from the rail and infrastructure sectors, as well as planning and financing are encouraged to apply.

The HSRA will be an independent body tasked with advising on, planning, developing and overseeing the construction and operation of a transformational network along Australia’s eastern seaboard.

A high-speed rail network will allow passengers to travel between major cities and regional cities at speeds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour.

The merit-based process will identify suitable candidates for appointment by the Minister. Applicants will be assessed by an Australian Government selection panel against specific criteria.

More detail on the Chair position can be found at: https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=42536&company=DoIT

More detail on the Member position can be found at:

https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=42535&company=DoIT

Applications should be emailed to hsra@infrastructure.gov.au by 11:59pm on Sunday 12 March 2023.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The High Speed Rail Network will not only revolutionise travel along the east coast, but has the potential to touch the lives of all Australians as the project continues to advance.

“The roles we are recruiting for will play a pivotal role in the future of high-speed rail in Australia.

“I am confident we will assemble a Board that can deliver on the Government’s vision for this transformational project. I look forward to working with the successful candidates.”

Sharon Claydon MP, Member for Newcastle said:

“This is a fantastic next step in progressing high speed rail from Sydney to Newcastle, which the Albanese Labor Government has determined is the first priority of the high-speed rail network.”

“Given the local depth of skills, knowledge and experience in the rail and infrastructure sectors, I encourage Novocastrians to put their name forward for this unique opportunity.”

A Minns Labor Government will establish TAFE Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence to help rebuild TAFE and our state’s domestic manufacturing capacity, boost local skills and apprentices, and create thousands of new jobs – starting with the Hunter. 

The Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence will be able to train, re-train, and upskill more than 300 local apprentices and workers in traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies every year. 

NSW Labor will commit $42.7 million towards upgrading and fitting out three facilities in the Hunter, the Illawarra, and Western Sydney, catering for around 1,000 students a year and offering courses like mechanical engineering and electrical fitting for free.  

The Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence are a key part of NSW Labor’s plan to rebuild TAFE and boost domestic manufacturing to resolve the state-wide skills crisis. 

NSW Labor will build things here 

Labor has already announced that we will build new trains in New South Wales and begin the procurement process for the next set of trains to replace the ageing Tangara fleet in its first term. 

Today, Labor can announce that building the next set of trains in NSW will create 1000 good, long-term jobs, including 200 apprenticeships, during the design and build phase and many more in maintenance for the life of the trains.

Those apprentices will be trained here in NSW through one of the Domestic Manufacturing Centres of Excellence. 

Replacing the Tangaras will begin a long-term pipeline of manufacturing work and form the basis for the return of a sustainable rail manufacturing industry in New South Wales. 

NSW deserves a government that backs Australian-made and will buy Australian-made, and while we can’t rebuild an entire sector overnight, we must start somewhere. 

It took Victoria 7 years, but as a direct result of their procurement policies, they now support 40,000 local jobs – It’s time for a new direction in New South Wales. 

A fresh start for domestic manufacturing and TAFE 

After 12 years of Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, there is a clear choice at the next election. 

More offshoring of skills and thousands of jobs overseas, bungled and broken transport infrastructure. 

Or a fresh start for domestic manufacturing in NSW, with a Minns Labor Government that will back building trains, ferries and buses right here. 

Labor has already announced: 

• A target of 50 per cent minimum local content for future transport rolling stock contracts; 
• Increased tender weightings for local content, jobs creation, small business and ethical supply chains to 30 per cent; 
• A NSW Jobs First Commission – an independent, expert body – to oversee the implementation and growth of local industries. Its first job will be to audit our current domestic manufacturing capabilities; 
• A guarantee of a minimum of 70 per cent of total skills funding goes to TAFE; 
• A comprehensive review of the vocational education system; and 
• Working collaboratively with industry to make the state government’s pipeline as easy as possible for local suppliers. 

Chris Minns, NSW Labor leader said: 

“I want to build trains, buses, and ferries here in the Hunter. But it will take a government with the political will to do – and I am determined to.” 

“The Hunter has missed out on the skills, the jobs and the work because this government was obsessed with offshoring transport projects.” 

“Under Labor, we’ll skill up our people, begin a pipeline of work and get NSW building things again.” 

Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport said: 

“If you vote Labor, they will be built in Australia and NSW. If you vote for Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, they will be built overseas, like all their other failed trains, trams and ferries.” 

Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade said: 
 

“This Liberal Government has neglected our manufacturing industry for the past 12 years. This has led to job losses and declining skills and training opportunities for NSW workers.  

Tim Crakanthorp, NSW Shadow Minister for TAFE and Skills said: 

“Labor will bring transport manufacturing back home, and we build the workforce needed to get these projects rolling in NSW again.” 

“TAFE has a proud history and has trained generations of skilled workers but has been decimated by this government.” 

“Under Labor, TAFE will thrive and train the next generation so NSW can build great things right here, just like we used to.” 

Yasmin Catley, Shadow Minister for the Hunter: 

“Under the Liberals, thousands of manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas. 

“Jobs from regions like ours have been the backbone of our local manufacturing for decades. 

“Under a Labor Government, this will end. We will rebuild our local manufacturing industry and bring jobs back to the Hunter.” 

Sonia Hornery, Member for Wallsend: 

“I’m so pleased to have NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns in the Wallsend electorate at EDI Downer.” 

“The Hunter has a strong history of manufacturing trains, and under a future NSW Labor Government, we will see manufacturing return. 

“We have the policies to ensure our young school leavers can become apprentices building the transport assets of the future and building careers for themselves into the future.” 

“It is vital that we farewell the era of sending domestic manufacturing overseas. We should be building things here and creating jobs in New South Wales for New South Wales”. 

Jodie Harrison, Member for Charlestown: 

“We can and do make rolling stock here in the Hunter.” 

“We need to better support people who want to be part of the changing economy of the Hunter, and this policy will do that.” 

“Many of my family members achieved their trade qualifications at TAFE – we must ensure TAFE is the leading vocational education provider it can be. That’s why I’m so excited to be here for this commitment today.” 

New cycleways and footpaths, tree planting and public art opportunities are being proposed under a concept plan designed to guide future streetscape upgrades in Wickham.

City of Newcastle’s draft concepts for Wickham’s public spaces, prepared as part of the delivery of a Public Domain Plan, outline key elements to help realise the long-term vision of the Wickham Masterplan 2021 with a focus on connecting green spaces, prioritising pedestrian and cyclist activity, and upgrading Union Street as an attractive pathway to the heart of the precinct.

Creating open community spaces, activating the historic Bullock Island Rail Corridor and improving access and connections to Wickham Park and the harbour’s waterfront are also on the agenda, along with future opportunities for public art and interpretation of both Aboriginal and European heritage.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said plans for the area aim to facilitate the long-term expansion of the city centre towards Wickham and increase opportunities for transit-oriented development around the Newcastle Interchange.

“We are starting to see a real change in Wickham, with growing investor and developer interest in recent years transitioning the semi-industrial area into a mixed-use urban neighbourhood, supporting the Newcastle West CBD,” Cr Clausen said.

“The Public Domain Plan aims to create a welcoming and positive environment for residents and visitors while improving safety, accessibility, and amenity.

“We have worked closely with a number of stakeholders on these draft concepts including local community group Great Lifestyle of Wickham.

“We’re now looking to receive broader feedback from the community to help inform key features of the final plan, which over the long term will deliver greater road and pedestrian links within Wickham and to adjoining areas, improved cycleways and increased investment in community infrastructure to support the growing local population.”

The development of a Public Domain Plan will provide a clear, shared vision for the Wickham public domain, enabling future staged implementation, including directly by developers as continued growth occurs in Wickham. The Plan will ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of their new development.

The draft concept plans for the Wickham Public Domain Plan will remain open for online feedback via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March. Community drop-in sessions will be held at Marketown on Thursday 2 March from 11am to 1pm and at the Tree of Knowledge Park in Wickham on Saturday 18 March from 11am to 1pm.

City of Newcastle is also seeking feedback on the Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal, which seeks to deliver identified community infrastructure and facilitate urban renewal in Wickham through the provision of development incentives.

The Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal will remain open for comment via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March.

The Albanese Government is working to unlock renewable energy jobs, energy security and job security for the Hunter region, with consultation now open on a new offshore wind zone in the Pacific Ocean off the Hunter.

This proposed offshore wind area sits alongside the Hunter, which is an Australian manufacturing powerhouse and home to the nation’s largest smelter. Establishment of an offshore wind industry in this region could support the decarbonisation and future of onshore manufacturing powered by cheaper, cleaner energy.

This new renewable energy industry has the potential to create 3000-8000 jobs in Australia every year. Where international offshore wind farms have been established, the main pathways into the industry have been from the energy sector and existing offshore industries.

The Hunter is already known for its strong industrial base, with mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, proving this region already has the skill base for the new industry.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said he’s looking forward to hearing from the community about the best way offshore electricity can be harnessed in the region and is encouraging locals to engage with community discussions and online submissions.

“The world’s climate emergency is regional Australia’s jobs opportunity, and the Hunter is uniquely placed to capitalise on this,” Minister Bowen said. 

“An offshore wind zone in the Hunter presents significant opportunities to create new energy sector and manufacturing jobs, drive economic growth and reduce emissions.”

“I’m encouraging residents from across the Hunter to have their say on the proposed area and what they would like to see from this offshore zone.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, said:

“This proposed offshore wind zone presents an exciting opportunity for Newcastle to diversify and strengthen our regional economy, while also bringing new energy jobs.”

“Newcastle’s world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce, abundant resources and energy smarts means our region is poised to lead the nation as a renewable energy superpower.

“Newcastle and the Hunter has powered Australia for generations, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to ensuring that it will continue to do so for generations to come.

“I encourage Novocastrians to have their say on offshore wind through the public consultation process.”

Despite having some of the best wind resources in the world, Australia doesn’t currently have any offshore wind generation.

The IEA classifies offshore wind as a “variable baseload technology” which makes it closer to the capacity of gas and coal-fired power plants, than onshore wind and solar PV. For context just one rotation of one offshore wind turbine provides as much energy as an average rooftop solar installation generates in one day, with less fluctuation than onshore wind.

The consultation process is an opportunity for all community members, workers, residents, industry groups and chambers of commerce to provide feedback. Submissions will run from February 23 to April 28.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will also facilitate community information sessions, which will be held throughout the region during the consultation period.

The Hunter is one of six priority regions around Australia with world-class offshore wind potential. The Commonwealth recently declared Gippsland off the La Trobe Valley as the first region in Australia to be home to a new offshore wind industry.

The government has previously announced a further four regions earmarked for offshore wind zones. These include the Pacific Ocean region off the Illawarra in NSW, the Southern Ocean region off Portland in Victoria, the Bass Strait region off Northern Tasmania, and the Indian Ocean region off Perth/Bunbury.

For more information on the Hunter offshore electricity area public consultation, visit https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/oei-hunter.

Community information sessions:

Location	Date & Time	Location
Wamberal	Monday, 6 March2.00pm to 4.00pm	Breakers Country Club64 Dover Road, Wamberal NSW 2260
Doyalson	Tuesday, 7 March10.30am – 12.30pm	The Doylo80 Pacific Highway, Doyalson NSW 2262
Swansea	Tuesday, 7 March4:00pm – 6:00pm	Swansea RSL5 Bridge Street, Swansea NSW 2281
Newcastle 1	Wednesday, 8 March12:00pm – 2:00pm	Newcastle City LibraryWar Memorial Cultural Centre15 Laman Street, Newcastle 2300
Newcastle 2	Wednesday, 8 March4.00pm – 7.00pm	Bar beach bowling club – Terrace29 Kilgour Ave, Merewether NSW 2291
Hawks Nest	Thursday, 9 March11.00am – 1.00pm	Hawks Nest Community Centre71 Booner Street, Hawks Nest, NSW 2324
Nelson Bay	Thursday, 9 March5.00pm – 7.00pm	Nelson Bay Bowling Club1 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.  

Patrick Murphy, aged, was last seen on Oakliegh Way, Morisset, about 6.00am yesterday (Monday 21 February 2022). 

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.  

Family and police hold concerns for Patrick’s welfare due to him living with a condition that requires treatment.

Patrick is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with olive skin, about 180cm tall, of a medium build, long grey/brown hair, a beard and tattoos.

Police have been told he may be wearing a blue hoodie, light coloured shorts and may be wearing a bandana.

Patrick is believed to still be in the Lismore or Morisset areas and anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A unique upright piano hand painted by renowned Newcastle artist Mitch Revs to honour Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour will be auctioned at the Newcastle 500 next month to benefit women and children escaping domestic violence.

Donated by Venues NSW and Scentre Group, which commissioned the artwork for Elton John’s crowd-drawing McDonald Jones Stadium appearances in January, the colourful and eclectic working piano is the centrepiece of the fourth annual charity function at Fort Scratchley on Saturday 11 March.

The fundraiser has garnered more than $61,000 to date for City of Newcastle’s charity partners, Got Your Back Sista and Nova for Women and Children, thanks to the support of community and business leaders.

For the first time, bidding on this item will be open to the public online via AirAuctioneer to allow keen Elton John fans and collectors to get in on the action, with the piano on display at Westfield Kotara, Level 2 near Specsavers until the event.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to once again partner with both charities for the event’s highly anticipated return.

“We’re proud to continue to support these local charities, which provide vital assistance to women and children in need,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Unfortunately, domestic and family violence continues to affect too many people. This inaugural event was on White Ribbon Day and provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds to help combat the issue. With drawcard prizes like this, we are hopeful to raise lots of funds to support our local charities, Nova for Women and Children and Got Your Back Sista.”

Got Your Back Sista runs programs, fundraising events, campaigns, and the Village People Op Shop in Islington and provides referrals to external support services. Founder Melissa Histon said the organisation was grateful for City of Newcastle’s and Supercars’ continued support.

“Women often come to us with little more than the clothes on their backs. They reach out because they’re in crisis and need individual support to navigate leaving an abusive situation, finding the right legal and financial support, and rebuilding their lives,” Ms Histon said.

“This would not be possible without the ongoing support of community and business leaders.”

Nova for Women and Children supports women and children to access crisis, medium and long-term accommodation and provides specialised, ongoing casework. CEO Kelly Hansen said a competitive environment for government funding and donations, long housing waitlists and increasing everyday living costs added extra pressure.

“A lack of safe, affordable, long-term housing has left women and children living in or at increasing risk of domestic and family violence, creating bottlenecks in crisis and transitional accommodation,” Ms Hansen said.

“The extra support to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community is most appreciated.”

Backed by board members and volunteers from each organisation, Histon and Hansen will address guests at the event before a raft of auction items go under the hammer, including accommodation at the five-star Crystalbrook Kingsley and QT Newcastle hotels.

Bidding on the piano closes at 5pm, Saturday 11 March with the winner to be announced following the event.

The body of a man has been located in the water on the State’s north coast.

About 9.10am yesterday (Saturday 18 February 2023), officers from Port Stephens Water Police responded to a report that a body had been located approximately 60m offshore by a member of the public in Swan Bay – approximately 20km west of Nelson Bay.

The body was recovered by police and returned to shore.

Whilst the body is yet to be formally identified it is believed to be that of a 44-year-old man.

There are no suspicious circumstances.

An investigation into the incident has commenced and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to procure a child in the Hunter Valley Region earlier this month.

On Tuesday 7 February 2023, a 14-year-old girl allegedly received messages via a social media platform from an unknown male.

A number of messages were exchanged before the person sending the messages attempted to convince the girl to meet him.

Police were alerted and officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation.

About 8.30pm on Friday 17 February 2023, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man at a home in Cliftleigh.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with procure child for unlawful sexual activity.

He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 18 February 2023) and was formally refused bail to appear before the same Court on Monday 20 February 2023.

Residents, businesses and racegoers are being invited to have their say on the future of the Newcastle 500 as community consultation on the event kicks off.

Submissions will open tomorrow for the online survey, which forms the first part of a comprehensive consultation strategy prepared and implemented by KPMG to guide the decision about future Newcastle 500 events in Newcastle.

The strategy was finalised after being placed on public exhibition for six weeks throughout December and January, with the online survey launched during bump-in for the Supercars season-opener event.

The survey can be completed via the City of Newcastle website from Saturday 18 February and will remain open until three weeks after the event, which is being held from 10-12 March 2023.

In-person surveys around the event precinct during the race period will provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while a random telephone survey will follow the event to capture a range of views from across Newcastle’s demographic profile.

Three post-event stakeholder workshops with residents, business and industry representatives will also be held to understand the perceived benefits and challenges presented by the Newcastle 500.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the feedback would help guide any decision made by City of Newcastle should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year contract extension of the the event in Newcastle.

“We’re committed to undertaking broad community consultation using an evidence-based methodology to understand the opinions of the Newcastle community and ensure that key stakeholders have their voices heard and considered,” Mr Bath said.

“The consultation will explore themes of liveability, economic benefit or challenges and perceptions of the event, as well as its impact on the visitor economy.

“Should Destination NSW and Supercars decide they want to extend the Newcastle 500 for another five years, our elected Council will need to decide if we agree to again be the host city.”

A report on the feedback and insights from the community consultation to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council to consider in the coming months.

Preparations for next month’s race are well underway, with bump-in by Supercars having kicked off on 1 February.

In addition to three days of racing around the street circuit, the event will treat music fans to a weekend of epic performances inside the race precinct, with a world-class line-up for two concerts that includes headliners Icehouse and the Hilltop Hoods and hometown heroes the Screaming Jets and Trophy Eyes.

Access to the Friday and Saturday night concerts is available for ticket holders of the respective race days, as well as those with a three-day event pass.

A series of free community events will also be held outside the race precinct across the weekend, with race fans being given the chance to meet all 25 Newcastle 500 Supercars champions at a driver signing session from 4.30pm on Thursday, 9 March at Gregson Park, Hamilton, with kids’ entertainment options also on offer.

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat from 8am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the Newy Car Club hosts a display of pristine vehicles at the Newcastle Museum Forecourt, while Civic Park will be transformed into a family-friendly fun zone from 11am – 3pm on the weekend with an epic 27m long slide, free face painting and tasty snack stalls. On Saturday, visitors can experience all things art and dance with hands-on creativity and messy play for toddlers, while Sunday will see local bands battle it out on stage while community members are encouraged to get involved in the drumming workshops and a silent disco.

Keep track of all the details across the weekend by visiting whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au