Category: Newcastle News

Three people have been charged after a woman was stabbed during an assault earlier this week.

About 11pm (Sunday 11 December 2022), emergency services were called to Hassall Street, Hamilton South, following reports of an assault.

On arrival, officers attached to Newcastle City Police Area Command were told two men and two women had been involved in a fight, where a 35-year-old woman was stabbed in the neck and a 46-year-old man sustained a laceration to his hand.

The pair drove to the Mater Hospital before the woman was later taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. She is currently serious but stable.

A 36-year-old woman also sustained serious head injuries and a 38-year-old man sustained a fractured arm.

They were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Police established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following inquiries, the two men and 36-year-old woman were arrested and charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed with intent to commit indictable offence and affray.

They were refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

City of Newcastle will invite tenders next month for the construction of Newcastle Art Gallery’s $40 million expansion, as work continues on grouting the historic mine tunnels 80 metres below the building.

Four companies have been shortlisted for the project following an expression of interest process and will be invited to submit tenders in January, with construction scheduled to begin mid-2023.

Early works are continuing to progress at the Newcastle Art Gallery site, with almost 70 bores drilled and more than 1,500 cubic metres of grout successfully placed to date in the Borehole Seam.

The mine remediation is scheduled to continue until mid next year in line with the approved Grouting and Verification Plan, with the NSW Government’s Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund contributing towards the cost of this work.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see the much-anticipated project progressing towards a key milestone, which will see a tender awarded for the main construction work.

“After more than 16 years of effort to make this project a reality, we are finally seeing real progress to deliver an expanded and upgraded Art Gallery of international standing, which will become a fitting home for our nationally significant $126 million collection,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By doubling the size of the Gallery and significantly increasing the exhibition space to display works of art of local, national and international importance, this project will launch a new era of cultural tourism that will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts in NSW.”

Cr Nelmes said all works of art have been professionally moved to a safe and secure offsite location, and Art Gallery staff have also relocated to City of Newcastle’s Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue ahead of the construction work.

Once complete, the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street and will include a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, and a secure international standard loading dock.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.

“Like all Novocastrians, I am delighted to see progress being made on this important project for our region,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery has been at the centre of our city’s rich cultural history for over 45 years and this expansion project will ensure its future is assured.”

The $40 million project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program and $5 million from the New South Wales Government, as well as a $10 million bequest from Valerie Ryan and $500,000 in funding from the Margaret Olley Art Trust through the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation.

Additional fundraising by the Art Gallery Foundation is ongoing to help reduce the cost to ratepayers.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 13 December 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel Refusal of Winten Development Application in Minmi

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel’s refusal of a development application for 144 Woodford Street, Minmi.

City of Newcastle will advocate that any future application should not impact the operations of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, particularly the future southern access road.

City of Newcastle will also write to the Local Government Boundaries Commission noting resolutions of both Lake Macquarie and City of Newcastle elected Councils that agreed to adjust the LGA boundaries to ensure that consistent planning is applied to this strategic site, in particular, Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the recent 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which was held in Egypt. City of Newcastle will write to Chris Bowen, Minister for Energy and Climate Change, expressing City of Newcastle’s interest in hosting a COP29 delegation, should Australia be successful in its bid as host nation, to demonstrate the transformation within the Newcastle LGA from an industrialised town to a naturally diverse, sustainable and livable global city.

Financial sustainability of Local Government

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the most up-to-date data from Local Government NSW’s report, “Impact of cost-shifting on local government in NSW”, shows a shift of costs from state to local government totals more than $820 million in 2018, and more than $6.2 billion since 2008.

City of Newcastle will call on the NSW State Government and Labor Opposition to commit to the recommendations of that LGNSW report.

A robust, resilient region – the need for a ‘Hunter Valley Authority’

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that called on the NSW Government to establish a statutory authority recognising the transformation that is underway in our energy industry. This authority would be charged with mitigating the adverse impacts of coal power station closures on Hunter Valley workforces and communities, as a priority.

Ordinary business

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct complaints statistics report for the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022.

Adoption of 2023 council meeting schedule

Council unanimously voted to adopt the schedule for Council Meetings to be held in the 2023 calendar year.

Compulsory acquisition of community land by Transport for NSW – Newcastle Inner City Bypass

Council notes the compensation value of eight parcels of Community Land compulsorily acquired by Transport for NSW as determined by the Valuer General was $2,140,000. This was $985,000 above the final offer made by Transport for NSW for the land.

Adoption of Council policies

Council voted to adopt the Investment and Borrowing Policy, Community Grants Policy, Housing Policy and Procurement Policy. It is recommended that all policies adopted by the former Council be re-adopted by the new Council, ideally within the first 12 months of the new term.

Adoption of Harbour Foreshore Masterplan

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to adopt the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which covers a precinct inclusive of Wharf Road, Foreshore Reserve and Foreshore Park. The masterplan provides a strategic long-term vision and conceptual layout to guide future development and management of the area as the city’s key iconic destination and premier major events park.

Public exhibition of Newcastle 500 community consultation strategy

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to place the Draft Newcastle 500 Community Consultation Strategy on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. A report will be provided to Council following the consultation period that provides insights across different stakeholder groups on the level of support for the extension of the Newcastle 500 event for a further five years.

Lingard proposal

Council voted unanimously to place the draft Development Control Plan and draft Planning Agreement of the Lingard Hospital Precinct Planning Proposal on public exhibition for 28 days and receive a report on the outcomes of the exhibition.

Tooke Street, Cooks Hill – pedestrian facility upgrades

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to approve the installation of kerb extensions and reconstruction of local traffic area entry treatment on Tooke Street, Cooks Hill, including the associated pedestrian infrastructure and footpath connections.

Tender report – Stockton buried protection structure

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of Mitchell Street, Stockton.

Notices of Motion

Cyber security

Council endorsed a notice of motion that noted the elevated international level of cyber security events and called on the NSW Government to support the local government sector in its protection of data held online, by providing a relevant permanent funding stream to assist and supplement investment of this protection by councils. A workshop will be held for Councillors in early 2023 on CN’s cyber security outlook, initiatives and response.

37 Llewellyn Street – loss of right of way

Council supported a notice of motion that called on City of Newcastle’s Planning, Transport and Regulation team to investigate what appears to be the effective removal, or limitation on the use of, a right-of-carriageway at 37 Llewellyn Street Merewether. Council will receive a report outlining the results of the investigation and identifying the prospects for establishing ongoing access arrangements beyond the completion of the development of the site.

Greater Newcastle TAFE new industries training centres

Council supported an amended notice of motion that noted a recommendation from the Hunter Jobs Alliance that New Industries Training Centres be established at TAFE NSW locations in Tighes Hill and Muswellbrook to meet the vocational training needs for renewable energy, clean technology, hydrogen and decarbonised manufacturing. City of Newcastle will write to all local State Members of Parliament in addition to Alister Henskens MP as Minister for Skills and Training, and Tim Crakanthorp MP as Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE, outlining the benefits of this proposal and seeking their support.

Improving the safety and amenity of Awaba Park, Hamilton

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion that requests the Newcastle Local Area Command re-establish the ‘Business Beat’ program in which local NSW Police engage on a regular basis with Hamilton businesses.

City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Transport, David Elliott, State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, and the Newcastle Local Area Command of the NSW Police, calling for an increase in active Police patrols of Hamilton Railway Station, Awaba Park and the surrounding area; and an investigation of the feasibility of providing additional CCTV cameras and resources by the NSW Government to monitor the alleged and perceived increase in criminal behaviour at Hamilton Train Station, the adjacent Awaba Park, and surrounds.

City of Newcastle will also write the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Health and Woman, Bronnie Taylor, MLC, calling for expanded Mental Health / Alcohol Other Drugs outreach services within the city.

Correspondence from Hamilton Business Association

Council unanimously endorsed a notice of motion to initiate investigations on the installation of a rainbow crossing in Beaumont Street, Hamilton to coincide with World Pride Festivities, or the Newcastle Pride Festival later in 2023. Newcastle will host the first official event of Sydney World Pride with the Pink Salt Dinner on Saturday 18 February 2023.

Rates reduction for Community Housing Providers

Council endorsed an amended notice of motion that notes that Community Housing Providers are regarded as ‘public benevolent institutions’ under s556 of the Local Government Act and are eligible for rate exemption where property is used for purposes consistent with the objectives of their governing constitution.

City of Newcastle will work with CN’s Affordable Housing Working Party to initiate a memorandum of understanding with each of the CHPs receiving rates relief, to formalise the community benefit of affordable housing built or modified in the city, including to see a net increase in the amount of social and affordable housing in Newcastle.

Hunter Regional Plan – Respect for Green Corridor

Council endorsed a notice of motion that notes the release of the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) including changes made since the public consultation of the draft Plan, which now identifies undeveloped sections of the Green Corridor as ‘New Residential Land’.

City of Newcastle will write to DPE and the Greater Cities Commission urgently requesting that the Hunter Regional Plan maps with respect to the Green Corridor and 505 Minmi Road be updated to maintain consistency with Council’s adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement.

Newcastle green thumbs went head-to-head to enliven their neighbourhoods by entering City of Newcastle’s (CN) ‘Green Our City’ street garden competition.

Applications for the competition closed in September 2022 and since then, entrants have been busy bees planning, planting and pruning their street gardens to perfection.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen visited The Junction to congratulate the winner, Jennifer Ray.

The competition’s judging panel said that Jennifer’s garden showed care, creativity and a consideration of native plants and animals.

The winning garden features beautiful timber edging, a driftwood log, and a good variety of natives planted around a bottlebrush street tree, creating a unique habitat for lizards, pollinators, and small birds.

As well as being able to lay claim to having the best new street garden in Newcastle, Jennifer will receive $500 to spend at a local nursery of her choice.

Eleven entries were received and scored against four main criteria including vitality, maintenance (weed free), aesthetics and safety.

Jennifer Ray said she has been humbled by the comments of praise and thanks that have come from neighbours and passers-by appreciating the garden.

Street gardens are a great way to meet others and foster a sense of community. They provide essential understorey vegetation to capture stormwater, offer habitat for pollinators such as insects and birds, and improve carbon content in the soil.

CN offers a wide range of support to residents looking to revitalise their neighbourhood, whether they are looking to simply remove turf and weeds, revegetate, or build a productive vegie garden in raised beds.

For more information, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/streetgardens or call 4974 2000.

Plans to build the city’s largest playground at Foreshore Park are in full swing with a $2.27 million funding boost from the State Government.

The 8,400 sqm Livvi’s Place inclusive regional playground and waterplay area form the centrepiece of City of Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which was unanimously adopted at last night’s Council meeting following extensive community consultation throughout the design process and a recent four-week public exhibition.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the $2.27 million grant will accelerate the delivery of the $12 million stage one project.

“Following the unanimous adoption of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan last night, City of Newcastle will now get to work on delivering this shared community vision for the iconic Harbour Foreshore precinct,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This project will help realise the full potential of one of Newcastle’s premier open areas, creating a drawcard destination for locals and visitors from across the region to enjoy.

“City of Newcastle continues to invest significantly in the delivery of recreation opportunities for our community and I am pleased to see the NSW Government demonstrating its support for our ambitious plans at Foreshore Park through this funding.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the NSW Government is supporting the project with $2.27 million though Round Nine of the Resources for Regions program.

“This will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can come together, have some fun and enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer,” Mr Martin said.

“This is exactly the kind of project Resources for Regions was designed for, helping mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy.

“The playground precinct will offer something for everyone, with an elevated tree-lined boardwalk, accessible amenities, picnic areas and plenty of play spaces and equipment to enjoy.”

The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan will be delivered in stages, with the playground and waterplay area scheduled to commence construction in 2023.

While detailed designs for the fully-fenced accessible playground are currently underway, initial concepts included in the Masterplan feature junior and toddler areas, water-based play, a giant maritime-inspired swing set with inclusive swings, natured-based play areas and quiet space, connected via accessible paths, seating, gardens and lawns.

The playground will have a distinctly Newcastle character and pay tribute to the city’s Aboriginal heritage with a central whale-themed swing area that takes inspiration from a traditional Awabakal story, while giant canoe-shaped communal benches in the tree-studded picnic area will offer a place of respite.

An elevated climbing structure at the heart of the playground will represent giant nuts and bolts, symbolising Newcastle’s strong industrial ties. The structure will also contain slides, nets and sensory activities, while a surrounding accessible soft-fall area will include carousels, trampolines, rockers and a dual accessible flying fox.

The area will also have a waterplay area unique to Newcastle, accessible amenities including a changing places room, and a kiosk which will service both the playground and the wider Foreshore Park.

The Harbour Foreshore Masterplan is designed to create new connections between the city and the harbour’s edge around Foreshore Park and along Joy Cummings Promenade. It includes increasing the amount of shaded canopy within Foreshore Park by 250% from 2,800 sqm to 9,800 sqm.

The Livvi’s Place playground will be developed in collaboration with Touched by Olivia and Variety – the Children’s Charity, who have provided funding and expertise to assist with the design phase.

First Nations artists are being invited to take part in a major new community exhibition being curated by Newcastle Museum.

Entitled FIRST, the exhibition will challenge perceptions of traditional and modern creative practices by showcasing the diverse works being produced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this exhibition would be the first of its kind for the Museum.

“Newcastle Museum is on the cutting edge of contemporary museum practice and has been nationally recognised for its innovative exhibitions, which create insightful ways to interpret and preserve our city’s fascinating history,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This exhibition will provide a wonderful avenue through which we can gain new perspectives and celebrate the work of local emerging and established First Nations creatives.”

Newcastle Councillor and proud Wiradjuri woman Deahnna Richardson said Newcastle Museum offers an invaluable vehicle through which we can tell our city’s story and understand our identity.

“The Awabakal and Worimi communities have cared for this country we call Newcastle for more than 60,000 years and have carried rich and diverse arts practices and knowledge through many generations to contemporary life,” Cr Richardson said.

“I applaud Newcastle Museum for working alongside the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to provide a space to celebrate their extraordinary creative and cultural practices.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island creatives who have a link to Newcastle and the Hunter are invited to submit an expression of interest to take part in the free exhibition, which will be on display at Newcastle Museum beginning in April next year.

City of Newcastle’s Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Director Julie Baird said the project has a strong focus on collaboration and consultation, employing First Nations creatives in the development of the exhibition.

“FIRST offers a blank canvas for creatives to broaden the community’s perception on contemporary and traditional practices,” Ms Baird said.

“It will offer new insight into the variety and possibilities offered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives while also providing them with an opportunity to leave a first and lasting impression with potential collaborators, clients, and audiences.”

The exhibition will be accompanied by an online portfolio where visitors can connect directly with artists’ online profiles.

Expressions of interest are open now and will close on Sunday 12 February. Visit the Newcastle Museum website for more information.

Newcastle City Council on Tuesday evening will consider a tender for the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall in Stockton.

The protection structures will shield Stockton’s coastline in the event of large swells, significantly reducing the chances of erosion.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that she was pleased that the delivery of the promised next stage of onshore works at Stockton is occurring.

“These works will see City of Newcastle’s (CN) investment at Stockton since the adoption of our Coastal Management Plan in 2020 increase to $9.5 million. Council has already committed $27.5 million to protecting Stockton Beach.”

The buried protection structures and emergency works complement the NSW Government’s proposed mass sand nourishment on the beach. CN has already undertaken significant work to understand the cause of erosion and beach recession, and gain community support for an evidence-based solution in close collaboration with the Stockton community.

CN’s Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby said that the first of three proposed structures will consist of underground vertical concrete piles that extend from street level to 8.5m below ground. Once constructed, only the very top of the round beams will be visible at ground level.

“The design of the structure considers its ability to address erosion from storm events, as well as long-term beach recession. It also considers the requirement to protect public assets at high-risk.”

CN today met with the Stockton Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Group to ensure current and future works respect the significance of the Stockton coastline to the Worimi people and protects their heritage.

Meanwhile, CN has continued the work required to be able to receive and place sand on Stockton Beach and expects to have the placement designs and environmental approvals finalised in early 2023 – meaning that once a sand source is confirmed, Stockton will be ready to receive the sand.

CN is waiting for the NSW Government to finalise its role as outlined in its application for the recently awarded $6.2 million Coastal and Estuarine Risk Management Grant, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from CN.

A Stockton Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting Monday morning discussed the issues around the NSW Government’s commitment to project managing the work as outlined in its grant application to the Federal Government, which funds the delivery of sand for initial amenity nourishment at Stockton Beach, as well as the additional investigations and approvals required for mass sand nourishment.

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, called on the State Government to commit to a solution as a matter of urgency.

“We supported the NSW Government’s application on the understanding that they would undertake the project management of this important work, and that they would own the associated licences required to obtain sand for Stockton.”

“At today’s meeting, the community members were dismayed to hear of the lack of State Government commitment and action, especially as we had been so hopeful when Federal and CN funding was announced at Stockton in recent months. The Stockton community really need to see immediate action from the State Government to get sand back on our beach,” said Ms Whitcher.

“The serious issue of erosion of the Stockton coastline will bring further anxiety when the east coast lows arrive, and we need all three levels of government to commit fully to addressing this issue in the immediate and longer term.”

“We welcome Council’s investment of more than $9 million for additional onshore delivery of protections structures for Stockton. This continued investment from City of Newcastle is vital to the protection of Stockton beach and in line with the 2020 CMP.”

City of Newcastle will seek feedback from the community before, during and after next year’s Newcastle 500 as part of a consultation strategy prepared to guide future decisions on the event.

Councillors will vote tonight to place the draft strategy on public exhibition ahead of its planned implementation leading into the Supercars season-opener, which will be held in Newcastle from 10-12 March 2023.

Next year’s race is the final event to be held under the existing agreement between Supercars Australia, City of Newcastle and Destination NSW.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the future of the Newcastle 500 beyond the final race is a decision of the NSW Government in the first instance as the consent authority for the race.

“Any inclusion of Newcastle as a potential host city for another five years will be subject to broad community and stakeholder consultation, and a decision of the elected Council after the March 2023 event,” Cr Nelmes said.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to undertaking broad community consultation prior to entering into any agreement should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year extension to continue the event in Newcastle.

“The draft community consultation strategy has been developed by KPMG and includes 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.

“At this time, no decision has been reached by any of the three parties on an extension of the race beyond March 2023.”

The draft consultation strategy proposes gathering feedback from the community via a random telephone survey across the entire city, designed to canvas a range of views from across Newcastle’s demographic profile and an online survey that will allow all members of the community to take part in the consultation process.

In-person surveys are proposed around the event precinct during the race period to provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while three post-event stakeholder workshops with community, business and industry representatives will also be held.

The consultation strategy will be placed on public exhibition for six weeks and finalised following community and stakeholder feedback. A report on the feedback and insights from the community to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council mid next year.

A man has been charged with murder after an assault in the Hunter last night.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to Beresfield Train Station just before 6pm (Monday 12 December 2022), and found a 39-year-old man critically injured on the platform.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

A short time later, police arrested a 27-year-old man and took him to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he has been charged with murder.

The man, from Newcastle, has been refused bail and due to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 13 December 2022).

All eyes will be on the sky over Newcastle Harbour on New Year’s Eve when daring aerobatics manoeuvres and dazzling fireworks provide an electrifying farewell to 2022.

For the first time, City of Newcastle’s annual end of year celebrations will include a high-octane display of piloting prowess by Paul Bennet Airshows.

Gravity-defying solo manoeuvres and precision formation flying will thrill the crowds during the afternoon, culminating in the Australian debut of a spectacular new pyrotechnics display fired from the side of a Cessna 185 Skywagon.

This will be followed by City of Newcastle’s traditional 9pm fireworks show over the harbour, which this year will be launched from Horseshoe Beach for an improved viewing experience.

The festivities will begin from 4pm on 31 December, with the Queens Wharf precinct being transformed into an inclusive, interactive multi-sensory zone with family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Year’s Eve was the perfect time to come together in celebration as a community.

“The last 12 months have demonstrated the enduring resilience and strength of spirit embedded within our community as we have worked together to respond to these uncertain times,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city deserves the chance to celebrate what we have achieved this year and everything we’re looking forward to in 2023 and there’s no better place to do that than along our beautiful Foreshore.

“This year we’re taking our celebrations to new heights, adding a thrilling aerobatics show and high-flying pyrotechnics display to our family-friendly entertainment options and much-loved fireworks.

“Our popular VIP sensory zone will provide a safe and whimsical space for people with disability and their families, while community members can experience our city’s connection to local Indigenous culture with traditional arts and crafts workshops, dance demonstrations, a hands-on ochre art installation and First Nations body painting.”

A self-guided sensory-based art walk will also be set up along the Foreshore featuring installations and sculpture by students and graduates from the University of Newcastle, while a host of mouth-watering food vendors, three pop-up DJ stations and a kids’ zone with rides and amusements will help deliver a New Year’s Eve event for all members of the community.

For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/