Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle (CN)’s annual financial report confirms the city invested more than $100 million into infrastructure projects last year, as part of a stimulus program to buffer the local the economy during the pandemic.

Audited financial statements for the financial year 2021/22 show CN delivered $100.6 million in key infrastructure projects, following on from $102.3 million spent the year before, again as a response to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said last year’s budget was strategically boosted to address the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the local community, a move made possible by CN’s strong financial record.

“There’s no doubt COVID-19 placed significant strain on our community and our budget, however as a Council we understand the importance of providing targeted responses and support for those in need,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Council unanimously voted in August 2021 to spend an extra $10 million on additional COVID support measures to stimulate the local economy and help create more than 100 new jobs.”

“This decision, which was made in the midst of a pandemic-enforced lockdown that would ultimately last for more than two months, was only possible due to our strong financial position, a legacy of delivering six consecutive operating surpluses prior to the pandemic.”

While the capital works boost resulted in CN running a $12.5 million deficit if revenue from capital grants and contributions are excluded, CN still recorded a $20 million turnaround in its financial performance from the year before.

In addition to the impacts of the three-month lockdown of Newcastle from August last year was the Wickham fires, which cost $2.5 million in clean-up costs, and to date remains outstanding by the owners of the two demolished buildings.

The Newcastle Airport, which is 50 per cent owned by CN, also suffered a $2.3 million loss versus a forecast profit of $4.0 million.

However, with the impacts of COVID-19 continuing to reduce, CN is forecasting a budget surplus this year of $1.3 million despite a record $132 million infrastructure spend.

The City remains in a strong financial position with net assets of $1.91 billion and total cash reserves of more than $363 million, including unrestricted reserves of $26.6 million.

Cr Nelmes said CN would continue to deliver high-quality services and projects in a financially responsible way.

Highlights of the capital works program delivered in 2021/22 include:

• $16.6 million on renewal and maintenance of the city’s roads
• $14.1 million on waste management including planning for the organic waste processing facility
• $11.3 million on transport projects
• $10.6 million on city centre and urban centre revitalisation
• $8.8 million on recreation parks, sporting facilities and open spaces including the $1.5 million Wallsend Active Hub
• $7 million on the environment including $3.6 million on coast, estuary and wetlands
• $4.9 million on renewal and maintenance of the stormwater network
• $4.3 million on coastal revitalisation
• $3.7 million on aquatics facilities including the first stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade project
• $3.5m on fleet renewal
• $1.8 million on the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said while COVID-19 had caused obvious financial challenges, prudent economic management had allowed CN to increase its support for the community without risking its track record of financial sustainability.

“Our financial statements have been audited by the NSW Audit Office who issued an unqualified opinion for the 2021/22 financial year, which is an outstanding result. CN also outperformed the benchmarks in all but one of the six financial key performance ratios set by the Office Local Government,” Mr Bath said.

“Prudent financial management again enabled us to cope with the economic impacts of COVID-19 and support our community when they needed it most,” Mr Bath said.

“Increasing our works program to $100 million for the second consecutive year helped stimulate the local economy and create new employment opportunities, with every one million dollars we spend generating about 10 new local jobs.

“Importantly, the works were fully funded from the City’s cash reserves, which have been built on the back of six years of strong financial management and surpluses.

“While we’ve felt the enormous impacts of the past three COVID-affected financial years, the underlying financial strength of our organisation and hard work of our staff has ensured we are well positioned to support existing services and invest in new and upgraded infrastructure to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of our community.”

A woman reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been located this morning.

The 61-year-old was last seen about 7pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, when she was dropped at Wellington Street, Umina Beach.

She was reported missing to officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District on Tuesday (18 October 2022), who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Following inquiries, including a public appeal for information, police located the woman safe at Blackwall Mountain about 7.30am today (Friday 21 October 2022).

Police thank the community and media for their assistance.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Susan Chiddy, aged 61, was last seen about 7pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, when she was dropped at Wellington Street, Umina Beach.

She has since failed to contact family or friends and officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District were notified on Tuesday (18 October 2022) and commenced inquiries to locate her.

As part of inquiries, it has been established Susan visited the Deepwater Plaza, on Railway Street, Woy Woy, about 4pm on Wednesday 12 October.

Susan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of thin build, with shoulder length blonde hair.

CCTV shows she was last seen wearing a purple jacket, pink pants, a green cap and was carrying a black handbag.

Anyone who may have seen Susan, or may know of her whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle has announced $1.5 million co-funding in partnership with $4.7 million Federal Government funding for the planning, design and approvals to secure sand for amenity nourishment at Stockton Beach.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes thanked Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, at Stockton Beach this morning and reiterated the importance of this collaborative funding and the work it enables for the Stockton community.

“City of Newcastle has been working hard on the ground in Stockton to protect the beach and secure funding for mass sand nourishment,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This $1.5 million co-contribution is part of our $27.5 million commitment we made in 2020, with $4.6 million already invested into the Coastal Management Program.”

The federal grant includes a 25 per cent co-contribution from City of Newcastle and the immediate priority is to source 300,000 cubic metres of sand from the entrance to the harbour to provide short-term relief to the current shoreline recession pending mass sand nourishment.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting Stockton Beach pending support from the NSW Government.

“The long-term solution is to secure the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed an initial mass nourishment, and annual sand top ups in line with community wishes and the plan endorsed by the NSW Government in 2020,” Ms Bisson said.

The grant will fund these investigations and approvals – looking at sand sources from the north arm of the Hunter River, as well as three suitable bodies of sand in the Stockton Bight which were identified in the NSW Government’s 2021 Stockton Offshore Sand Exploration Project.

“Securing multiple sand sources builds flexibility into the mass-nourishment strategy to ensure the longevity of sand supply to Stockton Beach, building necessary resilience and future-proofing the project,” Ms Bisson said.

City of Newcastle’s Stockton Coastal Management Program was one of the first of any Councils in the State to be certified, under the Coastal Management Act 2016, by the NSW Minister for Local Government in August 2020.

City of Newcastle invested $4.6 million on coastal protection measures over the 10 years prior to the Stockton CMP being certified in August 2020.

The cost to implement coastal management actions including the initial amenity sand nourishment, outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, to provide a buffer for the coastline and beach amenity at Stockton will be $27.5 million, with $4.6 million of this already spent on coastline protection and emergency repair works.

City of Newcastle has completed an engineering design process to determine the best locations to place sand to achieve the objective of providing a buffer against storm erosion risks and projected sea level rise impacts while restoring the recreational beach amenity for the Stockton community and broader Hunter region.

A 700m long avenue of native trees stretching along the creek side of Maryland Drive will create a living legacy in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The 70 mature trees, which were initially planned as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations to mark the Queen’s 70 years of service to the Commonwealth, will now provide a lasting tribute to the late monarch, who visited Newcastle four times during her reign.

The project was jointly funded by City of Newcastle and the Australian Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program, which was designed to support community-based tree planting events across Australia.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Federal Member Sharon Claydon visited the site today to unveil a commemorative plaque and plant the final three trees in the Queen’s Jubilee Avenue of Native Trees.

Cr Nelmes said the avenue provided a fitting tribute to the long-lasting reign of the Queen while also contributing to the biodiversity of the area.

“Just over a month ago we joined the world in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II after more than 70 years serving her nation and our country as Australia’s Head of State,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Today we pay tribute to that dedicated service with this splendid avenue of native trees, which will continue to grow and mature over the years for future generations to enjoy.”

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said it was a poignant day that celebrates the Queen’s long reign by creating a living legacy in her honour.

“I am honoured to help plant the final trees and unveil this commemorative plaque, which will provide beautification and sustainability for Maryland locals and visitors alike, whilst commemorating the Queen’s extraordinary life and service,” Ms Claydon said.

A large garden bed planted with native shrubs and grasses is located at the beginning of the Queen’s Jubilee Avenue and features a large sandstone block, providing a striking centrepiece to display the commemorative plaque.

The project supports City of Newcastle’s commitment to increasing urban forest canopy cover and improving open spaces for wildlife and future generations.

Twelve native tree species were chosen in the planting program to provide the maximum benefit to the biodiversity of this area and ensure the successful establishment of vegetation within an important wildlife corridor.

The project also involves restoration of the northern vegetation surrounding Maryland Creek enabling wildlife to move between landscapes, creating more resilient local wildlife populations and ensuring weeds are kept to a minimum.

Future community-tree planting events will be held to improve the connection of the Queen’s Jubilee Avenue of Native Trees, Maryland Creek, and the nearby RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands, which are internationally significant for migratory shorebirds and other wildlife.

City of Newcastle is offering to help nine people take their first career step with applications now open for its annual intake of apprentices and trainees.

Recruitment began this month for a range of early career positions, with roles available across various sectors including environment, horticulture, civil construction, painting and decorating, business administration, and customer experience.

Two positions have been identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of the Trainee and Apprentice program.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was committed to being a diverse, inclusive and culturally welcoming employer of choice.

“We are investing in training and development to create safe employment pathways with equal opportunity as part of our efforts to encourage broad representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff across the organisation and in leadership roles,” Cr Nelmes said.

Experienced Painting and Decorating Tradesperson Garry Welsh knows first-hand how valuable CN’s Trainee and Apprentice program has been over the years.

A proud Wiradjuri man, Mr Welsh said it was pleasing to see positions identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I got an apprenticeship with City of Newcastle in 1999 and then came back to work here for the better part of the last decade,” he said.

“It’s great to see such diversity and inclusiveness coming through this program, and I’m stoked to be in a position to be able to help others by mentoring them.

“Just seeing their enjoyment and happiness during the three or four years of their apprenticeship and then securing a full-time position makes it worthwhile.”

During his time at CN, Mr Welsh has revamped the city’s sporting fields, halls, libraries, and other public assets.

He said one job stood out from the others.

“Transforming Lambton Pool was my favourite job in the last five years. I painted the whole facility, including the seating, shelters, grandstands, and non-slip areas,” Mr Welsh said.

“It’s a very rewarding career, particularly when you see customers so happy with the end product.”

Successful applicants under the program will begin work on 16 January 2023. Applications for these roles close on 23 October. Visit CN’s website for more details.

A man has died following a motorcycle crash near Lake Macquarie last week.

About 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, three trail bikes were travelling south along Kalaroo Road, Redhead, when one of the bikes and a Toyota Hilux collided. 

Emergency services attended and treated the trail bike rider – a 24-year-old man – at the scene. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police were notified that the man died in hospital yesterday (Monday 17 October 2022). 

The driver of the utility – a 20-year-old man – was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and his since been released pending further inquiries.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The critically acclaimed musical Come From Away is set to run for an extended stay at the Civic Theatre in February 2023; the first time in 30 years that a Broadway smash hit has come to Newcastle.

Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that sprang into action to welcome the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes experienced Come From Away at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre at the weekend and was thrilled to announce the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical would be making its way to Newcastle in February 2023.

“This is a spectacular Broadway theatre production and a major coup secured by City of Newcastle that is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city for Novocastrians and visitors this summer,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away will be a significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.

“Come From Away joins a stellar line-up of international acts featured on Newcastle’s 2023 major events calendar, kicking off on January 10 with one of the biggest names in music, Elton John, offering a taste of what is to come for the region.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said by securing a Broadway production like Come From Away, the Civic Theatre is now in consideration for future international theatre productions of this calibre.

“We’re delighted to welcome Come From Away to the historic Civic Theatre and look forward to seeing this spectacular production come to life on stage with our theatre’s iconic proscenium arch, grand tiered seating and incredible atmosphere,” Ms Wallace said.

“By securing this international Broadway production for Newcastle and Civic Theatre, we can demonstrate the demand for other musicals and live theatre productions on the national touring circuit.”

Newtheatricals producer Rodney Rigby said he jumped at the chance to present Come From Away in Newcastle for the first time at the historic Civic Theatre.

“We’re thrilled that we can bring this record-breaking Broadway musical about kindness and humanity to Newcastle,” Mr Rigby said.

“Newcastle audiences will finally get to see a production that has captured the hearts of millions across Broadway, London’s West End, North America, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.”

Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre from 18 February until 5 March 2023.

The production runs for 100 minutes and is recommended for ages 10 and older.

Tickets on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

More than 15,000 carers across Newcastle who provide round the clock care and support to a family member or friend will be recognised by City of Newcastle ahead of National Carers Week.

Councillors unanimously supported a Notice of Motion at the September Ordinary Council Meeting to seek further ways to acknowledge and support community inclusion of carers.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle will ramp up championing inclusion of carers so that everyone feels valued.

“City of Newcastle support the rights of every person to participate fully in the social, economic, civic and cultural life of our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The statistics relating to carers across Australia are alarming and any one of us could find ourselves in the precarious role of carer for a loved one at some point in our lives.

“All levels of government have a role to play in recognising the incredible work of carers, providing leadership for cultural change, and developing and acting on strategic priorities to achieve measurable improvements in financial and social wellbeing.”

Across Australia, based on 2018 figures, 37.4% of primary carers to someone with a disability also have a disability themselves.

Access Inclusion Advisory Chair Councillor Margaret Wood said caring responsibilities create significant barriers to economic and community participation, with options for replacement care limited by workforce shortages and funding shortfalls.

“On average, 28% of primary carers spend more than 60 hours per week caring for the main recipient of care,” Cr Wood said.

“Carers are people who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental health condition, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or drug issue, or who are frail aged,” Cr Wood said.

City of Newcastle kicked off National Carers Week 2022 with a Carers Forum at Fort Scratchley today, with the event providing an opportunity for carers to receive up-to-date information about local groups, resources, and activities.

The event was attended by council representatives, as well as Carers NSW, Hunter Multicultural Communities, One Door Mental Health, Hunter Ageing Alliance, and Dementia Australia.

National Carers Week will celebrate the 2.7 million Australians who provide care nationwide from 16 to 22 October.

Visit www.carersweek.com.au for more information.