Category: Newcastle News

Significant damage and loss of sand caused by several storm events this year has put the spotlight on future-proofing Newcastle’s southern beaches – the stretch of coastline between Nobbys Beach and Burwood Beach.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said that the coastline is changing and that the community have an important role in deciding how to manage these changes into the future.

“Significant weather events, combined with long-term sea level rising, means that waves are now reaching higher on the shoreline, exposing both bedrock and man-made structures more frequently – not just here but along the entire east coast,” Ms Bisson said.

“The City is spending $1.1 million now to reinstate safe access at Bar Beach, and also looking to the future to develop a longer-term strategy for this hugely important stretch of our coastline.”

City of Newcastle is working with coastal experts to better understand the impacts over the short and long term and what that means for the future use of these beaches and assets located along the coast.

Recent studies include an assessment of coastal inundation and erosion hazards, and follow earlier studies in 2018 that found unprotected areas of coastline are at a higher level of risk for erosion than previously thought.

“The area most at risk is the currently unprotected section of coastline from Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club at Bar Beach south to the cliff line at Dixon Park,” Ms Bisson said.

“Along this stretch there is no natural cliff line or man-made structure in place. The results of the coastal hazards assessment indicate a future reduction in shore width, and risk of damage to built assets including the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club building and adjacent roads and parking areas.”

“Our team is working with these coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for this area, which will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued stretch of coastline.”

Consultation on the potential impact of these predictions and possible management options has already begun with key stakeholders including Surf Lifesaving clubs along this stretch of coast and will continue with the broader community over the coming months.

The CMP will ultimately be placed on public exhibition and then brought to the Council for support. It will then be forwarded to the NSW Minister for Local Government for certification.

City of Newcastle reminds the community to follow safety warnings and to adhere to any accessway closures or hazard notices that impact use of the beach while the emergency repair work is completed.

An outdoor stage with live music, roving performers and pop-up stalls will ensure an unforgettable street party along Darby Street this Saturday.

The community event will run from 10am to 8pm, with performances designed to entertain diners making the most of the large outdoor dining platform installed between Sanctum and Goldbergs restaurants and activate the revitalised Headphones Courtyard.

Council Street will be temporarily closed between Darby and Dawson streets to create an authentic street party atmosphere with live music on an outdoor stage as well as a pop-up bar and food stalls. Shoppers enjoying Darby Street’s renowned eateries and boutiques will have the chance to win tickets to see Elton John perform in Newcastle.

The free event is being hosted by Canvas Event with support from City of Newcastle. Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said it was the perfect way to encourage more people to enjoy everything on offer along one of Newcastle’s most iconic streets.

“We’re committed to providing safe, shared open spaces for our community while supporting local businesses and this event is a fantastic way to achieve this vision in conjunction with the initiatives being trialled through the Streets as Shared Spaces program,” Cr Clausen said.

“Darby Street’s rich connections to art, culture, music and food ensure this precinct is much loved by locals and visitors alike. This trial will allow us to gain valuable feedback to guide more permanent changes as part of a potential future upgrade of this precinct under City of Newcastle’s Local Centres Program.”

The Darby Street trial has been made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2) and funding from City of Newcastle’s Urban Centres Revitalisation Program.

The second round of Streets and Shared Spaces program is providing funding for councils across NSW to undertake temporary intervention projects that improve local streets and pavements as shared spaces, to trial innovative ideas that test and build the case for more permanent changes.

“These innovative and creative projects will allow people to dine under the stars and create spaces to relax and connect, which will support local business operators as they bounce back from the pandemic,” New South Wales Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said.

“We’re reimagining our streets as better places for people, which will drive an increase in foot traffic and bring the community together to enjoy the vibrancy our state has to offer.”

The street party will also deliver a boost for local retailers and hospitality venues. Shoppers who spend $50 or more at participating venues will be given the chance to win one of two double passes to see Elton John when he performs at McDonald Jones Stadium in January next year.

Nici Palmer, owner of Blackbird Corner on Darby Street, said she is excited for the street party and hopes its success will allow the event to grow in the years to come.

“We really hope that this trial will help improve foot traffic along our fabulous street, and I’d love to see the Street Party become an annual event, celebrating all of the unique things Darby Street has to offer.”

The City of Newcastle is supporting a number of events along Darby Street throughout the six-month Streets as Shared Space trial. Details of upcoming events can be found at whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has found that four individuals, including two public officials, engaged in corrupt conduct through a dishonest scheme involving the purported false sale and/or development of properties owned by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council (ALALC) that resulted in three of them deriving more than $1 million in benefits. 

The Commission’s report, Investigation into dealings involving Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council land (Operation Skyline), released today, examines the conduct of Nicholas Petroulis, solicitor Despina Bakis, former ALALC chairperson Debbie Dates and former deputy chairperson Richard Green, between 2014 and 2016, and their involvement in the scheme.

The scheme comprised Mr Petroulias falsely representing that a company he controlled, Gows Heat Pty Ltd (Gows), had an option to purchase ALALC properties that it could on-sell to another party. To provide credibility for this representation, Ms Bakis prepared false contractual documents between Gows and the ALALC; she also had an undeclared conflict of interest in that she was engaged as the solicitor for the ALALC, through her legal business, Knightsbridge North Lawyers, while also representing Gows. Mr Petroulias’ conduct included improperly altering ALALC board meeting minutes and participation in preparing the sham agreements.

Gows’ purported option was “sold” to a third party, the Sunshine Property Investment Group Pty Ltd (Sunshine), for more than $1 million. While Sunshine had been informed that the bulk of the money would go to the ALALC, all of the funds went to Mr Petroulias, Mr Green, and Ms Bakis. Mr Petroulias ultimately received over $600,000, and Mr Green and Ms Bakis received financial benefits totalling $244,000 and $179,000 respectively.

This “sale” breached multiple requirements of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (the ALR Act). For example, the dealing did not have the approval of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council as required by section 42G of the ALR Act. In addition, Mr Green and Ms Dates signed the contractual agreements with Sunshine on behalf of the ALALC despite lacking the authority to do so, and other ALALC board members, staff and members were not aware of this transaction.

The Commission found that pre-existing entrenched poor governance, failures to follow the ALR Act, and a breakdown of communication made the ALALC vulnerable to the corrupt conduct exposed in this investigation. The Commission has made 15 corruption prevention recommendations, some specific to the ALALC, but also recommends that the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the ALR Act registrar consider if they all should be applied to LALCs in general.

The Commission seeks the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether any prosecution should be commenced. The DPP determines whether any criminal charges can be laid, and conducts all prosecutions. The Commission is of the opinion that consideration should be given to obtaining the advice of the DPP about the prosecution of Mr Green, Mr Petroulias and Ms Bakis for various offences.

The Commission held a public inquiry in this investigation, with 53 hearing days in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Former Chief Commissioner the Hon Peter Hall QC presided at the public inquiry and 38 witnesses gave evidence. On 5 March 2021, the Chief Commissioner ruled that the public inquiry was concluded. Further information about the progress and delay in completion of the public inquiry is available in chapter 2 of the report. The report is available on the ICAC website at www.icac.nsw.gov.au.

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have arrested four people following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs across the state’s Central Coast and Hunter.

In April (2022), detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad, in partnership with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Great to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine throughout the state’s Central Coast and Hunter regions.

As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 38-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman following vehicle stops at Killarney Vale and Belmont shortly after 9am today (Wednesday 12 October 2022).

They were taken to Belmont and Wyong Police Stations.

A short time later, investigators executed search warrants in Belmont North, Nords Wharf and Wadalba, locating and seizing more than 2kg of methylamphetamine – with an estimated potential street value of $2 million – $220,000 cash, a gel-blaster firearm, electronic devices, and other items relevant to the investigation.

They were assisted by officers attached to Raptor Squad, Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) and Northern Region Operation Support Group (OSG) throughout the operation.

A 43-year-old man was arrested during the search of a home at Belmont North and taken to Belmont Police Station.

Following further inquiries, a 42-year-old man was arrested at a workplace in Wyong about 10.30am and taken to Wyong Police Station.

All are expected to be charged.

Inquiries continue.

City of Newcastle is moving ahead with the next stage of its $20 million commitment to reduce flooding across Wallsend, calling tenders for the replacement of the Boscawen Street Bridge.

The project is one of the key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan, which is designed to improve water flow and reduce the impact of flooding during major rain events.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see work progressing on City of Newcastle’s (CN) long-term, multimillion investment into improving the bridge infrastructure in Wallsend.

“The Boscawen Street Bridge replacement plays a key role in our $20.7 million commitment to addressing flooding across Wallsend through the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ve already delivered significant upgrades through the construction of the $3.3 million Tyrrell Street bridge, which will be augmented by the replacement of both the Boscawen and Nelson Street bridges, as well as planned stormwater improvement upgrades at Cowper Street Bridge.

“These upgrades are critical to ensure we properly address the issue of flooding in Wallsend and will pave the way for our planned program of traffic improvements and amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents.”

Tenders for the construction of Boscawen Street Bridge replacement opened on 8 October 2022, with works scheduled to commence by mid-2023, while detailed design of the replacement of the Nelson Street Bridge is also underway.

City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting the community to have their say on how to address housing affordability, social isolation and access to public spaces.

The draft Local Social Strategy 2030, which has been placed on public exhibition, sets out a framework for CN and the community to remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity, encourage connection and participation, and strengthen community health and wellbeing.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle has a leadership role to play in achieving a shared vision of a socially just and inclusive city for all.

“We’ve heard from the community about their ideas and opinions on social justice and inclusion issues such as community participation, satisfaction with wellbeing, and access to services, safety and inclusion in the Newcastle area,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft Local Social Strategy is based on one of the most heavily participated engagement programs in City of Newcastle’s history, with underrepresented groups such as people with a disability or from diverse cultural backgrounds providing key feedback.

“We’re now eager to hear what the wider community thinks about the draft strategy to help us further shape this important plan.”

In addition to the draft Local Social Strategy, CN is also seeking feedback on the draft Social Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to ensure Novocastrians have better access to community assets in their neighbourhoods.

The Strategy will plan for and support an equitably distributed network of community hubs, improve the amenity and activation of existing public facilities, parks and open spaces, and facilitate increased opportunities for valuable community inclusion and connection opportunities.

CN launched the exhibition period for both draft strategies amid the recent celebrations of Hamilton South Community Centre’s 42^nd anniversary.

Newcastle Councillor Carol Duncan said it was a fitting way to start the consultation process.

“Hearing from a diverse cross-section of our community is critical to ensuring these strategies reflect everyone, so the planning decisions we make support all Novocastrians,” Cr Duncan said.

“Individually, we may be very different but, together, we can all call Newcastle home.”

Both strategies are available on City of Newcastle’s website for the community to provide feedback on through to 26 October 2022.

A man has been charged following a house fire in East Maitland this morning.

About 5.30am (Sunday 9 October 2022), emergency services were called to Lawes Street following reports of a house fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW officers extinguished the blaze a short time later; however, the home was significantly damaged.

A 28-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation and minor burns, before being taken to Maitland Hospital in a stable condition.

Officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.

Following a search of the premises, the bodies of two cats – who were in the home at the time of the incident – were located.

Detectives commenced investigations into the incident and, following inquiries, a 44-year-old man was arrested on Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with damage property by fire/explosion >$1500 and breach bail.

He was refused bail and will appear at Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Monday 10 October 2022).

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie district this afternoon.

About 4.15pm (Saturday 8 October 2022), emergency services were called to Macquarie Road, Cardiff, following reports a Holden sedan had left the road and hit a power pole.

The male driver, and sole occupant of the car, died at the scene.

He is yet to be positively identified.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue.

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

Police remain at the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in the Hunter this afternoon.

About 4.20pm (Thursday 6 October 2022), emergency services were called to Campbells Road, Maitland Vale – about 10km north of Maitland – after reports a helicopter had crashed.

Upon arrival, crews located a Bell ‘Jet Ranger’ helicopter crashed on a nearby riverbank.

One male occupant was located deceased; he is yet to be formally identified.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified and will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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

Hundreds of Knights fans lined King Street outside City Hall last night to celebrate the Newcastle Knights’ historic 2022 NRLW Premiership win.

Bringing home the trophy for the first time since the men’s side took out the 2001 NRL Premiership, the 24-woman squad finished grand final winners on Sunday with a 32-12 victory over the Parramatta Eels.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes hosted a civic reception at City Hall, congratulating the team and club officials on their efforts throughout the season. The team was also presented with a Key to the City in front of a huge crowd of adoring Knights supporters who lined King Street and Civic Park.

“These women are fantastic role models, showing women and girls everywhere that anything is possible, even in a sport like rugby league traditionally played by men,” Cr Nelmes said.

The Key to the City was accepted by team captain Millie Boyle, who, alongside teammate Caitlan Johnston, picked up Prop of the Year at the recent Dally M Awards, while halfback Jesse Southwell, at just 17 years of age, won the Rookie of the Year Award. Boyle and Johnston were also named alongside Tamika Upton and Yasmin Clydesdale in the Australian Jillaroos squad for the World Cup from 15 October to 22 November, although Boyle and Upton have since withdrawn due to work commitments and injury respectively.

Sharing the moment with co-captain Hannah Southwell, who ruptured her ACL in round 1 against the Brisbane Broncos, Boyle said the team had gone from strength to strength this season under the guidance of coach Ron Griffiths.

“On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank the Lord Mayor for opening the doors to City Hall to celebrate the team’s victory,” Boyle said.

“It means so much to the players, captains and coaches to have such strong support from Novocastrians, which has kept us buoyed throughout the season. It’s wonderful to share this celebration with the city.”

Following a light-hearted challenge suggested by the Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Donna Davis, where the Lord Mayor of the losing team’s city had to wear the winner’s jersey to the next Council meeting, Cr Davis will be sporting the Knights jersey this month.