Guns seized, man charged with 15 offences – Hunter region

A man will appear in court today after being charged with a range of traffic and firearm related offences following an investigation in the state’s Hunter region.
Police will allege about 6.40pm on Saturday 28 December 2019, a stolen Holden Rodeo utility was involved in a fail to stop crash on the New England Highway, Hexham, where it collided with the rear of another vehicle, before the male driver fled the scene on foot.
Upon a search of the Rodeo, police located ammunition inside the cabin and a rifle hidden under the tray.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Target Action Group commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following inquiries, a man was arrested at a house on Goldingham Street, Tenambit, 7km east of Maitland, about 9.15am today (Wednesday 17 March 2020).
A Firearms Prohibition Order was executed and during the search, police seized a sawn-off shot gun which will undergo forensic examination.
The 33-year-old man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with;

  • Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
  • Drive whilst disqualified
  • Two counts of negligent driving
  • Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
  • Unlawfully possess thing resembles number plate
  • Use vehicle with unauthorised number plate
  • Not give particulars to other driver
  • Two counts of possess shortened firearm
  • Two counts of not keep firearm safely
  • Possess loaded firearm public place
  • Acquire ammunition subject to prohibition
  • Two counts of acquire prohibited firearm

He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 17 March 2020).

Confirmed fatality – Mount Kuring Gai

A body has been found inside a truck that rolled and caught alight on the M1 at Mount Kuring Gai early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, near the Church Street overpass, about 2.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020).
On arrival officers found a B-double that had crashed into the medium strip and rolled before catching on fire – burning a load of wool it was transporting.
A body, believed to be the driver, was found inside the Prime Mover – it is yet to be identified.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command have established a crime scene and a full investigation is now underway.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site and motorists are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
Please refer to livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.

Delays expected on M1 following truck crash – Mount Kuring Gai

Investigations are underway following a truck crash on the M1 at Mount Kuring Gai early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, near the Church Street overpass, about 2.30am today (Tuesday 17 March 2020), following reports of a truck crash.
On arrival officers found a B-double that had crashed into the medium strip and rolled before catching on fire – burning a load of wool it was transporting.
The male driver has not been accounted for.
Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command have established a crime scene and a full investigation is now underway.
Traffic is being diverted around the crash site and motorists are being advised to avoid the area where possible.
Please refer to livetraffic.com for the latest traffic updates.

Greens call for half a billion for creative industry on its knees

The Greens are backing the calls by the arts and creative industry for an urgent $500m rescue package to prevent collapse of the multi-billion dollar sector in the face of COVID-19.
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“Our creative and cultural industries are on the frontline of the COVID-19 fallout with events across the country cancelled and theatres, concerts and festivals effectively shutdown.
“Just this morning we have heard Bluesfest at Byron Bay has been cancelled, this is the loss of another huge festival for our live performing artists.
“As the PM prepares to announce a second stimulus package, this industry must be front and centre as one of the worst hit, with short, medium and long-term ramifications for the economy.
“It’s estimated the arts industry will lose more than half a billion dollars in ticket sales alone over the next three months. The industry needs an urgent rescue package with significant funding to get through the next 12 months.
“The Morrison Government needs to put up to $500m on the table now to stave off mass job losses and business insolvencies.
“The creative and cultural sector brings in about $111 billion a year in Australia and employs almost 600,000 people.
“The Prime Minister must also urgently clarify the regulations and timeframes for the ban on static gatherings of more than 500 people. Clarity is essential to provide legal certainty to event organisers and consumers.
“Many event organisers will be relying on insurance to cover outgoings already incurred which may not kick in if the legal threshold for a government ban hasn’t been met. They must be given certainty immediately.
“The arts industry has been savaged by the Federal Government – the entire department was cut late last year after years of funding cuts and cuts to the Australia Council which smaller community arts organisations have had to cop.
“Yet it was artists and performers and their crews who stepped up to support Australians during the bushfire crisis. It’s time the Government gave back to them.
“A roundtable tomorrow with Minister Fletcher is welcome but the PM needs to put some money on the table and clarify the ban urgently.”

Coronavirus Measures Endorsed by the National Cabinet

A significant step-up to Australia’s national response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has been endorsed by the National Cabinet, comprising the Prime Minister, State Premiers and Territory Chief Ministers.
Based on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the National Cabinet agreed that our core objective now is to slow the outbreak of COVID-19 in Australia by taking additional steps to reduce community transmission. We must ensure our health system can care for the most vulnerable, in particular the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
To help stay ahead of the curve, the Australian Government has imposed a universal precautionary self-isolation requirement on all international arrivals, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.
This means that all people – whether they be citizens, residents or visitors – will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia. Enhanced screening for arrivals will remain in place to identify anyone arriving sick or with symptoms of COVID-19.
Arrangements will be made for passengers transiting through Australia to the Pacific Island countries or transiting after arriving off of cruise ships. Limited exemptions will apply for flight crews, who will be expected to monitor their health and practice social distancing while they are in Australia.
The Australian Government has also banned cruise ships from foreign ports (including round trip international cruises originating in Australia) from arriving at Australian ports for an initial 30 days, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.
This restriction will help avoid the risk of a cruise ship arriving with a mass outbreak of the virus and putting significant pressure on our health system.
Arrangements will be made for certain cruise ships already in transit to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to get off those ships.
The National Cabinet also endorsed the advice of the AHPPC to further introduce social distancing measures. This includes the requirement that non-essential, organised public gatherings of more than 500 people should not occur.
At this stage, these measures do not include schools, universities and workplaces, or prevent the operation of public transport. However, the principle of social distancing should still apply in these settings. For example, assemblies and lectures housing more than 500 students in schools and universities should be avoided.
Specifically the National Cabinet agreed that there is no requirement for schools to close at this time.
Further advice on these requirements is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/committees-and-groups/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc
The National Cabinet also activated the second stage of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus, which enables governments to undertake targeted action to the COVID-19 outbreak and ensures that resources are properly allocated where needed and the risks to vulnerable people in the community are mitigated.
These actions include changes to intensive care unit configurations, social isolation, fever clinics and restrictions on mass gatherings.
The National Cabinet will meet again this week to consider further advice from the AHPPC on events held indoors and in other closed spaced environments and further advice on actions to further protect aged care facilities.
All the actions we are putting in place are based on advice from Australia’s leading medical experts and are designed to protect Australia.
The National Cabinet continues to urge all Australians to play their role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 through personal social distancing and hygiene measures. Further information can be found at www.health.gov.au.

SPECIAL STATE POWERS TRIGGERED TO COMBAT COVID-19

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has made an Order under Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 to force the immediate cancellation of public events with more than 500 people.
Mr Hazzard said under the planned changes, individuals who fail to comply could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both, plus additional penalties for each day the offence continues. Corporations face even harsher fines.
“I urge the community to do the right thing and obey the decisions and advice of the National and NSW Chief Medical Officers,” Mr Hazzard  said.
“But we will be tough if needed, to protect the wider community.”
Mr Hazzard said the Order ensures the new requirements of the National Cabinet are operational immediately after midnight 15 March, 2020.
The NSW Government COVID-19 “War Cabinet” met by teleconference yesterday to endorse the Chief Health Officer’s advice on keeping schools open.
NSW public schools will remain open but with enhanced safeguards including students not being required to attend assemblies and other measures to ensure a focus on increased physical separation.
All Chief Health Officers of Australia believe that school closures should not be recommended at this stage in the pandemic. This decision will remain under constant review to ensure the best outcome for children and young people.
As agreed by the National Cabinet all entrants to Australia, including returning residents and citizens, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. NSW will continue to support the Commonwealth Government in implementing this requirement. If any individual fails to do so the NSW Chief Health Officer may issue an order to forcibly require compliance. Any enforcement required would be in consultation with NSW Police.
“The spread here has been slowed significantly by the Government’s actions on the advice of health experts, and we will use our legislative public health powers to best safeguard the community,” Mr Hazzard said.

NSW man charged in JCTT operation

A man from the NSW South Coast has been charged with terrorism offences following a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation.
The 21-year-old Sanctuary Point man was arrested on Saturday (14 March 2020), and charged with one count of acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts. This offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The Sanctuary Point man is expected to face Nowra Local Court today (Monday 16 March 2020), and an application will be made to have the matter heard in a Sydney court at a later date.
It will be alleged in court that the man was attempting and planning to purchase or acquire military equipment, including firearms, and items capable of making improvised explosive devices.
The investigation began in February 2020 after NSW JCTT investigators became aware of a number of online posts containing an extreme political and anti-government ideology and began an investigation into potential criminal activity.
Investigators became concerned about the escalating criminal actions allegedly undertaken by the 21-year-old man in the past week and made the decision to execute search warrants on properties and vehicles in Sanctuary Point and the rural locality of Parma – both near the NSW South Coast town of Nowra – at the weekend.
A number of electronic devices, tactical equipment and three soft gel (paintball) firearms were seized at Sanctuary Point. Four registered firearms were seized at the Parma residence, which is the home of an associate of the 21-year-old man. Further inquiries are continuing into the links between the man facing court today and his online and real-world associates.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said NSW JCTT investigators targeted the criminal behaviour of those arrested.
“The decision to execute these warrants and charge a man was made to mitigate any immediate threat, ensure the ongoing safety of the community and prevent further planning or preparations that could have resulted in a terrorist attack in Australia,” he said.
“The investigation into this matter remains ongoing, but the speed with which it has progressed highlights the professionalism and dedication of the individuals and agencies involved in the JCTT, and their commitment to bringing people to account for their criminal actions.”
NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said the primary concern of NSW JCTT officers was community safety.
“Our officers have acted swiftly in this case as the behaviour online was of significant concern. I want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing threat, and the NSW JCTT will continue to work together to identify and prosecute individuals involved in these activities,” he said.
“I would appeal to all members of the community to help us do this – if you see something online, report it. Be aware of the online activities of your children. There is no place for violent extremism in our community and we need to continue to unite in condemning this behaviour.”
The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

Two men found deceased in the state's Hunter Region

A crime scene has been established following the death of two men in Kotara South this afternoon.
Shortly before 5pm (Saturday 14 March 2020), police were called to a residence on Blackbutt Parade following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
On arrival officers located the body of a man outside the home suffering a gunshot wound.
Further inquiries led police inside the home where they discovered the body of a second man, also suffering a gunshot wound.
Both men are believed to be aged in their early forties.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District continue investigations on scene.

COVID-19: how is the Council responding

The safety of our communities, customers and employees is our top priority.

Our employees are monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) daily and assessing any potential impact on city services and events.
We aim to maintain our current level of service to residents and businesses during this period.
We take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
To date, NSW Health and the other advising authorities are clear in their message. As of today, there is no COVID-19 cluster in the Hunter, and therefore no reason to alter our service levels to the community.

Events and public gatherings

A state and federal government advisory has been issued regarding events and public gatherings of more than 500 people. Visit the NSW Health website for more information.

How we are responding

  • We are promoting the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au as the primary source of information and health updates.
  • The City is actively involved in the Local Emergency Management Committee’s response to Covid-19 which includes police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils. This is allowing us to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
  • A City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has been established. The Planning Team includes People and Culture (and WHS), Legal (Emergency Management and Risk) and Corporate Affairs (Communications and Community Engagement).
  • Activating our Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) for Newcastle. This Plan is aligned to State and National emergency plans and CN’s suite of Emergency Management Plans. The EMAP outlines strategies for CN in accordance with readiness and key actions which CN is committed to in accordance with relevant legislation, Acts and Regulations.

Preparedness – Key actions

  • The City has installed hand sanitisers at all front facing facilities, focusing particularly at the libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues.
  • We are reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites and appropriate signage needs.
  • We are working through flexible working options with City of Newcastle staff should this become necessary to continue delivering essential services.
  • We are liaising with other agencies including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring Councils, the University of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, to ensure sharing of information and consistent messaging to our community.

We are continuing to develop our plans to cover a situation where COVID19 becomes widespread in Australia, and state and federal governments move to greater restrictions on activities within the Newcastle Government area.

Communicating to employees

City employees who have recently travelled to affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus will be excluded from work and have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
All employees have been reminded to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Public health information has been distributed at the City’s libraries and community children’s education centre.
City of Newcastle will continue to update you on the work we’re doing through our Local Emergency Management Plan prepared for COVID-19.
More information is available on the NSW Health website or the Federal Government Health website.

City working with key partners on COVID-19 response

City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19.
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:

  • maintain services to residents and businesses
  • provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities
  • support the State and Federal governments to manage the impact of the pandemic
  • adjust our operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff

“Public health is the number one priority for City of Newcastle and all agencies working collaboratively on the COVID-19 response,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We’re actively working within the Local Emergency Management Committee – with NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW to ensure that our city is adequately equipped and prepared.
“The City is also liaising with partners including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring councils, the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport to ensure consistent information is shared with our community.
How we are responding:

  • The City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has activated an Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) aligned with state and national emergency plans.
  • Working with the Local Emergency Management Committee to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
  • Notifying event organisers following the state and federal governments issuing an advisory today restricting non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
  • Each City of Newcastle service area is developing a detailed plan to support the EMAP should the spread of the virus prompt the state and federal governments to introduce greater restrictions on activities within our Local Government area.
  • Distributing hand-sanitising gel to front-facing facilities, focusing particularly on libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues and reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites.

The NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au is the primary source of health information. The City is supporting the NSW Government in sharing information on its channels.