Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle has awarded a tender to remediate a former landfill site at Shortland.

The former Astra Street landfill opened in 1974, taking waste from across the Hunter until it was closed in 1995.

Preliminary investigations undertaken in 2021 indicated that the scale of work required to improve the 20-year-old capping and drainage on the 37-hectare site would be significantly more complex and costly than previously expected.

City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property Joanne Rigby said the project was an important priority for protecting the long-term health of the nearby RAMSAR- listed Hunter Wetlands, with $18.6 million allocated in the draft 2022/23 Budget towards the costs of the remediation work.

“City of Newcastle is committed to not only ensuring today’s waste is managed with the environment front-of-mind, but that historic sites like Astra Street at Shortland also adhere to modern environmental management standards,” Ms Rigby said.

“These works will allow City of Newcastle to help protect and maintain the local environment well into the future, safeguarding the water quality of surrounding wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, increasing biodiversity values and promoting long-term native vegetation growth.”

City of Newcastle has been working with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on a plan to remediate the site to ensure adherence to modern environmental management standards.

Two detailed design alternatives for the capping solution were developed being a geosynthetic clay lining, and a clay capping solution.

The successful tenderer will deliver a clay capping solution to meet environmental requirements reducing cost and risk compared to the alternate geosynthetic clay lining solution.

Works will include the final capping and reprofiling of the site, drainage improvements to aid in management of surface water and sediment runoff, followed by revegetation and landscaping.

Work is scheduled to commence in July and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

An archaeological dig that kicked off at Newcastle’s oldest European cemetery this week will delve deeper into the heritage of the site ahead of its planned revitalisation.

Located high on the hill behind Christ Church Cathedral, Cathedral Park is the resting place of more than 3300 of the city’s earliest European inhabitants, and prior to settlement was the site of an Aboriginal camping ground for thousands of years.

City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning & Assessment Michelle Bisson said the archaeological dig was an essential part of the process to ensure the history of the site was protected and preserved.

“City of Newcastle has engaged the Archaeological Management and Consulting Group (AMAC) to undertake a series of excavations to test for the presence of historical archaeological relics or Aboriginal archaeological objects in areas subject to planned landscaping and heritage interpretation works,” Ms Bisson said.

“This test excavation program will be supervised by Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) from the local community.

“Appropriate safety measures will be put in place by City of Newcastle to ensure the park will remain open to the public for the duration of these archaeological works, which are required before we can progress with the next stage of the proposed landscaping project.

“The archaeologists on site are also happy to engage with the public and answer any questions they may have.”

Cathedral Park was used as a burial ground by the penal settlement from 1816 until 1884 and is the final resting place of notable early settlers including Newcastle’s first Mayor, James Hannell, former Mayor James Kemp, and magistrates John Bingle and Major Archibald Clunes Innes. The 1826 grave of Mary Martin is thought to be the oldest remaining headstone on the site. Several Aboriginal infants and adults are buried at the cemetery and entered on the burial registers, including the 1860 burial of an Aboriginal man named Jacky Jacky.

After falling into disrepair, the site was acquired from the Church by City of Newcastle in 1966 for the establishment of a public park.

Since 2012, City of Newcastle has been carrying out a number of improvement projects as part of a masterplan proposal to transform Cathedral Park into a showpiece destination. The plan is designed to respect the site’s heritage while also making the most of its spectacular views over the city and harbour and its position adjacent to the Christ Church Cathedral, which attracts upwards of 80,000 visitors each year.

The proposed future landscape and heritage interpretation works will help stabilise the surviving headstone monuments in line with their state heritage significance and recreate the original cemetery layout where possible, while also creating a beautiful, contemporary and engaging public space that integrates parkland and heritage interpretation uses.

Other plans include the erection of an infant memorial as well as a monument remembering the 60 people who died in the Cawarra shipwreck of 1866, 31 of whom were buried on this site. A rotunda is proposed for the site of ‘Mulimbah’ to acknowledge the former Colonial Georgian style family home and garden built by Simon Kemp in the 1840s and to tell the story of early Novocastrians and their way of life.

To find out more visit the Cathedral Park page on our website.

A $12 million social housing funding agreement between the City of Newcastle and NSW Land and Housing Corporation was endorsed by councillors at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The landmark agreement sets out a commitment from the NSW Government to match City of Newcastle’s contribution of approximately $2 million annually for the next three years.

The funds will be invested in the delivery of new social and affordable housing in Newcastle, in priority locations such as Wallsend.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the endorsement by councillors is a significant step towards fast tracking social and affordable housing outcomes for people in Newcastle, while also supporting investment and jobs growth.

“With over 10,000 families suffering from housing stress across the city, housing affordability in Newcastle is close to crisis point, which is why this issue is a priority of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan and the Newcastle Local Housing Strategy 2020,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This historic partnership between City of Newcastle and the NSW Government will increase the supply and range of social and affordable housing to ease the stress of the most at-risk community members, while supporting investment and creating more jobs in Newcastle.

“Affordably priced housing plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of people and their families, and social housing provides an important safety net for the community.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the agreement would deliver positive social and affordable housing outcomes for the people of Newcastle.

“The NSW Government is currently investing more than $250 million to fast-track the delivery of more social and affordable housing across the state – but we can’t do it alone,” Mr Roberts said.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the City of Newcastle to address housing supply and affordability, and we hope this investment will encourage more of our local government partners to do the same.

“We need to work across all levels of government to keep pace with the growing need for social and affordable housing.”

Research undertaken by City of Newcastle shows that one in three people don’t believe there are enough diverse housing options for everyone across the city, and one quarter of people don’t believe they can afford a reasonable standard of housing in the area.

The latest forecasts show the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle local government area (LGA), which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

“The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) owns 4,300 social housing dwellings across the Newcastle LGA, and City of Newcastle is working in close partnership with LAHC to fast-track projects such as the renewal of existing properties in Waratah West and Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Construction has already commenced on the redevelopment of two ageing homes on Landa Parade Waratah West that will be transformed into a low-rise, accessible building that features six two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units for up to 16 residents.

“City of Newcastle and NSW Land and Housing Corporation wants to ensure future social housing continues to be built in the right places with good access to jobs, services, public transport and open space, and through this partnership with the NSW Government our organisations will lead the way to deliver better outcomes for the community.”

A man has been charged after a double fatal crash near Port Stephens in March.

Shortly before 1.40pm (Thursday 24 March 2022), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Tea Gardens, near Viney Creek Road West, after reports of a crash involving two cars and a motorcycle.

An Isuzu D-Max utility travelling southbound collided with a motorcycle and a Toyota station wagon, both travelling northbound.

The male motorcyclist died at the scene.

The female driver of the Toyota was trapped by confinement; however, she died at the scene a short time later.

A female passenger of the Toyota was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following enquiries, about 9am on Thursday 26 May 2022, officers arrested a 59-year-old man at Raymond Terrace Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), cause bodily harm by misconduct – in charge of motor vehicle, negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), and not keep left of dividing line.

He was given conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 4 July 2022.

Three men have been charged over an alleged aggravated sexual assault in Newcastle earlier this year.

Police will allege in court at about 11pm on Saturday 26 February 2022, a 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted at a unit on Parry Street, Newcastle West.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified a short time later and established Strike Force Bombe to investigate the incident.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Glen Logan Road, Bossley Park, about 7.40am on Friday 6 May 2022.

A 28-year-old man was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in company with other person/s and one count of sexually touch another person without consent.

He was refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Friday 6 May 2022, where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 4 July 2022.

Following further investigation, detectives executed two search warrants at properties in Edensor Park and Horsley Park about 6.45am today (Wednesday 25 May 2022).

Two men – aged 20 and 28 – were arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station.

The older man was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in company with other person/s. He was refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court today (Wednesday 25 May 2022), where he was granted conditional bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 4 July 2022.

The younger man was charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in company with other person/s, being that of principal in the 2nd degree. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Monday 4 July 2022.

Investigations under Strike Force Bombe are continuing.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 24 May 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Election of a Federal Labor Government
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported congratulating Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the four local Members of Parliament following the election of a Federal Labor Government.

Council will write to Prime Minister Albanese and the city’s local MPs reiterating City of Newcastle’s support for a continued close collaborative partnership with the Federal Government and include an updated version of our 2022 Federal Advocacy document of significant projects supported by Council for the advancement of our city.

Acknowledging Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported noting that Newcastle City Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM has transferred to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with Superintendent Tracey Chapman to act in the role until November when Superintendent Kylie Endemi takes command of Newcastle City Police District.

The Minute congratulates both Commanders on their new appointments, and thanks Detective Superintendent Humphrey for his dedicated service to the people of Newcastle and his collaborative working relationship with Council.

ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was endorsed that recognises the City of Newcastle’s long-standing membership of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and pledges support for the Malmö Commitment on Inclusive & Equitable Communities, to be captured within CN’s draft Environmental Strategy.

Ordinary Business

Compulsory acquisition of community land by Transport for NSW – Newcastle Inner City Bypass
Councillors agreed to reject an offer made by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for the compulsory acquisition of eight parcels of community land owned by City of Newcastle (CN) in Lambton and New Lambton.

City of Newcastle will seek a determination by the Valuer General regarding the compensation payable for the land. The transfer of the land is estimated to occur on or around 10 June 2022.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 February to 30 April 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

NSW Land and Housing Corporation Funding Deed
Councillors unanimously endorsed a Funding Deed with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), which outlines the purpose, amount, timing, reporting and other responsibilities of City of Newcastle and LAHC in relation to funding under the previously endorsed Memorandum of Understanding.

Public exhibition of Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
Council voted to place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for 28 days and receive a report following the exhibition period.

March Quarterly Budget Review
Councillors received the March Quarterly Budget Review Statement as at March 31, 2022 and adopted the revised budget.

Quarterly performance report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the 2018-2022 Delivery Program performance report for the January to March 2022 period.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for April 2022, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.

Tender report – Astra Street landfill capping and environmental management works
Councillors voted to accept a tender for Astra Street landfill capping and environmental management works.

Tender report – electrical and communications services
Councillors voted to accept a tender for electrical contractors to provide electrical and communication installation, repairs and maintenance services.

Write-off sundry debt
Council agreed to write-off a balance of sundry debt consistent with City of Newcastle’s Debt Management Guidelines and in accordance with the provisions of CI 213 Local Government (General) Regulation, 2005.

Supplementary Report – Public Exhibition of Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040
Council resolved to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a one-off Additional Special Variation (ASV) of 2.5 per cent for 2022-2023 financial year, and for this to be a permanent increase retained within the rate base.

Notice of Motion

Hunter fig trees in East End upgrade
Council unanimously endorsed a Notice of Motion calling for a public briefing regarding plans for the four fig trees at the end of Hunter Street Mall on the refuge island between Hunter and Scott Streets, on the basis that three of the trees are proposed to be removed in 2023 due to their poor condition.

State Environmental Planning Policy
Council endorsed a Notice of Motion to write to the Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes to request a formal explanation regarding the decision to dispense with planning reforms under the proposed State Environmental Planning Policy (Design and Place) 2021.

City of Newcastle (CN) has lodged a development application (DA) for its new organics processing facility as part of a plan to locally manage waste from all three kerbside bins, saving millions of dollars on current transport costs.

The DA paves the way for a fully-enclosed facility at Summerhill Waste Management Centre that will be able to receive 50,000 tonnes of food and garden organics per annum, which will be processed into compost for reuse in agriculture, landscaping and home gardens.

The facility is one of four “city-shaping” projects included in the draft 2022/23 Budget, with $9.4 million allocated to begin construction as part of the record $132 million capital works program.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft Budget also includes $5 million dollars towards planning a new material recovery facility at Summerhill, with the major waste infrastructure projects designed to ensure Newcastle ratepayers maintain the lowest waste charges in the region well into the future.

“City of Newcastle is delivering on its commitment to the community to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increasing the level of recycling,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft Our Sustainable Waste Strategy focusses on increased diversion, circular economy and co-location of waste assets in the Summerhill precinct, which would allow Newcastle’s red, yellow and green-lid bin domestic waste to be processed at the one location.

By investing in additional resource recovery and organics processing at the site, we’re also locking in low costs by reducing transport expenses and gaining efficiencies through co-location.”

CN Director and Interim Manager Waste Services Alissa Jones said the biggest cost when it comes to kerbside collections is in transporting the waste, and the biggest cost efficiencies will come from co-locating these facilities at Summerhill, avoiding long-distance transport to other facilities.

“Currently garden organics are shredded prior to being transported 173 km in a return trip to a third-party processing facility in the Upper Hunter for composting. Building the organics processing facility at Summerhill will reduce both transport costs and current carbon emissions,” Ms Jones said.

“These new facilities will ensure the Summerhill Waste Management Facility plays a key role in the region’s move towards a circular economy and its ability to address future NSW and Federal government targets on waste diversion and recycling.”

Ms Jones said investing in the new infrastructure would deliver a wide range of benefits for the community and the environment at Summerhill.

Since 2015 City of Newcastle has invested $54 million into developing and expanding its waste and recycling facilities. In the past 10 years, CN has also paid $270 million in section 88 waste levies to the NSW Government, while receiving only $6.5 million back in grants to help fund that infrastructure and deliver waste education programs to encourage behaviour change.

“The NSW Government currently makes around one third of the waste levy revenue available for councils and businesses to deliver waste and environmental programs,” Cr Nelmes said.

“But in the past decade we have received less than two per cent back from the levies we have paid.

“City of Newcastle continues to invest at significant levels in waste improvement programs and infrastructure because it’s the right thing to do for our residents and ratepayers, and it’s the right thing to do for our environment.

“We look forward to soon being able to share our long-term plans for our sustainable waste future with the community for feedback and in the meantime will continue to move forward with the key projects needed to deliver that vision.”

Community consultation for the planned material recovery facility began in May, while the organics processing facility DA will be placed on public exhibition for feedback in coming months.

The early works associated with the organics project are expected to begin towards the end of this year, while construction of the facility itself will commence by mid-2023, subject to the project being approved by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.

It has been revealed the same year the University of Newcastle announced plans to make hundreds of staff redundant, it also produced a surplus of $185 million.

The University of Newcastle’s 2021 annual report was tabled in parliament yesterday and reported a surplus of $185,270,000. 

NTEU Newcastle Branch President Dan Conway said the University will move quickly to engage the smoke and mirrors of university accounting. 

“Management, supported by the corporatised University Council, leveraged the ‘unique opportunity’ that they called Covid and sacked hundreds of staff despite admitting in as early as 2020, they knew this surplus was coming,” Mr Conway said.

“UON Management will now move to present this as a one-off, that the funds are ‘restricted’, or that it is an unrealised ‘on paper profit’ to play down the University’s financial position.

“The fact is, though, the University finances, audited by the NSW Auditor-General, don’t lie where others try.”

Mr Conway says the NTEU accepts that most organisations would be proud to have achieved such a surplus, however coupled with the job cuts, it is a scathing indictment on University management.

“Management, including those on Council, need to answer for their actions of continually cutting away at staff and, in turn, cutting away at student learning,” Mr Conway said. 

“This surplus, and those for every year going back more than a decade, show that our University is among the most financially secure in the country,” he said.

While the NTEU accepts that Covid presented some uncertainty, it also cautioned against knee jerk reactions, which have long-lasting, and sometimes irreparable effects. 

“These results vindicate our position. Our University was never under threat from Covid. It was, and remains however, under threat from management and successive federal governments who neglect our institutions,” Mr Conway said.

“Let‘s not forget that our University, like most, is supposed to be, and by law is, not for profit. $185 million from a not-for-profit that cries poor at almost every opportunity? Please! I am sure that any true not-for-profit would be singing from the rooftops if they had a surplus like that.

“But, then again, a true not-for-profit would also see fit to channel that profit into its core purpose. For us, that is teaching and research.”

The NTEU says in preparation for the job cuts, university management told staff, “we’re all in this together.” University management asked staff to tighten their belts and forgo entitlements like pay rises (while they took theirs). Staff were told the job cuts were the cuts “we had to have” to save an institution we all hold dear.

“The hypocrisy involved here is brazen and deeply problematic. For an institution that should be setting an irreproachable standard in ethical operating, this level of bad faith, if not downright deceit, is unconscionable,” Mr Conway said. 

“At its heart, a University isn’t its buildings.  The University is the staff. The University is the students. The University is its community. These are the things which need protecting.

“Newcastle and its regions deserve much better than this and the NTEU hopes the incoming federal government will move quickly to repair what has proven to be a broken higher education system.”

City of Newcastle has begun community consultation with local residents and business owners to understand their views on how to improve safety, parking and public spaces in the Waratah Local Centre area.

Following input from the community, a public domain plan will be developed to guide the revitalisation of the area surrounding Station Street in Waratah.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the future upgrade aims to create a more accessible, attractive and safe local centre for the Waratah community.

“Our public domain plan will upgrade the streetscape and improve access to shops, as well as address traffic and safety in the area,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Our upgrades often include new footpaths, trees and street furniture – so it’s important that the community shares their feedback about what they would like to see.

“By improving the functionality, look and feel of the area we hope to see more people visiting and spending time at the local centre.”

Last year the elected Council resolved to initiate an upgrade of the Waratah town centre, and a community survey was conducted in late 2021 for similar upgrades at Georgetown.

Once developed, the Waratah Local Centre draft public domain plan will go on public exhibition. The plan will be finalised based on community feedback and will go to the elected Council for approval, ahead of construction in coming years.

The planned upgrade at Waratah follows similar local centre upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently under construction in Stockton, Shortland and at Orchardtown Road in New Lambton.

Have your say via the online survey at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay before 13 June.

More than 300 City of Newcastle volunteers have been recognised for their invaluable contribution to the community as part of National Volunteer Week.

Volunteers were treated to a special morning tea at Fort Scratchley in appreciation of the countless hours they’ve dedicated to the city over the past 12 months.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle was fortunate to have hundreds of selfless volunteers who contribute immensely to building and strengthening the community.

“On the behalf of the City of Newcastle, I’d like to thank all of our volunteers for their incredible contributions to our city,” Cr Clausen said.

“Today is about recognising and acknowledging the work they do across Newcastle, whether they are helping out at our facilities, assisting at events, sharing their expertise on a community group or committee, or caring for our precious native wildlife and the natural environment, they each positively contribute to our community.

“The theme for National Volunteer Week 2022 is ‘better together’ and this certainly rings true in Newcastle as we work together for the betterment of our community.”

Volunteers from all walks of life lend their time, skills, and passion at City of Newcastle facilities and various locations across the city including Newcastle Libraries, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery, Fort Scratchley, Civic Playhouse and Landcare sites.

They provide much-needed support to ensure the success of major events such as the New Annual festival and contribute their knowledge and expertise to countless committees and community groups throughout the year.

Among those who attended the morning tea was Ron Stanton, who swapped his newfound retirement in 2014 for volunteer guide work at Newcastle Art Gallery.

“Frankly, I knew very little about art when I started out as a guide seven years ago, but I had a curiosity to learn more about art and the opportunity presented itself,” Mr Stanton said.

“The personal reward has been in learning and then guiding visitors on their own voyage of art appreciation and discovery.

“I’m part of an extraordinary team of fellow volunteer guides and with the closure of the Art Gallery during the expansion, we are continuing to meet, learn, plan, explore social media pathways and prepare for the re-opening.

“The first volunteer guides started at Newcastle Art Gallery 50 years ago. The expansion presents a new chapter and fresh opportunity for volunteer guides, the city and, most importantly, for the visitor. It’s nice to be able to be a part of that.”

For Blackbutt Reserve kiosk volunteer Sue Milles, what started out as a six-week trial has turned into 26 years of service caring for wildlife and providing assistance to visitors.

“A love of animals brought me to Blackbutt Reserve and I fell in love with the place instantly. I was recovering from a serious illness at the time and it gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning,” Mrs Milles said.

“I started out feeding animals, weeding gardens, cleaning animal enclosures and now I man the kiosk two-days per week and get to talk to visitors about the wildlife at the reserve and share information on feeding times etc.

“It’s wonderful to see tourists starting to return since the start of the pandemic, particularly international tourists. Yesterday I was chatting to a couple from England and a man from Poland, I just love who I get to meet whilst volunteering.”

Expressions of interest can be registered for new volunteering opportunities on City of Newcastle’s website.