Category: Newcastle News

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.

A man missing from the Lake Macquarie region has been located after police issued an SMS geo-targeting alert.

The 74-year-old man was last seen at an aged care facility at Booragul about 12.15pm yesterday (Thursday 19 May 2022).

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified a short time later, when he was unable to be located.

Police subsequently issued a public appeal for information and an SMS geo-targeting alert to the Cardiff and Booragul areas.

Later that evening, a member of the public – who had received the SMS alert – contacted police after seeing the man in bushland off Weir Road, Teralba.

An extensive search of the area was conducted by police and SES. About 12.30am (Friday 20 May 2022) Polair was able to locate the man. Ground crews were directed to the man, and he was found safe and well.

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

An extensive refurbishment of Wallsend Library will deliver an enhanced experience for library members as part of ongoing significant investment into the city’s library network.

The project, which will kick off next month, is the latest in a program of works that has seen City of Newcastle invest $7 million into libraries during the past five years, with $865,000 allocated in the draft 2022/23 Budget.

It follows other major infrastructure upgrades including the extensive renovation and introduction of OPEN+ technology to facilitate extended community access at Lambton Library, and the establishment of the city’s first Digital Library in Newcastle West. The Digital Library provides access to cutting-edge technology including industrial 3D printers and a podcasting studio.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said libraries play an important role in local communities, which is why City of Newcastle is continuing its significant investment in library infrastructure to ensure the much-loved facilities meet members’ expectations and changing needs.

“With more than 100,000 library members across Newcastle, we know our community values their local libraries, which is why we have allocated around $7 million over five years of capital works programs, including almost $1 million in the 2022/23 draft Budget, to enhance and upgrade these popular community facilities and ensure the collection remains up to date,” Cr Clausen said.

“Wallsend Library hasn’t undergone a major renovation since opening in 2006, so it’s fantastic to be able to improve the amenity of our largest branch through this current refurbishment project.

“We’ve listened to member and staff feedback to inform the work, which will provide improved access to technology, the creation of additional spaces including upgraded, private study spaces, a quiet room, along with creative and collaboration areas.

“The refurbishment will prioritise sustainability, collaboration and creativity by delivering an improved library that can cater for vibrant events and programs that celebrate culture, partnerships, inclusion and diversity.”

The project will also deliver enhanced flexibility for multi-use spaces through mobile shelving, lightweight furniture and innovative book displays to allow broader use of Wallsend Library for events and activities.

Wallsend Library will be closed from Monday 6 June to accommodate the work, with the project expected to be completed by the end of July. During the closure period members will be able to access many library services such as reservations, returns, Grab and Go collection and printing from a pop-up service onsite, which will be operating from Tuesday 14 June. Project information and progress updates will be available via the Newcastle Libraries website and newsletters.

A man has been charged after he allegedly stole more than $50,000 from a Lake Macquarie pub at the weekend.

Police will allege in court that shortly after 4am on Friday 13 May 2022, a man gained entry to a licensed premises on the Pacific Highway at Gateshead, where he opened a locked safe and stole more than $50,000 in cash before leaving the venue.

A cleaner was present at the time, he was uninjured.

Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced an investigation.

Following extensive inquiries, Lake Macquarie police – with assistance from officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command – attended a casino at Pyrmont and arrested an 18-year-old man about 3.10pm yesterday.

During a search of the man, police located and seized more than $4500 cash and around $1400 in casino chips in his possession.

Officers then conducted a search of the man’s vehicle and seized further cash, casino chips and two extendable batons.

Two search warrants were later executed at a hotel room on Murray Street, Pyrmont, and at a home in Charlestown, where police seized electronic devices and other items believed to be proceeds of crime.

The man was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with five counts of deal with property proceeds of crime, then one count each of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-people there, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 19 May 2022).

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

Terrence Elwell, aged 74, was last seen leaving a aged care facility on Toronto Road, near the intersection of York Street, Booragul, about 12.15pm today (Thursday 19 May 2022).

When he could not be located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries in his whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Terrence’s welfare as he lives with dementia.

Terrence is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 172cm tall, medium build, bald with a grey beard.

He was last seen wearing glasses, a maroon jumper and dark grey tracksuit pants.

Terrence is known to frequent the Booragul and Cardiff areas.

Anyone with information into Terrence’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for information from the public as they investigate reports a woman was sexually touched while walking in the Hunter region earlier this week.

About 5.30pm on Monday (16 May 2022), a 27-year-old woman was walking between Robinson Way and Heather Place, Singleton Heights, pushing a three-year-old child in a pram.

Police have been told while on Heather Place, a man approached her from behind before sexually touching her. The man did not attempt to touch the child.

The woman struggled with the man before she was able to free herself and leave with the pram and child.

Neither the woman or the child were injured during the incident.

She reported the incident to officers from Hunter Valley Police District who have commenced an investigation.

Police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries. He is described as being aged in his early 20s, with short curly brown hair and an olive complexion.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire in the state’s Upper Hunter overnight.

About 7.45pm (Tuesday 17 May 2022), emergency services were called to a unit on Tindale Street, Muswellbrook, following reports the unit was well alight.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze a short time later.

A 41-year-old woman was assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation, however declined hospital treatment.

The unit was significantly damaged, however no other units were affected and no one was injured during the fire.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene, which was held overnight.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.