Category: Newcastle News

Children in the city’s west will have plenty of reasons to get active in 2022 with four playground upgrades to be delivered this year.

Work has commenced on a full playground replacement at McCauley Park in Tarro, while Minmi’s McInnes Reserve will be next with a complete overhaul of its playground equipment to begin next month.

The neighbourhood playground at Bernborough Avenue in Maryland will benefit from an equipment upgrade in coming months as part of the annual playground improvement program, which will see $650,000 invested across four sites including the three western suburbs projects and a new design and equipment upgrade at Kotara Park.

The Wallsend community is also eagerly awaiting the completion of the $1.5 million Active Hub in Federal Park, which commenced construction in 2021 and is expected to be ready for use by July.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to be delivering improved recreational opportunities for children across the local government area including those in the growing western corridor.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why we’re investing $650,000 to upgrade four local playgrounds this year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city’s playgrounds provide local children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.

“I’m thrilled to see work beginning at McCauley Park in Tarro, which will feature a new-look play area designed to cater for a wide range of ages featuring swings, slides, climbing, and balancing components. I can’t wait to see the projects kick off in Minmi, Maryland and Kotara as well.

“I’m also looking forward to the completion of the Wallsend Active Hub mid this year, which was designed to address the need for non-formal sporting facilities in the city’s western corridor and will include an expanded playspace, bike track, multi-sport courts, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations.

“This $1.5 million project is transforming Federal Park into a vibrant hub of activity and will become a destination not only for residents in surrounding suburbs but for families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces it offers.”

Up to four of Newcastle’s 134 playgrounds are replaced each year as part of the asset renewal works program. City of Newcastle has invested more than $9 million in playground projects during the past five years including construction of the inclusive playground at Stevenson Park at Mayfield, the Stockton and Wallsend Active Hubs and the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

The Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.

To stay up to date with the progress and to find out about works in your neighbourhood visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 22 February 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 22 February 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Ceremonial welcoming of new and returning Councillors
A Lord Mayoral Minute congratulated all successful candidates and welcomed new and returning Councillors to the historic Newcastle City Hall Chamber for the ceremonial first face-to-face Ordinary Council Meeting of the new Council term. First term Councillors were also given an opportunity to address the Chamber.

Tree planting commitment to increase city’s urban forest
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) acknowledging City of Newcastle’s long-standing commitment to the protection and increased planting of street and park trees across the Local Government Area was supported by Councillors.

The LMM called for City of Newcastle to invest $4.5 million during the next three years to increase green cover with new street and park trees as part of the annual tree-planting investment.

Minmi Road upgrade between Newcastle Road and Minmi
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was received by Councillors noting the long-standing issues along Minmi Road and the well overdue upgrades required to alleviate traffic congestion on the major arterial connection for local residents in Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi.

The Minute called for City of Newcastle to invest $26 million to upgrade notorious traffic pinch points along Minmi Road between Newcastle Road and Minmi by duplicating large sections of the arterial western corridor road from one lane of traffic in each direction to two lanes each way.

These essential upgrades will provide a large-scale infrastructure program that will significantly alleviate traffic congestion along Minmi Road and deliver the long overdue upgrades the road requires whilst providing long-awaited relief to many frustrated road users and creating local jobs.

Ordinary Business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

Adoption of Code of Conduct and associated procedures
Councillors unanimously adopted the Codes of Conduct for Councillors, Staff, Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisors, and Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct.

City of Newcastle are required to review and adopt its Codes of Conduct and Procedures within the first 12 months of each council term. There are no proposed changes to the current Codes of Conduct and Procedures.

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report
Councillors received the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for the 2020/2021 financial year and noted the 2021/2022 Forward Internal Audit Plan.

Adoption of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Councillors unanimously adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 following an exhibition period.

Brunker Road, Broadmeadow – proposed pedestrian crossing upgrade near Coolah Road
Councillors approved the proposed upgrade of the pedestrian crossing on Brunker Road Broadmeadow, near Coolah Road, to a raised crossing with kerb extensions.

Adoption of Instruments of Delegation
Councillors voted to adopt Instruments of Delegation to the Lord Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and Development Applications Committee.

Adoption of the alcohol regulated areas review
Councillors adopted the Alcohol Regulated Areas (ARA) for a four-year period (2022 – 2026) and delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to temporarily suspend Alcohol Free Zones (AFZ) to facilitate the approval of licensed events not exceeding five days in length.

Minister’s consent application – lease for Dixon Park Kiosk
Councillors voted to seek consent from the Minister for Local Government for City of Newcastle to enter into a lease with Sunnyboy Kiosk Pty Ltd for Dixon Park Kiosk.

Variation to Development Standards Report – 4th Quarter – 1 October to 31 December 2021
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 October 2021 and 31 December 2021 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Adoption of fees for Lord Mayor and Councillors (including superannuation)
Councillors voted to accept the fees and superannuation contributions payable to the Lord Mayor and Councillors for the current term of Council.

Six monthly performance report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the 2018-2022 Delivery Program for the July to December 2021 period.

December quarterly budget review
Councillors received the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement as at 31 December 2021 and adopted the revised budget.

Executive monthly performance report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2022, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.

Supply of one rear loading bulk waste collection truck – contract no. 2022/097t
Councillors voted to approve an exemption to tender for the supply of one rear loading bulk waste collection truck.

Notices of Motion

Lord Mayor’s earthquake appeal fund and the Newcastle region natural disaster relief fund trustee LTD
A Notice of Motion was received noting that City of Newcastle audited financial statements for the year ending 2020 show the Newcastle Region Natural Disaster Relief Fund Trustee Ltd has assets of more than $1 million, consisting of $734,018 in a term deposit bank account, $146,901 in low interest-bearing bank account, and receivables of $160,806.

The Motion also noted that no donations have been made by the Trust for the past six years and that the Fund annually pays accounting and consulting expenses of more than $5,000 and auditing fees of $3,000.

Councillors supported writing to the Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters Senator Zed Seselja asking for an update of the formal investigation into the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Appeal Fund and the Newcastle Region Natural Disaster Relief Fund.

Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade
An amended Notice of Motion that calls for City of Newcastle to continue to lobby the NSW State Government for the Newcastle Ocean Baths to be included in the State Heritage Register, was supported by Councillors.

Confidential Councillor workshops
An amended Notice of Motion that Council continues to webcast the Public Voice Committee and the Public Briefings Committee and notes that the Code of Meeting Practice is scheduled to be reviewed and placed on public exhibition in May 2022, was supported by Councillors.

Newcastle Climate Action Taskforce
Councillors supported an amended Notice of Motion inviting the Hunter Community Alliance to join the SDG Hunter Region Taskforce and calling on City of Newcastle to undertake a Climate Change Risk Assessment for Council and community assets and services. The Notice of Motion also called on City of Newcastle to develop a Circular Economy Plan and a Climate Adaptation Plan following the development and adoption of the Newcastle Environment Strategy, with the Strategy and both Plans to be placed on public exhibition as well as workshopped with the SDG Hunter Region Taskforce.

City of Newcastle has adopted a bold plan to achieve the community’s vision expressed in the Newcastle 2040 plan, of an inclusive and accessible city for all.

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 (DIAP) was unanimously adopted by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Council Meeting.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said addressing inclusion requires a multi-faceted approach, but one of the most powerful places to start is by increasing awareness and understanding around disability.

“The DIAP acts as a roadmap to guide City of Newcastle’s actions and establish strategies to ensure we create an inclusive community for all people who live, visit and work in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“All people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and have equal access to social, recreational, educational, economic and employment opportunities.

“Community attitudes and behaviours can have a significant impact on the lives of people with a disability – it is up to all of us to ensure that impact is a positive one.”

Actions and strategies presented in the DIAP 2022-2026 are categorised within four focus areas – developing positive community attitudes and behaviours; creating liveable communities; supporting access to meaningful employment and improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes.

Among the 35 key actions to be carried out under the DIAP is a commitment to leading by example with public programming.

“We’re already working towards this through our cultural facilities, where we deliver public programming that is not only accessible and inclusive but also reflects the diversity of disabilities in our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Examples of this include the low sensory sessions at Newcastle Museum developed in consultation with Autism Awareness Australia, and last year’s Sea, Space & Beyond exhibition at the Museum in partnership with Vision Australia, which featured artworks created by the blind, low vision and sighted communities.

“The month-long Count Us In program was also established as an action of the previous DIAP, and included disability awareness training, cultural and arts events, inclusive sports and games, and a range of other events to highlight inclusion. We are currently finalising a grants program for the festival, which will help empower the community to deliver this year’s event.

“By keeping disability front of mind and on people’s agenda, we can challenge the community dialogue to enhance positive attitudes and behaviours towards disability.”

City of Newcastle was the first Council in New South Wales to adopt a DIAP under the current legislation.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson is set to visit Newcastle, NSW, on Monday (28 February,2022) to meet with natural disaster-impacted small businesses.

Mr Billson says he is keen to speak with small business owners that have been impacted by a natural disaster at a feedback session to be held at Overtime Café & Bar (70 Beaumont St, Hamilton) on Monday, 9am-10am.

“We want to hear from small and family business owners who have lived experience of a natural disaster such as bushfires, severe storms or floods and have ideas about how best the government can support them to prepare and remain resilient in the case of an unavoidable event,” Mr Billson says.

“What we learn from small businesses in this session, will help inform the work on our current Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry, including recommendations to improve education and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters.

“I encourage Newcastle small and family business owners to take part in this important discussion.”

Two men have been charged with several robbery and arson offences following a four-month investigation in the Hunter Valley.

In October 2021, rural crime investigators attached to the Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Carribee to investigate a number of alleged arson and property offences which occurred in the Singleton and surrounding areas.

Incidents of note include:

• On Thursday 2 September 2021, two computer terminals were allegedly damaged by rocks in Glennies Creek, before a structure on Middle Falbrook Road, two hay bales and two residential garbage bins were all destroyed by fire.
• On Friday 17 September 2021, three firearms were stolen from a rural property at Putty Road, Milbrodale.
• On Saturday 25 December 2021, a tractor was located burnt out in a paddock on Tilpa-Tonga Road, Tilpa.
• On Wednesday 19 January 2022, machinery and other equipment was stolen from a work site on Goorangoola Road, Goorangoola. An excavator and diesel petrol were also stolen from the same site on Saturday 29 January 2022.
• On 3 February 2022, two firearms were stolen from a rural property on Old Carrowbrook Road, Mount Olive.
• Just before midnight on Wednesday 16 February 2022, two armed men entered a service station on Bridgman Road, Dunolly, and allegedly threatened a female attendant. The employee handed over a sum of cash before both men ran from the store.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives attended a workplace in Muswellbrook about 9am yesterday (Sunday 20 February 2022) and arrested a 19-year-old man. Officers also seized a white Toyota Hilux for forensic examination.

A second 19-year-old man attended Singleton Police Station a short time later, where he was arrested.

Hunter Valley police – with the assistance of Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) and Operation Utah officers – then executed two search warrants at properties in Bridgman and Muswellbrook, where a machete and other items were seized.

Following further inquiries, officers attended an area of bushland in Bridgman where they located and seized five firearms hidden in PVC piping.

Both men were charged with several offences, including robbery whilst armed with a dangerous weapon, destroy property in company by fire, malicious damage, break, enter and steal, trespass, larceny and possess unauthorised firearm.

They were refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Monday 21 February 2022), where they were formally bail refused to next appear at Singleton Local Court on Thursday 28 April 2022.

Investigations under Strike Force Carribee are continuing.

The Queen’s longevity is providing an unexpected opportunity for Novocastrians to ignite their green thumb.

Local groups and organisations are being urged to apply for up to $20,000 of funding to hold commemorative events that will see regionally appropriate trees planted to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022.

There is $100,000 of grant funding up for grabs across the Newcastle electorate.

This is a terrific opportunity, but I know the $100,000 will disappear fast. This program provides grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000 for up to 10 projects in Newcastle.

One catch is the trees have to be at least two metres tall when they mature, and there needs to be a formal event with a commemorative sign or plaque.

Each Federal Member of Parliament has been charged with identifying and nominating suitable projects, so I’m calling for groups and organisations to put their hand up to apply for the funding.

Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations – such as Scouts or Girl Guides – Landcare groups, government and non-government schools, P&C associations and other community groups, as well as local councils.

I’d encourage those who might be interested in putting forward a project to have a look at the program guidelines at business.gov.au/ptqi

Interested groups and organisations should lodge expression of interest by Friday 25 March 2022. Further information is available at https://www.sharonclaydon.com/grants or by contacting my office via 4926 1555.  

Good news!

A man missing from the Hunter Region has been found safe and well today.

The 41-year-old was last seen in bushland at Moonan Brook about 2pm yesterday (Saturday 19 February 2022).

Following a large-scale search, the man was found about 11.30am today (Sunday 20 February 2022) along Barrington Tops Forest Road, Barrington Tops.

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

A land search for a man missing in bushland in the Hunter Region is currently underway.

Michael Chalmers, aged 41, was last seen at Pol Blue Creek, Tubrabucca Road, Moonan Brook – approximately 65km east of Scone – about 2pm yesterday (Saturday 19 February 2022).

At the time, Michael had been fishing when he became separated from his companion.

When Michael could not be located, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced a search to locate him.

Police hold concerns for his welfare and will be searching the area where he was last seen with assistance from the Dog Unit, PolAir, Police Rescue, and State Emergency Services.

Michael is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 185cm tall, of large build, with brown hair and blue eyes. 

He was last seen wearing black joggers, blue pants, dark coloured t-shirt and black hat with the letters BTS in red on the front of the hat.

Anyone with information about Michael’s whereabouts, or has dashcam vision from the area, is urged to contact police.

The long-awaited revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths will kick off on March 14 with stage one works to improve the safety, water quality and accessibility of the much-loved community facility.

The $14.5m first phase will focus on the pools, lower promenade and pumping system, addressing key issues identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice.

The Ocean Baths will be closed for the duration of the work, which is expected to be completed by mid-2023.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle (CN) had worked with the construction contractor on a program to limit the overall disruption to users and impact just one summer season.

“City of Newcastle has worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project, with improved public health and safety, accessibility, and community preferences among the key considerations,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Staff have worked closely with the contractor on a plan to limit disruption to users, including keeping the Baths open through this current summer season and aiming to open prior to summer 2023.

“With the Newcastle Ocean Baths turning 100 this November, we are committed to ensuring this upgrade meets the needs of current and future users and look forward to this project delivering significantly improved facilities, which can be enjoyed for the community for years to come.”

As part of the upgrade, the iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will be renewed, and a new pump system will be installed that can replace the water of the baths within six hours, significantly improving water quality.

The sand floor amenity will be retained while capping the undulating rock bottom of the pool with concrete to ensure the pool can continue to be used for walk based activities, as well as to improve safety and water quality. Sand will continue to build up on the floor by the same processes as today with sand washing into the pool via ocean waves. CN will also consider manually replacing fresh sand in the pool following its annual clean depending on forecast swell and weather conditions.

The stage one work will deliver significant improvements for people with a disability or low mobility, including ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool.

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of CN’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage One upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The next stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade will focus on the pavilion and surrounding public areas. This phase is subject to community consultation which is expected to start this year.

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind the LGBTIQ+ community by flying the Progress Pride Flag at City Hall for the first time, to coincide with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the importance of celebrating our diverse community could not be underestimated at a time when fostering inclusivity is one of City of Newcastle’s main priorities.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring our city celebrates diversity and advocates for inclusivity in support of our LGBTIQ+ community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As the city with the highest ‘Yes’ vote in regional Australia in support of marriage equality, we want to ensure that our community feels safe and supported, which is why we’ll be flying the Progress Pride Flag on days and for events that hold significance amongst Newcastle’s LGBTIQ+ community.

“Flying the flag demonstrates to our local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer community members that our city stands with them, not only during Mardi Gras, but at all times.

“I’m incredibly proud to witness the flying of the Progress Pride Flag, which has become a widely recognised symbol to represent all LGBTIQ+ community members, for the first time at Newcastle’s City Hall.”

The Progress Pride Flag will be flown together with the Australian, United Nations, New South Wales, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at City Hall for the duration of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras from today until Sunday 6 March.

It will also be flown to coincide with future days and events including International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia, Pride Month, Wear it Purple Day, Newcastle Pride Festival and Trans Day of Remembrance.

City of Newcastle has demonstrated support of the LGBTIQ+ community through a number of initiatives in recent years, including the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington Park, support of the ‘yes’ campaign and marriage equality, sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival and previously flying the Rainbow Flag at City Hall.

The flying of the Progress Pride Flag was an initiative brought about via a Lord Mayoral Minute and supported unanimously by the elected Council in September 2021.

The Progress Pride Flag was designed by non-binary artist and graphic designer Daniel Quasar in 2018 and incorporates the existing six-coloured Rainbow Flag, widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, which was designed by Gilbert Baker for the 1978 San Francisco Freedom Day Parade. The Progress Pride Flag also includes a multicoloured chevron (a V-shaped element) to represent trans, nonbinary and gender diverse people. The chevron comprises black and brown for Indigenous people and people of colour, as well as white, pink and blue, the colours of the Trans Pride Flag designed by American trans woman Monica Helms in 1999.