Category: Newcastle News

An ongoing program of sand nourishment will be the best way to provide a buffer for the coastline and beach amenity at Stockton according to a City of Newcastle evaluation, which considered a range of options for long term coastal management.
City of Newcastle presented the outcomes of the Evaluation Report to the Stockton Community Liaison Group at a community meeting in Stockton this morning, finding that following an initial mass sand nourishment effort, regular top ups will be more cost effective and efficient than structures like an artificial headland.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the evaluation process was extensive and considered performance, environmental and social factors and included a cost benefit analysis.
“Four feasible coastal management options including an artificial reef, an artificial headland, sand back passing, and maintenance sand nourishment were assessed, and mass sand nourishment supported by annual sand nourishment top ups is considered the best solution for Stockton,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The evaluation appraisal included both economic and non-economic factors to determine which scheme would best support our vision to provide an erosion buffer to Stockton, return recreational beach amenity and the sense of identity that the beach provides to the local community.
“The process included a cost-benefit analysis that demonstrated that the greatest economic value resulting from the proposed coastal management scheme is the value of improved beach amenity, which is a value that extends beyond Stockton residents to the people of Newcastle and NSW.”
With several NSW Government Agencies owning land along the northern section of the Stockton coastline, City of Newcastle is continuing to work with these stakeholders to ensure the proposed solution meets their needs.
“Support from affected agency landholders is critical to the successful implementation of the preferred solution as well as a mandatory requirement of the Coastal Management Act 2016,” Cr Nelmes said.
The community had input into the evaluation of the schemes via a survey completed earlier this year and Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, said she believes there is broad support for ongoing sand nourishment at Stockton Beach.
“This information confirms the need for sand to be continually replenished on Stockton Beach, which we’ve known for some time, but it also prioritises this scheme over other options like an artificial headland or artificial reef to provide the buffer our coastline needs,” Ms Whitcher said.
“Some people in the community would have preferred an artificial reef or artificial headland. However, the economic benefit analysis confirms that sand nourishment is the most cost-effective scheme and is less intrusive on the environment.
“Now we want to see the preferred sand nourishment management scheme implemented as soon as possible.”
City of Newcastle consultants also presented the Community Liaison Group with results of a Coastal Inundation Report, which identifies and maps the present and future coastal inundation hazard at Stockton from tides, surge and dynamic, wave-driven water levels that lead to over wash and overtopping of coastal barriers.
The findings further highlight the need to implement the mass sand nourishment strategy, outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020, which will mitigate this risk within the medium term.
City of Newcastle’s next step is to progress discussions about funding the coastal management scheme with the State Government, which established the Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce to provide advice and recommendations on issues including sand sourcing and to seek priority capital and operational funding.
In addition to managing the Stockton coastline, the newly formed Newcastle Coastal Management Working Group will consider coastal management of the entire 14 kilometres of coastline in the Newcastle local government area as well as the Hunter Estuary as Coastal Management Programs for these areas are developed in 2022-23.
Work completed by City of Newcastle over the past 12-18 months to progress coastal management at Stockton since the certification of the Stockton Coastal Management Program includes:

• Sand Movement Study
• Coastal Inundation Assessment
• Love Our Coast Community Survey – capturing beach visitation data
• Feasibility Assessment into coastal management options for the Extended CMP area
• Workshops on the four complementary management scheme options with Stockton Community Liaison Group, NSW Government Agencies, Worimi and a month-long community survey capturing broad community feedback on the four options
• Evaluation Report drafted
• Grant Applications – harbour investigations and to support the development of the extended CMP
• Investigation of harbour-based sand sources commenced
• Consultation with Port of Newcastle and relevant government agencies to confirm Stockton as the primary beneficial reuse location of suitable sand within the renewal of the Sea Dumping Permit for maintenance dredging within the harbour
• Review of Offshore Sand Assessment Report
• Advice on planning pathway offshore sand extraction and placement
• Formed and held first meeting of the Newcastle Coastal Management Working Group
• Ongoing implementation of the CMP 2020 actions including rockbags, dune works, sand scraping and renewal of accessways.

A man will face court today charged over a series of alleged armed robberies at Newcastle overnight.
About 5.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 December 2021), a 26-year-old man was seated in his stationary vehicle on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, when another man opened the driver’s side door and demanded he get out.
It will be alleged the man grabbed the driver and pulled him from the car, before a brief struggle ensued and he stabbed the driver in the chest with a scalpel.
The driver was able to grab the keys from the ignition before the man fled the scene on foot, heading south along Beaumont Street.
A short time later, the man allegedly entered a chemist on the same street before demanding cash from an employee and stealing drinks.
The man then walked towards the intersection of Tudor and Beaumont Streets, where he opened the passenger side door of a white Ford Kuga – which was stationary at traffic lights – and allegedly threatened the driver – a 33-year-old woman – with a scalpel.
The woman – who had two young children in the vehicle – circled the block before the man attempted to undo one of the child’s restraints.
The woman pulled over and removed the children from the car, before the man stole the vehicle and drove away.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified of all three incidents and commenced extensive searches and inquiries in the nearby area.
About 7pm, officers attached to Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) observed a white Ford Kuga on Darby Street at Cooks Hill.
Police activated their warning lights and sirens, however the driver failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued through Merewether, before the car was stopped at Flowerdale Avenue.
The driver – a 39-year-old Queensland man – was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of robbery armed with an offensive weapon, aggravated robbery with wounding/grievous bodily harm, and police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 9 December 2021).

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter region, last seen in the Hamilton area.
Colin Whittaker, aged 58, was last seen on Beaumont Street, Hamilton about 9:50pm on Sunday 21 November 2021.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified later that day and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family members hold concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.
Colin also hasn’t made contact with family since November and hasn’t used his bank account, he also does not have a mobile phone.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 180cm to 185cm tall, with a slim build, grey hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing white/cream coloured jacket, light coloured pants and a dark beanie.
He is known to frequent areas of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Ourimbah, he is also known to use the public transport network and other public facilities. He had previously mentioned that he intended to travel to Queensland, however he has no means to travel there.
Anyone who may have seen Colin or that may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The landmark Richmond Vale Rail Trail project has reached an important approval milestone, with future work set to rejuvenate the historic rail line as a new regional shared path for the community and visitors.
The Development Application (DA) for the design and construction of Newcastle’s section of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail was approved yesterday by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.

Approximately 13 kilometres of the path located within the Newcastle Local Government Area was approved. Two kilometres of the trail that goes through the Hunter Wetlands National Park will undergo further assessment in the new year.
City of Newcastle’s Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this approval represents a major step forward for what will be a regionally significant recreational and tourism attraction that will rival the popular Fernleigh Track
“The project will offer a great active choice for locals and visitors, passing through old railway tunnels and over bridges, amongst wildlife habitats and linking to the Hunter Wetlands Centre,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Significant work went into preparing this DA and I want to congratulate everyone who played their part. This is an important milestone and I’m excited and very optimistic about the future of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail.”
City of Newcastle’s section is part of the overall regional proposal between City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Cessnock City Councils for a 32-kilometre cycling and walking track along the former Richmond Vale rail line between Kurri Kurri and Hexham, along the former Chichester to Newcastle water pipeline between Shortland and Tarro, and through the Hunter Wetlands National Park.
The shared pathway will provide a link between Kurri Kurri, Tarro, Minmi and Shortland and it would mean users could avoid travelling on the Pacific Motorway, Hunter Expressway or New England Highway.
City of Newcastle will seek approval of the two-kilometre section through the Hunter Wetlands National Park next year to ultimately move this project towards construction, as funding permits.
To find out more about the project visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Police are reappealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate the whereabouts of missing Lake Macquarie man, Patrick Thaidy, one year after his disappearance.
Patrick Thaidy, aged 60, was last seen at his home on Delasala Drive in Macquarie Hills about 12am on Sunday 6 December 2020.
Further inquiries have confirmed Patrick was later sighted along Macquarie Road at Cardiff about 9.25am and again on Bayview Street, Warners Bay, around 10.45am that same day (Sunday 6 December 2020).
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into his whereabouts; however, despite extensive searches and inquiries into his movements since then, Mr Thaidy remains missing.
Police and family members hold grave concerns for his welfare due to medical conditions.
Today (Tuesday 7 December 2021), officers attached to Police Rescue will conduct further aerial searching utilising a drone and ground searching in bushland and scrub off Bayview Street, Warners Bay.
As inquiries continue, anyone who may have seen or heard from Patrick or may have any information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

I’m very pleased to be opening nominations for my 2022 Newcastle Volunteer Service Awards today as we celebrate International Volunteer Day.
It’s been a tough couple of years for our community groups and organisations, but they have continued to work tirelessly for our community, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Again and again, Novocastrians have gone out of their way to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are protected and that they have access to the things they need, when they need it.
The spontaneous creation of neighbourhood groups and the overnight transformation of local cafes into community kitchens and corner stores has been life-saving for many.
Novocastrians demonstrated that, when the going gets really tough, we come together to support each other.
This year I have been lucky enough to witness firsthand the amazing efforts of our local community volunteers. Whether it’s in community kitchens providing vital food services to vulnerable or disadvantaged Novocastrians, packing and preparing food hampers for newly arrived Afghani refugees or the amazing volunteer efforts to keep our valuable wetlands and waterways clean and vibrant.
I encourage Novocastrians to take 10 minutes out from their busy lives to nominate someone that they believe has offered outstanding service in our community.
If you want to nominate a special volunteer, fill in the online nomination form by Friday 28 January 2022.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, but too often they don’t get the recognition they deserve – and that’s exactly why these awards are so important.
As always, at the end of the selection process, I will host a presentation ceremony to celebrate the incredible contribution of these dedicated volunteers to our community.
While the final shape of this ceremony will necessarily be determined by the health orders of the day, all award recipients, and those that nominated them, will be invited to participate.

Two officers have been injured during the arrest of a man after an alleged domestic violence assault in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Orlong Close, Edgeworth, about 11am (Saturday 4 December 2021), in relation to the alleged assault of a pregnant 27-year-old woman.
On arrival, officers found the woman had suffered facial bruising and arrested a 26-year-old man in the backyard.
As the two male senior constables moved him towards the police truck, a struggle allegedly ensued resulting in one officer suffering a dislocated right shoulder and injuries to his right hand, lower back and groin.
The second officer was allegedly then kicked three times in the face, suffering swelling and bruising as well as injuries to his right hand and elbow.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station where he has been charged with 17 offences,
• Common assault (six counts)
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) (two counts)
• Assault officer in execution of duty (two counts)
• Assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm (two counts)
• Resist police (three counts)
• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm
• Destroy or damage property.
He’s been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 5 December 2021).
The first officer was taken by NSW Ambulance paramedics to John Hunter Hospital where he was treated and underwent further tests; the second officer was initially treated at the police station and continues to receive medical treatment. Both officers are now at home but are currently unfit for duty.

City of Newcastle is calling for comment on its new draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) as part of its commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive community.
City of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said International Day of People with Disability was the perfect time to reflect on key achievements of Newcastle’s inaugural DIAP and ask the community for their input on the updated Plan.
“Today we celebrate the progress made through the 2016 DIAP, including the establishment of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee,” Ms Hyland said.
“I’d like to thank our Access Inclusion Advisory Committee members for their hard work and support of our plan to ensure Newcastle is an inclusive community.
“It’s now time for the broader community to provide input into the new draft 2021 DIAP, which sets the direction and outlines key actions to be implemented over the coming years to ensure our services and programs are accessible for everyone.
“City of Newcastle remains committed to ensuring our city is inclusive for all who live, visit and work here, by leading action towards a more equitable society.”
Image: Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland with members of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee Eliot Shaw, Chris Leishman, Kirsty Russell and Tracy Walker, community representatives and City of Newcastle staff members.
City of Newcastle was the first Council in New South Wales to adopt a DIAP under the current legislation, which saw 55 of 57 actions significantly progressed or completed across the four-year period from 2016 to 2020.
Positive outcomes from the first plan include:

• the establishment of the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee to ensure decisions are informed by direct consultation with people with lived experience with disabilities.
• the establishment of Newcastle’s Count Us In festival to raise the profile of disability inclusion across the city.
• the inclusion of people with a disability in the consultative processes, including provided input into or co-design of major projects by City of Newcastle. Examples include the planned revitalisation of Newcastle Ocean Baths, inclusive play spaces for Stevenson Park and Harbour Foreshore and access improvements such as lift and change facilities at Nobbys Beach and Newcastle Museum.
• support ahead of the International Deaf Games 2022.
• increase in accessible format programming at CN cultural facilities for people with disability.
• continued access improvements in public domain and local centres planning.

Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable future is this years’ theme for International Day of People with Disability. Community engagement to develop the 2021 DIAP included in-person consultation sessions, focus groups survey as well as internal consultation with CN areas such as facilities, services, human resources and project planning divisions.
Under the new DIAP, 35 new actions will be carried out to achieve the community’s vision for Newcastle in line with the City’s Community Strategic Plan and pave the way for City of Newcastle to become a more inclusive organisation.
Accessible and easy-read versions of the draft DIAP are available for comment until Monday 10 January 2022. Feedback can be made online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
Committee members include Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s Nathan Burford, Community Disability Alliance Hunter’s Joseph Popov, Maroba Communities’ Tracy Walker, community representatives Chris Leishman, Kirsty Russell, Eliot Shaw and Margaret Wood, and Councillors Carol Duncan and Andrea Rufo. Former committee members include Cath Mahony from Community Disability Alliance Hunter and community representative Norm MacPherson.