Category: Newcastle News

Tenders for a construction contractor to complete the Stage 1 upgrade of Newcastle Ocean Baths have closed with City of Newcastle on track to appoint a head contractor at the October Council meeting.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade is a staged project with the pools, promenades and pumps prioritised for Stage 1 while the upper concourse and pavilion building will be considered in Stage 2.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said a less visible but highly important part of the Stage 1 work is the upgrade of the pumps which will see three new submersible pump sets constructed adjacent to the existing pumpstation, which is being retained as a heritage feature.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths is approximately four times the size of an Olympic sized swimming pool and holds around 6.5 million litres of water,” Cr Clausen said.
“Currently the pool is operated by being filled and drained once a week with no or limited circulated water in-between when the oceans are calm, as is often the case during peak-use periods in summer.
“A new pump system with capacity to turn the pool water over in six hours will significantly improve water quality and clarity.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said six pumping system options were considered before a final wet well structure was specified to deliver improvements to health and safety and equipment reliability and maintainability.
“There is a lot to consider for infrastructure located in a sea water environment. Currently we need to replace the pumps every three months, however we expect to get up to six years of life from the new pump system,” Ms Rigby said.
“Safety for our pool maintenance team will also be improved with the ability to operate the pump system remotely, minimising the need to access the infrastructure which, in the current location in large swell events, is hazardous or just not possible.”
The new pump system will be located underground to the north of the existing pump house with only the pumpstation access lids being visible.
City of Newcastle is committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths and has directed the $9.5 million recovered from the sale of the Frederick Ash Building towards the project.
Stage 1 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade also received $3 million in funding from the NSW Government under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Newcastle’s economy and COVID-hit tourism industry is set to benefit from the season opener of the 2022 Supercars Championship series converging in the city for the Newcastle 500 on 4-6 March.
The flagship event was rescheduled from the final event of the season to the first race of the 2022 season, following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the confirmation of the event date provides certainty to local residents and businesses and is a welcome boost to the economy and racing fans’ spirits following prolonged COVID-19 restrictions.
“Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I’m confident they will love to attend the season opener,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses which confirms that the Christmas and January holidays will be unaffected by the track set-up.
“Newcastle’s beaches will remain accessible to the public during the track installation period in February through the usual road connections, and during the three-day event by following Bathers Way from King Edward Park.
“Businesses can also now prepare for the post lockdown busy trading period over the summer and hopefully enjoy the extra visitation and economic benefit that Supercars brings.
“Event organisers will work with NSW Health to deliver a robust COVID-safe event that adheres to Public Health Orders to ensure the safety of our community.”
The five-year agreement to host the Newcastle 500 concludes with the 2022 event, which was discussed at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
City of Newcastle will undertake a full analysis of the event, including economic benefits to the region and impacts on residents.
A report will come back to the elected council to determine any extension beyond 2022.
Like with previous events access to the beach and facilities will remain open both during a shorter bump-in and during the event. Council’s expectation is that the event organisers will minimise disruptions to residents and beachgoers in the lead up to the event.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said talks are ongoing with Destination NSW and Supercars Australia regarding the future of the event in Newcastle.
“We look forward to reviewing the outcomes of the new time slot and Newcastle being host of the first race of the season,” Mr Bath said.
“Newcastle has cemented its rightful place as a premier events destination and we have our eyes set on an event-led economic recovery, with an impressive line-up of potential major events being planned for 2022.”

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 28 September 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Bypassing freight from residential Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute about City of Newcastle’s submission into the recommended route for the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, which will provide a future dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and Hexham that bypasses residential Newcastle, was supported.
The Corridor will dramatically alleviate traffic congestion at level crossings such as Adamstown and Clyde Street. City of Newcastle’s submission requests that the Corridor is aligned to catalyst areas including the Port of Newcastle and the emerging Black Hill industrial precinct, seeks assurance that key infrastructure projects like the Richmond Vale Rail Trail won’t be more onerous or costly as a result, calls for project integration with the proposed M1 extension, and requests that the preferred option at Hexham delivers on the concept of ‘Port Side Rail’, which would minimise community impact and support future economic growth.

The Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience Campaigns
A Lord Mayoral Minute regarding two global campaigns, Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience, which aim to rally support and action on climate change in the lead up to the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, was supported.

To reinforce its stance on action against climate change, City of Newcastle will take the Cities Race to Zero Pledge, which recognises the global climate emergency, pledges a commitment to keeping global heating below the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement and pledges reaching (net)-zero in the 2040s or sooner, or by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°Celsius. City of Newcastle will also take the Cities Race to Resilience Pledge, which is focused on building resilience to climate change and will see City of Newcastle integrate climate change adaption in urban planning.

Progress Pride Flag
Councillors unanimously supported a Lord Mayoral Minute regarding City of Newcastle’s support of our LGBTQI+ community. City of Newcastle will fly the Progress Pride Flag at City Hall, Civic Park, the City Administration Centre, and other appropriate locations, during Mardi Gras, Pride Week and other times significant to Newcastle’s LGBTQI+ community.

Ordinary Business

Community and Economic Resilience Package Extension
Councillors noted the development of a second phase of the Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) in response to the impact caused by the continuing lockdown of the Newcastle LGA, including an increase of the 2021/22 works program of at least $10 million.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation – Memorandum of Understanding
Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, which recognises and acknowledges the cultural importance of Newcastle Art Gallery and records the spirit of cooperation and respect between City of Newcastle and the Foundation.
Adoption of Wickham Masterplan 2021 Update
Councillors adopted the Wickham Masterplan 2021 update, which was amended following a 28-day public exhibition period.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
Inner City Bypass – Peattie’s Road Depot
A Notice of Motion relating to Transport for NSW’s proposed Peattie’s Road Depot for the construction of the Inner City Bypass was adopted by Council.

City of Newcastle will not enter into a lease or licence on the Council-owned site for the purpose of the Depot. City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Transport and Roads to ensure the proposed Peattie’s Road Depot does not proceed, and to request the Minister enters discussions with the Minister for Health to ensure that the original proposal for a construction depot for the Inner City Bypass on site behind John Hunter Hospital can be implemented.

Principal Pedestrian Network
A Notice of Motion was introduced requesting that council staff provide an update on the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN), including a briefing at a councillor workshop, which includes: an overview of the process of identifying and prioritising footpaths, including ramp, when the PPN will be completed, when a project list is scheduled to be completed, an annual indicative budget required to adequately progress though the routes and projects on a rolling program and how Councillors can participate.

A Director’s comment noting work is underway towards the development of the Principal Pedestrian Network and a draft Walking Plan with a Councillor workshop to be held in early 2022 was supported.

Changes to 2022 Newcastle 500 Supercars
Councillors voted to approve a Notice of Motion that requires any changes to the current agreement with Supercars in relation to the timing, staging, access or other aspects of the 2022 Newcastle 500 event to be reviewed and approved by the elected Council prior to approval.
Woodchip Exports from the Port of Newcastle
A Notice of Motion calling for City of Newcastle to oppose the export of woodchips from the Port of Newcastle and a proposal to export 60,000 tonnes of native forest woodchips per annum to Japan was unanimously supported by Councillors.

City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Minister for Environment and NSW Minister of Planning and Public Spaces to express its concern of the use of woodchips for the creation of clean energy.

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening hospital staff with a blood-filled syringe at a Hunter hospital overnight.
About 4.30pm yesterday (Monday 27 September 2021), a 32-year-old man was transferred to Maitland Hospital for medical treatment.
The man later became aggressive towards staff and was directed to leave the hospital by security.
He was removed however re-entered a short time later and allegedly threatened security staff and a nurse with a blood-filled syringe.
The man dropped the instrument and continued to threaten staff before police arrival.
Following a short struggle, the man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
He continued to resist arrest and allegedly became abusive towards police.
He was charged with nine offences, including:

• Behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school
• Armed with intent to commit indictable offence (x3)
• Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (x4)
• Resist officer in execution of duty

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 28 September 2021).

A man is in hospital after a truck and a train collided at a level crossing in the Upper Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 7.15am (Wednesday 29 September 2021), emergency services were called to Turanville Road, Scone, following reports a southbound train and a flatbed truck collided at a level crossing.
The 29-year-old male driver of the truck was trapped by confinement for a short time before being freed by a passer-by.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken by road ambulance to Scone Hospital and later airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.
The driver of the train was uninjured.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The rail line will be closed for some time whilst the train is assessed.

Councillors will consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the City of Newcastle and the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation at tonight’s Council meeting, which outlines the organisations’ shared commitment to the expansion project and the future of the cultural landmark.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the MoU was another milestone on the road towards the $35.6 million expansion of the Gallery, which would double its size and allow significantly more of its collection to be displayed to the public each year.
“Since being established in 1977, the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation has played a valuable role in supporting the Gallery and the growth of its collection, having contributed to the acquisition of more than 335 art works,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Its members are passionate about the future of the Gallery and are dedicated to increasing access to the 7,000 works it holds.
“City of Newcastle’s planned expansion project will achieve this aim, providing an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space including dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.
“City of Newcastle has committed a further to $12.6 million towards the project, while the Foundation has pledged $10 million. The MoU also includes a commitment by the Foundation to raise an additional $2.5 million through fundraising towards the expansion of the Gallery.
“As this revised Memorandum of Understanding affirms, we will continue to work together to ensure our shared dream for the Gallery becomes a reality.”

Members of the Foundation’s Board unanimously endorsed the revised MoU at a meeting last week, and Cr Nelmes said she hoped this would be followed by a similar show of unanimous support from Councillors this evening.
The MoU recognises the historical and cultural importance of the Gallery as custodian of the most valuable art collection in regional Australia, which presents a comprehensive overview of Australian art from colonial times to the present day and is worth $115 million.
It also acknowledges the work undertaken by City of Newcastle and the Foundation to preserve and promote the Gallery and reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to support and protect it for the enjoyment of future generations.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with City of Newcastle will underpin further efforts to support the Gallery’s expansion.
“The Foundation is proud to contribute $10 million to the gallery expansion, made possible through generous contributions from the community and supporters over many years,” Ms Galwey said.
“The MoU between the City of Newcastle and the Foundation also provides certainty and assurance to future donors before committing contributions to the project.
“The MoU outlines how the major funding partners will work together, as well as the Foundation’s aspiration to raise an additional $2.5 million. By aligning this target with the City’s commitment, the Foundation is in a strong position to approach existing and new donors to secure the remaining funds needed to complete the expanded gallery.
“The MoU with the City will both guide and bolster our ongoing efforts to demonstrate how important Newcastle Art Gallery is to the community.”
The City of Newcastle is awaiting a determination from the Federal Government in regard to an application for $10 million in funding towards the project from its Recovering Regions program, which would allow the expansion to immediately commence.

Detectives investigating the death of a toddler more than 15 years ago in the state’s Hunter Region have charged a man with manslaughter.
Jordan William Thompson was 21 months old when his mum, Bernice Swales, went to run some errands, leaving him in the care of her then partner during the afternoon of Thursday 19 March 2005.
When she returned home, Jordan was unresponsive. She rushed him across the road to Singleton Base Hospital, but he could not be revived.
Police were told Jordan had been found face down in the bathtub; however, a post-mortem later found high levels of a prescription medication used to treat depression in his system.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad established Strike Force Kyeama to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jordan’s death.
A Coronial Inquest commenced in 2008 and resumed in 2015, with Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott finding in 2018 that Jordan died because he had been deliberately administered anti-depressant medication.
Following further extensive investigations, and a NSW Government $100,000 reward for information, Strike Force Kyeama detectives arrested a 49-year-old man at a home at Doonside about 5pm today (Monday 27 September 2021).
He was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with manslaughter.
The Singleton man was refused bail and is due to appear at Blacktown Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 28 September 2021).

Detectives have charged a man over his alleged role in the historical sexual and physical abuse of a teenage girl in the state’s Hunter region.
In January 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Baria to investigate the alleged kidnapping, sexual and physical assault of a teenage girl between April 2016 and December 2018 by people known to her.
Strike force detectives have already charged two men – aged 38 and 43 – as well as a 60-year-old woman, for their alleged roles in the abuse of the teenage girl. They remain before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 61-year-old man at a home in Muswellbrook about 4pm yesterday (Monday 27 September 2021).
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with 16 sexual and physical violence-related offences.
They include;

• Indecent assault person under 16 years of age,
• cause child older than 14 and below 18 to do act of child prostitution,
• have sexual intercourse with person older than 14 and younger than 16 years (x2),
• assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) (x2),
• attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm (domestic) (x3),
• common assault (DV) (x5),
• take etc in company with intent get advantage occasion actual bodily harm (DV), and,
• kidnap with intent commit serious indictable off occasion actual bodily harm (DV)

Police will allege in court the man sexually and physically assaulted a 19-year-old woman – then aged between 13 and 16-years-old – on numerous occasions between 2016 and 2018.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 28 September 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Baria are continuing.
 

Swimming centres across Newcastle are set to welcome swimmers back on Monday, following the NSW Government’s decision last week that outdoor public pools can reopen.
Newcastle’s five inland swimming centres have been closed since the conclusion of the summer season in April and have remained closed in line with the Public Health Order which only allowed natural swimming pools, like Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths, to open.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the decision to reopen the city’s swimming centres.
“The importance of exercise can’t be understated during the extended stay at home orders, so I’m pleased that Newcastle’s swimming centres are able to safely reopen to swimmers from Monday.
“As the weather continues to warm up, people have flocked to the city’s beaches and ocean baths, which have remained open throughout the stay at home orders.
“Reopening outdoor pools will provide more options for swimmers across the entire local government area, not just at the city’s beaches and baths.
“City of Newcastle has delivered new playgrounds at Mayfield and Wallsend Swimming Centres, as well as a new accessible changeroom area at Mayfield Swimming Centre, in time for reopening.”
The latest NSW Government advice states that from 27 September members of the public can resume swimming at outdoor public pools either within your local government area or within 5km of your home.
Beresfield, Lambton, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres will reopen on Monday 27 September with COVID-safe plans in place.
Those attending Newcastle’s swimming centres will be required to adhere to NSW Government advice, check in, wear masks while not swimming and maintain physical distancing. Pool visitors will be encouraged to swim and go, and all indoor and outdoor areas including grandstands, changerooms and bathrooms will be open and subject to capacity limits based on the 4sqm rule. Community sport, training programs and learn to swim lessons remain suspended.
Saturday 18 September marked the official start of the summer season at local beaches and baths, with lifeguards now on patrol daily at Bar, Dixon Park, Merewether, Newcastle, Nobbys and Stockton Beaches, as well as Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths.
For more information on pool opening hours, please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/swimming-centres

A man has been charged with driving, drug and weapons offences following an investigation into dangerous driving and burnouts in the Hunter region.
On Wednesday 22 September 2021, officers from the Newcastle-Hunter Sector of Traffic and Highway Patrol were notified of a white Toyota Hilux spray painted black allegedly conducting burnouts in Bellbird in the early hours of the morning.
Following inquiries, officers – with assistance from Hunter Valley Police District – executed a search warrant at a home on Kempe Street, Cessnock, about 1.45pm yesterday (Thursday 23 September 2021).
During the warrant, police seized a Toyota Hilux, a Mercedes Van, two slingshots, methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, ammunition, number plates and mobile phones.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with 14 offences including:

• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit (x2)
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority
• Unlawfully possess number plates
• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
• Interfere with person’s enjoyment or risk safety
• Use light vehicle with dangerous frontal protrusions
• Use light vehicle with seatbelt missing or defective
• Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard
• Use vehicle with defective body or structural member
• Possess prohibited drug
• Possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs
• Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19

The Cessnock man was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 13 October 2021.
Traffic Inspector for the Newcastle-Hunter Sector, Inspector Mick Buko, said this manner of driving is reckless and can have serious consequences.
“Not only is this behaviour dangerous, it also puts other innocent members of the public at risk, and we simply won’t tolerate it.
“Anyone who observes this sort of dangerous driving is encouraged to report it to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Insp Buko said.
Investigations are ongoing into further alleged driving offences.