Detectives have charged a youth worker following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a teenage girl on the state’s Central Coast.
Earlier this week, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 15-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a man while in his care.
Following inquiries, a 26-year-old man attended Belmont Police Station about 11am yesterday (Tuesday 31 August 2021), where he was charged with three counts of intentionally sexually touch child between 10 and 16 years.
Police will allege in court the man sexually touched the girl on numerous occasions between April and August 2021 while she was under the man’s care.
The man, who is a youth worker, was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 1 September 2021).
Investigations are continuing.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Driver dies after being shot – Port Stephens
A homicide investigation is underway after a man was fatally shot at Port Stephens today.
Emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, just before 1.45pm (Sunday 29 August 2021), after reports a vehicle had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The male driver of the Ford Ranger utility was found suffering a gunshot wound. He could not be revived and died at the scene. The man is yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene has been established at Salt Ash and Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, after a second vehicle was located burnt out. Both will be examined by specialist forensic officers.
Detectives – assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad – have established Strike Force Breve to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, which is being treated as suspicious.
City extends COVID-19 community support
City of Newcastle will invest at least $10 million into the local economy to help create new jobs following a Lord Mayoral Minute unanimously supported by the Council.
The Lord Mayoral Minute called for an expanded Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) to help combat the economic and social impacts of the current lockdown of the city in response to the Delta strain of COVID-19 that has gripped NSW.
The package builds on last year’s $5.5 million investment and includes rapid response grants aimed at supporting our vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, business training and mentoring programs, as well as economic development and community grants.
Hardship support will help those under financial strain, while the focus of existing sponsorship programs will be shifted to provide a roadmap to support Newcastle’s recovery out of lockdown.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle has an important role to play in providing targeted responses and building confidence in the city’s ability to rebound from the impacts of COVID-19.
“When the pandemic was declared last year, we moved quickly to deliver social, economic and well-being outcomes that would support our community through the impacts that were still to come. The result was our $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Program, which has been formally acknowledged as the best response from a local government anywhere in NSW,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With the latest outbreak of COVID-19 placing further strain on our community, it’s clear our job is far from over. The current stay-at-home orders, as well as Greater Sydney’s and interstate protracted lockdowns, have had a direct impact on our local economy, with hotel occupancy rates plummeting, and local unemployment reversing its downward trend with young people, casual workers and part-time workers seeing significant losses of vital shifts at work, many losing their jobs altogether.
“We’re expanding the Community and Economic Resilience Program with initiatives that will provide our community with what it needs now and create a way forward towards recovery.
“Our resilience package has been informed by experts and seeks to focus on areas where local government has a clear strength and mandate.
“City of Newcastle will also identify projects that could be expedited or re-prioritised to stimulate the local economy through the delivery of new and upgraded community infrastructure.
“Increasing the 2021/22 works program by $10 million would help create more than 100 new jobs in the local government area and increase total economic output by more than $27 million.”
Under the extended CERP, grants will enable the community sector and social services industry to amplify their capacity to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, while economic development grants will provide targeted support to some of the most affected local industries including the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism sectors.
The City’s Lean in Newy app continues to bolster the small business sector through rebates, with thousands of members taking part in the targeted acts of community kindness to earn points that can be redeemed at more than 100 participating businesses.
City of Newcastle is also funding free or heavily subsidised training courses designed to improve the resilience and adaptability of local businesses, and to assist Novocastrians develop their skills and talent. This includes a range of workshops, self-paced learning, intensive programs and mentoring funded under our NewSkills program, including a new round of our Tourism Product Development Program to support businesses learn more about developing unique and marketable visitor offerings.
There’s also thousands of e-learning courses and video tutorials with real-world industry experts available free from our Libraries. The courses are delivered free via an online learning platform on topics such as resume writing, skills for retraining, and how to start a business.
To find out more about how we’re responding to COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Man dies after motorcycle crash – West Wallsend
A man has died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
About 3.30pm (Saturday 28 August 2021), emergency services were called to Boundary Street, West Wallsend, after reports a motorcyclist had left the road and crashed.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a KTM 450 motorcycle had crashed into trees and bushes, just south of Bridge Street.
Members of the public and NSW Ambulance officers attempted CPR on the rider, an 18-year-old man, however he could not be revived and died at the scene.
A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Lori Pensini wins Kilgour Prize 2021
West Australian artist and perennial Kilgour Prize finalist Lori Pensini has celebrated a breakthrough win in the prestigious $50,000 art prize with an intimate reflection on inter-racial relationships and her own family lineage.
The winner was announced tonight via an online call between Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton and the artist.
The Kilgour Prize exhibition was originally meant to open on 13 August, however Newcastle Art Gallery is currently closed in line with COVID-19 restrictions.
“While we are disappointed not to be able to share this news with Lori in person, we felt it was more important to pass on our congratulations without any further delay,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The arts community has been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19, making this award and its $50,000 prize even more valuable at this time.
“The Kilgour Prize is highly regarded within the Australian arts community and attracted a record number of entries this year. I congratulate Lori on the quality of her work, Family 2021, which has seen her triumph over a tough field to join the prestigious list of accomplished artists who have taken out the Kilgour Prize.”
Family 2021 depicts family portraits painted on heirloom fine bone china plates, which Lori said were a “tribute to the inter-racial relationships of my colonial fore-bearers and the First Peoples of the southwest of Western Australia”.
“These portraits are a continuum for myself and my art practice exploring the Indigenous lineage to my ancestry,” she said.
“Each plate is unique to itself, honouring individual endeavours and fortitude. Collectively they embody the sense of ‘family’, of intimate bonds forged and the endurance of fervent relationships that defied racial vilification of the times.”
Lori has been a Kilgour Prize finalist for five consecutive years, (2017-2021) and was the People’s Choice winner in 2018 with another powerful portrait examining her Aboriginal ancestry.
The Kilgour Prize 2021 was judged by Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, Campbelltown Arts Centre Head of Curatorial Adam Porter and the Head Teacher of Fine Art at Newcastle Art School, David Trout.
Ms Morton said the judges were impressed by the weight and substance of Lori’s technically strong and innovative work, which explores the Australian identity to make a strong point in a beautiful and subdued way.
“There is a tension presented through this work – the portraits are haunting, but also mesmerising,” Ms Morton said.
“It is not a divisive narrative, but one that embraces the individual stories behind this family portrait.”
The Kilgour Prize is administered by Newcastle Art Gallery and funded by a bequest from artist Jack Noel Kilgour.
Newcastle Art Gallery received a record 476 works from artists across every state and territory in Australia for this year’s Kilgour Prize, which presents some of the best examples of contemporary Australian portrait and figurative painting. Almost 2900 works have been entered into the Kilgour Prize since it was established in 2006.
While Newcastle Art Gallery remains closed during lockdown the Kilgour Prize 2021 exhibition showcasing the 30 finalists can be viewed at www.nag.org.au/exhibitions/current/kilgour-prize-2021. Votes for the People’s Choice Award can be cast online until 5pm on 6 October 2021. The winner will be announced on 11 October 2021 and awarded $5,000.
2021 FINALISTS:
Lisa Adams, Gillian Adamson, Matteo Bernasconi, Jackson Booth, Catherine Boreham, Julie-Ann Brown, Simon Brown, Daniel Butterworth, Emily Jayne Carroll, John Dahlsen, Archer Davies, Rachelle Dusting, John Earle, David Fairbairn, Nick Fintan, Christine Fontana, Miriam Fraser, Michael Lindeman, Nunzio Miano, Robert O’Connor, Nathan Paddison, Lori Pensini, Alice Pulvers, James R Randall, Zeljka Reljan-Music, Grace Kemarre Robinya, Paul Ryan, Jason Tolmie, Mick Turner and Mark Tweedie.
ABOUT THE KILGOUR PRIZE
Jack Noel Kilgour (1900–1987) was an Australian artist well-known for his academic approach to landscape and portrait painting. In 1987 Kilgour bequeathed funds for the creation of a major figurative and portrait art competition to be run in perpetuity. As one of Australia’s major art prizes, Newcastle Art Gallery is proud to be the home of the KILGOUR PRIZE.
More information: https://www.nag.org.au/Kilgour-Prize
Hamilton’s James Street Plaza makeover complete
City of Newcastle’s transformation of James Street Plaza on Hamilton’s Beaumont Street is complete after four months of construction.
During the final stages of the upgrade finishing touches were made to street furniture, artworks installed and landscaping and tree planting finalised.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the changes to the space are impressive following the project which is aimed to attract more visitors, families, and shoppers.
“In response to community feedback we have delivered a safer, more appealing place for people to spend time,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Once COVID-19 restrictions lift, we will welcome the community back to gather and activate the space with music, markets and food.”
Councillor Carol Duncan said that the transformed plaza delivers an attractive meeting place for the Hamilton community.
“You can really see the community’s ideas and feedback brought to life, from the unique historical elements to new furniture and gardens,” Cr Duncan said.
“I love the special details like the built-in drinking bowl for our canine companions in the water fountain and I can’t wait to see the lighting display once it’s launched in the coming months.”
“The Plaza will be a vibrant, safe and inclusive space for our community during the day and at night.”
In June the community was asked to vote on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.
The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the favourite and was developed into a full-length animation which will be launched to light up the space at night, after COVID restrictions have eased.
In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.
Image caption: L-R Councillor Carol Duncan and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the completed James Street Plaza
During the final stages of the upgrade finishing touches were made to street furniture, artworks installed and landscaping and tree planting finalised.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the changes to the space are impressive following the project which is aimed to attract more visitors, families, and shoppers.
“In response to community feedback we have delivered a safer, more appealing place for people to spend time,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Once COVID-19 restrictions lift, we will welcome the community back to gather and activate the space with music, markets and food.”
Councillor Carol Duncan said that the transformed plaza delivers an attractive meeting place for the Hamilton community.
“You can really see the community’s ideas and feedback brought to life, from the unique historical elements to new furniture and gardens,” Cr Duncan said.
“I love the special details like the built-in drinking bowl for our canine companions in the water fountain and I can’t wait to see the lighting display once it’s launched in the coming months.”
“The Plaza will be a vibrant, safe and inclusive space for our community during the day and at night.”
In June the community was asked to vote on their favourite of three lighting designs put forward by the University of Newcastle’s Future Art Science & Technology Lab (FASTLab), each celebrating a different aspect of Hamilton’s history and character.
The “Microcosmic Mosaic” concept proved to be the favourite and was developed into a full-length animation which will be launched to light up the space at night, after COVID restrictions have eased.
In addition to the lighting display, the rich history of Hamilton is reflected in artworks in the renewed plaza, informed by the research of local historian Ruth Cotton, author of Hidden Hamilton and through collaboration with the Newcastle Museum.
Image caption: L-R Councillor Carol Duncan and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the completed James Street Plaza
Rock bags offer emergency protection but sand remains the focus for Stockton
Work to place a temporary protection structure along Stockton foreshore at Barrie Crescent is now complete while City of Newcastle remains committed to sourcing sand for mass nourishment at Stockton Beach.
The beach in front of Barrie Crescent Reserve at Stockton suffered severe shoreline recession following successive east-coast low storm events in 2020, triggering an emergency response to protect the adjacent road and properties.
The structure replaces previous sandbagging works and comprises around 1260 Kyowa rock bags, weighing more than 5000 tonne and covers a 210-metre section of coastline. At a cost of $3.9 million, on top of the $10 million already invested to manage erosion at Stockton, the rock bags provide temporary protection from further shoreline recession in severe weather events.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment for Stockton Beach, as outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program, remains the focus and priority for City of Newcastle.
“The rock bags offer a robust, sustainable and economical temporary management option for coastal erosion however they are not a long-term solution,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our Stockton Coastal Management Program identifies mass sand nourishment as the preferred solution to buffer Stockton from coastal hazards and return amenity and access to the beach and we will continue to work with the Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce to source the sand needed for Stockton Beach.
“We are expecting a report from the NSW Government which will provide further detail about the three potential offshore sand sources announced by the Deputy Premier last month.”
City of Newcastle is investigating the costs, additional studies and approvals involved to secure a mining licence to source offshore sand while also continuing to work with agencies on opportunities to source sand from within the harbour.
“There are several streams of work underway to source sand and we are very firmly focussed on working collaboratively with the NSW Government to investigate planning and approval processes, and funding mechanisms for mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.
The NSW Government-certified Stockton Coastal Management Program sets the intent to establish a pathway for mass sand nourishment while simultaneously planning and delivering immediate, high-risk site erosion protection measures, which includes the rock bag structure at Barrie Crescent.
Man in court following incident at chemist – Jesmond
A man will face court tomorrow after he was charged following an incident at a chemist near Newcastle last week.
Just before 5pm on Friday 20 August 2021, a man attended a chemist in Blue Gum Road, Jesmond to obtain a vaccination.
The man was initially refused entry as he was not wearing a mask and returned a short time later with an appropriate face covering.
As staff began inquiring about his details for the vaccination, he allegedly became verbally aggressive towards staff.
The man was asked to leave the store and as he was exiting, he picked up a plastic bag of glass bottles and allegedly began swinging them towards staff and customers, before finally leaving.
The incident was reported to police and an investigation commenced by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.
Today, (Wednesday 25 August 2021), the 54-year-old man was arrested at a house in Jesmond and taken to Waratah Police Station.
He was charged with affray and failing to comply with public health order – not wear face covering.
He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 26 August 2021).
Newcastle Ocean Baths pool designs finalised
City of Newcastle has called for construction tenders for the first stage of Newcastle Ocean Baths’ revitalisation including the pools and lower promenade.
‘Stage 1’ of the upgrade project addresses key safety, accessibility and water-quality issues that have been identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice.
As part of the upgrade, the iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will be renewed, and a new pump station installed that can replace the water of the baths within six hours, improving water quality. The undulating rock bottom of the pool will be capped with concrete to improve safety and water quality, and sand will continue to build up on the floor by the same processes as today.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community engagement had been key to finalising the designs for Stage 1, with feedback shaping elements such as the location of ramp access, replacement of art-deco circular stairs, and boardwalk material.
“The final design for Stage 1 captures what the community told us was important to them, and we’ve worked with our expert consultants to also ensure the design meets accessibility, safety and health requirements,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a generational investment in the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which will celebrate its 100th birthday next year, which is why City of Newcastle have meticulously worked with both the community and experts to ensure what’s delivered meets the needs of current and future users.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has shared feedback to date and especially our Community Reference Group who have helped shape a range of upgraded features including access ramps, the appearance of the lifeguard lookout, how to incorporate the iconic circular stairs, and even materials we use for railings and the boardwalk.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said the project team would work with preferred tenderers to ensure overall disruption to Baths users was limited.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths is an important community asset enjoyed by a range of users ranging from tourists, families, lap swimmers and those committed to a daily dip,” Ms Rigby said.
“We’re asking tenderers to come up with a construction program that will see the least possible disruption to the thousands of people who enjoy Newcastle Ocean Baths every year.”
The Stage 1 final designs also deliver significant improvements for people with a disability or low mobility. The design includes ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool and the route from a vehicle at the entrance to the facility and down into the pool has also been considered.
Chair, Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust, Mark Metrikas, said heritage had been considered through the design process.
“I was actually delighted that the circa 1937 art deco bleachers and 1948 boardwalk are retained, and in the case of the boardwalk, improved,” Mr Metrikas said.
“It took a bit of work to get the design right to retain these important elements and we’ve worked alongside City of Newcastle to provide that input.”
‘Stage 1’ of the upgrade project addresses key safety, accessibility and water-quality issues that have been identified through detailed community engagement and engineering advice.
As part of the upgrade, the iconic bleacher seating will be retained, the boardwalk will be renewed, and a new pump station installed that can replace the water of the baths within six hours, improving water quality. The undulating rock bottom of the pool will be capped with concrete to improve safety and water quality, and sand will continue to build up on the floor by the same processes as today.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community engagement had been key to finalising the designs for Stage 1, with feedback shaping elements such as the location of ramp access, replacement of art-deco circular stairs, and boardwalk material.
“The final design for Stage 1 captures what the community told us was important to them, and we’ve worked with our expert consultants to also ensure the design meets accessibility, safety and health requirements,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is a generational investment in the Newcastle Ocean Baths, which will celebrate its 100th birthday next year, which is why City of Newcastle have meticulously worked with both the community and experts to ensure what’s delivered meets the needs of current and future users.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has shared feedback to date and especially our Community Reference Group who have helped shape a range of upgraded features including access ramps, the appearance of the lifeguard lookout, how to incorporate the iconic circular stairs, and even materials we use for railings and the boardwalk.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said the project team would work with preferred tenderers to ensure overall disruption to Baths users was limited.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths is an important community asset enjoyed by a range of users ranging from tourists, families, lap swimmers and those committed to a daily dip,” Ms Rigby said.
“We’re asking tenderers to come up with a construction program that will see the least possible disruption to the thousands of people who enjoy Newcastle Ocean Baths every year.”
The Stage 1 final designs also deliver significant improvements for people with a disability or low mobility. The design includes ramp access and improved handrail support into the pool and the route from a vehicle at the entrance to the facility and down into the pool has also been considered.
Chair, Hunter Regional Committee of the National Trust, Mark Metrikas, said heritage had been considered through the design process.
“I was actually delighted that the circa 1937 art deco bleachers and 1948 boardwalk are retained, and in the case of the boardwalk, improved,” Mr Metrikas said.
“It took a bit of work to get the design right to retain these important elements and we’ve worked alongside City of Newcastle to provide that input.”
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 24 August 2021
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 24 August 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 24 August 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
City of Newcastle COVID-19 Community and Economic Resilience Package 2.0 and protecting local jobs
A Lord Mayoral Minute was received by Councillors that acknowledged City of Newcastle’s 2020 Community and Economic Resilience Package which saw $5.5 million invested across the City, including interest free payment plans for residential and business rates, free online training packages, a significant community grants program to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members and targeted industry support initiatives.
Councillors supported re-initiating a Community and Economic Resilience Package, including an ongoing commitment to assisting local residents and businesses with financial hardship support for rates, a community grants programs to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, support for affected local industries including the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as continuing to build on the City’s successful business innovation support programs such as NewSkills and the Product Development Mentoring Program.
The Lord Mayoral Minute also noted that the unemployment rate in Newcastle has risen significantly in 2021. More than $100 million was successfully invested into the City’s capital works program in 2020/21, generating hundreds of local jobs and increasing the local economy’s economic output by more than $200 million, with capital works projects brought forward to assist in stimulating the local economy and protect our workforce.
The Minute recognised that the current works program for 2021/22 is $90.4 million, at least $10 million less than that delivered by staff last year as part of an adopted COVID-19 employment stimulus program.
Councillors supported a review of the City’s adopted 2021/22 Budget, to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect jobs, while identifying any capital works projects that could be expedited or re-prioritised to have maximum impact on stimulating the local economy.
Ordinary Business
Public exhibition of draft Gregson Park Masterplan and amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park
Councillors resolved to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan and draft amendments to Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park on public exhibition for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 May to 31 July 2021
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest, for the period 1 May to 31 July 2021, by the Chief Executive Officer.
Advisory Committees’ Annual Performance Reviews
Councillors received the annual performance review from City of Newcastle’s advisory committees.
Variations to Development Standards Report – Second Quarter 2021
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 April 2021 and 30 June 2021 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012 (NLEP 2012).
Public exhibition of City of Newcastle draft Development Contributions Plan
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plans for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
12 Stewart Avenue Contract administration costs
A Notice of Motion requesting an itemised break-down of the four separate projects associated with the fit-out of 12 Stewart Avenue was received. Councillors supported a Director’s comment as an amendment.
Infrastructure Contributions Bill
Councillors supported A Notice of Motion to join numerous other local Councils in calling on the NSW Government to withdraw the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Infrastructure Contributions) Bill 2021 from the NSW Parliament.
Councillors voted to affirm its support to Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and requests that LGNSW continue advocating on City of Newcastle’s behalf to protect local government from any amendments to infrastructure contributions which leave councils and communities exposed to expending ratepayer funds on new infrastructure made necessary by new development that is currently the responsibility of developers.
New Weather Station Newcastle
A Notice of Motion acknowledging correspondence received from Nat Jeffery, long standing former weather presenter on NBN Television, concerned about the location and operation of an automatic weather station for Newcastle, was noted by Councillors.
Councillors also noted the history of weather stations near the coast and that the responsibility for this service rests with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to write to the BoM to advocate for a new weather station in the Newcastle LGA and offer to investigate possible council owned sites around Newcastle, to provide data that is relevant to the city’s urban growth corridors.
Public Safety – Young Street, Cooks Hill
A Notice of Motion acknowledging concerns made by residents of Young Street Cooks Hill, was noted by Councillors.
Councillors also noted suggestions made by residents to address the issues which require a coordinated and multi-agency response.
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to facilitate a meeting to discuss strategies and an action plan to improve amenity in the area with residents, City of Newcastle employees and Councillors, NSW Police, Telstra, and NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 24 August 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
City of Newcastle COVID-19 Community and Economic Resilience Package 2.0 and protecting local jobs
A Lord Mayoral Minute was received by Councillors that acknowledged City of Newcastle’s 2020 Community and Economic Resilience Package which saw $5.5 million invested across the City, including interest free payment plans for residential and business rates, free online training packages, a significant community grants program to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members and targeted industry support initiatives.
Councillors supported re-initiating a Community and Economic Resilience Package, including an ongoing commitment to assisting local residents and businesses with financial hardship support for rates, a community grants programs to support vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, support for affected local industries including the arts, entertainment, hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as continuing to build on the City’s successful business innovation support programs such as NewSkills and the Product Development Mentoring Program.
The Lord Mayoral Minute also noted that the unemployment rate in Newcastle has risen significantly in 2021. More than $100 million was successfully invested into the City’s capital works program in 2020/21, generating hundreds of local jobs and increasing the local economy’s economic output by more than $200 million, with capital works projects brought forward to assist in stimulating the local economy and protect our workforce.
The Minute recognised that the current works program for 2021/22 is $90.4 million, at least $10 million less than that delivered by staff last year as part of an adopted COVID-19 employment stimulus program.
Councillors supported a review of the City’s adopted 2021/22 Budget, to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect jobs, while identifying any capital works projects that could be expedited or re-prioritised to have maximum impact on stimulating the local economy.
Ordinary Business
Public exhibition of draft Gregson Park Masterplan and amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park
Councillors resolved to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan and draft amendments to Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park on public exhibition for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 May to 31 July 2021
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest, for the period 1 May to 31 July 2021, by the Chief Executive Officer.
Advisory Committees’ Annual Performance Reviews
Councillors received the annual performance review from City of Newcastle’s advisory committees.
Variations to Development Standards Report – Second Quarter 2021
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 April 2021 and 30 June 2021 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012 (NLEP 2012).
Public exhibition of City of Newcastle draft Development Contributions Plan
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plans for 28 days, prior to final consideration by Council.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for July 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
12 Stewart Avenue Contract administration costs
A Notice of Motion requesting an itemised break-down of the four separate projects associated with the fit-out of 12 Stewart Avenue was received. Councillors supported a Director’s comment as an amendment.
Infrastructure Contributions Bill
Councillors supported A Notice of Motion to join numerous other local Councils in calling on the NSW Government to withdraw the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Infrastructure Contributions) Bill 2021 from the NSW Parliament.
Councillors voted to affirm its support to Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and requests that LGNSW continue advocating on City of Newcastle’s behalf to protect local government from any amendments to infrastructure contributions which leave councils and communities exposed to expending ratepayer funds on new infrastructure made necessary by new development that is currently the responsibility of developers.
New Weather Station Newcastle
A Notice of Motion acknowledging correspondence received from Nat Jeffery, long standing former weather presenter on NBN Television, concerned about the location and operation of an automatic weather station for Newcastle, was noted by Councillors.
Councillors also noted the history of weather stations near the coast and that the responsibility for this service rests with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to write to the BoM to advocate for a new weather station in the Newcastle LGA and offer to investigate possible council owned sites around Newcastle, to provide data that is relevant to the city’s urban growth corridors.
Public Safety – Young Street, Cooks Hill
A Notice of Motion acknowledging concerns made by residents of Young Street Cooks Hill, was noted by Councillors.
Councillors also noted suggestions made by residents to address the issues which require a coordinated and multi-agency response.
Councillors supported a Notice of Motion to facilitate a meeting to discuss strategies and an action plan to improve amenity in the area with residents, City of Newcastle employees and Councillors, NSW Police, Telstra, and NSW Department of Communities and Justice.