Category: Newcastle News

A man has been charged after a senior constable was allegedly injured during an attempted arrest and police pursuits in Lake Macquarie.
About 2.45pm on Tuesday (27 July 2021), officers attached to Northern High Visibility Policing Team attended a carpark on the Pacific Highway at Bennetts Green and observed a grey Volkswagen Amarok utility bearing stolen NSW registration plates.
Officers approached the ute where the male driver attempted to drive off.
A male senior constable smashed the driver’s window to remove the keys from the ignition, during which the driver resisted, causing the officer’s arms to be pushed into shattered glass.
The male driver then fled the scene in the utility onto South Street, Windale.
A pursuit was initiated and continued in the surrounding streets but was terminated a short time later.
Numerous patrols were conducted throughout the area; however, the vehicle could not be located.
Following inquiries, police identified that the ute had been stolen from Valentine between 6pm on Sunday 25 July 2021 and 8.50am on Monday 26 July 2021.
The senior constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries to his arms and has since been released.
As part of ongoing inquiries, the Northern HVP Team attempted to stop a grey Amarok ute northbound on the Pacific Highway about 9am today (Wednesday 28 July 2021).
A pursuit was initiated with the Amarok allegedly reaching speeds of approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 100km/hr zone.
During the pursuit, additional resources were requested before the utility crashed into bushland off Lakeview Parade, Pelican.
The driver and sole occupant fled the ute on foot where officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, Operation Utah, Traffic and Highway Patrol and the Dog Unit conducted an extensive search and arrested a 35-year-old man in Little Pelican a short time later.
The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with 24 offences including;

• Break and enter house steal value less than $60,000 (x2),
• receive property – theft (serious indictable offence x2),
• dishonestly obtain property by deception (x5),
• steal motor vehicle,
• drive conveyance taken without consent of owner,
• police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (x2),
• drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (x2),
• use registrable vehicle not display authorised number plates,
• use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
• assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm (x2),
• resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty (x2),
• goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle),
• refuse to submit to taking of blood sample, and,
• refuse or fail to provide urine sample.

The Caves Beach man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 29 July 2021).

A man reported missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located safe and well.
The 19-year-old was last seen was last seen leaving a home at Greta Street, Kurri Kurri, about 7pm yesterday (Tuesday 27 July 2021).
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified after he failed to return and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Just after 8pm (Wednesday 28 July 2021), a member of the public located the man in Maitland and contacted police.
Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been charged following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a grey Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
The vehicle allegedly reached speeds in excess of 200km/h in a sign-posted 110km/h zone. A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, before being terminated in Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Following inquiries, a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17 – were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
The woman was charged with being carried in a conveyance without the owner’s consent and breaching bail.
She was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 29 July 2021).
A 15-year-old teenage boy was charged with police pursuit – drive dangerously, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, take & drive conveyance without consent of owner and not give particulars to other driver.
He was refused bail to appear in a children’s court today (Thursday 29 July 2021).
A 16-year-old teenage boy was charged with breaching bail and being carried in a conveyance without the owner’s consent.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 2 August 2021.
The other six teens were released into the care of their respective parents and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
All nine will be issued with PINs for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – COVID 19.

Thirty talented and entrepreneurial individuals have been selected to relocate to Newcastle as part of an Australian-first economic stimulus program.
The City’s ‘New Move’ talent attraction program incentivised skilled professionals in existing and emerging industries to relocate to Newcastle with a $10,000 grant to be spent in the Local Government Area.
Over 460 expressions of interest were received from around the globe including the Netherlands, Mexico, Hong Kong, Canada and India.
The ‘10,000 Reasons’ digital marketing campaign has been viewed more than 5.5 million times, effectively promoting Newcastle as a city of opportunity.
The successful applicants bring expertise and investment in areas such as clean energy, defence, health and tech development like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality. Several are start-up founders and will be establishing their business ventures in Newcastle.
At the same time as the New Move Program, City of Newcastle is investing almost $400,000 in local training to connect locals with Newcastle’s emerging economic opportunities. The NewSkills training program will be delivered by specialist training providers through workshops, self-paced learning, intensive programs and mentoring over the next 12 months.
From assisting businesses to become more inclusive, to building resilience to market disruptions including COVID-19, the NewSkills training programs seek to close skills gaps in the local workforce.
NewSkills follows the City’s highly successful Tourism Product Development Program which provided 15 local businesses with training and business mentoring to develop new visitor experiences and products that leverage Newcastle’s unique offering to visitors, to sustain and grow Newcastle’s visitor economy.
The New Move grant recipients are required to adhere to the latest COVID-19 Public Health Orders when planning their relocation to Newcastle, when allowed to do so.
To view a video from the New Move curated ‘Famil’ weekend, visit.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 July 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Strategies to help ameliorate homelessness in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that called for City of Newcastle to receive a report on partnering with NSW Government agencies, Hunter Community Alliance leaders, Soul Cafe and civil society to establish a 24-month pilot of safe rough sleeping zones. City of Newcastle will also work with NSW Land and Housing Corporation to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the delivery of new and refurbished social and affordable housing, including the exploration of a ‘Make Room Project’ in Newcastle. The Lord Mayoral Minute reiterated the urgency for City of Newcastle to finalise and implement its Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme.
Infrastructure Australia 2022 Infrastructure Priority List
A Lord Mayoral Minute was carried unanimously that called for City of Newcastle to prepare a submission of 15 infrastructure priorities, including Catalyst Area Projects as outlined in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036, to seek their inclusion in the Infrastructure Australia 2022 Infrastructure Priority List. It recognised that City of Newcastle’s previous advocacy to Infrastructure Australia led to Infrastructure Australia listing the ‘Newcastle Airport Capacity Expansion’ as a Priority Initiative in 2021, before the project was funded by the Federal Government earlier this year.
Bring Back JobKeeper
A Lord Mayoral Minute was carried that supported a bi-partisan calls from the NSW Treasurer and NSW Leader of the Opposition for the urgent reintroduction of JobKeeper for businesses impacted by the continued pandemic, while also expanding eligibility to casuals, the University sector, local government and the childcare industry. City of Newcastle will write to the Prime Minister, the Federal Treasurer, and their respective Shadow Ministers, along with the Federal Member for Newcastle, advising them of the City’s position and advocacy.
Ordinary business
Adoption of Draft Community Infrastructure Incentive Policy
Council voted to adopt the Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, which is designed to enhance the delivery of community infrastructure to support urban renewal in Newcastle through the provision of development incentives.
A Planning Proposal will be prepared to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 to enable implementation of the Policy, initially focussing on supporting implementation of the Wickham Masterplan.
Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion funding options
Council voted to endorse borrowing up to $22.6 million by way of low-cost loan over 10 years as the preferred funding pathway for the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery. A Loan Borrowing Report will be separately submitted seeking Council approval to borrow funds from NSW Treasury Corporation (T-Corp), including a capital expenditure review in accordance with Office of Local Government guidelines. City of Newcastle will continue to seek Federal and State grant funding up until the time of borrowing loan funds from T-Corp to ensure all available grant funding options have been exhausted prior to commencing the project.
Frederick Street, Merewether – proposed raised pedestrian crossings
Council resolved to approve raised pedestrian crossings on Frederick Street, Merewether, at Coane Street and at Berner Street.
Acquisition of Part 64 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton
Council voted not to acquire part of the property known as 64 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton for road widening purposes.
Investment and Borrowing Policy annual review
Council voted to adopt the draft Investment and Borrowing Policy and in doing so terminate the previously approved Investment and Borrowing Policy. Investment Policy Guidelines issued by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, May 2010, recommend that a council’s investment policy be reviewed, and any amendments approved, by council resolution annually.
Authorisation for signing of the annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021
Council noted that the preparation of City of Newcastle’s Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021 is underway and upon completion they will be referred to CN’s Auditors, NSW Audit Office. Council voted to authorise the Lord Mayor, a Councillor, the Chief Executive Officer and the Responsible Accounting Officer to sign the Statements by Councillors and Management at the conclusion of the external audit.
Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel temporary membership
Council voted to appoint a second planning expert to replace the Director Governance as a temporary City of Newcastle representative to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for one matter only, being consideration of the rezoning review following Council’s decision to not endorse a Planning Proposal to rezone 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
Notices of Motion
Vandalism of New Lambton parks
Council adopted a notice of motion to express frustration and disappointment at the vandalism of local parks and sporting fields in New Lambton by a motor vehicle. The motion noted previous efforts to prevent illegal vehicle access and vandalism, including the installation of large sandstone blocks along Birdwood Street in 2020, and a commitment to install sandstone blocks to restrict vehicle access from Orchardtown Road. It called for witnesses to come forward to ensure those responsible for the damage of public property can be held accountable.
Improving connectivity between Wickham and Wickham Park
Council adopted a notice of motion to write to Transport for NSW and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment seeking support to temporarily open a pathway across the Bullock Island Rail Corridor between Wickham and Wickham Park, and for ongoing acquisition negotiations between City of Newcastle and Transport for NSW to be prioritised.
Property development
Council adopted a notice of motion calling on the CEO of City of Newcastle to submit this motion to the LGNSW Conference in support of the adoption of a policy which prohibits property developers and their close associates from holding office as local Councillors in NSW. The motion also called for the CEO to write to the NSW Premier and the Minister for Local Government in support of a bill on the same topic, which was passed by the Legislative Council and is currently before the Legislative Assembly.
Development notification for boarding house residents
Council adopted a notice of motion to write to Boarding House operators in the Newcastle Local Government Area advising them of a new notification process to ensure their tenants are reasonably notified of a Development Application relating to the Boarding House. This includes requiring the operator to advise boarders that a DA has been lodged, place a copy of the DA application in a common area of the Boarding House and notify boarders when the DA has been determined, including the outcome.
Best practice employment conditions for construction workers undertaking City of Newcastle projects
Council adopted a notice of motion to ensure that all major construction projects for Council are undertaken by organisations with current Enterprise Agreements registered with the Fair Work Commission. The motion noted that the best employment conditions and work health and safety standards are often achieved as a result of the collective power of trade unionism, and the ability for workers to take collective action and negotiate their terms of employment through Enterprise Agreements.
Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster
Council adopted a notice of motion to request a briefing from NewH2 – Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster on opportunities for City of Newcastle to support and accelerate the emerging hydrogen economy locally, and receive a report regarding options including but not limited to developing and maintaining supporting infrastructure, connecting local businesses with industry, and early adoption of hydrogen technologies for specialised uses within Council operations.
Protecting our urban forest through an aerial bundled cabling program
Council adopted a notice of motion that notes City of Newcastle’s commitment to achieving the best outcome for the City’s urban forest by working with Ausgrid to identify key sites where essential service lines and significant tree stands intersect. It noted the need for an Aerial Bundled Cabling (ABC) Program by City of Newcastle and Ausgrid, which identifies priorities and systematically plans for the conversion to bundled cabling or application of other engineering solutions. The motion also called for Council to engage with the Australian Energy Regulator to advocate for funding, including State and Federal funding, for the development and implementation of engineering solutions.
Love Lambton 150 Years – celebrating local community heritage milestones
Council adopted a notice of motion that notes the success of the Love Lambton 150 Years event, acknowledges the volunteers and City of Newcastle staff involved in organising it and recognises the financial support provided by the City, with a call to ensure City of Newcastle annually promotes the existence of its grant programs.

A man has been arrested after a senior constable was injured during an attempted arrest and police pursuits in Lake Macquarie.
About 2.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 27 July 2021), officers attached to Northern High Visibility Policing Team attended a carpark on the Pacific Highway at Bennetts Green and observed a grey Volkswagen Amarok utility bearing stolen NSW registration plates.
Officers approached the ute where the male driver attempted to drive off.
A male senior constable smashed the driver’s window to remove the keys from the ignition, during which the driver resisted, causing the officer’s arms to be pushed into shattered glass.
The male driver then fled the scene in the utility onto South Street, Windale.
A pursuit was initiated and continued in the surrounding streets but was terminated a short time later.
Numerous patrols were conducted throughout the area, however the vehicle could not be located.
Following inquiries, police identified that the ute had been stolen from Valentine between 6pm on Sunday 25 July 2021 and 8.50am on Monday 26 July 2021.
The senior constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries to his arms and has since been released.
As part of ongoing inquiries, the Northern HVP Team attempted to stop a grey Amarok ute northbound on the Pacific Highway about 9am today (Wednesday 28 July 2021).
A pursuit was initiated with the Amarok allegedly reaching speeds of approximately 160km/hr in a sign-posted 100km/hr zone.
During the pursuit, additional resources were requested before the utility crashed into bushland off Lakeview Parade, Pelican.
The driver and sole occupant fled the ute on foot where officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, Operation Utah, Traffic and Highway Patrol and the Dog Unit conducted an extensive search and arrested a 35-year-old man in Little Pelican a short time later.
The Caves Beach man was taken to Belmont Police Station where he is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been arrested following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, with the vehicle allegedly reaching speeds of 120km/hr in a sign-posted 90km/hr zone.
Officers terminated the pursuit at Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Nine people were arrested, including a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17.
All nine have been taken to Belmont Police Station where inquiries are continuing.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, praised the efforts and collaboration between neighbouring police districts and specialist resources.
“While this incident occurred across various locations, it demonstrates the great team work between all our police officers, regardless of district boundaries – we are one team protecting the people of the Hunter,” Supt Sullivan.
As inquiries continue, police will also be investigating any alleged breaches of the current Public Health Order.

An investigation is underway after a body was found following a unit fire at Newcastle this morning.
Just after 5am (Monday 26 July 2021), emergency services were called to Fullerton Street, Stockton, following reports of a unit fire.
The fire was extinguished by crews from Fire and Rescue NSW.
Following a search of the building, a body was located, which is yet to be formally identified.
There are no other reports of injuries.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.