Category: Newcastle News

A safer, more attractive local centre is on its way for Shortland, with City of Newcastle endorsing the Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan at the Ordinary Council meeting this week.
The upgrade will improve safety on Sandgate Road with a new pedestrian refuge and reduced driver speeds via the installation of road cushions and implementation of a 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area.
Heavy vehicle traffic will also be reduced in the area, with vehicles weighing over 10 tonnes being redirected to the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Buses and heavy vehicles with business destinations within Shortland suburb will be unaffected.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that pedestrian safety in Shortland is a key priority.
“During our earlier rounds of engagement with the community we heard that pedestrian safety at Sandgate Road was a significant concern,” Cr Nelmes said.
“These upgrades are designed to address the community’s concerns and also improve the experience for shoppers and visitors with new footpaths and street furniture also being delivered.”
Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn affirmed the importance of these upgrades to the local community.
“It was pleasing to see so many community members have their say on the proposed changes, and I’m looking forward to seeing the upgrade be delivered as a result of the community’s feedback,” Councillor Dunn said.
Owner of Shortland’s My Community Pharmacy John Jones said the upgrade is fantastic for Shortland locals.
“It’s great to see Shortland being included in the upgrades being delivered across Newcastle,” Mr Jones said.
“The people of Shortland love supporting their local businesses so it’s a positive that it will be safer to get here with improved accessibility, making it a space we can all be really proud of.
Construction of the upgrades is scheduled to commence in the coming months.
The City has engaged a local artist to work with the community to develop a theme for a new mural installation. The mural project will be delivered in conjunction with construction and the subsequent opening of the upgraded local centre.

Belmont Police Station will become the first station within the Lake Macquarie Police District to raise the Aboriginal Flag on site today (Monday 31 May 2021).
A ceremony will commemorate the inaugural raising of the Aboriginal Flag and highlight the NSWPF ongoing commitment to foster positive relationships between police and the Aboriginal community.
The local police and community will mark the occasion with a traditional Welcome to Country and saltwater blessing, as well as performances from local school choir and dance groups in the forecourt of Belmont police station.
NSW Police has set a target to fly the Aboriginal flag in all regional NSW Police Districts. There are currently 18 police stations across NSW that permanently fly the Aboriginal flag including Armidale, Albury, Batemans Bay, Broken Hill, Condobolin, Deniliquin, Dubbo, Gosford, Griffith, Gunnedah, Moree, Nowra, Oak Flats, Tweed Heads, Wilcannia, Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Nelson Bay.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has predicted high ocean swell for the Newcastle’s coastline between Friday 28 May and Monday 31 May. Of concern is the three high tides over this swell event at 2.1 metres on Friday, 2 metres on Saturday and 1.9 metres on Sunday. BOM does not expect this to be a high rainfall event.

As a result, Stockton Beach will be closed from Friday 28 May and Newcastle’s beaches south of the harbour will be monitored and closures will be put in place if necessary.

City of Newcastle is monitoring its facilities and assets along the Newcastle coastline including areas in Stockton which may be impacted by coastal erosion. Following the weekend’s swell event and when safe, the City will inspect all beaches and undertake any repairs required prior to opening the beaches again.
The community is encouraged to stay safe around Newcastle’s coastline, follow the direction of signage and abide by beach and road closures.
To keep up to date with the weather, visit bom.gov.au

Police are appealing for dashcam footage as they continue to investigate a multi-vehicle crash, which left a man in a critical condition, near Lake Macquarie earlier today.
About 6.45am (Thursday 27 May 2021), emergency services were called to the northbound lanes of the M1 Motorway at Cooranbong, about five kilometres north of the Mandalong Road exit, following reports of a four-car crash.
The driver of a black Mitsubishi utility, a 72-year-old man, was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital and remains in a critical condition.
The 50-year-old male driver of a black LDV utility and the driver of a white Mitsubishi utility towing a dual axle, a 32-year-old man, were both uninjured and taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory testing.
The driver of a white Mitsubishi 4WD, a 57-year-old man, was outside his vehicle at the time. He sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash.
Officers from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash – or has dashcam footage – to contact the Crash Investigation Unit on 02 4929 0744 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Works of art never before seen outside of the Torres Strait will be displayed in Newcastle as part of a landmark exhibition focusing on the artistic traditions of the Torres Strait Islander culture.
The Torres Strait Island flag was raised at City Hall today for the first time in the building’s 92-year history to coincide with the Newcastle Art Gallery exhibition. It will be flown at City Hall permanently as a mark of respect for the local Torres Strait community.

Four years in the making, WARWAR: The Art of Torres Strait was developed by Newcastle Art Gallery in collaboration with highly awarded artist and curator Brian Robinson.
It will include over 130 works of art drawn from the Gallery’s collection, as well as newly created pieces and key loans from, local, state and national institutions, artists and private collections.
Several pieces have not been seen outside of the Torres Strait, including new works from Badhulgaw Kuthinaw Mudh (Badu Art Centre), Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Arts (Moa Arts) and Erub Erwer Meta (Erub Arts).
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the free exhibition provided an important opportunity to strengthen ties with local Torres Strait Islanders and showcase their traditions and customs to the wider community.
The exhibition title, WARWAR, is a traditional Eastern Island word in the Meriam Mer language, which translates into English as ‘marked with a pattern’.
“WARWAR is a landmark event for Newcastle Art Gallery and the Hunter region, representing the first time a Torres Strait Islander exhibition of this calibre and size has been seen outside of a major city in Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It provides an important opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with our large Torres Strait Islander community, some who have never seen these culturally significant works of art before, or seen their culture celebrated in such a significant way.
“To strengthen these ties further, we raised the Torres Strait Island flag at City Hall for the first time in a special ceremony today in front of members of the local Torres Strait community. It will remain there permanently, even once the exhibition ends.”
Newcastle-based artist Toby Cedar, who won the 2020 CAIF Ports North Sculpture Award, and teaches dance and culture locally, said the exhibition was an important acknowledgement of Torres Strait Island culture.
“It is extremely special to me to be a part of this exhibition as it will be showcasing our rich Torres Strait Islander art and culture,” Mr Cedar said.
“For many people, the exhibition will be the first time they have learnt anything about the Torres Strait Islands and our People, which is very important to me. The way Brian has curated the exhibition in separate stages explains our history and stories very well.
“It is wonderful that all of the local and surrounding Torres Strait Islander communities will have access to view many of the artifacts from our past here right in NSW, with many of the pieces being shown for the first time.
“I will also be very proud to see our Torres Strait Island flag flown at City Hall for the first time with my family as it makes me feel my people are being included and acknowledged alongside the other flags that are already flown there.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the Gallery had been actively acquiring works of art from Torres Strait Islander artists since 2017, many of which will be on display for the first time. Works of art on loan from major Australian institutions that have also never been publicly displayed before make the exhibition an incredible opportunity for the community to experience and gain a new appreciation and understanding of the culture here in Newcastle.
“WARWAR features a diverse range of works of art that showcase the evolution and strength of Torres Strait Islander tradition and society through arts practitioners from the 19th century and the emergence of the contemporary art traditions of today,” Ms Morton said.
“It explores issues of cultural maintenance, Christianity, language and the impact of globalisation on the physical environment of the Torres Strait Islands, which are located in the narrow stretch of water between the land masses of Zai Dagam Daudai (Australia) in the south and Naigai Dagam Daudai (Papua New Guinea) in the north.”
Exhibiting artists include Joseph Au, Grace Lilian Lee, Glen Mackie, Billy Missi, Laurie Nona, Brian Robinson, Dr Ken Thaiday and Alick Tipoti.
Guest curator Brian Robinson said Warwar: The Art of Torres Strait is an important part of the unique Ailan Kustom (island customs) from which wisdom, strength and creativity is drawn from.
“It is through visual art, dance, and song that ancestral stories and legends are maintained and passed on to the younger generation, and it is important that exhibitions such as this are supported to assist in this preservation,” Mr Robinson said.
“Newcastle Art Gallery have played a pivotal role in the co-curation of this unique exhibition, which contributes to the development, enhancement and understanding of this amazing indigenous culture.
“For the local Torres Strait Island communities, the exhibition is a way of reconnecting back to the islands; back to family and friends; back to a rich and vibrant history defined by amazing customs imbued with ceremonies and rituals that have endured for thousands of years.”
WARWAR: The Art of Torres Strait will run from 29 May – 22 August 2021 at Newcastle Art Gallery and has been specifically timed to coincide with significant dates including Mabo Day, Reconciliation Week, ‘Coming of the Light’ and NAIDOC Week.
Newcastle Art Gallery will program bespoke events on each significant date in collaboration with local Torres Strait Island artists and performers, while a Curator and Artist Talk will be held on Saturday 3 July featuring exhibition guest curator Brian Robinson and local artist Toby Cedar in conversation with Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.

A man has been airlifted to hospital following a stabbing last night in the state’s Hunter Valley region.
About 6pm (Wednesday 26 May 2021), emergency services attended Tobruk Avenue at Muswellbrook following reports a man had suffered stab wounds.
Police have been told the 18-year-old was walking in a laneway between Glenbawn Place and Tobruk Avenue when he was approached by two males and assaulted.
The injured man realised he was stabbed in back and upper arm.
He was able to walk to a nearby residence where he was assisted, and police were contacted.
The man was treated at the scene before he was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital. He was then airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with a punctured lung and remains in a stable condition.
A crime scene was established and was forensically examined.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Two people have been injured, one critical, after four cars collided near Lake Macquarie this morning.
About 6.45am (Thursday 27 May 2021), emergency services were called to the northbound lanes of the M1 Motorway at Cooranbong, about five kilometres north of the Mandalong Road exit, following reports of a crash between four cars.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a man aged in his 70s – before he was airlifted to John Hunter Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.
A second male, believed to be aged in his 50s from a different vehicle was also treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol attended and established a crime scene that will be examined by the Crash Investigation Unit to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It is expected there will be traffic diversions in place for some time while specialist police conduct an examination of the crash site.
For the latest traffic updates, go to livetraffic.com
As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam vision to contact police.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 May 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Vera Deacon OAM – Freeman of the City
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was supported that acknowledged with great sadness the passing of Vera Deacon OAM, Freeman of the City of Newcastle, aged 94 on Sunday, 16 May 2021.
The minute acknowledged that in 2018 City of Newcastle named Mrs Deacon a Freeman of the City for her contribution to Newcastle’s heritage, conservation and local history, as well as her commitment to progressive social and political movements.
Supporting Hunter TAFE Foundation scholarships
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that acknowledged that the City of Newcastle currently supports students studying at TAFE in Newcastle through the Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship, funded through the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Relief Fund and the City of Newcastle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship, funded through the City of Newcastle People and Culture Directorate, aimed at further supporting the City of Newcastle Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
The minute noted that the Hunter TAFE Foundation scholarships are set to expire, with funding from the Lord Mayor’s Earthquake Relief Fund to be exhausted in 2023, and funding for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship not guaranteed beyond 2021.
The LMM called on Councillors to support the continuation of both the Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship and the City of Newcastle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship in perpetuity, to ensure ongoing financial assistance to disadvantaged Novocastrian TAFE Students.
The LMM also noted that the Hunter TAFE Foundation have raised concerns about the ongoing viability of funding the Reg Russom (1887- 1952) Memorial Drawing Prize, which was established in 1955 following the death of renowned Novocastrian artist, Hunter Art School (TAFE) Head Teacher, and Newcastle Herald artist, Reg Russom, and is currently the longest established regional drawing prize in Australia.
The LMM called on Councillors to support exploring opportunities to partner with TAFE NSW, the Newcastle Art Gallery Society, and the Newcastle Herald to ensure the ongoing viability of the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize in perpetuity.
Ordinary Business
Adoption of the Our Budget 2021/22
Councillors voted to adopt the 2021/22 Our Budget and 2021/22 Fees and Charges Register in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (Act).
Adoption of Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan
Councillors voted unanimously to adopt the Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan and the Shortland Light Traffic Thoroughfare Plan.
Adoption of the Economic Development Strategy
Councillors voted unanimously to adopt the Economic Development Strategy (2021) following its public exhibition.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures Of Interest – 1 February to 30 April 2021
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period of 1 February to 30 April 2021) by the Chief Executive Officer.
Public Exhibition of draft Wickham Masterplan 2021 update
Councillors resolved to publicly exhibit the draft Wickham Masterplan 2021 update for 28 days.
Variations to Development Standards
Councillors received the report on approved development variations between 1 January and 31 March 2021 in accordance with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environment Plan 2012.
Adoption of heritage amendments to Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Councillors voted unanimously to adopt amendments to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to address various heritage matters following public exhibition.
Adoption of the Planning Agreement Policy 2021
Councillors voted to adopt the Planning Agreement Policy 2021.
Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel Temporary Membership
Councillors voted to appoint two temporary City of Newcastle representatives to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
The Director Governance and a planning expert have been appointed as temporary City of Newcastle representatives to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for one matter only, being consideration of the rezoning review of 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher.
Hobart Road and Wallarah Road, New Lambton – proposed pedestrian refuges and kerb extensions
Councillors voted to approve pedestrian refuges and median and kerb extensions at the intersection of Hobart Road and Wallarah Road, New Lambton.
Mawson Street, Shortland – proposed traffic calming devices
Councillors voted to approve traffic calming devices on Mawson Street, Shortland.
March Quarterly Performance Report on the 2018 – 2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the 2018-2022 Delivery Program for the March Quarter, in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
March Quarterly Budget Review
Councillors received the March Quarterly Budget Review Statement and voted to adopt the revised budget as detailed therein.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender report – Biennial Hire of Plant and Equipment 2021/567t
Councillors voted unanimously to accept City of Newcastle’s recommended tenderers for the casual hire of plant (with and without operators), trucks (with and without drivers) and small plant and equipment during a two-year period.
Due to the estimated total value of the contract exceeding $1 million, the Chief Executive Officer’s delegation required a resolution of Council to accept the tenders.
Tender report – Supply of Waste Compactor 2021/715t
Councillors voted unanimously to accept City of Newcastle’s recommended tenderer for the supply of a waste compactor for Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
Due to the estimated total value of the contract exceeding $1 million, the Chief Executive Officer’s delegation required a resolution of Council to accept the tenders.
Notices of Motion
Lambton Public School traffic
Councillors formally received A Notice of Motion in support of a petition from the Lambton Public School Parents and Citizens’ Association with more than 1,000 signatures expressing concern at a range of local and state traffic issues near Lambton Public School.
Councillors noted that an onsite meeting between representatives from City of Newcastle’s Transport and Compliance team, School Principal, President of the P&C, Department of Education – School Infrastructure, Police, and Transport for NSW would be held in the coming weeks.
Councillors supported referring issues raised in the petition and accompanying correspondence, and actions arising from the onsite meeting to the Newcastle Traffic Committee and Transport for NSW for further investigation and implementation.
Youth Mock Council motions
A Notice of Motion congratulating the City of Newcastle Youth Council and staff for hosting the Youth Mock Council on 29 and 30 April 2021 was supported by Councillors.
22 students from across Newcastle’s high schools participated in the two-day Mock Council to learn more about civic governance in the City of Newcastle.
Councillors noted that the Youth Mock Council developed and unanimously carried three Notices of Motion on issues relevant to young people in Newcastle.
Councillors voted to receive the Youth Mock Council’s motions and refer them onto the relevant Directorates for investigation alongside existing City of Newcastle programs.
Hamilton South Community Playground
A Notice of Motion received by Councillors expressed disappointment in the recent removal of the Hamilton South Community Playground by the NSW Government’s Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC).
Councillors noted that LAHC spent more than $30,000 in removing the playground.
The Notice of Motion also expressed disappointment that the playground will not be replaced or upgraded by the Housing Minister (Minister’s response to Parliamentary Question on Notice 5569).
Councillors voted to unite with the Hamilton South Community, the Lord Mayor and the Member for Newcastle in advocating for a new playground in Fowler/Ogden Street and Neill Terrace Hamilton South.
Councillors supported writing to the Attorney General, as the Acting Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, seeking his assistance in reviewing and resolving this matter.

City of Newcastle’s revitalisation of the Hunter Street Mall as a traditional high street complete with wider footpaths, cycleways and street trees is underway, with the first phase targeting the block bound by Wolfe and Perkins Streets.
The $5 million project is part of the wider East End Public Domain Plan Stage 1, which will see new paving, landscaping and public amenity improvements throughout the Hunter Street Mall.
The public domain plan was endorsed by the elected Council in 2018 and finalising detailed design involved various community engagement activities including a range of placemaking workshops throughout 2019. This helped us customise the landscape to better fit the wants and needs of businesses, residents and visitors to what will be known as the new “East End Village”.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Phase 1 is the first step in positioning the precinct as a traditional high street and attractive destination for locals and visitors.
“Newcastle’s city centre is in the midst of an amazing transformation, with new developments, retail, public space and links to the harbour,” the Lord Mayor said.
“City of Newcastle’s East End Public Domain Plan will ensure that our urban amenity in and around East End Village complements the positive changes underway in the CBD.
“Phase 1 includes upgrades which will reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional main street, improve accessibility, give cyclists dedicated space, and significantly improve lighting and smart city infrastructure.
“Public amenity will also be improved, and street trees and landscaping upgrades will create a greener city centre.”
Construction will be staged to minimise the impact on the community and local businesses.
Works will take place on Wolfe Street between May and August, Hunter Street between August and October, and finally along Perkins Street between October and December.
Phase 1 works will include a complete road renewal, provision of wider footpaths, upgrade of stormwater infrastructure, new street trees, landscaping and street furniture, and the provision of dedicated cycleways.
Effort will be made to reduce the impact on residents, businesses and visitors to East End Village with construction expected to finish next year.
This project is being delivered under the City Centre Revitalisation Program, one of Newcastle’s four Priority Projects. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend for more information.

Improved footpaths, new cycleways and stormwater upgrades to reduce flooding are among the projects proposed under City of Newcastle’s 2021/22 Budget, which has received strong endorsement from the community ahead of Tuesday’s Council vote.
The City will invest $330 million into Newcastle during the next financial year, delivering more than 300 projects and $90.4 million for upgrades or new community infrastructure.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community had endorsed the draft Budget during its recent public exhibition, with overwhelming support for what the City had proposed for the next 12 months.
“This Budget is focussed on providing real benefits for our community in their everyday lives, whether it’s more shade on our streets and parks with $1 million to maintain and plant new trees, or making it easier for people to get around Newcastle with $2.8 million for new cycleways,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re investing $13.7 million to improve and maintain our roads, bridges and pathways we manage on behalf of the community, while $7.7 million will be invested into projects to address localised flooding and improve stormwater systems.
“COVID-19 has reinforced just how important it is to provide recreational opportunities close to home, so we’re continuing our investment to maintain, revitalise or construct new spaces and facilities with $9.1 million for parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities including $4 million towards the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 1 upgrade.
“City of Newcastle’s 2020/21 Budget is a commitment to providing the services that make our city an attractive and inclusive place to live and work, now and into the future.”
Other highlights of the 2021/22 Budget include:

• $11 million for waste management, including $8 million for an organics facility to compost food and green waste to reduce the city’s environmental footprint
• $10.5 million for environmental and sustainability projects
• $8.1 million for urban centre renewals including East End public domain and Wallsend and Orchardtown Road (New Lambton) local centre upgrades
• $5 million on transport including $3.1 million on local traffic management and pedestrian access and mobility
• $2 million towards preliminary works associated with the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said prudent financial management had allowed this Budget to forecast a $1.2 million surplus despite COVID-19 wiping out half of the City’s annual $4 million dividend from its shared ownership of Newcastle Airport.
“A key focus of the 2021/22 Budget is to continue on the path of financial sustainability, deliver the many essential services expected of local government and invest more than $90 million in projects to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of our city,” Mr Bath said.
“We’re building on six years of stable and consistent Budgets that have protected services and local jobs and we will continue to carefully balance the needs of our community with the demands of good financial governance so we can continue to support Newcastle as it prepares for its population to hit 200,000 over the next 20 years.”