Category: Newcastle News

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.”

A teenager has been charged following an investigation into an alleged assault at a soccer match in the Hunter region earlier this month.
About 8pm on Wednesday 12 May 2021, a 16-year-old player was allegedly punched in the face at the conclusion of a soccer match held at Birralee Oval in Kurri Kurri, knocking him unconscious.
The teen was transported to Kurri Kurri Hospital before being transferred to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment where it was revealed he had suffered a broken jaw and underwent surgery.
Officers from Newcastle Police District were notified on Thursday 13 May 2021
Following an investigation by detectives attached to Hunter Valley Police District, a 16-year-old boy was arrested after attending Cessnock Police Station just after 3pm yesterday (Monday 24 May 2021).
He was charged with recklessly inflict grievous bodily harm and granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Tuesday 15 June 2021.

Firearms, drugs and jewellery have been seized after a man was arrested following a pursuit through the Port Stephens-Hunter region overnight.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District saw a Toyota Hilux utility being driven along Government Road at Nelson Bay about 11.15pm (Saturday 22 May 2021), and directed the driver stop due to him being wanted on outstanding warrants.
Police will allege the driver, a 38-year-old man, instead accelerated and a pursuit was initiated through the suburbs of Nelson Bay, Salt Ash and Medowie, reaching speeds of up to 130km/h.
Two police vehicles were allegedly struck by the utility in Ferodale Road, Medowie, which continued at low speed due to sustaining significant damage. No police were injured.
About 11.50pm the driver left the ute on Federation Drive and ran into bushland.
Assistance was sought from the PolAir with the crew locating the man hiding in bushland a short time late. He was arrested without further incident.
When the ute was searched police seized a homemade firearm, a starter pistol, methamphetamine, and jewellery believed to be stolen
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with three outstanding warrants including a conviction warrant, revocation of parole warrant and breach of correctives order.
He has been refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 23 May 2021).
Charges are pending relating to the pursuit and seizure of the firearms, drugs and jewellery.

A report recommending that the community be invited to have their say on an updated vision for Wickham, providing attractive public spaces, more connections and safety improvements will be considered at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council meeting.
The Wickham Masterplan was developed in 2017 in partnership with the community and guides the City’s planning decisions and delivery of urban renewal within Wickham. The updated Masterplan will guide the future redevelopment of land in the area and also deals with the challenge of mine subsidence.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Wickham Masterplan aims to protect Wickham’s suburban character while ensuring public facilities and infrastructure supported the growing population.
“Wickham is experiencing increased investor interest and has attracted new developments due to its proximity to the growing Newcastle West, new transport interchange and the harbour, along with the availability of larger sites zoned for mixed use,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The updated Wickham Masterplan steers future development and will influence the mix of land use, connectivity, the public domain and what is built throughout the suburb.
“Better access and connections to Wickham Park, improved cycleways and investment in community infrastructure will support the increasing local population.
“Planned urban renewal will deliver greater road and pedestrian links within Wickham and to adjoining areas, improved public amenity as well as buildings and infrastructure that reflect the area’s unique character.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the updated Wickham Masterplan supports the strategic relocation of Newcastle’s city centre to Newcastle West under its urban renewal strategy.
“Wickham’s role continues to evolve from a once semi-industrial area at the outer fringe of the Newcastle City Centre into an urban neighbourhood supporting the emerging commercial hub within Newcastle West,” Cr Clausen said.
“We look forward to hearing from the community and working with key stakeholders like Greater Lifestyles of Wickham during the public exhibition period.”
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the updated Wickham Masterplan has revised the housing types within the Village Hub precinct and recommends an amendment to the Local Environmental Plan to facilitate a broader range of housing types, as has been raised in initial community feedback.
The updated Wickham Masterplan also deals more directly with the issue of mine subsidence. “Recent assessments by Subsidence Advisory NSW have found that the risks of subsidence from old mine workings in Wickham are more extensive than previously anticipated.
“Subsidence Advisory NSW’s advice is that a complex and expensive bulk grouting solution would be, required to remedy the undermined areas of Wickham, which would require State Government funding,” Ms Bisson said.

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens Libraries are joining forces in a bid to refresh the Hunter region’s poetry scene by offering a program of workshops and special events to both emerging and more experienced poets across the region.
The ‘Stand Up for Poetry’ program, led by Newcastle Libraries, is designed to promote a deeper appreciation of written and spoken word poetry by encouraging poetic expression, written and performance skills development.
The program will deliver skills development workshops and special events, as well as slam poetry town heats as part of the Australian Poetry Slam.
Four poets, one representing each Local Government Area, will be selected to contribute towards program planning and evaluation, in order to encourage community input into the development of the poetry program.
Each poet will contribute their ideas to develop the program by attending two meetings in June and the ‘Stand Up For Poetry’ program events will be delivered from July through to October 2021.
Applications are now open and close on Wednesday 26 May 2021.
To apply, visit Newcastle Libraries webpage.