16 News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Charles Lowry, aged 24, was last seen at Mereweather about 11:30am on Wednesday (16 April 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Charles’ welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-175cm tall, of medium build, with a fair complexion and light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing green shorts, a white shirt, brown hoodie and runners.

Anyone with information on Charles’ whereabouts is urged to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle is looking to the future with a long-term framework that will guide Newcastle’s development over the next decade.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Community Strategic Plan known as Newcastle 2040, a shared vision reflecting the aspirations of the local community.

Newcastle 2040 guides decision-making across key areas and supports the city’s continued growth, ensuring all council projects and initiatives contribute to a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.

Following the election of the new Council term last September, the review invited community feedback on the draft plan with public consultation closing in January 2025.

Overall, there was strong community support for the Newcastle 2040 vision endorsed by council in 2022.

Since its endorsement in 2022 City of Newcastle has delivered a range of projects and improvements that enhance livability and inclusivity such as local centre upgrades, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and investments in sporting facilities and stormwater drainage.

Almost 6,000 pieces of feedback have shaped Newcastle 2040 to date, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement.

City of Newcastle will continue to engage with the community throughout the life of the plan to ensure Newcastle 2040 aligns with the evolving needs and priorities of the city.

For more information on Newcastle 2040 visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/newcastle2040

A new lawn area and event screen in Wheeler Place, better pedestrian and cycling connections, and more green spaces are being proposed under a concept plan for Newcastle’s historic Civic Precinct.

An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Wheeler Place that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.City of Newcastle is inviting residents to provide feedback on the draft Civic Public Domain Plan, which will shape the future of an area that includes key streets such as King, Darby, Auckland, Merewether and Hunter, along with important spaces such as Civic Park.

The plan aims to preserve the character of the precinct while improving safety, accessibility and amenity, to create an environment where arts, culture, recreation, and events can thrive.

The intent is to ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of future developments.

Public Domain Plan site mapCity of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said plans for the area will guide future development with a focus on increasing connectivity between important cultural institutions, while supporting the broader renewal of Newcastle’s city centre.

“This precinct has been the focus of significant change during the past 10 years, with major developments helping to shape the character of a key destination for residents, students, and visitors,” Mr Bath said. 

“The Public Domain Plan will solidify the Civic Precinct as our arts and cultural hub, and elevate Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for creativity and cultural expression, with increased opportunities for public art, events and activations.

“It’s designed to make the area between Civic Park and Honeysuckle more suitable for walking, riding, and using mobility devices, while also adding more green spaces to make the area more enjoyable and keep the city cooler during hot weather.

“Tree planting will also enhance and protect views of valued heritage items, such as the historic relationships between Newcastle City Hall, Civic Park, Wheeler Place and Christie Place.

“We now need community feedback to help inform key features of the final plan, which will ensure a considered and coordinated approach to future works within the city. All of these features will be reviewed and endorsed by key stakeholder groups, the community, and City of Newcastle.”

An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Civic Park that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.Newcastle RSL Sub-branch President Peter Griffiths said as a stakeholder with a long connection to Civic Park, the RSL is keen to be involved in the process.

“The RSL wants to ensure the precinct continues to honour the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces,” Mr Griffiths said.

“It currently features the WW1/WW2 War Memorial, Vietnam and National Service Memorial, the Folded Wings RAAF Memorial and the Memorial Grove, which includes the Legacy tree.

“We’re proud to work with City of Newcastle on this Public Domain plan which acknowledges the fact memorials in Civic Park will continue to be armed service related.”

The draft Public Domain Plan is designed to create a seamless and engaging experience for visitors moving between the Newcastle Art Gallery and other nearby cultural institutions such as City Hall, Newcastle Library, Newcastle Museum and the Civic Theatre.

It includes proposed designs for new pedestrian crossings, new and upgraded plazas, as well as footpath and cycleway improvements. 

Traffic upgrades to Auckland Street and Darby Street intersections are also proposed, as well as improvements to Christie Park, and acknowledgements of First Nations history and early European settlements.

The draft Civic Public Domain Plan is open for feedback via City of Newcastle’s website until 20 May 2025. 

Community members can also join interactive “walkshop” events through the precinct on 2 and 3 May or visit City of Newcastle staff at the Olive Tree Markets in Civic Park on 3 May.

To find out more visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/civicpdp

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 25 March) of Tuesday 15 April. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Newcastle 2040 Review

Council voted unanimously to endorse the revised Community Strategic Plan Newcastle 2040, which provides the basis for the ongoing alignment of the City of Newcastle’s decision-making processes, strategies, and activities with the vision of the Newcastle community.

City of Newcastle Advisory Committee annual reports

Council voted unanimously to receive City of Newcastle’s Advisory Committee Annual Reports for 2024.

Tabling of Petition – off-leash dog area for small to medium dogs – Newcastle East

Council noted the tabling of a petition to establish an off-leash area for small to medium dogs in Newcastle East.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2025.

Notices of Motion

Bequest from the estate of the late Anne Powell to New Lambton Community Centre

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to acknowledge and celebrate the bequest of almost $64,000 from the Estate of the late Anne Geraldine Powell to the New Lambton Community Centre to benefit community groups that utilise the centre.

Relocating the Wickham Return and Earn

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to TOMRA Cleanaway, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the State Member for Newcastle, reiterating ongoing issues with the location of the Wickham Return and Earn facility and request that it is relocated to a more suitable location.

Notice of Motion to receive a petition: Petition against the introduction of permit parking scheme – George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to receive a petition from 115 Islington residents against the proposed introduction of a Permit Parking Scheme in George, Mary, Power, Phoebe and Morgan Streets, Islington. 

Council noted the petition was generated in relation to a matter that was under an open public consultation process. This consultation process has now been completed and over 98% of submissions noted an objection to it. Given the results of the consultation, it has been resolved the proposal will not progress and there will be no changes to the on-street parking regulations in this area.

Protecting the integrity of the Hunter Estuary in Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to seek an update on behalf of the community of the actions underway to mitigate and redress the impacts from development on, and rehabilitation of, our wetlands ecosystem in Newcastle, particularly in Minmi and Fletcher. Council requests a briefing with representatives from the NSW Local Land Services, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Council officers.