Now that the New South Wales State Government has formally rejected the renewal of the PEP11 Petroleum Exploration Permit, the future of the project lies solely in the hands of the Morrison Government.
If renewed, PEP11 could see oil or gas rigs in the coastal waters between Port Stephens and Sydney.
Federal Labor stands on the side of coastal communities who have waged a strong community campaign against the permit.
This should be the end of the road for PEP11.
Oil and gas rigs have no place off the coast of New South Wales.
PEP11 offers no new jobs for locals and poses a threat to thousands of existing jobs in tourism, fishing and hospitality.
We call on the Federal Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, to listen to his state government counterparts, the strong message of our communities and the local representatives from across the political spectrum who are united in their calls to stop PEP11 once and for all.
Not only does the PEP11 permit run alongside a stretch of coastline that is home to millions, but it is also is home to a rich ecosystem of sea life and host to the magnificent annual whale migration.
The community has rejected the project. Federal Labor and local elected representatives have rejected the project. Now the New South Wales Government has rejected the project.
It’s well past time for the Morrison Government to stop the uncertainty and put an end to PEP11 once and for all!
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Love Our Coast survey now open
Newcastle’s coastline is precious to locals and visitors alike, and through a new survey, City of Newcastle is looking to explore what the community loves about our beaches and what people do while they are there.
The Love Our Coast survey, which opened today, will help with the development of the City’s coastal management programs which will shape future plans to enhance our coast.
The survey will collect a range of information including what beaches people visit and how frequently, what they do while they are there and why they choose the beaches they do.
It will also investigate how people get to the beach and how much money they spend during their trips.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the survey is key to identifying priorities and plans for the coastline moving forward.
“The responses from this survey will help us develop plans and projects to enhance our coast for future generations, like our coastal management programs, that include long-term actions to help ensure we can manage these important areas,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our coastline is loved by many people and, in many ways, this forms a significant part of Newcastle’s identity as a liveable and sustainable global city.”
“Newcastle is fortunate to boast some of the best beaches in the world and a spectacular coastline that provides countless benefits to both our local economy and our way of life.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen encouraged people to take part in the survey to have their say on how the City uses some of its most precious assets.
“Feedback from the community is very important to allow the City to understand how we value and use our beaches. We don’t only want to hear from the city’s beach lovers. It is open to everyone and the more feedback we get, the better informed our decisions will be moving forward.
“The insight provided by the survey will also ensure our coastal management programs satisfy requirements legislated by the Coastal Management Act 2016.”
The survey will be open for feedback from Monday 22 February to Friday 5 March. To share your thoughts, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay
Suspicious fire at former sports club – Belmont
Police are investigating after fire destroyed a former clubhouse in Lake Macquarie overnight.
About 10.45pm (Sunday 21 February 2021), emergency services were called to a building on Maude Street, Belmont, following reports the former sports club was well alight.
Fire and Rescue New South Wales crews extinguished the blaze a short time later.
Officers from Lake Macquarie have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 10pm and 11pm in the nearby area or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Officer assaulted during arrest – Windale
A senior constable has been assaulted during an arrest in Lake Macquarie.
About 7pm last night (Sunday 21 February 2021), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Wakool Street, Windale, after reports of a domestic incident.
Upon arrival, police attempted to arrest a 25-year-old man before he allegedly punched a male senior constable to the right side of the face.
The man continued to resist arrest before additional police apprehended him and arrested him.
It’s further alleged as he was being placed in the police vehicle, the man spat at an acting sergeant and continued to resist arrest.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with five offences including two counts of assault police, and one count each of resist arrest, destroy/damage property and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (DV).
He was refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Monday 22 February 2021).
Appeal after alleged train assault – Hunter region
Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate an assault on board a train in Newcastle last year.
About 10am on Friday 25 September 2020, a 21-year-old man boarded a train at Metford Station headed eastbound.
During the trip, the man dropped a headphone to the ground and was attempting to retrieve it when an unknown male passenger stood up and punched the 21-year-old to the head.
The man contacted police and officers commenced an investigation.
As police continue their inquiries, they have released a CCTV image of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with dark/reddish curly hair and a beard.
He was wearing a red, white and black hooded jumper, green camouflage cargo pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information which may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to find woman missing from Scone
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Kim Searle, aged 38, was last leaving seen a property in Newcastle last week. Her family hasn’t heard from her since.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.
Kim is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with dark hair, blue eyes, and tattoos of dragonflies and flowers on her arms.
She is known to frequent regional Victoria as well as the Scone, Muswellbrook and Newcastle areas.
Anyone who may have information about Kim’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Shortland local centre upgrade plans out for feedback
City of Newcastle is calling for community feedback on a proposal to improve safety for pedestrians and amenity of the local centre in Shortland.Community consultation undertaken in April 2019 and June 2020 highlighted pedestrian safety at Sandgate Road as a high priority issue for residents and business owners in the local area.
In response to this feedback the City is placing the Draft Shortland Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan on public exhibition, seeking feedback on proposed changes including implementation of a 40km/hr High Pedestrian Activity Area.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that safety for the community who shop and work in the Shortland Local Centre is a key priority.
“The plan on exhibition addresses community concerns and helps keep the community safe, as well as delivering improved public domain with upgraded footpaths and new street furniture,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We want to create an inviting space for locals to do their shopping and support local small business.”
Ward Four Councillor Jason Dunn said the proposed changes are a critical step in improving the area for the benefit of Shortland locals.
“Feedback on this next step is important, so we encourage the community to view the plan and share their views,” Councillor Dunn said.
Long-term Shortland resident Wendy Heys also encourages the Shortland community to have their say.
“I really welcome the upgrade to the shopping area making it safer for pedestrians, especially school children in the area.”
As well as a reduced speed limit, the plan includes construction of a pedestrian refuge and speed cushions to reduce driver speeds and create safer crossings for pedestrians.
The City has also engaged a mural artist to work with the community to determine a theme for a new mural installation at the pharmacy on Hansen Place. The mural will be delivered in conjunction with construction of the safety and public domain upgrades, currently scheduled for mid 2021.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to have your say on the proposed safety improvements. Consultation starts Monday February 22 and is open until March 21.
Action on Wallsend flooding as space made for stormwater channel widening
City of Newcastle is taking further steps to facilitate works to mitigate flooding in the Wallsend town centre with tenders called to demolish the vacant building next to Nelson Street bridge, which will allow the future widening of Hunter Water’s Ironbark Creek stormwater channel.
Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the demolition is an essential step to allow the stormwater channel to be widened and avoid the catastrophic flooding that has occurred on a number of occasions since the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007.
“Demolishing this building which we strategically acquired in 2018 is part of our more than $20 million commitment to address flooding in Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The building is directly adjacent to the stormwater channel and the Nelson Street bridge, and its removal will enable future construction of an upgraded Nelson Street bridge, as well as future widening of Hunter Water’s channel to 21 metres, which takes in approximately half the width of the building’s footprint.
“We’re continuing to work with Hunter Water as the asset owners of the channel on funding for a capital program to widen its stormwater channel to help us protect people and property exposed to the dangers and damage of flooding.
“Expansion of the stormwater channel, together with our replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges and upgrade of the culvert beneath Cowper Street Bridge, will significantly reduce flooding in the town centre.
“We are committed to delivering the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in conjunction with significant amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure.
It is expected that demolition of the building on Nelson Street will take place in the coming months.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later in 2021.
Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the demolition is an essential step to allow the stormwater channel to be widened and avoid the catastrophic flooding that has occurred on a number of occasions since the Pasha Bulker storm in 2007.
“Demolishing this building which we strategically acquired in 2018 is part of our more than $20 million commitment to address flooding in Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The building is directly adjacent to the stormwater channel and the Nelson Street bridge, and its removal will enable future construction of an upgraded Nelson Street bridge, as well as future widening of Hunter Water’s channel to 21 metres, which takes in approximately half the width of the building’s footprint.
“We’re continuing to work with Hunter Water as the asset owners of the channel on funding for a capital program to widen its stormwater channel to help us protect people and property exposed to the dangers and damage of flooding.
“Expansion of the stormwater channel, together with our replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges and upgrade of the culvert beneath Cowper Street Bridge, will significantly reduce flooding in the town centre.
“We are committed to delivering the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in conjunction with significant amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre, which will support businesses and residents.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure.
It is expected that demolition of the building on Nelson Street will take place in the coming months.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later in 2021.
Volunteer guides back in action for New Annual Festival
Dedicated City of Newcastle volunteers have hit the streets for the first time since COVID-19 to offer a welcoming point of contact for visitors during the New Annual festival.
The passionate NEWCrew members were forced to take a break from their duties when the pandemic resulted in the postponement of events across the city.
But the volunteers are thrilled to finally be back in action as ambassadors for Newcastle during the City’s 10-day flagship cultural festival, having been debriefed on how to provide COVID safe assistance to visitors.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the NEWCrew program provides an opportunity to engage with visitors in a meaningful way, ensuring they have a memorable experience in our beautiful city.
“NEWCrew volunteers play an invaluable role in the delivery of events in the city, offering practical support to welcome visitors, answer their questions and direct them to various facilities while also sharing their knowledge about the event or the city itself,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Since the NEWCrew program was established in 2017 volunteers have given hundreds of hours of their time to act as ambassadors for Newcastle, ensuring we build on our reputation as gracious hosts to all who visit our region.
“It’s fantastic to see these dedicated volunteers getting back out and about during New Annual and I thank them for all their support of our flagship cultural festival.”
Newcastle resident Sue Slade began volunteering with NEWCrew around three years ago with a desire to keep busy and give something back to the community.
The retired disability worker, who also has a background in the travel industry, is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of Newcastle with others.
“I love Newcastle and I’m a real people person, so it is not hard talking about our city to visitors,” Sue said.
“COVID put everything on hold and it’s been a long 12 months since we’ve been able to volunteer with NEWCrew, but it’s great to be back now to catch up with some of the other volunteers and be a part of New Annual.
“The festival’s program looks amazing, I’m really excited about being a part of it, telling people what is on offer and hopefully encouraging them to come back to Newcastle for other festivals, events or holidays.”
There will be plenty going on during the final weekend of the festival, with a full schedule of ticketed events and more than 20 free activities on offer including a sunrise meditation, a taste of France at The Station, a celebration of printmaking in Newcastle, Indigenous language, dance and storytelling sessions at The Pavilion of Sand and hands-on workshops with the Artist Open Studio Trail.
To find out more, book your ticket or secure you spot at a workshop visit www.newannual.com/
A range of opportunities for volunteering with City of Newcastle can be found at https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/get-involved/volunteer-with-us.
Officer injured during arrest; man charged – East Maitland
A man faces numerous charges after a police officer was injured during an arrest in the Hunter region yesterday.
About 5pm (Thursday 18 February 2021), an officer attached to Port Stephens Traffic and Highway Patrol saw an unregistered road bike being ridden on the New England Highway, East Maitland, allegedly at excessive speed.
The motorcycle stopped in traffic and the officer approached the rider, who immediately lashed out, falling to the ground. As the officer attempted to assist remove the bike, he was allegedly punched in the face and chest.
During a struggle, the rider, a 39-year-old man, has continued to kick and punch the senior constable before he was arrested with the assistance of members of the public.
Further police attended to assist, and the rider continued to struggle with officers. In trying to restrain the man, an acting sergeant has suffered a dislocated shoulder. He was taken to Maitland Hospital for treatment.
The man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, motor vehicle exceed speed more than 20 km/h, licence expired 2 years or more, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty, two counts of resist officer in execution of duty, use unregistered motor vehicle on road, other traffic offences and breach of bail.
The Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Friday 19 February 2021).