Category: Newcastle News

The driver of a utility is facing six charges after his passenger died in a crash in the Hunter region last month.
Emergency services were called to Anambah Road at Rutherford, 8km north-east of Maitland, shortly after 9pm on Saturday 7 November 2020, after a Ford utility left the roadway and hit a guard rail.
The front-seat passenger, a 29-year-old man, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced inquiries with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit.
The driver, a 33-year-old man, was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing, before
being taken to Maitland Police Station.
Following iinquiries by the Crash Investigation Unit, the man has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – influence drugs, dangerous driving occasioning death – drive under influence, drive vehicle (while) illicit drug present in blood, and drive with middle range PCA.
He is due to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 17 February 2021.

The City of Newcastle realised a former Novocastrian’s long-held ambition to become an ambassador for the city today, awarding a Key to the City to Her Excellency the Honourable Patricia Forsythe AM, in recognition of her lifelong service to democracy, diplomacy and business.
Appointed as the Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue in March 2019, Mrs Forsythe began her remarkable career in public service in Newcastle as a secondary history teacher at Jesmond High School and Newcastle Grammar School, before being elected to the NSW Parliament as a Member of the Legislative Council in May 1991.
As a Member of the NSW Upper House, Mrs Forsythe also served on the Opposition Frontbench in prominent roles such as the Shadow Minister for Education and Women’s Affairs.
In her maiden parliamentary speech, Mrs Forsythe paid homage to her hometown.
“Newcastle, a city I will be proud to serve,” Mrs Forsythe said. “In my vision for the future, I want to see an outlook not of them and us, but a shared outlook, where the economic potential of the Hunter is realised.”
“I look forward to being an ambassador for the city… Newcastle has given me much.”
Mrs Forsythe acknowledged the unwavering support of the Forsythe and Wingrove families, some of whom were present for the Key to the City ceremony and Mrs Forsythe’s induction to the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program, almost three decades later.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes was delighted to present Mrs Forsythe with a Key to the City during a diplomatic visit to Newcastle.
^{Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes presents the Key to the City to the Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue, Her Excellency the Honourable Patricia Forsythe AM.}
“It was a pleasure to conduct such a special ceremony on behalf of the City with the company of Mrs Forsythe’s closest family members,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Some of the most significant advancements of Newcastle institutions are owed to Mrs Forsythe’s advocacy work, including the establishment of the University of Newcastle’s medical faculty in the early 1970s, for which she was a major champion. Mrs Forsythe also helped lobby for a taxation office in Newcastle in the 1980s.
“The City of Newcastle looks forward to continuing to work with Mrs Forsythe as a city ambassador in her current capacity as High Commissioner, as she continues to take an interest in Newcastle and advocate for the city, not least of which through the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mrs Forsythe is the ninth individual or organisation to receive a Key to the City of Newcastle since the Ambassador Program’s inception in 2017.
She joins the ranks with Director of the National Gallery of Australia Nick Mitzevich, Naval Officer Anita Sellick, former University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Caroline McMillen, Breast Cancer Trials, Newcastle Eye Hospital Foundation, the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG, Youth With a Mission medical vessel The Ruach, and businesswoman and media personality Jackie Gillies.
An official biography for the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Cook Islands and Niue, is available at the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website here.

A man will face court today charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 3am on Sunday (6 December 2020), an 84-year-old woman was asleep at a home on Marsden Street, Shortland, when she was woken by an unknown man standing in her room.
The man spoke to the elderly woman before she called to family members for assistance and the man left the home.
The elderly woman wasn’t injured.
Later that morning, police were called and officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a separate home on Marsden Street and arrested a 19-year-old man on Wednesday (9 December 2020)
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence with people there.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court yesterday (Thursday 10 December), where he was formally bail refused to reappear at the same court today (Friday 11 December 2020).

More than $10 million will be invested into priority community projects throughout the remainder of this financial year as contributions continue to flow from the city’s development boom.
Council this week adopted the updated the 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan, which allows for the collection of development levies across the City and nominates how they will be spent.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the updated Contributions Plan will allow the City of Newcastle to invest development contributions back into the community through new and upgraded social infrastructure, which is essential for the health, well-being and economic prosperity of communities and the liveability of our City.
“Newcastle’s unprecedented development boom is not only helping to transform the city on the back of our progressive, future-focussed vision, it’s also contributing to the vital infrastructure needed to support our growing population,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our population is forecast to increase by 20% to 200,000 residents by 2041, which in turn requires the provision of additional public facilities to meet increasing demand over time.”
Cr Nelmes said the list of projects to be funded had been updated in line with the City’s adopted capital works budget priorities and includes projects such as the next stages of Bathers Way, the delivery of the National Park Plan of Management, local centre upgrades in Stockton, Wallsend and Shortland, and the Throsby Creek shared pathway.
“This Contributions Plan provides an essential mechanism through which we can collect funds from approved developments to provide for new or enhanced community infrastructure such as roads, shared paths and cycleways, parks, playgrounds and many other public places to support our City,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Funding mechanisms such as this support our capital works program, which plays a major role in creating jobs and increasing the economic output of the local area, which has become even more important in the wake of COVID-19.”
City of Newcastle approved 1,171 development applications in 2020 with a value of $568 million across the city.

City of Newcastle welcomes the NSW Government’s move to apply for an offshore exploration licence that will allow for the investigation of a suitable sand source to put sand back on the beach at Stockton.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro chaired a Stockton Beach Taskforce meeting at City of Newcastle’s Administration Centre today and discussed how the exploration licence would allow for the examination a potential source of sand needed to remediate Stockton Beach.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Deputy Premier Barilaro’s announcement was a significant win for the Stockton community, with the NSW Government prioritising a viable solution to coastal erosion.
“If approved, the licence will allow exploration work to be carried out by geologists to determine if an identified source of sand off the coast of Stockton is suitable,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to identifying a suitable sand source is meaningful progress toward ensuring our community can once again enjoy the amenity of a sandy beach, where coastal assets are protected.
“Since the Stockton Taskforce had its inaugural meeting in June we have seen a genuine and cooperative approach to reaching a solution to ongoing coastal erosion.
“The Taskforce has cut red tape and overcome regulatory hurdles across various government departments to enable a path to source suitable sand to replenish the beach.
“The Stockton Coastal Management Program was informed by our community and has mass sand nourishment as its cornerstone, so this news shows how collaboration between Local and State Government can achieve positive outcomes for the environment and community.”
“I thank the Deputy Premier for his leadership in resolving the complex erosion issues at Stockton with both short and long-term solutions.
The Taskforce meeting was also informed that City of Newcastle has completed the first comprehensive scientific study of how sand moves in and around the Stockton Bight.
The Stockton Bight Sand Movement Study will contribute to the 2021 review of the Stockton Coastal Management Program, which is being updated to include the area north of Meredith Street to the Local Government Boundary. Previous studies have been confined to the southern section of the Bight.
This investigation fills an important missing piece in understanding the beach’s complex coastal processes.
Cr Nelmes said the Sand Movement Study is key to developing management actions that complement the mass sand nourishment strategy for Stockton Beach.
“The study provides City of Newcastle and Stockton Bight’s various landholders with the critical information and understanding needed to make evidence-based decisions on coastal management options for the area to the north of Meredith Street,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Next year City of Newcastle, in consultation with stakeholders, will update the Stockton CMP to include coastal management options for the area of the beach north of Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.
“The Stockton CMP 2021 key actions will complement the mass sand nourishment proposed for Stockton Beach and will be assessed in terms of their economic and technical feasibility, to obtain agreement on a suitable strategy from all affected northern landholders.
“The actions outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020 will not change and will be incorporated into the expanded 2021 Stockton CMP.
“The work completed to date, in partnership with the community, has determined what we need to do now and in the long-term to ensure we can manage Stockton Beach for future generations.
“We will continue to work with the NSW Government to deliver a mechanism to get sand onto Stockton Beach.”
City of Newcastle Manager of Assets and Projects Joanne Rigby said the study provides the first full analysis of the Bight’s ‘sand budget’, which maps historical sand volume changes from Nobbys Headland to Birubi Headland to show the rates and direction of sand movement.
“This is essential to assessing how each potential coastal management option will impact the behaviour of the entire Bight,” Ms Rigby said.
“The study confirms that the natural pattern of erosion experienced by Stockton Beach is exacerbated by the Newcastle Harbour breakwaters and navigational channel, which combine to create a physical barrier to natural sand movement.
“Presently an average of 34,000 cubic metres per year is restored to Stockton Beach by the dredging of sand from the entrance channel and 36,500 cubic metres per year is accumulated at Nobbys.
“The Port of Newcastle’s David Allan dredge picks sand up in the harbour entrance and deposits it offshore from Stockton Beach.
“Currently the rate of loss along the southern section of the Beach is estimated at 112,000 cubic metres  per year. Prior to the formalisation of river entrance, it is estimated that 100,000 cubic metres of sand passed Nobbys Headland.
“As a result, the overall northerly loss of sand is a key management consideration of the Stockton CMP.”
City of Newcastle will work with landowners and the community in the new year regarding management actions. The Stockton Sand Movement Study can be accessed here.

City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was adopted by Council at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The plan’s objective is to address future demand, inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure with consideration to current and future needs of the community, other adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability.
With the city’s population expected to increase by over 27,000 by 2031, the Strategic Sports Plan provides strategic guidance and facility direction for 14 outdoor sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, basketball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the plan was developed in close consultation with Newcastle’s sporting community and is crucial as the city’s population continues to rise.
“During the development of the Strategic Sports Plan, we sought valuable feedback from local sporting clubs and associations, State Sporting Organisations, neighbouring councils and government agencies,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It was this feedback that informed the draft plan, which was then placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days, during which we received 172 submissions.”
“Our city currently has 63 sportsgrounds venues which are home to 140 fields that span over 370 hectares, with the need to provide additional facilities to meet the demand that will come with the continued growth of western corridor suburbs.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz echoed the Lord Mayor’s comments that the Strategic Sports Plan will be vital to ensure our community has access to the facilities needed to remain active.
“COVID-19 highlighted the value of getting outdoors, staying active and participating in sport, and as restrictions continue to ease, we are seeing more of our community recognising the importance of sport and recreation,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“As an ever-growing city, we need to plan for future growth and ensure that our community has access to a variety of sport and recreation facilities now and into the future.”
The highlights of the Strategic Sports Plan include optimisation of existing sportsgrounds, implementation of a rolling capital works program to progressively renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds and improvement of City of Newcastle’s communication and administration processes.
A full list of the City’s sportsgrounds can be accessed here.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 December 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Offshore Wind
A Lord Mayoral Minute commending the NSW Parliament on the recent passing of the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill 2020, paving the way for the creation of the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, was carried.
The minute welcomed the emergence of large-scale offshore wind infrastructure as a viable renewable energy source with the potential to unlock $30 billion of investment and create thousands of local, well paid jobs and noted the opportunity for a new infrastructure manufacturing industry to emerge in Newcastle and the Hunter, paving the way for our City to become a renewable energy hub of the Asia-Pacific region.
The minute called for Council to write to Energy and the Environment Minister Matt Kean asking for the inclusion of offshore wind in the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, and to meet with a delegation of City of Newcastle, industry, business and Trade Union representatives to discuss its opportunities for environmental sustainability, local jobs and economic diversification.
COVID-19 Taskforce Update
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to recognise the work and initiatives of the City Taskforce, which was established in April to provide local leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanking the members of the Taskforce and Action Team for their valuable contribution to the City’s recovery.
The minute also requested that, rather than dissolve at the end of 2020, the functions of the Taskforce be transferred to the Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee chaired by Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, as a mechanism to continue address COVID-19 pandemic matters as they arise.
Dr Anthea Bill, Lead Economist, Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC), was invited to present to Council in 2021 regarding HRFC’s City Taskforce Evaluation.
Ordinary business
Code of conduct annual statistics
Council received a report on City of Newcastle’s annual Code of Conduct complaints statistics for the period 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020, in accordance with Office of Local Government requirements.
Stairway to Heaven concept
Council voted to endorse the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ concept, which seeks to open up connections and view lines from Newcastle foreshore and the Hunter Street Mall to Christ Church Cathedral. The Chief Executive Officer was authorised to undertake feasibility analysis and discussions to progress the concept. This includes exploring the potential for the Mall Car Park site to be redeveloped to deliver the concept while also protecting the public car parking spaces and social infrastructure to ensure that was provided in any new concept.
Adoption of 2021 Council meeting cycle
Council resolved to adopt the Council meeting schedule that will apply from February to December 2021.
Adoption of Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020)
Council voted to adopt the Section 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020), which determines the Section 7.12 local infrastructure levy that applies to land within the Newcastle Local Government Area and what public facilities are to be funded by the levy. The Plan is reviewed annually to reflect City of Newcastle’s adopted Budget.
Endorsement of planning proposal to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 – 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher
Council voted for an amended motion to maintain the zoning of 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher as E4 Environmental Living and write to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to consider including it into the National Parks estate, noting the property’s strategic importance to the Green Corridor.
Urban Design Review Panel
Council voted to endorse the establishment of a new Urban Design Review Panel, which provides independent advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of urban design and amenity for development proposals.
Implementation of Live Music and After Dark Strategies – planning certificates
Council voted for an amended motion to progress with the implementation of planning certificate notations to notify future purchasers of properties within the Newcastle Local Government Area of City of Newcastle’s adopted Live Music Strategy and Newcastle After Dark Night-time Economy Strategy.
Council asked to receive a briefing from the relevant NSW Government agency or Office of Live Music on the new laws and seek a report from Officers at the next meeting of Council on the opportunities the new laws provide in the delivery of CN’s Live Music Strategy and After Dark Strategy.
Maryland Drive, Maryland – proposed pedestrian refuges near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street
Council voted to approve the construction of pedestrian refuges on Maryland Drive near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street, Maryland.
Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated – Memorandum of Understanding
Council voted to endorse the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated to recognise and acknowledge the historical and cultural importance of the site to the local community; work undertaken by the Society to preserve the site; and a commitment of City of Newcastle and the Society to the ongoing management and operation of Fort Scratchley.
Adoption of Strategic Sports Plan
Council voted for an amended motion to adopt the Strategic Sports Plan, which addresses future demand and informs the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrading of sporting infrastructure with consideration of current and future community needs, adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability. The amendment included the provision of both recreational and competition basketball facilities in the Plan.
Adoption of Carrington Greenspace Masterplan
Council voted to adopt the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan, which outlines a vision and principles for the strategic development of greenspaces and public domain in Carrington, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
Tender report – parking meter services – 2021/125T
Council voted to enter into a contract for Parking Meter Services for City of Newcastle’s existing fleet of parking meters.
LED street lighting upgrade
Council voted to enter into a contract with Ausgrid to replace all remaining non-efficient residential and main road street lighting with LED lighting.
Notices of Motion
McDonalds
Council adopted a notice of motion to request that McDonalds Restaurants attend a workshop with Ward 1 Councillors and a small number of representatives from the Newcastle West Residents group on the safety, security and cleanliness measures that are in place at the King St, Newcastle West McDonalds’ premises and any future measures currently being planned.
Domestic violence, violence against women and children, and coercive control
Council adopted an amended notice of motion to receive a report on City of Newcastle’s policies or plans that support existing domestic violence support organisations and women’s refuges within the LGA, and ensure that City of Newcastle workplace policies are reviewed to provide safe and effective mechanisms for staff to report incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviours. Council will also partner with City of Newcastle’s charity partner Got Your Back Sista to investigate and support the publication and promotion of a pocket guide on relationships, domestic abuse and coercive control to assist people to understand what help is available.
Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia (VESPAS)
Council adopted a notice of motion that seeks to explore opportunities to benefit from the accelerated trend of residents leaving capital cities for a ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’, known as VESPAs (Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia), by promoting Newcastle to VESPAs as a lifestyle city for innovative and creative talent.
Love Lambton 150 years event
A notice of motion was supported to recognise the 150th anniversary of the Municipality of Lambton in June 2021 and provide $10,000 in cash and in-kind support to support the delivery of the event.

Police remain at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash in Port Stephens this afternoon.
Shortly after 12-midday (Wednesday 9 December 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were driving along Medowie Road near Ringwood Road when they have located a single vehicle crash.
Upon arrival, police located a female driver – and sole occupant of the vehicle – trapped inside.
Further emergency services were called and the woman was released before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police escort in a critical condition.
Medowie Road remain closed between the Pacific Highway and Ringwood Road, with local traffic diversions in place. It’s expected the road will be closed for several hours which will significantly impact peak hour travel. For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com.
A crime scene has been established and Port Stephens-Hunter Police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A strategy to improve the amenity and recreation opportunities for the community in Carrington will be considered at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Carrington Greenspace Masterplan examines existing land and park facilities exploring how the greenspaces can best be managed to meet recreation, sporting, community needs and environmental outcomes in both the short and long term.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community’s feedback has been integral to shaping the vision of Carrington’s green spaces.
“With its long and rich cultural heritage and unique industrial history linked to its role as a working port, the suburb of Carrington is one of Newcastle’s most desirable city neighbourhoods.
“The vision for Carrington greenspaces has been driven by the community and stakeholders and represents the aspirations of the people to see Carrington be the best it can be.
“The plan is a guiding document to shape a connected open space network, whilst building upon the unique character of Carrington.
“To develop the plan, we engaged with Carrington residents, collecting ideas through workshops, drop in sessions, surveys and conversations.
“People told us that more canopy trees in parks and streets, verge gardens, more connected pathways and improved streetlighting will improve how they enjoy their neighbourhood.
“Carrington has undergone significant economic and urban transformation yet despite these changes, it has retained its unique personality and its generous and distinctive open spaces.
“We want to ensure we provide innovative, active and passive spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
“An important part of the Plan is to also showcase Worimi and Awabakal stories in places of importance and recommends consulting further with the community to identify a site for a cultural meeting place for social gatherings, storytelling and education.
“While some actions identify further community engagement being required, and will need a collaborative funding approach, having a masterplan that is built upon the needs and priorities of the community will assist in securing funding to deliver specific initiatives in the future.”