Newcastle News – Page 231

Charges after theft of $100,000 worth of copper cable – Tomago

Two men will face court today charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of more than $100,000 worth of copper in the state’s Hunter region.
On Monday 23 November 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District’s Property Crime Team commenced an investigation after reports copper worth over $100,000 had been stolen from an industrial site in Tomago, about 30km north-west of Newcastle.
About 6pm yesterday (Wednesday 25 November 2020), police were called to a storage shed on Tomago Road, Tomago, by security after reports of unauthorised people on the premises.
Upon arrival, a perimeter was established and following a foot pursuit, a 32-year-old man was arrested.
With assistance from the Dog Unit, a second man, aged 41, was arrested a short time later inside the shed.
A vehicle and trailer were located camouflaged in bushland nearby.
The men were taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and the older man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal) and break & enter house etc steal value <= $60,000.
The younger man was charged with break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal).
Both men were refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 26 November 2020).
Inquiries are ongoing.

Fourth person charged over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen

A fourth person has been charged in relation to the suspicious death of a New Zealand man in the Hunter region two years ago.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Glenridding.
About 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street after a man’s body was located on the side of the road. He was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen.
A man and two women have since been charged over the death; and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 11.30am yesterday (Wednesday 25 November 2020), police executed a search warrant at a home in Singleton and arrested a 27-year-old woman.
She was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder and do act intending to pervert the course of justice.
The woman was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Thursday 26 November 2020).

City set sights on tourism to bolster future of COVID disrupted economy

A fresh approach to unleash Newcastle’s tourism potential will be unveiled by City of Newcastle to attract a wider visitor audience and boost local economic COVID-recovery efforts.
Newcastle’s thriving tourism industry, prior to COVID-19, contributed $1 billion to the local economy each year, with more than 5.1 million international and domestic travellers visiting in 2019.
The City’s draft 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan was created with stakeholders from across the industry, and sets out a raft of initiatives and projects set to stimulate the local tourism economy and increase visitor spend.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said work done now to position Newcastle as a premier tourism destination will play a vital role in the city’s future economic recovery, once travel restrictions ease further.
“The City has taken the lead to spearhead a collaborative and consolidated approach toward shaping Newcastle’s future as a destination for visitors and tourists,” said Cr Nelmes.
“With a pipeline of new-build hotel investment, including the five-star Kingsley part of the Crystalbrook Collection in the former City Administration Centre and plans underway to develop the historic Newcastle Post Office into a hotel, and Iris Capital’s QT Hotel, Newcastle is well positioned to attract a new wave of domestic and international visitors, once travel restrictions ease further.
“The City is committed to driving the growth and sustainability of the visitor economy with a new tourism plan designed as a visionary tool, instrumental to driving Newcastle’s social and economic recovery.
“The Destination Management Plan provides our City with a blueprint to work together across government and industry to create meaningful partnerships in order to achieve a shared vision for Newcastle as a premier visitor destination, showcasing the City’s rich art, cultural and culinary scene, a vibrant night-time economy and experiences that celebrate our natural environment and creative community.
“The Plan highlights the significant opportunity for a tourism-led economic recovery from signature attractions, while developing tourism products and experiences, particularly across places like Blackbutt Reserve, the Bathers Way, Newcastle Art Gallery, and Fort Scratchley.
“We aim to build a thriving visitor economy in Newcastle that will lead to population, economic and jobs growth, and our City’s success will be one shared by the greater Hunter Region, NSW and Australia.
“To succeed as a sector, industry, government and operators need to collaborate and find ways to work together, by positioning Newcastle as the destination of choice in order to attract the tourist dollar, in an increasingly competitive market.”
Councillors will vote at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting to place the draft Destination Management Plan on public exhibition from 25 November 2020 until 6 January 2021.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 November

Lord Mayoral Minutes
City of Newcastle submission – IPART Local Council Domestic Waste Management Charges discussion paper
A Lord Mayoral Minute about City of Newcastle’s submission to IPART Local Council Domestic Waste Management Charges discussion paper was unanimously supported. The Lord Mayor Minute raised concerns about the fact that while City of Newcastle pays around $37 million annually in Levy contributions, only $175,000 is returned to the Newcastle Local Government Area to fund vital resource recovery, waste management and waste and recycling education projects for the City. City of Newcastle will advocate for the NSW Government to adequately re-invest Waste Levy funds into the development of local waste management planning, local procurement, education and local priority waste management infrastructure projects such as the City of Newcastle Organics Recycling Facility at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
NSW Arts Maintenance and Upgrade Fund
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) about the NSW Arts Maintenance and Upgrade Fund was carried unanimously. The LMM welcomes the NSW Government’s 2020 Budget announcement of the creation of an Arts Maintenance and Upgrade Fund, allocating $103.5 million in capital expenditure over the next two years to both stimulate jobs and the economy through improving accessibility, sustainability and functionality at cultural assets, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Lord Mayoral Minute noted that the Newcastle Art Gallery Redevelopment Project is shovel ready and is specifically aimed at ensuring significant improvements to accessibility, sustainability and functionality of our gallery, as well as providing significant stimulus to the local economy and the creation of 170 local jobs.
Hunter renewable energy zone
A Lord Mayoral Minute praising the NSW Government’s commitment to establish the Renewable Energy Zone network, including the recent inclusion of the Hunter as the State’s newest Renewable Energy Zone. The Lord Mayoral Minute congratulated the NSW Government on their progressive approach to energy policy and pledged City of Newcastle’s support for the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone.
Ordinary business
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 August to 31 October
The Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 August and 31 October 2020 was received in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Staff.
Adoption of the 2025 Climate Action Plan
Councillors adopted the 2025 Climate Action, which sets new targets and outlines innovative and sustainable programs to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. City of Newcastle intends to transition to a fleet of electric vehicles, build operational resilience through additional renewables and battery storage, and switch all city lighting to LED during the next five years under a new Climate Action Plan.
Adoption of the Local Housing Strategy
Councillors adopted the Local Housing Strategy, which provides a guide to the development of sustainable, affordable and inclusive housing across the Local Government Area.
Endorsement of the Annual Report
Councillors have endorsed City of Newcastle’s 2019/20 Annual Report, which showcases the City’s achievements against strategic objectives and performance measures.
Public Exhibition of Draft 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan
Council has voted to place the City’s draft 2021-2025 Destination Management Plan on public exhibition. The plan was created with stakeholders from across the industry and sets out a raft of initiatives and projects set to stimulate the local tourism economy and increase visitor spend.
Draft Community Land Plan of Management – public exhibition
Councillors have supported the submission of a draft Community Land Plan of Management to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands. Following approval from Crown Lands, the Plan of Management will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
Proposed road closures – 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend
This motion was laid on the table, with Councillors to receive a briefing at a Councillor Workshop. The motion proposes to close two parcels of road reserve at 144 Boundary Road, Wallsend, and sell the land to the adjoining property owners.
Variations to development standards
Council has received a report on approved development variations between 1 July and 30 September 2020.
Endorse a planning proposal to rezone and reclassify land at 233 Wharf Road and rezone land 150 and 150A, 250 Scott Street, Newcastle
Councillors endorsed an amendment to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to rezone and reclassify 233 Wharf Road (Boat Harbour car park) and rezone Parcel 12 of the former rail corridor, which includes 250, part 150 and 150A, Scott Street and part 280 Hunter Street and adopt a new site-specific section in the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012.
Adoption of planning agreement – 73-79 Railway Lane, Wickham
Council endorsed the Planning Agreement for 73-79 Railway Lane, Wickham and authorised the Chief Executive Officer to execute the Planning Agreement.
Draft Parking Plan – public exhibition
Council resolved to place the Draft Parking Plan on public exhibition. The Plan covers the management of the City’s parking and has implications for a range of economic, environmental and social outcomes, including urban form, vitality of centres and travel choices.
Draft Cycling Plan – public exhibition
Councillors voted to place the Draft Cycling Plan on public exhibition. The draft Cycling Plan reflects changes to the strategic framework for cycling and responds to contemporary issues, opportunities and challenges that influence the cycling space. It also reflects the outcomes of early engagement workshops with key stakeholders along with survey responses from the community and input from City of Newcastle’s Cycling Working Party.
September Quarterly Budget Review
Council received the September Quarterly Budget Review.
September Quarterly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Council received the September Quarterly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2020.
Tender Report – Provision of Security Services – contract 2020/232T
Councillors voted to accept a tender for the provision of security services in accordance with Contract No. 2020/232T.
Land Acquisition – 77 Dangerfield Drive, Elermore Vale
Councillors approved the acquisition of 77 Dangerfield Drive, Elermore Vale (Land) for the purposes of environmental management.
Extension of recyclables processing contract
Councillors voted to extend contract 2020/277T for the processing of recyclables.
Notices of Motion
McDonalds
A Notice of Motion that requests McDonalds Restaurants provide Councillors with a briefing on the safety, security and cleanliness measures that are in place at the King Street, Newcastle West McDonalds’ premises and any future measures currently being planned, was laid on the table to be considered at the next Ordinary Council Meeting.
Keep Newcastle streets and creeks clear of shopping trolleys
A Notice of Motion noting the negative impact of abandoned shopping trolleys on community amenity, safety and the environment, and the costs to council associated with their removal and management was carried unanimously. The NoM calls on trolley owners, especially the major supermarkets and local shopping centre management, to take a more proactive approach to managing their assets, and preventing them from ending up in public places, on roads, or in creeks and waterways.
Offshore coal, oil and gas exploration and mining
A Notice of Motion reaffirming City of Newcastle’s opposition to both offshore exploration and mining activity due to unacceptable environmental impacts, and negative economic impacts on the recreational and commercial fishing and tourism industries, was carried.
Stronger community council grants scheme
A Notice of Motion expressing deep concern with the lack of integrity measures surrounding the $252 million Stronger Communities Fund administered by the NSW Coalition Government was carried. The NoM notes that every council in NSW has projects that have strong community support and genuine urgency and further notes the critical importance of State Government grants funding in the delivery of these projects through due process.
Support for global fur ban
A Notice of Motion for City of Newcastle to review its event policies, terms and guidelines associated with the use of Council land to prohibit the sale of fur products, mislabelled fake fur products, and other exotic animal skins on Council property, including looking at how an exemption for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vendors that may be impacted could be applied, was carried.

Community invited to have a say on City’s Parking and Cycling Plans

Making the best use of public streetscapes while encouraging active transport and managing parking demand are key features of City of Newcastle’s draft Cycling and Parking Plans.
The City’s draft plans have been developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, who indicated strong support for a safe and connected cycling network, and a robust parking management plan that complements efforts to increase the uptake of walking, cycling and public transport.
The Parking Plan aims for 85% of the city’s 10,600 on-street parking spaces to be filled. This means having one in seven spaces free at any time of the day or week.
Director of Governance David Clarke said he was encouraged by the positive stakeholder input and is now looking for broad community feedback on both plans.
“The Parking Plan outlines actions focused on boosting the efficient utilisation of the City’s 10,600 on-street parking spaces and improving the customer experience,” Mr Clarke said.
“We aim to make the most efficient use of our public streetscapes with this ten-year parking plan, that addresses how to best manage parking demand now and into the future, with the flexibility to adapt to transport trends as our city continues to grow.
“Safety is identified as the number one barrier to people taking up cycling as an alternative to driving in our City and therefore delivering infrastructure and improvements that enhance safety is at the core of our draft Cycling Plan.
“With a relatively flat terrain and the overwhelming majority of our trips under 10km, Newcastle has great potential to shift to active transport options such as cycling.”
The Cycling Plan acknowledges the surge of interest in cycling in recent times, with reports of record bike sales attributed to the measures implemented in response to COVID-19.
“We will ride the wave of this renewed focus and realise the potential that a significant shift to cycling can have for our city, in terms of improving health of our residents, the amenity of our streetscapes and overall liveability,” Mr Clarke said.
“Most people who responded to our cycling survey ride for recreation purposes. We are working towards creating a cycling network that makes it fun, safe and convenient to ride for more everyday trips, such as for education or to the local shops.
“One of our key objectives is to improve access to and within local centres across the City, so that people will be encouraged to swap short car trips for walking or cycling.
“We now look forward to receiving community feedback to refine our plans.”
Draft Cycling and Parking Plans will be live on the Have Your Say website by end of the week.

City set sights on tourism to bolster future of COVID disrupted economy

Man presents to hospital with gunshot wounds – Hunter Valley

Police are investigating after a man presented to a Hunter hospital with gunshot wounds early this morning.
Just after 4am (Tuesday 24 November 2020), a 43-year-old man presented to Scone Hospital with gunshot wounds to his leg and ankle – he is currently being transported to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.
Police have been told the injured man was driving north on the New England Highway, near Wingen, about midnight, when he pulled over after a white sedan approached from behind.
The injured man was involved in an altercation with two men from the white sedan, before a number of shots were fired and the pair fled. He reportedly drove to friend’s home in Blandford before being taken to Scone Hospital.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding how the man sustained his injuries.
As police continue their inquiries, they are urging anyone who may have information to contact Scone Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle sets its five-year climate plan

City of Newcastle intends to transition to a fleet of electric vehicles, build operational resilience through additional renewables and battery storage, and switch all city lighting to LED over the next five years under a new Climate Action Plan.
The Plan covers both City of Newcastle operations and Newcastle as a whole to accelerate emission reduction across the City through a suite of sensible and prudent action and initiatives. Working collaboratively with other progressive organisations, the Plan takes advantage of the economic opportunities that arise from a clean energy and low-emissions industry landscape.
The Climate Action Plan is listed for consideration at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting and replaces the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP). The Plan sets new targets and outlines innovative and sustainable programs to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Climate Action Plan would build upon the achievements of recent years that has led to Newcastle being recognised as one of Australia’s leading Cities in sustainability.
“City of Newcastle has formally committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and we accept there is a global climate emergency. We owe it to our children to prioritise concrete action on climate change.
As Novocastrians, we have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change, be it the erosion of Stockton Beach or increasingly severe storms that beached the Pasha Bulka,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals and priorities for the next five years and follows the successful delivery of our previous Plan which included the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity.
“The City, in developing this Plan, has worked closely with the community, business and industry, while assessing global best practice and applying it in a local context.
“Over the next five years we’ll take advantage of emerging technology and utilise more recycled and low-emissions materials in our operations.
“We’ll also look to our large fleet of vehicles and will work on a transition to electric vehicles as they become more prevalent, diverse and economically competitive. City of Newcastle, in collaboration with other city partner organisations, has been slowly investing in the rollout of vehicle charging infrastructure to support the international shift to electric vehicles.”
“We’re proud to be one of the most progressive cities in the country when it comes to tackling climate change and are confident this new Plan will keep us moving down this path of sustainability. It’s important that as a city leader we respond to the increasing calls from our community to tackle what is this generations most important challenges.”
In the next five years under the Climate Action Plan, City of Newcastle will:
·       Reduce fuel use by 50% through transitioning CN’s fleet to electric options
·       Reduce electricity use by 30% by switching all lighting to LEDs (or equivalent)
·       Increase renewable energy and battery storage
·       Support development of sustainable infrastructure
·       Encourage new community renewable energy projects
Under the previous climate plan, City of Newcastle has:
·       Reduced electricity usage by 21 per cent
·       Upgraded 31 per cent of streetlights to LEDs
·       Secured 100 per cent of electricity from renewable sources
·       Reduced potable water usage by more than 14 per cent
·       Slashed the City’s carbon footprint by 77 per cent for all operations other than waste
·       Reduced liquid fuel use by 7 per cent
City of Newcastle is a founding member of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership, a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.

Third person charged over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen

A third person has been charged in relation to the suspicious death of a New Zealand man in the Hunter region two years ago.
Just after 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street, Glenridding, after a man’s body was located on the side of the road.
The man was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen, who had arrived in the Hunter region to assist local volunteers fighting bushfires.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
A man and a woman have since been charged over the death; they remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 9.10am today (Monday 23 November 2020), detectives attended a Whittingham home and arrested a 21-year-old woman.
She was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
She was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court later today (Monday 23 November 2020).

Disqualified driver charged after allegedly travelling more than 50km/h over the speed limit – Hunter

A disqualified driver will face Court after she was allegedly detected travelling nearly twice the speed limit in the Hunter Region.
About 11.30am this morning (Sunday 22 November 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducing speed enforcement duties on John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill, when they detected a Hyundai Elantra sedan allegedly travelling at 116km/h in a 60km/h road work zone.
A short time later, police stopped the driver, a 29-year-old woman. Checks conducted by police showed she was a disqualified driver.
It will be alleged in Court the road surface where the offence took place was loosely laid newly paved surface with no lane markings and was driving with a two-year-old child secured in the back seat.
The woman was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where she was charged with driving at a speed dangerous, exceed speed by more than 45km/h and drive whilst disqualified – 2^nd offence.
The woman from Dungog was refused bail and is due to appear before Maitland Local Court on Monday 23 November 2020.