City of Newcastle is progressing the well-needed upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths, with tenders being called to restore the unique sand-bottomed pool and its promenades.
The Baths upgrade is a staged project, with the first piece of work being to restore the pools and lower concourse, while consultation and assessments continue for the upper concourse and pavilion.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the pools upgrade had been guided by engagement with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and broader public, with construction expected mid-2021.
“November marks Newcastle Ocean Baths’ 98th anniversary, and the signs of ageing are really showing around her pools and promenades,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
“Deterioration around the pools has become impossible to miss, with sections of the lower promenade literally falling into the ocean in recent storms.
“We’ve had some great feedback from the community about what’s important to them as we undertake these essential upgrades to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pools, like retaining the iconic boardwalk, maintaining the historic sand bottom, and improving accessibility.
“We’ll be making some practical improvements like relocating the pool pumps so our staff can safely access them for maintenance, while ensuring that historic elements like the pump house remain in place.”
Acting CEO Ken Liddell said the immediate focus for the City was to deliver a safe and efficient upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pools, while continuing assessments to inform the second stage of the project.
“The City commenced community consultation on the upgrade to the Baths in November 2019 and formed a community reference group (CRG) to help guide the project in March 2020,” Mr Liddell said.
“We have since had three formal CRG meetings since March, with an additional two focus groups delving into key issues including change rooms and the café/kiosk and community spaces.
“We’ve received feedback from members of the CRG that meeting digitally under COVID-19 restrictions has been challenging and has constrained open discussion and collaboration.
“The CRG has also recommended a multi-criteria needs analysis be undertaken on the site to guide conversations with the community and to ensure the upgrade delivered meets the needs of future generations.
“Based on this feedback and the importance of an informed, successful co-design process with the CRG for the Stage 2 pavilions restoration, we will continue investigations such as the needs analysis and more detailed condition assessments prior to resuming face-to-face engagement on Stage 2 when it’s safe to do so.
“In the meantime, we’re focussed on working with the CRG to share information and limit the disruption caused by the important Stage 1 upgrade to the pools.”
City of Newcastle has committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths in full, and will direct the $9.5 million recovered from the Fred Ash building sale to the project.
The tender will be available on City of Newcastle’s website from tomorrow www.tenderlink.com/newcastle.
Category: Newcastle News
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WOMEN LEFT OUT AND LEFT BEHIND IN MORRISON’S RECESSION BUDGET
The 2020 Women’s Budget Statement released today by Labor shows that this year’s Morrison Recession Budget contains no measures to address significant job losses in industries dominated by women.
Since March, almost 200,000 have lost their jobs and 110,000 women have left the labour force altogether. At the peak of coronavirus restrictions earlier this year, more than 1 million women had no work whatsoever.
There is no doubt that Australian women have borne the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic and Morrison recession.
But despite racking up more than a trillion dollars in debt, the Prime Minister’s re-hashed “women’s economic statement” only allocated $240 million in new funding – 0.024 per cent.
In this year’s Budget, there is no new funding for frontline service providers to support women and their children escaping domestic violence.
There is nothing new to properly drive down the gender pay gap. There is nothing to bolster women’s superannuation or economic security in retirement.
There is no plan to lift the permanent rate of JobSeeker from $40 per day, tackle insecure work, create opportunities for women or to improve access to childcare.
There is no plan to reduce childcare fees to support women going back to work during the deepest recession in a hundred years.
At a time when women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing demographic facing homelessness, there is no plan to build more social housing or repair properties unfit for tenants to live in.
The Women’s Budget Statement was axed by Tony Abbott’s Government in 2014. Labor has produced one from Opposition every year since.
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said:
“The lives of Australian women and girls matter. If we’re elected to lead Australia, we’ll reintroduce a Women’s Budget Statement to stop women from being left behind, like they are under the Morrison Government.”
“Only Labor will make sure no woman is held back, and no woman is left behind – because it’s the right thing to do.”
Shadow Minister for Women Julie Collins said:
“Women aren’t just facing many of the consequences of the coronavirus more harshly, we also know they’re doing much more of the dangerous frontline work to combat the pandemic.”
“The truth is the Morrison Government has taken no serious action on gender equality. It’s time to step up.”
Chair of the Status of Women Caucus Committee Sharon Claydon said:
“We know the things that perpetuate gender inequality in Australia. Now is the time to re-double our efforts to set about changing them – for the Morrison Government, that means equal representation and restoring budgets that support women.”
Since March, almost 200,000 have lost their jobs and 110,000 women have left the labour force altogether. At the peak of coronavirus restrictions earlier this year, more than 1 million women had no work whatsoever.
There is no doubt that Australian women have borne the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic and Morrison recession.
But despite racking up more than a trillion dollars in debt, the Prime Minister’s re-hashed “women’s economic statement” only allocated $240 million in new funding – 0.024 per cent.
In this year’s Budget, there is no new funding for frontline service providers to support women and their children escaping domestic violence.
There is nothing new to properly drive down the gender pay gap. There is nothing to bolster women’s superannuation or economic security in retirement.
There is no plan to lift the permanent rate of JobSeeker from $40 per day, tackle insecure work, create opportunities for women or to improve access to childcare.
There is no plan to reduce childcare fees to support women going back to work during the deepest recession in a hundred years.
At a time when women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing demographic facing homelessness, there is no plan to build more social housing or repair properties unfit for tenants to live in.
The Women’s Budget Statement was axed by Tony Abbott’s Government in 2014. Labor has produced one from Opposition every year since.
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said:
“The lives of Australian women and girls matter. If we’re elected to lead Australia, we’ll reintroduce a Women’s Budget Statement to stop women from being left behind, like they are under the Morrison Government.”
“Only Labor will make sure no woman is held back, and no woman is left behind – because it’s the right thing to do.”
Shadow Minister for Women Julie Collins said:
“Women aren’t just facing many of the consequences of the coronavirus more harshly, we also know they’re doing much more of the dangerous frontline work to combat the pandemic.”
“The truth is the Morrison Government has taken no serious action on gender equality. It’s time to step up.”
Chair of the Status of Women Caucus Committee Sharon Claydon said:
“We know the things that perpetuate gender inequality in Australia. Now is the time to re-double our efforts to set about changing them – for the Morrison Government, that means equal representation and restoring budgets that support women.”
Newcastle Libraries have more for members: including an extended fee free period
As part of the City’s response to COVID-19 overdue fines were suspended for an initial 6 months. However our community is continuing to face challenges so we’ve extended the fee free period to the middle of next year.
Since the pandemic we’ve had more than 1,300 new library members and we’re constantly looking at ways we can continue to provide them with more. More access, more services, and more ways to connect.
Extending our fines free period is another way we can offer more to all Library members. Plus we hope it will encourage new people to join and discover all their local library has on offer.
Membership is free and open to anyone who lives, works or regularly travels in the Newcastle region. Find out more about becoming a member here or contact the Library team on 4974 5300
Seed library harvests new community partnership
Newcastle Libraries will harvest the flourishing momentum for home vegetable gardens with the launch of the City’s first free Seed Library today.
One of the unexpected outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a national surge in the number of people growing their own fresh herbs and vegetables at home.
Newcastle Libraries will help cultivate this trend further by offering a variety of free seeds that residents can ‘borrow’ from the library to plant in their own gardens.
Residents will be encouraged to share in the fruits of each other’s labour by returning seeds from their ensuing harvest to the library in order to help re-stock and expand the collection.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the Newcastle Seed Library was an innovative community partnership project that would continue to flourish and grow as more people became involved.
“Gardening is a fantastic pastime with many benefits for your physical and mental health and wellbeing,” Cr Clausen said.
“Growing your own vegetables is also a fantastic way to teach children about the life cycle of plants, while learning new seed-saving skills yourself. The best thing is you don’t need a huge amount of space to get started, with many of the plants able to be grown in pots.
“City of Newcastle already has for years been collaborating with residents to successfully establish community gardens throughout the local government area. The Seed Library initiative takes that support one step further by offering free, easy to grow seeds that locals can take and plant in their own gardens.”
The Newcastle Seed Library will start with certified organic varieties including basil, tomato, zucchini, pumpkin and bush bean.
Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said residents were encouraged to stay involved beyond their initial library ‘loan’ by returning their own seeds to share with the community.
“Our motto is ‘borrow and grow, harvest and share’. Newcastle Libraries members are invited to take home the free seeds for their garden, grow and return the same variety after harvest, and add other varieties of seeds to the library too,” Ms Gately said.
“Sharing seeds through the Newcastle Seed Library will help preserve rare, tasty and historical varieties for gardeners in our community, while the return of successful seeds will allow us to develop a collection adapted to local conditions.”
The Seed Library is being piloted at Wallsend Library from 6 October, with additional branches to potentially be added depending on demand.
Locals will be encouraged to subscribe to the Newcastle Seed Library newsletter for free seed saving tips, while tutorials on the Newcastle Libraries website and regular free seed saving workshops will help them build skills and confidence to grow from seed.
For more information visit the Newcastle Seed Library website.
BUDGET SUPPORT FOR NEWCASTLE FALLS SHORT
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has slammed the Federal Budget, saying it fails to deliver the investment that Newcastle needs now to weather the economic storms ahead.
“It’s deeply disappointing not to see any support for new projects like the University of Newcastle’s STEMM building or the Port of Newcastle’s Deepwater Terminal.
“Instead of funding these priority projects, Mr Morrison chose to bail out his Liberal State Government friends from having to fulfil their promise to fully fund the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
“While I welcome funding for the final stage of the Inner City Bypass, I want to see a guarantee that the funds the State Government promised Novocastrians still end up in Newcastle.”
Ms Claydon also welcomed the cash payments for income support recipients, but said they wouldn’t compensate for the Government’s cuts to JobKeeper and JobSeeker.
“The Morrison Government’s decision to slash JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments is ripping close to $25 million out of Newcastle each and every fortnight. A single one-off payment to income support recipients won’t come close to filling this massive hole,” Ms Claydon said.
“While the tax cuts will see the average worker benefit from an extra $50 a fortnight, millions on JobKeeper have seen their income slashed by $300 a fortnight.”
Ms Claydon said she was also disappointed with the lack of support for highly-impacted industries.
“There’s precious little targeted support in this Budget for the hardest hit industries and those that the Morrison Government deliberately excluded from JobKeeper.
“The arts, local government, universities, aviation, tourism and casual workers have all been left to fend for themselves through the deepest recession we’ve seen in almost a century and this budget offers little relief.”
Ms Claydon said it was disappointing to see the Government turn its back on tried and tested stimulus methods, despite blowing debt out to one trillion dollars.
“There wasn’t an extra dollar in the Budget for childcare, for renewable energy, or for social housing – despite the fact that we know that these areas deliver the greatest bang for buck when it comes to economic stimulus and sustained community benefit,” Ms Claydon said.
“Worse, the Budget locks in the Morrison Government’s plans to rip $1 billion from universities at a time when they’re already on their knees. Universities should be central to driving our economic recovery, but this Government seems intent on delivering the fatal blow.
“The Government’s belated commitment to new apprenticeships rings especially hollow when you consider their failure to deliver on their earlier promise for an extra 300,000 apprentices and traineeship places. Why should we believe them now?”
“It’s deeply disappointing not to see any support for new projects like the University of Newcastle’s STEMM building or the Port of Newcastle’s Deepwater Terminal.
“Instead of funding these priority projects, Mr Morrison chose to bail out his Liberal State Government friends from having to fulfil their promise to fully fund the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.
“While I welcome funding for the final stage of the Inner City Bypass, I want to see a guarantee that the funds the State Government promised Novocastrians still end up in Newcastle.”
Ms Claydon also welcomed the cash payments for income support recipients, but said they wouldn’t compensate for the Government’s cuts to JobKeeper and JobSeeker.
“The Morrison Government’s decision to slash JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments is ripping close to $25 million out of Newcastle each and every fortnight. A single one-off payment to income support recipients won’t come close to filling this massive hole,” Ms Claydon said.
“While the tax cuts will see the average worker benefit from an extra $50 a fortnight, millions on JobKeeper have seen their income slashed by $300 a fortnight.”
Ms Claydon said she was also disappointed with the lack of support for highly-impacted industries.
“There’s precious little targeted support in this Budget for the hardest hit industries and those that the Morrison Government deliberately excluded from JobKeeper.
“The arts, local government, universities, aviation, tourism and casual workers have all been left to fend for themselves through the deepest recession we’ve seen in almost a century and this budget offers little relief.”
Ms Claydon said it was disappointing to see the Government turn its back on tried and tested stimulus methods, despite blowing debt out to one trillion dollars.
“There wasn’t an extra dollar in the Budget for childcare, for renewable energy, or for social housing – despite the fact that we know that these areas deliver the greatest bang for buck when it comes to economic stimulus and sustained community benefit,” Ms Claydon said.
“Worse, the Budget locks in the Morrison Government’s plans to rip $1 billion from universities at a time when they’re already on their knees. Universities should be central to driving our economic recovery, but this Government seems intent on delivering the fatal blow.
“The Government’s belated commitment to new apprenticeships rings especially hollow when you consider their failure to deliver on their earlier promise for an extra 300,000 apprentices and traineeship places. Why should we believe them now?”
Man to face court over alleged stabbing – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged after allegedly stabbing another man in the Lake Macquarie region yesterday.
About 1.45pm (Tuesday 6 October 2020), emergency services were called to a home on Earswick Crescent, Buttaba, following reports that a man had been seriously injured during a fight.
Police were told that a 27-year-old man attended the address and allegedly punched a 47-year-old man multiple times before stabbing him in the armpit and leaving the scene.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, who treated the older man for his injuries. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital for surgery.
A short time later, police arrested the 27-year-old on Wyee Road, Doyalson.
He was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with reckless wounding (DV) and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV).
The Wyee man was refused bail to appear in Toronto Local Court today (Wednesday 7 October 2020).
The two men are known to each other.
Woman charged over alleged sexual assault of two teenage boys near Maitland
A woman will appear in court today charged over the alleged sexual assault of two teenage boys near Maitland.
In September this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of two boys by a woman who was known to them.
Following extensive inquiries, a 29-year-old woman was arrested at a home near Maitland just after 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 October 2020).
She was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with intentionally sexually touch child (between 10 and 16 years), two counts of have sexual intercourse with child (between 14 and 16 years), two counts of have sexual intercourse with child (between 10 and 14 years), two counts of common assault and self-administer/attempt self-administer prohibited drug.
Police will allege in court that the woman sexually assaulted two teenage boys at a home near Maitland between August and September this year.
The woman will appear at Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 7 October 2020).
Investigations are continuing.
Newcastle Libraries have more for members: including an extended fee free period
As part of the City’s response to COVID-19 overdue fines were suspended for an initial 6 months. However our community is continuing to face challenges so we’ve extended the fee free period to the middle of next year.
Since the pandemic we’ve had more than 1,300 new library members and we’re constantly looking at ways we can continue to provide them with more. More access, more services, and more ways to connect.
Extending our fines free period is another way we can offer more to all Library members. Plus we hope it will encourage new people to join and discover all their local library has on offer.
Membership is free and open to anyone who lives, works or regularly travels in the Newcastle region. Find out more about becoming a member here or contact the Library team on 4974 5300
Seed library harvests new community partnership
Newcastle Libraries will harvest the flourishing momentum for home vegetable gardens with the launch of the City’s first free Seed Library today.
One of the unexpected outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a national surge in the number of people growing their own fresh herbs and vegetables at home.
Newcastle Libraries will help cultivate this trend further by offering a variety of free seeds that residents can ‘borrow’ from the library to plant in their own gardens.
Residents will be encouraged to share in the fruits of each other’s labour by returning seeds from their ensuing harvest to the library in order to help re-stock and expand the collection.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the Newcastle Seed Library was an innovative community partnership project that would continue to flourish and grow as more people became involved.
“Gardening is a fantastic pastime with many benefits for your physical and mental health and wellbeing,” Cr Clausen said.
“Growing your own vegetables is also a fantastic way to teach children about the life cycle of plants, while learning new seed-saving skills yourself. The best thing is you don’t need a huge amount of space to get started, with many of the plants able to be grown in pots.
“City of Newcastle already has for years been collaborating with residents to successfully establish community gardens throughout the local government area. The Seed Library initiative takes that support one step further by offering free, easy to grow seeds that locals can take and plant in their own gardens.”
The Newcastle Seed Library will start with certified organic varieties including basil, tomato, zucchini, pumpkin and bush bean.
Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said residents were encouraged to stay involved beyond their initial library ‘loan’ by returning their own seeds to share with the community.
“Our motto is ‘borrow and grow, harvest and share’. Newcastle Libraries members are invited to take home the free seeds for their garden, grow and return the same variety after harvest, and add other varieties of seeds to the library too,” Ms Gately said.
“Sharing seeds through the Newcastle Seed Library will help preserve rare, tasty and historical varieties for gardeners in our community, while the return of successful seeds will allow us to develop a collection adapted to local conditions.”
The Seed Library is being piloted at Wallsend Library from 6 October, with additional branches to potentially be added depending on demand.
Locals will be encouraged to subscribe to the Newcastle Seed Library newsletter for free seed saving tips, while tutorials on the Newcastle Libraries website and regular free seed saving workshops will help them build skills and confidence to grow from seed.
For more information visit the Newcastle Seed Library website.
Four arrested at Ourimbah after Castle Hill carjacking
Four men have been arrested after a carjacking in Sydney’s Hills District early yesterday.
Police have been told a 29-year-old woman parked her BMW 428i in The Hills Showground Metro car park about 8.35am (Sunday 4 October 2020), when she was approached by a man who told her he had a knife and demanded the keys to her car.
The Kellyville woman handed over the keys, however, she was assaulted when she tried to run away and sustained minor injuries. The man drove away in the BMW.
An investigation commenced by detectives attached to The Hills Police Area Command and a description of the car was disseminated.
Following inquiries, about 9:30pm the same day, officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling the Junction area when they saw the stolen vehicle parked in Kemp Street. Police will allege the driver accelerated away and a pursuit was initiated. It was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
About 10:20pm, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Proactive Crime Team noticed the vehicle driving west along the New England Highway, Hexham, and followed it into Tarro.
With assistance from PolAir, the car was monitored through local streets, before it joined the M1, where it was seen travelling south.
About 1am today (Monday 5 October 2020), the vehicle stopped at police roadblocks at the Palmdale Road overpass at Ourimbah.
Four men – two aged 18 and two aged 19 – were arrested and have been taken to Wyong Police Station.
The operation involved police districts including Newcastle City, Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol, the Dog Unit, and PolAir.