Category: Newcastle News

A woman has been charged after allegedly driving her car off a cliff and striking a woman on a beach at Newcastle yesterday.
About 10.15am (Thursday 24 September 2020), emergency services were called to Bar Beach after reports a Volkswagen Golf had driven over a cliff and landed on the beach.
A 40-year-old woman was struck by the car, while her 18-month-old child narrowly avoided being hit.
The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital with serious injuries.
The driver, a 46-year-old woman, was also taken to hospital suffering multiple fractures. She remains in a serious condition.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, the woman was placed under arrest while in hospital today (Friday 25 September 2020).
The Wallsend woman was charged with drive manner dangerous cause grievous bodily harm and a bedside hearing was conducted today where she was refused bail. She is due to re-appear in Newcastle Local Court on 1 October 2020.

Two women and a child have been injured after a car drove off a cliff and crashed onto a beach in Newcastle today.
About 10.25am (Thursday 24 September 2020), emergency services were called to Bar Beach in Newcastle, following reports that a car had gone off a cliff.
Police have been told the white Volkswagen Golf drove off the cliff from the top car park and landed on the sand.
A 40-year-old woman and her infant child, who were on the beach, were struck by the car. The woman sustained possible leg fractures and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment. The child suffered minor scratches.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a 32-year-old woman, was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to the same hospital where she will also undergo mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are investigating reports there was a male passenger in the Volkswagen.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has dashcam footage, is urged to come forward.
The car park has been cleared and members of the public are being advised to avoid the area.
A retrieval operation is underway to remove the vehicle from the beach.

Local organisations are being encouraged to make a commitment to expand opportunities for young people as youth unemployment approaches 20 per cent.
The Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter is an initiative of the City Taskforce aiming to combat the impact of growing youth unemployment exacerbated by COVID-19 while recognising and celebrating the important role of youth in our community.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said local organisations can play a key role in supporting young people to find and maintain work in these challenging times.
“The local youth unemployment rate has hit 19.8 per cent, well above the state’s 13.5 per cent and now two in five people under the age of 25 are not working the hours they would like to in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“The Hunter has a higher proportion of people aged 15-24 years working in the accommodation, food, retail, arts and recreation services than many other parts of Australia. These industries have been hardest hit by COVID-19.
“Consequently, COVID-19 has had a significant and disproportionate impact on young people, so collectively we must act.”
Organisations across the region can engage with the Charter by making five commitments regarding youth employment, youth training, youth voice, youth support and youth celebration.
Several organisations have already pledged to prioritise professional development opportunities for young people, establish structured mentoring programs, ensure youth are represented in decision-making processes and expand trainee, apprenticeship and graduate positions.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said it was important that the region’s businesses made a commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
“These are challenging times and our youth need opportunities to build technical skills and knowledge so they can contribute to the region’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.  Port of Newcastle is already working to play its part today, through initiatives like our Indigenous STEM scholarship, while also pursuing plans to grow and diversify in order to create many more direct and indirect employment opportunities for future generations,” Mr Carmody said.
“Our vision is that youth trained in STEM disciplines can look forward to local, highly technical roles requiring years of training and attracting higher wages – these roles could be working directly at the new Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal or in any of the many associated businesses and operators spawned from its operation.”
The University of Newcastle Hunter Research Foundation’s Lead Economist Dr Anthea Bill, who provides local employment research insights to the City Taskforce, said COVID-19 has caused disruption at a vulnerable time for young people as they transition between education and work.
“Young people are more vulnerable in the labour market because they have shorter work histories and less acquired skills and qualifications. They are also more likely to work in jobs which are casual and therefore more likely to have hours cut when an economic downturn hits,” Dr Bill said.
“That is what makes affirmative action like the Youth Unemployment Charter all the more crucial.”
All Greater Newcastle organisations are encouraged to sign the Youth Unemployment Charter. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Andrew Weatherstone, aged 47, has not been seen or heard from by family and friends since 6pm on Saturday (19 September 2020).
He was reported missing to officers from Newcastle City Police District, who commenced an investigation to locate him.
Police and family hold concern for his welfare due the disappearance being out of character.
Andrew is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 190cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair, brown eyes and a moustache.
It is believed he is driving a white Toyota Camry sedan, and is known to frequent Newcastle and surrounding suburbs.
Anyone who may have information are urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4926 6537 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A woman has been charged over an alleged break and enter, during which a resident suffered a medical episode and died, at Port Stephens overnight.
About 12.20am (Wednesday 23 September 2020), emergency services were called to a home on Old Main Road, Anna Bay, after reports of a break and enter.
Police will allege in court that a woman attended the home about 11pm and spoke to the occupants, two women – aged 59 and 37 – known to her.
The woman left before allegedly returning about an hour later and entered the home through a window. She was escorted out the front door by the younger woman.
The older woman was found soon after, suffering a medical episode. She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she died a short time later.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A short time later, a 47-year-old woman was arrested nearby and taken to Raymond Terrance Police Station.
She was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence and refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 23 September 2020).
Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 22 September 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions, please see the Council Meeting Minutes and/or webcast archive for more information.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Ensuring COVID-safe beaches for Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to join with Local Government NSW in calling on the NSW Government to provide support to the Newcastle Local Government Area, including the development of a COVID Communications Strategy and Campaign and funding to support COVID-Safe marshals at our beaches, to ensure Newcastle’s beaches and open spaces remain safe throughout summer.
The minute further committed to writing to the Hon. Rob Stokes MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, calling on the NSW Government to fund COVID-safe marshals at our City beaches.

Ordinary business

Adoption of Code of Conduct and associated procedures
Council resolved to adopt an amended Code of Conduct for Councillors, staff, Council committee members, delegates of Council and Council advisors respectively and procedures for the administration of the Code of Conduct.
Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2020 Local Government NSW Annual Conference
Council resolved to endorse motions for submission to the 2020 Local Government NSW Annual Conference.
The Junction to Merewether cycleway
Council voted to approve five of the proposed traffic changes associated with The Junction to Merewether cycleway project and request that community consultation is undertaken as part of the Transport for NSW process for the proposed reduction in speed limit.
Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund
Council endorsed, in principle, an inclusive playspace and waterplay area at Foreshore Park to be City of Newcastle’s nominated project for the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund for 2020.
Night-time Economy Trial – DPIE public exhibition
Council voted to support a controlled trial of amended late-night trading hours of operation conditions on specific and targeted low-impact and low-risk venues in the Newcastle City Centre to promote the activation and recovery of the Newcastle night-time economy. Council endorsed a temporary amendment to the Newcastle Local Environment Plan to facilitate the trial.
Council also endorsed extending the trial to 12 months, to provide certainty to participants and the community, noting the gradual return of business as part of the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adoption of the Blackbutt Village, Orchardtown Road, New Lambton, Local Centre Public Domain and Traffic Plan
Council voted to adopt the Blackbutt Village Orchardtown Road, New Lambton, Public Domain and Traffic Plan.
Public exhibition of draft Planning Agreement – 73-79 Railway Lane, Wickham
Council voted to place the draft Planning Agreement for 73 – 79 Railway Lane, Wickham on public exhibition for 28 days and consider a report back to Council following the public exhibition period.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2020.
Organisational change
Council resolved to approve an organisational change to relocate the Customer Experience Service Unit from the City Wide Services Directorate to the Strategy and Engagement Directorate.
Sale of part 63 Wallsend Road, Sandgate
Council voted to sell part of 63 Wallsend Road, Sandgate to the adjoining landowner and grant authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation to effect the transaction. Proceeds from the sale be allocated to City of Newcastle’s ‘Works Program: Specific Projects’.
Tender report – South Newcastle Beach skatepark
Council voted to accept a tender for the construction of a skate park at South Newcastle Beach.

Notices of Motion

City of Newcastle and Ube City Sister City 40th anniversary
Council adopted a notice of motion to recognise that 21 November 2020 marks the 40^th anniversary of City of Newcastle’s Sister City Sister City Affiliation with Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The motion called for an appropriate civic gift such as a commemorative booklet to be prepared and sent to Ube City Mayor Kimiko Kubota, Newcastle schools and be available at our Libraries, the Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Visitor Information Centre to recognise the importance of the ongoing relationship.
Wickham School of Arts – State Heritage listing
Council adopted a notice of motion to call on the NSW Government to list the former Wickham School of Arts Building on the State Heritage Register to protect this significant historical asset, following Hunter & Central Coast Development Corporation’s (HCCDC) public declaration that they have no intention of demolishing the building.
Council also endorsed seeking written assurances from HCCDC that it has no plans to demolish the building and working with the NSW Government to develop a plan for the building and the surrounding site, which would see the structure repaired and refurbished for a future adaptive reuse and the adjacent land preserved as green space for public recreation and for enhancing the city’s connections with the harbour.
Making parking easy
Council adopted a notice of motion to amend the surcharge on the EasyPark App so that the total cost is no greater than paying via credit card at a physical parking meter, ensuring equity across the contactless payment methods.
Fort Scratchley and Fort Scratchley Historical Society
Council supported a notice of motion to recognise and acknowledge the historical and cultural importance of Fort Scratchley; as well as the work undertaken by the Fort Scratchley Historical Society (FSHS). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between City of Newcastle and FSHS will be drafted to recognise the importance of Fort Scratchley to the people of Newcastle and commit to the ongoing support of the historical society. The MOU will be brought back to Council for endorsement.
One-hour free parking trial on Hunter Street
A notice of motion that called for a trial of one-hour free parking in Hunter Street in response to a petition signed by more than 658 residents was not supported by Council.
An amended motion that promoted an evidence-based discussion about parking via City of Newcastle’s upcoming Parking Plan and engagement was supported by Council.
Management of ammonium nitrate stockpiles
A notice of motion to request a briefing from Orica, Crawfords and the regulatory authorities (the NSW EPA and Safe Work NSW) on current and proposed safety and risk management measures associated with the production, storage and transport of ammonium nitrate was supported by Council.
The motion also supported writing to the Minister responsible for SafeWork NSW, Minister Anderson, and the Minister responsible for the EPA, Minister Kean, seeking assurances that the regulation of Orica and Crawfords meets world’s best practice.
Update on smart drumline trials in Newcastle
Council supported a notice of motion to request a briefing from the NSW Department of Primary Industries on the outcomes of the trials of Shark Management Alert in Real Time (SMART) drumlines undertaken across Newcastle beaches in 2019.

More than 70 per cent of community submissions received as part of a recent public exhibition have indicated strong support for a controlled trial to extend trading hours for select restaurants and small bars in Newcastle.
Council voted unanimously last month to support a trial to extend the trading hours of restaurants in the city until midnight and to 2am for small bars, as first proposed in the City of Newcastle’s After Dark Strategy, also unanimously adopted in 2018.
At tonight’s Council meeting, Councillors voted to endorse the extension of the trial from six months to 12 months.
The community was given the opportunity during September to comment on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s proposed amendment to the Newcastle Local Environment Plan to facilitate the easing of restrictions.  A total of 142 submissions were received, with 72%in support of the trial.
Twenty-four small bars and restaurants have opted into the trial as part of efforts to grow the night-time economy and support the hospitality industry’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community feedback is an important component of the Night Time Economy trial and that the weight of the positive submissions reflects majority community support for the trial.
“This strong feedback demonstrates there is an appetite for more diverse offerings in Newcastle when the sun goes down. Our City’s night time economy has enormous potential to grow.
“Our community values the benefits of thriving nightlife, and that is a more vibrant city with increased access to businesses, jobs, services and entertainment.
“Research has also shown that encouraging a range of experiences with a wider cohort of visitors, makes for a safer city at night.
“The intention of this trial is to revitalise the City’s economy and support a local industry that employs 13,280 people and generates more than $1.5 billion each year in economic activity.
“City of Newcastle’s After Dark Strategy guides the development of a safe, diverse and vibrant night-time economy and the trial is one of its recommendations.”
Examples of low impact venues identified in the Newcastle After Dark – Night Time Economy Strategy include small bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, galleries, microbreweries and comedy clubs.
A summary statement prepared by CN addressing the key issues raised in the Department of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure exhibition period was received by Council tonight.

The restoration of the 1890s-built Shepherds Hill Cottage is expected to be completed early 2021, with final work back underway and ahead of an expression of interest process to identify potential operators.
The cottage was originally used a mess hall for colonial military officers and sustained severe damage in the 2015 Super Storm that caused tens of millions of dollars to the city and black outs for up to five days.

Extensive repairs and restoration work to the outside of the Cottage were completed last year as part of a $730,000 project, which included a new roof and plumbing, repair of wooden windows and renewal of cladding, posts and beams.
The current works include an internal fit out, followed by construction of new outdoor toilets, a storeroom, driveway and parking area, which were allocated $285,000 in this year’s budget.
The restoration project is part of City of Newcastle’s record $116 million 2020/21 capital works program and will complement the landmark Bathers Way coastal pathway, which is currently under construction at South Newcastle Beach.
“With final approval from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment now secured, we are completing the work required to open this incredible, historic site for public use,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“A heritage architect is overseeing all work on the 182sqm building, which sits on one of the most spectacular pieces of real estate in Newcastle at the top of King Edward Park, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Port Stephens and the Newcastle coastline through to Dudley.
“With its prime position on the Bathers Way coastal pathway it will become a major community asset once restored and I look forward to seeing what options for use are proposed during the expression of interest process.”

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of Shepherds Hill Defence Group site, which sits on Crown Land managed by the City.
A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the site was endorsed by the NSW Heritage Council midway through 2019 after a revised CMP was placed on public exhibition in late 2018.
Once the restoration works are completed early next year, City of Newcastle will run an EOI process for a prospective tenant. The successful tenderer will need to comply with the Shepherds Hill CMP and obtain Heritage NSW and development application approval of their proposal.
The cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port after the 1878 Royal Commission into Colonial Defences.
More recently, Shepherd’s Hill Cottage was being partially utilised as the headquarters for Marine Rescue Newcastle prior to the building being damaged in 2015. The organisation has been without a permanent home since that time but will now be moving to a Crown Land site managed by City of Newcastle on the Stockton foreshore. Marine Rescue has accepted a 21-year peppercorn lease for the parcel of land, which will allow the group to construct a new purpose-built command post.
Marine Rescue’s communications tower, which is still on the Shepherd’s Hill site, is expected to be removed by the end of October.

A man will face court today charged after allegedly assaulting two police officers in the Lake Macquarie district yesterday.
About 11.40pm on Monday (21 September 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a hotel on Pacific Highway, Charlestown following reports a man was acting aggressively.
Officers spoke to the 35-year-old man before he allegedly became confrontational towards the police officers.
It is alleged the man punched and kicked the two constables several times while they were attempting to arrest him.
During the altercation, officers deployed OC spray and a taser, however the man was unable to be restrained.
Further police arrived and the man was detained after threatening to stab officers with a syringe. He was taken John Hunter Hospital for treatment, before being transferred to Belmont Police Station.
The two officers were treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment. Both officers sustained injures to the face, one requiring sutures.
The Carrington man was charged with assault officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm (x2), resist officer in execution of duty (x2), and use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.
He was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court today, (Tuesday 22 September 2020), where he was again refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2020.

City of Newcastle is already three-quarters of the way towards its goal of creating a greener public space within the Foreshore precinct.
The City began a four-year tree replacement program in Foreshore Park during 2017 as part of its preparations for the inaugural Newcastle 500 Supercars event.

Since then, City of Newcastle has planted 51 advanced trees, including 10 Kentia palms and 41 Norfolk Island pines, as part of its target to increase the amount of shaded canopy in the popular East End park from 2,800sqm to 9,800sqm.
The tree plantings to date have been located around the perimeter of the park, strengthening the boundaries of the space and reinforcing the avenue plantings at Wharf Road. They have already contributed a projected shade canopy of 7,370sqm, or more than 75 per cent of the City’s overall goal.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that although there will be some replacement planting occurring with advanced trees in the nursey now ready, the majority of the remaining plantings would be completed in conjunction with the Harbour Foreshore Precinct Masterplan, which has recently finished its first phase of community engagement.
“This is a generational opportunity to reimagine one of the City’s premier parks to suit the needs of a growing community following extensive community engagement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The masterplan process will look at the current functions and management of the park and how they might be better utilised now and into the future.
“Early feedback has highlighted the significance of the Foreshore’s environment to the community, with 70 per cent of those surveyed nominating tree planting as the most important natural element of the Foreshore masterplan.
“We are proud of the work that has been completed to date at Foreshore Park, with the new tree plantings offering significantly more shade cover than was previously available.
“The remaining trees and shrubs required to achieve the commitment for canopy increase will be placed in accordance with a community-endorsed masterplan.
“These new plantings will help with the integration of nature and the built environment and strengthen the character and use of the park, while significantly contributing to the City’s biodiversity and environmental need.”
City of Newcastle and the masterplan consultants will work closely with stakeholders to achieve the desired character for the Harbour Foreshore and prepare a masterplan that will produce the targeted canopy cover for the site.
The first meeting of the newly formed Harbour Foreshore Community Reference Group was held recently to discuss future directions for the concept designs.