A record capital works program has seen more than $93.7 million invested in projects across the Newcastle local government area (LGA) in the past 12 months, according to preliminary figures.
Mid-year additions to the works program saw the City’s expenditure increase by around 16 per cent on the adopted capital works budget for last year, while also surpassing the previous year’s record investment by more than $2.1 million.
Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the capital works spend has risen by almost 200 per cent during the past decade, demonstrating the City’s commitment to supporting our growing population with key infrastructure renewal and revitalisation projects.
“Newcastle’s population has grown substantially during the past decade and we have responded to that growth with our own significantly increased investment in infrastructure projects,” Cr Clausen said.
“This program of works will continue to enhance our city now and into the future, ensuring Newcastle remains a wonderful place in which to live, work and visit.”
Key projects delivered during the past 12 months have included the $3.3 million replacement of the Tyrrell Street bridge to help address flooding in Wallsend, the next stage of rehabilitation works at Ironbark Creek and the replacement of the Brickworks Park and Carrington Reserve playgrounds, as well as the $3 million renewal of the Beresfield Local Centre.
Completing the five-megawatt solar farm at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre has also proved to be a huge success, generating almost twice the revenue it was expected to make annually in just its first six months of operation.
Cr Clausen said the record capital works program was testament to the hard work and commitment of the City’s employees.
“Delivering these projects has required an immense effort from everyone involved and is an achievement to be celebrated, especially when you consider the additional challenges we have all faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“Our investment will hit new heights this year as we bring forward further capital projects to provide a stimulus to our recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19.”
Cr Clausen said prudent financial management has given the City the capacity to fund a record $116 million COVID-19 stimulus budget from its existing reserves, without the need for borrowing.
“Governments at all levels have a responsibility to accelerate investment to help keep people employed and uplift economic activity during major economic downturns,” Cr Clausen said.
“Our record $116 million local infrastructure works program forms the centrepiece of our efforts to stimulate the local economy in the wake of the unprecedented effects of COVID-19.
“It is projected to create up to 700 local jobs and increase total economic output in our local government area by up to $275 million during the next 12 months.”
Category: Newcastle News
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South Newcastle Beach transformation begins
Construction of a $12.6 million extension of the landmark Bathers Way Coastal Pathway has begun at Newcastle Beach.
The project will take around two years to complete and aims to re-activate South Newcastle Beach with a kiosk, new public amenities, accessible skate bowl, landscaping, shade and seating, exercise equipment and viewing areas.
“It’s wonderful to see work begin on transforming a long-dormant part of Newcastle’s coastline,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“By renewing infrastructure and building new facilities, we will revive South Newcastle Beach as a vibrant and attractive place for locals and tourists alike as part of our wider coastal revitalisation program.
“Completed sections of the Bathers Way have seen usage increase by more than 50 per cent, with Merewether one of the busiest due to its additional facilities, and we expect to see a similar lift from this project.
“Increased foot and cycling traffic will increase activation and provide a welcome boost for local businesses in Newcastle East.”
Preceding the final Bathers Way sections through the park and along Memorial Drive, the project has been guided by the Bathers Way Community Reference Group.
Community feedback in 2018 on the original concept plan prompted modifications to move the skate bowl within the existing promenade footprint, garnering majority support in further community engagement last year.
The NSW Government has contributed $5 million through its Restart NSW program, specifically under its Resources for Regions Fund.
The NSW Government was proud to support such an important community project said Catherine Cusack, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter.
“Extending the landmark Bathers Way Coastal Walk is a significant project for the local community, providing much needed recreational facilities and amenities along this stretch of the coast,” Ms Cusack said.
“The Resources for Regions Fund provides funding to projects across NSW to increase the attractiveness of regional NSW as a place to live and do business. We’re pleased to see the start of works for this project today and look forward to its completion.”
The coastal revitalisation project will better connect the East End with King Edward Park, where the most challenging section of the Bathers Way will soon be the subject of a concept and detail design process informed by engagement with the community.
The Bathers Way is a seven-stage capital works program spanning six kilometres of coastline that began at Merewether in 2012.
It was followed by the completion of the Bar Beach, Dixon Park and Nobbys to Newcastle sections.
Newcastle Beach, King Edward Park and Memorial Drive are the final legs.
Former Catholic Brother charged with three additional offences – Strike Force Georgiana
A former Catholic Brother has been charged with additional historical indecent assault offences allegedly committed in the Newcastle region.
In 2012, Strike Force Georgiana detectives commenced investigations into alleged child indecent assaults committed by a former Catholic Brother.
As part of inquiries, an 84-year-old man was charged in March 2017.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives arrested the man, now aged 88, at a correctional facility at Silverwater yesterday (Monday 17 August 2020).
He was charged with three counts of indecent assault on a male.
The charges relate to alleged assaults against a boy in the early 1970s.
The man was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 20 August 2020.
AUSTRALIA POST SERVICE CUTS KICK IN IN NEWCASTLE
From today, Newcastle is being hit by the largest reduction to postal services in history, with deliveries reducing from five days a week to once every two business days.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon slammed the changes and accused the Government and Australia Post of “using the cover of the global pandemic and dodgy figures to slash services”.
“In March, the Government and Australia Post said the situation was dire, with letter volume dropping drastically during COVID. Since then, we’ve learnt has revealed that not only is this not true, but that on the day the request for the cuts was made, letter volumes were actually four per cent above trend.
“How on earth can Australians trust the Morrison Government with our postal services when they can’t even be trusted to tell the truth about their own figures?”
Ms Claydon said Federal Labor had tried to overturn the service cuts in the Federal Parliament.
“Labor has been gravely concerned that these cuts to services would slash jobs and slow down business activity at a time when our economy is already on its knees,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor put up a number of disallowance motions to get the cuts overturned but every time the Morrison Government used their numbers to ram them through.
“Since then, the Government has capitulated to Labor’s demands to save postie’s jobs, but these damaging cuts to local services still stand.”
Ms Claydon said she was particularly concerned about older and vulnerable Novocastrians.
“We know that older people and those on lower incomes disproportionately rely on postal services,” Ms Claydon said.
“These changes rip services away from the people who need them most.”
Ms Claydon was also highly sceptical about the Government’s claim that the changes would be ‘temporary’.
“The Morrison Government is shielding its internal Australia Post review from Freedom of Information requests and refusing to release it to the Federal Parliament,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated just how determined it is to dodge scrutiny about what it’s really doing. Why should we trust a word they say when they try to pretend these cuts are only temporary?”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon slammed the changes and accused the Government and Australia Post of “using the cover of the global pandemic and dodgy figures to slash services”.
“In March, the Government and Australia Post said the situation was dire, with letter volume dropping drastically during COVID. Since then, we’ve learnt has revealed that not only is this not true, but that on the day the request for the cuts was made, letter volumes were actually four per cent above trend.
“How on earth can Australians trust the Morrison Government with our postal services when they can’t even be trusted to tell the truth about their own figures?”
Ms Claydon said Federal Labor had tried to overturn the service cuts in the Federal Parliament.
“Labor has been gravely concerned that these cuts to services would slash jobs and slow down business activity at a time when our economy is already on its knees,” Ms Claydon said.
“Labor put up a number of disallowance motions to get the cuts overturned but every time the Morrison Government used their numbers to ram them through.
“Since then, the Government has capitulated to Labor’s demands to save postie’s jobs, but these damaging cuts to local services still stand.”
Ms Claydon said she was particularly concerned about older and vulnerable Novocastrians.
“We know that older people and those on lower incomes disproportionately rely on postal services,” Ms Claydon said.
“These changes rip services away from the people who need them most.”
Ms Claydon was also highly sceptical about the Government’s claim that the changes would be ‘temporary’.
“The Morrison Government is shielding its internal Australia Post review from Freedom of Information requests and refusing to release it to the Federal Parliament,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated just how determined it is to dodge scrutiny about what it’s really doing. Why should we trust a word they say when they try to pretend these cuts are only temporary?”
Teens charged following alleged robbery and assaults – Hamilton
Two teenagers have been charged after an alleged robbery and assault in Hamilton yesterday.
Shortly after 4pm (Sunday 16 August 2020), two teenage boys entered a bottle shop on Beaumont Street, and approached a 28-year-old female employee.
When the employee asked the pair to leave the store, police will allege in court one of the teenagers threatened the woman before they took bottles of alcohol and fled the store.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to the scene and began conducting inquiries.
About 6.30pm the same day, police will further allege the pair were inside a hotel on the same street when they were approached by a 41-year-old male employee.
The employee asked the pair to leave the venue when one of the teenagers allegedly punched him in the face and threatened him with a knife.
Several patrons intervened and the two teenagers exited the venue before allegedly becoming increasing violent towards other patrons.
Police arrived a short time later and attempted to arrest the pair.
Officers deployed OC spray before a short foot pursuit ensued and the teenagers, both aged 16, were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
One of the teens was charged with two counts of common assault, and one count each of robbery in company, affray and resist officer in execution of duty. He was also charged with outstanding unrelated matters.
The second teen was charged with robbery in company, affray, resist arrest, assault police and a breach of bail offence.
Both were refused bail to face a children’s court later today (Monday 17 August 2020).
Fort Scratchley open Sundays only
Fort Scratchely will be open to the public on Sundays only, between 10am – 4pm, until further notice due to COVID-19.
The opening schedule has been amended to limit the number of volunteers required on site.
Modified access to the historic site includes the barrack grounds, galleries and shop, with social distancing to be practised by visitors.
Visitors to Fort Scratchley can witness the time-honoured tradition of firing the gun at 1pm on Sundays.
Other services such as paid tours of the historic tunnels, events, and group bookings, remain suspended.
Five charged following drug supply investigation – Hunter region
Five people have been arrested following a three-month investigation into the supply of methylamphetamine in the Hunter region.
In May 2020, officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter PD Proactive Crime Team established Strike Force Daman to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs, mainly methylamphetamine, in the Port Stephens-Hunter district.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators – with the assistance of officers from Operation Utah – executed four search warrants at homes in Raymond Terrace, Mallabula, Anna Bay and Singleton from 7am yesterday (Thursday 13 August 2020).
During the searches, police seized a number of items including amounts of methylamphetamine and cannabis, drug paraphernalia, weapons, an electronic stun device and mobile phones.
As a result, three men – aged 24, 45 and 52 – and two women – aged 46 and 51 – were arrested.
A 45-year-old man was arrested at a home in Raymond Terrace. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with 16 offences including supply prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis and participate in a criminal group.
A 52-year-old man was arrested at an Anna Bay home. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with seven offences including supply prohibited drug on an ongoing basis and participate in a criminal group.
They were both refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court yesterday (Thursday 13 August 2020), where they were formally bail refused to reappear at the same court on Monday 12 October 2020.
A 51-year-old woman was also arrested at a Raymond Terrace home. She was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with four offences including supply prohibited drug and participate in criminal group.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at a home in Mallabula. He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with nine offences including supply prohibited drug and participate in a criminal group.
They were both granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 31 August 2020.
A 46-year-old woman was arrested at a home in Singleton. She was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with possess unauthorised firearm and not keep firearm safely. She was granted conditional bail to appear at Singleton Local Court on Thursday 27 August 2020.
Image released as arson investigation continues – Wallsend
Police have released a CCTV image as they continue to investigate several suspected arson attacks at a Wallsend property earlier this year.
Detectives attached to Newcastle City Police District have commenced an investigation in relation to three separate arson attacks at a home on Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, on Wednesday 24 June, Saturday 18 and Thursday 30 July 2020.
During the incidents, minor damage was received to the front and side of the home, a carport area and a vehicle.
An elderly woman was inside the home at the time of all three incidents, but she was uninjured.
As investigators continue their inquiries, police have released an image of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He’s described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander in appearance, between 170cm-180cm tall, with a solid build and facial hair.
Anyone with information which could assist detectives is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man dies after New Lambton crash
Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination after a man died following a crash at New Lambton overnight.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have been told the man was travelling north along Lookout Road about 6.40pm (Monday 10 August 2020), when his Ford Falcon sedan crossed a median strip and into oncoming traffic.
The sedan and a Holden Colorado ute, travelling in the opposite direction, collided.
Off-duty hospital staff were driving past at the time and stopped to render assistance.
They performed CPR on the driver of the sedan, a 26-year-old man, until emergency services arrived.
The Ford driver was removed from the wreckage and taken to John Hunter Hospital; however, he died a short time later.
The driver of the ute, a 30-year-old woman from Belmont, was also taken to John Hunter Hospital where she is being treated for injuries to her left foot and right wrist.
As police continue their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash, anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact police.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.
City of Newcastle’s erosion plan for Stockton gets Ministerial green light
City of Newcastle’s long-term plan to manage erosion along Stockton’s coastline has been certified by the State Government.
This sees Newcastle become the first in NSW to have a coastal management program (CMP) confirmed under the Government’s new coastal management framework.
With the CMP included in the NSW Government Gazette published Friday, work will now begin on implementing the approved actions, including $4 million towards a sand nourishment program as well as the construction of essential infrastructure to prevent further erosion and risk to public and private assets.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the certification was the result of the immense effort of City of Newcastle staff and the community to work together on an outcome that met with the support of all relevant government agencies.
“The collaboration between City of Newcastle staff, the Stockton Community Liaison Group, agency stakeholders and the NSW Government has been essential during the preparation of the CMP,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Our shared passion and dedication to achieving a positive future for Stockton has enabled the timely development of this long-term solution for coastal erosion, which has mass sand nourishment at its core, and I thank all those involved for their commitment and genuine, cooperative approach.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with the NSW Government on addressing coastal hazards at Stockton Beach through this process and thank Minister Shelley Hancock for her continued support, and the Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his ongoing work in establishing the Stockton Beach Taskforce.”
The CMP was subject to rigorous consultation and extensive community engagement. Seventy-three per cent of community respondents indicated their support for the plan, which proposes a mix of immediate and longer-term measures to replenish the heavily eroded beach and protect Stockton’s coastal assets.
The CMP was also unanimously endorsed by the elected Council before being submitted to the State Government on 30 June this year.
Longer-term actions under the Stockton CMP include a mass offshore marine sand nourishment campaign of 2.4 million cubic metres and an ongoing 10-year maintenance program to provide the necessary protection for Stockton.
The Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce and the State Government will explore all opportunities to source sand for the mass offshore beach nourishment that is affordable and suitable, with the Taskforce having had its inaugural meeting on 16 June 2020.