Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle will lead the way to a net zero emissions future by reducing greenhouse gasses while implementing a range of environmental efficiencies under a five-year action plan endorsed for public exhibition tonight.
The Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-25 outlines priorities for the City and community to minimise carbon emissions, embrace sustainable transport, deploy clean technology and support low-emission industries.
The plan proposes to reduce fuel use by transitioning to electric vehicles, increasing battery storage to lessen the City’s reliance on the electricity grid, cutting emissions via LED lighting replacements and building upgrades, and encouraging development of sustainable buildings.
Over the next five years the plan will specifically target:

• A 20 per cent reduction in electricity use, based on 2019/20 consumption
• Replacing all lighting, including streetlights, with LED or the best alternative
• A 50 per cent reduction in fuel use, based on 2019/20 consumption
• A 50 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions.

“Through strong and consistent actions to reduce our emissions, City of Newcastle is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading local governments in terms of addressing climate change,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“After achieving so much over the past five years, particularly by becoming the first NSW Council to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy in January, our transformation will continue under this new plan.
“By supporting residents, business and industry to act more sustainably, encourage local resilience and build a circular economy, our sustained investment will propel the city towards a net zero emissions future. I encourage the community to have their say on the way forward during the public exhibition period of the Climate Action Plan.”
The draft plan also covers better resource management, headlined by an organics processing facility at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre; recycling initiatives and infrastructure, use of more recycled products in construction, water-efficient technologies, community-owned renewables projects and solar garden innovation.
Community engagement on the new plan helped build on the 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP), which delivered a five-megawatt solar farm, rooftop solar panels, LED streetlights and a 100 per cent renewable energy deal.
Under the 2020 CWMAP, the City has:

• Reduced electricity usage by 17 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 8 per cent
• Slashed the City’s carbon footprint by 77 per cent, excluding emissions from Summerhill Waste Management Centre
• Reduced liquid fuel use by 77 per cent

The draft 2025 Climate Action Plan will be available for comment from Tuesday 4 August until 5pm Monday 31 August by visiting www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 July 2020
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 July 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes  

A Lord Mayoral Minute to protect the heritage fig trees in Birdwood Park in perpetuity and calling on the NSW Government to abandon their project to create a slip lane on the corner of King Street and Stewart Avenue, was supported.

A Lord Mayoral Minute for City of Newcastle to make a submission to the Inquiry into the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty regarding Newcastle’s status, and raising concern about the significant amount of grant funding the City has been deemed ineligible to receive, was supported.

A Lord Mayor Minute to prepare a submission for consideration for the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List publication, outlining projects of significance to the City of Newcastle, and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Area (as outlined in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036), was supported.

Ordinary business 
Public exhibition of the draft 2025 Climate Action Plan 
Council voted to place the draft 2025 Climate Action Plan on public exhibition for 28 days.
Supplementary report – endorsement of amendment to Newcastle LEP 2012 and proposed Planning Agreement – 41 and 47 Throsby Street, Wickham 
Council resolved to endorse the amendment to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan regarding 41 and 47 Throsby Street, Wickham.
Exhibition of draft sections of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012
Council voted to place five draft sections of the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 on public exhibition for 28 days.
Proposed raised crossing and pedestrian refuge at Maitland Road, Mayfield 
Council approved the upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossing on Tourle Street at Maitland Road, Mayfield to a raised crossing with a pedestrian refuge and kerb extension.
Proposed pedestrian refuge at Maitland Road, Mayfield 
Council approved construction of a pedestrian refuge and kerb extension on Woodstock Street at Maitland Road, Mayfield to improve pedestrian safety at the crossing and mitigate against speeding.
Tender report – No.1 Sportsground upgrade 
Council voted to accept a tender for the upgrade of No.1 Sportsground following a competitive tender process.
Tender report – Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach 
Council voted to accept a tender for the Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach project construction following a competitive tender process.
Executive monthly performance report 
Council received the executive monthly performance report for June 2020.
Notices of Motion 
Renaming City of Newcastle buildings and other features 
A notice of motion to develop a culturally appropriate policy regarding the renaming of City of Newcastle buildings or other features was supported. The second part of the motion, called for City of Newcastle to conduct community consultation on the renaming of the “Captain James Cook Memorial Fountain” in Civic Park, was also supported.
Removal of Civic Park fountain plaques 
A notice of motion to remove the two Captain James Cook memorial plaques attached to the Civic Park Fountain and reaffirm the principles and actions outlined in City of Newcastle’s 1998 Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Newcastle was included as Part B in the previous notice of motion.
1080, Pindone and pest management review 
A notice of motion calling for City of Newcastle to commit to managing invasive animals humanely and phase out the use of poisons that are inhumane or otherwise ineffectual was introduced with  council’s recommendation supported.

A man will appear in court today charged following investigations into several acts of vandalism at train stations across Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter region transport networks.
In December 2019, officers from the Police Transport Command commenced an investigation, following reports railway infrastructure and trains had been vandalised with graffiti across the Sydney area and the Central Coast transport network.
Investigators charged a 35-year-old Newtown man earlier this month and he remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Blue Haven about 10am yesterday (Tuesday 28 July 2020).
During the search, investigators located sketch pads, spray paint, a mobile phone, three cannabis plants in a hydroponic setup and 16g of dried cannabis. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A short time later, a 19-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Wyong Police Station.
He was charged with 21 offences, including:

• seven counts of malicious damage,
• cultivate prohibited plant,
• possess prohibited drug,
• five counts of face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence, and
• seven counts of enter/remain on running lines.

Police will allege in court that the man vandalised trains and infrastructure at railway stations in Kingsgrove, Maitland, Campbelltown, Hamilton, Lidcombe, Telarah and Gosford.
It will also be alleged the man then uploaded these acts of vandalism to social media.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear in Wyong Local Court today (Wednesday 29 July 2020).
Investigations are continuing.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast large and powerful surf conditions hazardous to coastal activities today and tomorrow.
The BOM predicts three-and-a-half metre waves will arrive from the east to south-east today and continue through Tuesday. Waves will become smaller throughout Wednesday.

City of Newcastle has undertaken a range of maintenance, protection and repair works at Stockton since the last east coast low two weeks ago, and staff will be monitoring the situation over the coming days.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said staff and contractors have been working around the clock and are doing everything they can to help protect the beach and coastal assets in Stockton.
“City of Newcastle has had two sand hopper trucks, multiple excavators, cranes and other machinery operating in Stockton since last week’s weather event carrying out a range of maintenance and repair works.
“We have undertaken significant sandbagging works reinforcing existing sandbags and replacing those that were compromised. One location that experienced significant erosion during the last east coast low was at the end of Griffiths Street and we have replaced a number of sandbags in that location.
“We have also moved brick rubble that was previously washed onto the beach back closer to the bank and used some of it to reinforce one of the structures at the northern end of the Surf Life Saving Club.”
City of Newcastle asks the community to please stay clear of coastal areas including Stockton Beach during this period and follow warnings and directional signage where appropriate. All beach accessways remain closed and traffic control will be in place at various locations when needed.
To stay up to date on the weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Services at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.

A sixth teenager has now been charged over allegedly lighting a fire at a Cessnock fast food restaurant.
About 3.30am on Sunday (19 July 2020), emergency services were called to a fast food restaurant on Allandale Road, Cessnock, after reports of a fire within the external playground area.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the fire a short time later.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Five teenagers – three boys and two girls – have been charged over the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, police attended a home on Mayfield Street, Cessnock, and arrested a 15-year-old girl about 10am today (Monday 27 July 2020).
She was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 11 August 2020.

Earlier this week, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced inquiries following a reported child approach at the weekend (Saturday 25 July 2020).
Following extensive inquiries, police have determined that no offence has occurred.
No further investigation will be conducted.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

City of Newcastle is investing $2 million to improve traffic and pedestrian conditions in Wallsend’s local centre while opening the conversation on its long-term masterplan.

City staff will consult with the Wallsend community over the next month on local improvements ahead of a project to replace the busy Kokera/Cowper Street roundabout with traffic lights.
A joint public domain-flood mitigation program over the next 12 months includes design of the Boscawen and Nelson Street bridge replacements – to facilitate widening and naturalisation of the Hunter Water owned Ironbark Creek channel.
Flood mitigation work will also be completed on the channel within Wallsend Park, along with completion of a new shared pedestrian and cycle path.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s local centres program would increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and improve the overall look and appeal of commercial centres.
“As we have shown with upgrades to the Beresfield and Carrington town centres, the work will significantly improve the appeal of Wallsend with high-quality infrastructure, such as new seating, street trees and landscaping,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Wallsend is a suburb brimming with history and character, which is why it’s so important we work with the community to determine what’s important as we make long-term improvements in the area.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the community engagement program for Wallsend before future projects transform Cowper Street into a high pedestrian activity area with a reduced speed limit and safer connections.”

In the past few months, City of Newcastle has completed the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge at a cost of $3.3 million and committed $20.7 million to reconstruct and raise the two other bridges as part of an overall flood-mitigation scheme.
Detailed design of upgraded traffic lights for the Nelson Street and Cowper Street intersection and a proposed roundabout at Cowper Street and Newcastle Road will also be carried out in the 2020/21 financial year.
Community members can have their say on the Wallsend upgrades from Tuesday 28 July at https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay
The local centre overhaul is part of an $8 million investment into the revitalisation of eight suburban commercial precincts in the 2020/21 financial year.
Local centres and commercial precincts set for overhauls or planning work under the 2020/21 budget include:

• Wallsend ($2 million) – New traffic lights at the intersection of Cowper and Kokera Street, including stormwater upgrades and completion of a missing section of shared pedestrian and cycle path at a minimum width of 2.5m as part of an important regional east-west cycle route.
• Llewellyn Street, Merewether ($2.2 million) – Renewal of footpaths and drainage to make the shopping, dining and health care hub safer and more user friendly. The work includes the introduction of comfortable, fixed street furniture, new shade trees and low-level gardens.
• Joslin Street, Kotara ($1.4 million) – Upgrade of the roadway, footpaths and drainage between Rae Crescent and the Joslin Street shops. The project will also deliver a new public open space based on community feedback.
• Mitchell Street, Stockton ($1.3 million) – Footpath widening and pedestrian access plus safety improvements between Crown and King streets, with drainage upgrades and new street trees.
• Shortland ($500,000) – Consultation currently underway with residents and businesses to have their say on upgrades to the Sandgate Road local centre, including pedestrian safety improvements and new street furniture.
• James Street Plaza, Hamilton ($200,000) – Detailed design and construction set to follow community engagement to develop artwork and heritage interpretation.
• Orchardtown Road, New Lambton ($200,000) – Feedback from recent community engagement is being integrated into the Public Domain Plan and future design of the local centre.

A fifth teenager has been charged over allegedly lighting a fire at a Cessnock fast food restaurant.
About 3.30am on Sunday (19 July 2020), emergency services were called to a fast food restaurant on Allandale Road, Cessnock, after reports of a fire within the external playground area.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the fire a short time later.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Four teenagers – two boys and two girls – have been charged over the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following ongoing inquiries, a 15-year-old boy attended Cessnock Police Station and was arrested about 2pm yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2020).
He was charged with damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 11 August 2020.
Inquiries are continuing into the incident.

Four people have been charged after allegedly attempting to introduce contraband into a correctional facility in the state’s Hunter region.
Officers from the Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group North were conducting a surveillance operation at a correctional facility at Cessnock at about 1pm on Saturday (25 July 2020), when they observed a man within the grounds.
The man attempted to flee before officers detained him and contacted Hunter Valley police.
During a search of the man, police located a ball with several items secreted inside, including prescription medication, cannabis and tobacco.
Officers from Hunter Valley PD arrested the man and took him to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with seven offences, including supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, bring prohibited drug/plant into place of detention, unlawfully bring anything into place of detention and enter inclosed land.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2020), where he was formally bail refused to appear at the same court today (Monday 27 July 2020).
Following ongoing inquiries with the CSNSW Security Operations Group North, correctives officers intercepted a vehicle on Pinchen Street, Nulkaba, at about 9.30am yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2020), where they spoke with the driver – a 28-year-old woman – and two male passengers – aged 22 and 19.
CSNSW officers detained all three persons and conducted a search of the vehicle, where they allegedly located a large quantity of prescription medication, mobile phones, cannabis, cash and a drone.
Officers contacted Hunter Valley police who arrived a short time later.
All three were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
Police will allege in court that the two men were intending to use the drone to deliver contraband into the correctional facility.
The 28-year-old Bankstown woman was charged with drive motor vehicle while license suspended and a breach of bail offence. She was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 27 July 2020).
The 19-year-old Bonnyrigg man was charged with supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity and possess prohibited drug. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 August 2020.
The 22-year-old North Parramatta man was charged with supply prohibited drug less than commercial quantity. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 26 August 2020.
Hunter Valley PD Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer, said local police will continue to work closely with our Correctives NSW counterparts to target crime connected with correctional facilities.
“Hunter Valley police target drug crime in our local region, which also includes assisting Correctives NSW to target and monitor illegal activity.
“Illicit drugs can cause detrimental harm inside facilities and in our communities, and all agencies will continue to work together to reduce the supply of the illegal drug trade,” Det Insp Zimmer said.
Investigations are continuing.

A man will face court next month after allegedly sexually touching a boy at a Hunter District shopping centre earlier this week.
About 10.40am on Wednesday (22 July 2020), a 16-year-old boy was in the toilets of a shopping centre at Thornton, near Maitland, when it is alleged a 75-year-old man sexually touched the boy.
The boy reported the matter to police and officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal, a man was arrested at a house in Beresfield about 8.30 this morning (Saturday 25 July 2020) and taken to Maitland Police Station.
He was charged with sexual touching another person without consent and incite another to sexually touch them without consent. He was released on strict conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 12 August 2020.