Category: Newcastle News

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.

A man will face court after weapons and drugs were seized when a search warrant was executed at Lake Macquarie yesterday.
About 3.40pm (Saturday 25 July 2020), detectives attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended a property on Cessnock Parade, Sunshine. After a short struggle, the occupant, a 45-year-old man was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
During a subsequent search warrant executed at the property, officers allegedly located and seized tasers, a set of knuckle dusters, drugs and a motorcycle.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with resist police officer in the execution of duty, three counts of possess a prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of possess prohibited drug.
The outstanding warrant was also executed, and he was charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and negligent driving for an unrelated traffic matter which occurred on Monday 13 July 2020.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Sunday 26 July 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.

Police are appealing for public assistance after a young girl was approached by a man at Raymond Terrace.
About 11am today (Saturday 25 July 2020), a 10-year-old girl was standing outside a home on Gwen Avenue when a man approached and asked her to come to him.
The girl refused and a short time later walked to a nearby park with her friends. The man then followed the group before taking photos of them.
A member of the public witnessed the incident and intervened, before the man left the area.
Police were alerted and officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced inquiries.
They’re appealing for anyone who witnessed it, or suspicious behaviour in the area, to come forward.
The man is described as being aged in his 40s or 50s, with black hair and a receding hair line. He was wearing denim jeans and a grey/blue jacket.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact police

Police are appealing for public assistance after a teenage boy was approached in the Hunter region earlier this week.
About 10.40am on Wednesday (22 July 2020), a 16-year-old boy went to a public restroom inside a shopping centre on Taylor Avenue, Thornton.
Police have been told an unknown man reached into the boy’s toilet cubicle and touched his leg, before peering over the top of the partition.
The teenage boy exited the cubicle when he was confronted by the man who attempted to talk to him and grab his hand.
The teenager managed to release the man’s grip and left the restroom.
The boy notified family, who when contacted police.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have commenced an investigation into the incident.
The man is described as being of Caucasian in appearance, aged in his mid-60s, about 175cm tall, with a medium build, white wavy hair and white eyebrows.
He was last seen wearing a grey collared jumper, dark coloured pants, glasses and joggers.
It’s understood the man left the shopping centre in a white 2012 Kia Sorento.
Anyone with information which may assist detectives is urged to contact Maitland Police Station on 4934 0200 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

A new long-term base has been found for Marine Rescue on the Stockton foreshore after five years without a permanent home.
A Crown Land parcel of land managed by the City of Newcastle is proposed to become the new home of Marine Rescue under a peppercorn lease pending Council approval next month.
Marine Rescue would then build a new command post just a few metres from South Stockton boat ramp, at a projected cost of about $1 million, with views to Nobbys to the south east, Dyke Point to the west and Walsh Point to the north.

(L-R) Marine Rescue’s Regional Operations Manager Steve Raymond with Ron Calman, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes,  Bill Johnson and Stuart Lawson at the South Stockton boat ramp.
The 700sqm headquarters will be funded by the State Government and maintained by Marine Rescue Newcastle for the duration of its 21-year lease.
“We are delighted to have found a suitable long-term home for Marine Rescue after working closely with them to find temporary bases since their former site at Shepherds Hill was severely damaged by a super storm in 2015,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This new site on the edge of the Hunter River at the end of King Street gives the volunteers immediate access to the Hunter River to continue keeping Newcastle’s boating community safe both inside and outside the harbour.”

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked both City of Newcastle and the State Government for their support for the unit’s volunteers.
“Our members are thrilled that they will have a permanent new home right on the waterfront,” he said.
“This is very welcome news, coming just weeks after the delivery of the unit’s new $535,000 rescue vessel.
“The base will feature the latest marine radio communications technology and equipment. Having the unit’s new rescue vessel right in front of the base will also improve crews’ response times so they can be on the scene of an emergency even faster.
“This great new asset is only possible thanks to City of Newcastle’s cooperation in providing a long-term lease over this valuable site and the State Government’s investment of $37.6 million to provide new and upgraded facilities and rescue boats for our volunteers.”

Meanwhile, the restoration of the 1890s-built Shepherds Hill Cottage, which sits at the top of King Edward Park on the Bathers Way walk, will be completed over the next few months, ahead of an expression of interest process to identify potential operators.
Internal fit out and construction of new outdoor toilets, a storeroom, driveway and parking area will proceed following a $285,000 allocation in the 2020/21 City budget, pending Heritage approval.
“Following approval from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, we will complete our plans to open this incredible, historic site for public use,” the Lord Mayor said.
“A heritage architect will oversee all work on the 182sqm building, which boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Port Stephens and Newcastle coastline through to Dudley.
“We’re currently preparing to build the South Newcastle Beach section of Bathers Way while planning the most complex stage through King Edward Park to deliver Newcastle a coastal pathway to rival any in Australia and boost local tourism.”
The City has already carried out $730,000 in repairs to the timber cottage, including a new roof and plumbing, repair of wooden windows and renewal of cladding, posts and beams.
Part of Shepherds Hill Defence Group site, Shepherds Hill Cottage sits on Crown Land managed by the City.
A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the entire site was endorsed by the NSW Heritage Council midway through 2019 after a revised CMP was placed on public exhibition in late 2018.
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.
The proposed new Marine Rescue base at Stockton will be considered by the elected Council on 25 August.

Events, place activations and initiatives to re-energise Newcastle and boost the local economy are now eligible for a record $1.3 million in funding from the City.
Applications open today for a pool of $800,000 under the Special Business Program, which is on offer for the best projects that will promote, beautify and develop the City Centre and Darby Street.
Applications are also open across three additional funding programs to help activate public spaces, enhance community wellbeing and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for tourism, business and events.

“Funding across a range of sponsorship and grant programs will support industries hardest hit by COVID-19 and ensure that as restrictions are lifted our city is ready,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We are providing financial support for all levels of the community, from localised suburban landscape improvements to major events that attract thousands of visitors to our region and inject millions into our economy.
“These funding programs are more important than ever in the wake of COVID-19 and its unprecedented economic and social impacts on our community.
“City of Newcastle has made a deliberate decision to open these funding opportunities at the same time, allowing a more streamlined submission process and providing applicants the best opportunity to receive support from one of the programs.
“While large events may not be possible right now, opening applications for funding allows organisers to get on with planning so that we can respond quickly when it’s safe to do so.
“In the meantime, there are many initiatives that may stimulate the City Centre and Darby Street business, support our local arts and cultural sector, and promote Newcastle as a destination that we can get on with funding today.
“I look forward to seeing innovative proposals that will enhance community wellbeing, improve the city’s identity and make Newcastle an even better place in which to live, work, play and invest.”
City of Newcastle’s $280,000 Event Sponsorship Program is open for events that promote Newcastle, provide tourism-related economic benefits, and capitalise on the city’s assets. Applications can be made across five categories depending on the size and significance of the event.
The Boost Arts and Cultural Grants program will provide a total of $150,000 to Newcastle’s cultural community by stimulating professional artist engagement and the presentation of arts and cultural works.
A further $60,000 is on offer through the Boost your Place Challenge, with the grants designed to encourage younger people to stay connected, create and innovate through placemaking projects.
Applications for all funding areas are open until Wednesday 12 August and can be submitted online. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-Sponsor

City of Newcastle will relocate the two remaining beachfront cabins at Stockton Beach Holiday Park to higher ground away from the threat of erosion within the south west corner of the park this Friday.
We ask that residents and visitors to Stockton take care if they are in the vicinity of the caravan park on Friday and follow directions in place.
City of Newcastle is continuing discussions with stakeholders around plans for the other cabins, which were relocated from the beach to land adjacent to the pool at the southern end of the caravan park in February to protect them from the impending coastal erosion event that was later declared a Natural Disaster.
These cabins are not operational and City of Newcastle has no current plans for their use.
Friday’s relocation comes ahead of another east coast low forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology to occur early next week. It is predicted to bring more high winds and large swells for the coastline.
City of Newcastle continues to monitor the seawalls and emergency sandbagging at Stockton and contractors are undertaking works to repair existing sandbags in preparation for the next swell event. This work will continue to be carried out tonight, Friday evening and across the weekend, with contractors working until at least 8pm (due to tides) between Stone Street and north of Griffiths Avenue.
All 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.