Category: Newcastle News

Close to forty energy jobs are set to go at the CSIRO – with up to nine coming from Newcastle’s energy research flagship, the CSIRO Energy Centre.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has slammed the cuts, saying she was ‘deeply concerned’ about the impacts on the capacity of the Energy Centre.
“The scientists at Newcastle’s CSIRO Energy Centre are at the absolute forefront of driving innovation in the energy sector,” Ms Claydon said.
“It’s unconscionable to be cutting staff in an area of research that is so critical to our region and our nation.”
Ms Claydon said that the decision to diminish national energy research capacity was ‘unfathomable’.
“As we grapple with the urgent need to assess and plan for our future energy needs as part of the move to a low-carbon economy, it is short-sighted beyond belief to be slashing our world-class energy research capacity,” Ms Claydon said.
Ms Claydon said any energy research job losses would compound the impacts of the lack of a national energy policy.
“The Morrison Government’s failure to deliver any sort of coherent national energy policy has repelled investment and stopped the creation of thousands of jobs in regions like ours,” Ms Claydon said.
“Even before these cuts, the CSIRO was set to lose more than 500 jobs by the end of this financial year.  I call on the Minister to step in and stand up for these important local and national jobs.”

A man has been charged with damaging a police vehicle after he allegedly kicked the door during an incident where officers were threatened with a knife earlier this week.
Two men, aged 28 and 35, where charged after allegedly threatening officers with a knife during a brawl in Hamilton South about 2.10pm on Tuesday 23 June 2020.
During the brawl, officers will allege in court that a 22-year-old man damaged the police vehicle then ran from the scene.
Investigations led police to arrest the man in Hamilton South, while they were conducting pro-active patrols of the area.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug, malicious damage, and affray.
He was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 25 June 2020).

City of Newcastle’s solar farm has exceeded expectations in its first six months of operation, generating almost twice the revenue it was expected to make annually.
The five-megawatt solar farm installed at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre generated more than $420,000 in revenue between when it went live in mid-November and the end of April, well above original forecasts used in the business case’s projected average of $250,000 a year.
^{The Summerhill Solar Farm at dawn.}
Selling energy back into the electricity market, the solar farm further demonstrated its value during the January bush fires when the City supported the state’s damaged energy grid as a net exporter.
A renewable power purchase agreement with a wind farm that came into effect on 1 January, making the City the first NSW Council to be powered 100 per cent by renewables, saved a further $30,000.
“The business case showed the solar farm would save rate payers around $9 million, after costs, over its 25-year lifespan – and so far, it’s on track to do even better,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“The solar farm helped us exceed our renewable energy goals under the Newcastle 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan, which targeted 30 per cent of our electricity needs from low-carbon sources.
“By combining solar installations, battery storage and the purchase agreement to power all our operations, the City has created a resilient energy strategy that will protect us from future electricity price spikes.
“Working in concert with the power purchase agreement, these investments give us price stability, create financial savings for rate payers and have already enabled us to reduce our operational carbon emissions by 77 per cent, compared to the 2008 baseline.”
The Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership Director David Craven said the solar farm was a “fantastic accomplishment by the City of Newcastle”.
“They have again stepped up as leader in renewables and as a leader amongst local governments taking significant action on climate,” Mr Craven said.
“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of new energy generation and is proving to save Novocastrians millions, while creating a healthy future for this community.”
The City is also paving the way to an electric transport future by converting fleet vehicles to electric and installing an electric vehicle charging network powered by solar panels and battery storage.
Meanwhile, the City is increasing solar-energy generation on its buildings.
“We recently added an additional 100-kilowatt roof top photovoltaic system to our Waratah Works Depot, doubling the capacity of the system installed onsite in 2013 and taking total generation of our 12 solar systems to almost 9 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy each year,” Councillor Nelmes added.
“Our five-megawatt solar farm and over 660 kilowatts of rooftop solar provide the equivalent energy needs of more than 1,770 Newcastle households a year with clean, renewable energy.”
For its commitment to renewables and reducing carbon emissions, the City won the prestigious Local Government Sustainability Award in 2019 and is currently a finalist for Environmental Leadership and Sustainability in the 2020 NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 June 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
A Lord Mayoral Minute providing an update on the impacts of COVID-19 and the City’s comprehensive Community and Economic Resilience Package was supported.
A Lord Mayoral Minute for the City to sign a letter of intent with the World Economic Forum to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with the G20 Smart Cities Alliance as a Pilot City was supported.
Ordinary business
Establishment of the Draft Stockton Coastal Maangement Program
Council has adopted the final Draft Stockton Coastal Management Program and endorsed its submission to the Minister for Local Government by 30 June 2020.
Write-off a sundry debt
Council has resolved to write off a debt totalling $52,048.35 in unpaid tipping fees after being unable to recoup outstanding fees from a business in liquidation.
Making of the rates and charges
Council has set its rates and charges for the 2020/21 financial year.
Making of the rate – Hunter Catchment
Council has adopted the rate commission payable to the City for the collection of the 2020/21 Hunter Catchment Contribution at five per cent of the contributions collected, as determined by Hunter Local Land Services.
Interest on overdue rates and charges for 2020/21
Council has adopted the rate of 2.3 per cent a year on interest on overdue rates and charges deferred against an eligible ratepayer’s estate for the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021.
Exhibition of draft Local Housing Strategy
The draft Local Housing Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
Adoption of 2020/21 budget
Council has adopted a new budget for 2020-21 that includes a record $116 million capital works program that will generate up to 700 jobs and increase local economic output by $275 million.
Proposed road closure – 81 Fletcher Street, Adamstown
Council has endorsed the sale of a 278sqm land parcel to the owners of an adjoining block in Fletcher Street, Adamstown, for $75,000.
Classification of Council Land – 280 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Council has resolved to classify 280 Hunter Street, Newcastle, as operational land after buying the plot, known as Rail Bridge Row, from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation earlier this year.
Tender for Natural Areas Rehabilitation
Council has accepted four individual tenders for the provision of natural areas rehabilitation services to deliver specialised bushland services and other environmental projects through Newcastle.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for May 2020.
Notices of Motions
Shining example of energy transition
A notice of motion to celebrate the City’s Summerhill Solar Farm for generating more than $420,000 in revenue, well up on business case projections of $250,000 a year, and reducing operational carbon emissions by 77 per cent compared to a 2008 baseline, was supported.
Clarification on Local Land Services Hunter Catchment and Contribution Levey and Benefits
Another NOM was supported to write to Hunter Local Land Services to query the $2.59 million paid annually by Newcastle residents for the Hunter Catchment Contribution levy and ask how that money could help address long-term catchment issues down river, including flooding in Wallsend.

Newcastle has proven a drawcard for millennials bypassing the big cities in favour of a regional relocation.
The city was among the top three locations in Australia favoured by regionally-based millennials — people aged between 20 and 35 years old — who opted to move to another region rather than shift to a major metropolitan area, according to a new report issued today.
Compiled by Regional Australia Institute (RAI), “Big Movers: Population Mobility in Australia” tracked population movements that occurred in between the last two Census counts in 2011 and 2016.
According to an ABC article on the report, 207,510 millennials moved between regional communities during the four-year period, with Newcastle, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast the most popular destinations.
Other Hunter locations, including Maitland and Lake Macquarie, also benefitted from the millennials’ preference to maintain their regional roots.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes spoke with ABC News presenter Joe O’Brien today to explain what we’re doing to make Newcastle a smart, progressive and liveable city.

A man and woman have been charged after allegedly assaulting three police officers in the Newcastle area yesterday.
About 4.10pm (Tuesday 23 June 2020), emergency services were called to Long Crescent, Shortland, following an altercation between a group of people.
Upon arrival, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District spoke to a man and a woman who allegedly became abusive towards police and refused to leave the premises.
After the man allegedly grabbed an officer, he was restrained and continued to resist, kicking a Sergeant and Senior Constable.
OC spray was deployed, and the 30-year-old man was arrested.
During the man’s arrest, the woman allegedly tried to intervene and spat at officers, before she allegedly pushed and kicked a Senior Constable and stole a set of handcuffs.
OC spray was again deployed, and the 35-year-old woman was arrested.
Both the man and woman were taken to Waratah Police Station where they allegedly continued to act aggressively towards police. Medical assistance was declined.
The three officers sustained minor injuries including abrasions to their knees and hands and some swelling.
All officers were affected by OC spray.
The man was charged with two counts of assault officer in execution of duty and two counts of resist officer in execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 Jane 2020).
The woman was also charged with two counts of assault officer in execution of duty and two counts of resist officer in execution of duty.
The woman was granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 23 July 2020.

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening a police officer with a knife in Newcastle yesterday.
Police will allege in court that about 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 June 2020), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were patrolling Hamilton South when they were approached by a member of the public about a possible brawl occurring on Fowler Street.
Police approached the crowd that was gathered and as they stopped the marked police vehicle, a 28-year-old man allegedly approached the driver’s side window armed with a large knife.
The driver, a Senior Constable, had the window down to speak with the man who allegedly raised the knife toward him.
The driver’s partner, also a Senior Constable, exited the vehicle and called upon the man to drop the knife.
The man dropped the weapon as the two officers subsequently placed him under arrest.
During the arrest, a second man, aged 35, approached the officers and attempted to stop them effecting the arrest, while a third man kicked the door of the police vehicle.
The officers called for further assistance as they deployed OC spray towards the 35-year-old.
Further police arrived shortly after and the 35-year-old was arrested.
Both were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged.
A 28-year-old Hamilton South man was charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence. He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).
A 35-year-old man, also from Hamilton South, was charged with affray and hinder police. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).
Investigations are continuing to identify and locate the third man.

The Marine Area Command has rescued a man after his boat capsized off the Newcastle coast today.
About 11.40am (Tuesday 23 June 2020), officers from Newcastle Water Police were called to waters off the coast of Stockton, following reports a runabout boat returning to shore encountered trouble and was sinking.
On arrival, officers located the skipper and sole occupant of the vessel, a 41-year-old man, clinging to the overturned boat.
Police rescued the man and he was returned to the Newcastle harbour safely. He did not require medical assistance.
The vessel sank and was not able to be salvaged.

A man will appear in court today charged over two separate alleged stabbings at a shopping centre complex in Newcastle last week.
About 8.45pm on Thursday 18 June 2020, a 38-year-old man was allegedly stabbed by another man in the carpark of a shopping centre on Turton Road, Waratah.
The man suffered cuts to his forearm and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
In a separate incident, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed by a man in the carpark of a shopping centre on Wallace Street, Waratah, about 2pm on Sunday 21 June 2020. The woman was with the 38-year-old man at the time of the incident.
She suffered a stab wound to her arm and was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she has since undergone surgery.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into the incidents, which are believed to be linked and targeted.
Following inquiries, detectives arrested a 20-year-old man at a home on Harriet Street, Waratah, about 6.20am today (Tuesday 23 June 2020).
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with two counts of wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“I commend police on their tenacious work which has resulted in the arrest of the man,” said Commander of Newcastle City Police District Superintendent Brett Greentree.
“These attacks were targeted, and police acted swiftly to put someone before the courts,” said Superintendent Greentree.
“Any serious incident that occurs in the community is of great concern and our priority is keeping the community safe.”
The man has been refused bail and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 23 June 2020).

The first stage of a key cycleway linking the city centre to Merewether Beach has been fast tracked in recognition of the city’s newfound love for cycling since lockdown measures were introduced in March to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The project has been given a $3.1 million funding boost under Newcastle’s COVID-19 stimulus budget, allowing for completion of construction of a 1.1km section that stretches from Merewether Beach to Glebe Road at The Junction.

Plans include a 2.5m-wide, bi-directional shared path along Watkins Street and Coane Street, between Watkins and John Parade, with new and upgraded crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
“By prioritising our investment in Newcastle’s cycleway infrastructure we hope to help encourage this surge of interest to continue beyond the current climate, enabling cycling to play an even larger role within Newcastle’s transport mix now and in the future,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“The cycleway will create an important connection with one of the city’s favourite coastal destinations and encourage more people to make the switch to pedal power.
“We are committed to promoting cycling as a genuine transport option for residents, families, commuters and recreational users, which is why expansion and improvement of the cycleway network is one of the City’s priority projects.
“Improving and expanding Newcastle’s cycling network is an important investment in the future of our city, in line with the adopted Newcastle Cycling Strategy and Action Plan.”
Almost $5 million has been allocated to cycleways projects under the revised 2020-21 capital works budget, including $3.1 million for the Merewether to The Junction  cycleway, as well as funding for a missing cycleway link on University Drive between Blue Gum Road and the inner-city bypass in Birmingham Gardens.
Councillor and cycling enthusiast John Mackenzie welcomed the funding.
“Cycleways deliver a range of benefits to the community by reducing pollution and congestion on our roads, improving a person’s health and wellbeing and reducing their environmental impact,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“I am pleased to see these cycleways projects being prioritised within the revised budget and look forward to seeing them progress during the next 12 months and beyond.
“Our community has been very clear in stating that improved cycleways throughout the city would encourage people to swap the car for the bike in their daily commute to work and school.
“This initial stage is an important step towards the completion of the overall City Centre to Merewether Beach cycleway project, which will provide a first-class route between the inner city and one of our most popular beaches.
“In recent months, as a result of COVID-19, we have seen increasing numbers of residents making use of our city’s cycleways for both transportation and recreational purposes.”
Concept designs for the Merewether Beach to The Junction cycleway will go on public exhibition from Monday 29 June until Monday 27 July via the City of Newcastle website.