A man will face court today after two pursuits through the Hunter at the weekend.
Shortly before 3pm on Friday 22 May 2020, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a Toyota Corolla on Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace, and spoke with the driver before he accelerated away and fled.
A pursuit was initiated, travelling through Raymond Terrace with the Toyota allegedly reaching an estimated speed of 140km/h in a sign-posted 50km/h zone.
The Toyota stopped on Charles Street and the driver fled on foot, pursued by officers; however, the man could not be located.
In a second incident, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter PD were patrolling Raymond Terrace Road, Chisholm, when they attempted to stop a Hyundai Santa Fe for a random breath test about 11pm yesterday (Sunday 24 May 2020).
When the Hyundai failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated travelling through Thornton and Millers Forest, allegedly reaching estimated speeds of 140km/h in a sign-posted 80km/h zone.
The Hyundai continued through several streets before stopping at a home on Waterbush Crescent, Woodberry, where the driver, a 54-year-old man and a female passenger, aged 42, were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station
The driver underwent an oral fluid test which was positive for methylamphetamine and cannabis. A secondary test which also returned a positive result, has been sent for analysis.
He was charged with 10 offences, including police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, police pursuit – not stop – drive speed dangerous, drive whilst disqualified, possess prohibited drug, driver provide false name, exceed speed over 45km/hr and goods in custody.
Police will allege in court that the man was the driver of both vehicles at the time of the pursuits with police.
The Telarah man was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 25 May 2020).
The female passenger was released without charge.
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Man charged following attempted child abduction – Newcastle
A man will face court today charged over an alleged attempted child abduction in Newcastle West yesterday.
About 5.10pm (Sunday 24 May 2020) officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to a shopping centre on Steel Street, after reports of a child approach.
Police have been told an unknown man approached a father and his two-year-old son inside the shopping centre and allegedly asked if he could talk to the child, before he started to hug him and pull him away from his father.
The father, aged 46, pulled the child back from the man, before the man allegedly became aggressive and continued to grab the child.
With assistance from witnesses, the child was returned to his father and the man was secured until the arrival of police.
The man and child were not physically injured during the incident.
A 46-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with two counts of take/detain child with intent to remove from parental control, and two counts of common assault.
The Fletcher man was bail refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 25 May 2020).
Strong take up of City’s COVID-19 support
Almost $1 million in household and commercial rate payments have been deferred and substantial rent relief has been extended to small businesses and community organisations under City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 support package.
The $965,000 in rate deferrals have been made under 410 separate payment plans set up by both residents and businesses in consultation with the City as part of the $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package adopted by Council in March.
Fifty per cent rent reductions on City-owned buildings have eased the total burden on tenants by $28,000 a week, while around $450,000 has been allocated in grants to enable the community sector to support the most vulnerable in our city.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Craig Budden at Baptist CareHopeStreet’s Wallsend Centre, which received $25,000 in support through the City’s Rapid Response grants last month.
Free online training, a $100,000 e-Library expansion and firm commitment to a record capital works program, with an emphasis on local procurement and quick payments, are also part of the package.
“In supporting the city, we are focusing on areas where local government has a clear strength and mandate, and it’s pleasing to see the take up has been strong to date,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“As well as the interest-free rate deferrals for up to 15 months, we have rolled out an $800,000 grants program to boost the community sector and halved rents to provide much-needed relief for small businesses in City-owned buildings.
“We understand that every business is suffering enormously right now and have provided as much support as possible as a local council.
“Many in in our community are now unemployed and the elderly and those without family may become more vulnerable as they stay isolated, so we will further promote the City’s existing financial hardship policies and support the taskforce of City leaders to map out the local economic recovery.”
Council will help small business owners and staff undertake professional development training and accreditation as part of a $500,000 education package.
This follows a 213 per cent increase in usage of an online learning package offered through Newcastle Libraries, with 2,291 sessions streamed free of charge in April.
The Libraries’ membership has increased by more than 1,000 during the pandemic after the City invested $60,000 in 5,800 additional e-book and audiobook titles, plus new video streaming platform ‘Medici TV’.
For the latest updates on the City of Newcastle’s response to the COVID-19 and changes to services, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Wanted man charged – Kurri Kurri
A man wanted on three outstanding warrants has been charged in the state’s Hunter Region.
About 4pm yesterday (Saturday 23 May 2020), officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District’s Target Action Group attended a home on Edward Street, Kurri Kurri, after receiving information about a man wanted on outstanding warrants.
Upon arrival, officers spoke to an occupant, before they noticed a man running from the backyard of the house.
Following a foot pursuit, police arrested the 25-year-old man.
During the arrest, it’s alleged the man assaulted a male senior constable who sustained a knee injury.
The man was taken to Maitland Hospital under police guard for treatment of minor injuries.
Upon release from hospital, he was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with resist officer in execution of duty (x2), assault police officer in execution of duty (x2), enter enclosed lands (x2) and malicious damage
The man was also charged with three outstanding warrants relating to traffic, weapons, firearms and assault offences.
The Kurri Kurri man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Bail Court today (Sunday 24 May 2020).
NEWCASTLE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING WELCOME
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has welcomed a Federal investment of $1.14 million for road projects in Newcastle.
Ms Claydon said the funding was designed to stimulate local economies battered by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
“The funding will be delivered to the City of Newcastle to accelerate priority projects,” Ms Claydon said.
“Local spending on local projects is one of the best ways to get the economy moving.”
Ms Claydon said she’d written to the Deputy Prime Minister to back the City of Newcastle’s bid for funding of their priority projects and to seek assurances for a fair distribution of public funds.
“The funding will support priority projects from a list submitted to the Government in March,” Ms Claydon said.
“I was very concerned that this could turn into another sports rorts disaster so I wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister to back the bid and call for a fair distribution of these public funds.”
Ms Claydon said that while the modest roads infrastructure funding was welcome, it was still disappointing the Morrison Government excluded council workers from the JobKeeper program, forcing the State Government to fill the breach.
“I absolutely welcome this funding which will help stimulate local economic activity,” Ms Claydon said.
“It’s still unfortunate that the Government didn’t recognise the important of local economies and local jobs when it excluded council workers from the JobKeeper program.”
City’s action to address climate change set to be strengthened
With City of Newcastle already leading the local government sector on climate action, the community and local businesses are now invited to learn about the development of a new strategy to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions even further as we continue to drive the City’s journey towards a net zero emissions future.
The City’s new climate action plan will outline specific goals and priorities for the next five years, paving the way to further positive environmental impacts, such as additional clean energy initiatives, resource efficiency, emissions reductions in supply chains and more sustainable transport.
Community engagement on the 2025 Climate Action Plan will help build on the achievements of the existing 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP), which winds up at year’s end.
The CWMAP helped slash carbon emissions through construction of a five-megawatt solar farm, installation of more than half a megawatt in rooftop solar panels on council facilities across the city and our suburbs, significant streetlight LED upgrades and a power purchase agreement that sees the City running on 100 per cent renewables.
Constructed on a former landfill site after securing a $6.5 million loan from Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation in 2018, our solar farm is the city’s single largest investment in a renewable project, following eight other solar installations at our Waratah Works Depot, Newcastle Art Gallery, City Hall, Wallsend and New Lambton libraries, No.1 and No.2 Sportsgrounds and Newcastle Museum.
The solar farm at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre builds on one of Australia’s most advanced renewable energy setups at a waste facility – with a 2.2megawatt landfill gas generator and a small wind turbine also located onsite.
Meanwhile, the City has begun transitioning to electric vehicles, installing electric vehicle charging stations to encourage EV take up and investigating the use of electric trucks to reduce diesel usage and further cut emissions.
“Through strong and consistent actions to reduce our emissions, in part due to our ambitious 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan, City of Newcastle is now recognised as one of the leading local government authorities when it comes to implementing initiatives to address climate change,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“After achieving so much over the past five years, in particular becoming the first NSW Council to become powered by 100 per cent renewable energy this year, our transformation to a sustainable city will continue under a new Climate Action Plan.”
“People can learn about the goals we’re looking to adopt in tackling climate change during the month-long public exhibition period.
“I encourage everyone to let us know what they think should be prioritised and what role not only the City but businesses and the community should take to realise net zero emissions.”
In May 2019, City of Newcastle recognised that there is a global climate change emergency and urgent need for real action on climate change.
In doing so, the City reaffirmed our commitment to a just economic transition for coal mining communities, including support for investment in hydrogen as an export energy, construction of large-scale renewables and pumped hydro, and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City also plays a strong advocacy role when it comes to pushing for action on climate change from the local government sector.
“City of Newcastle has long ensured local government steps in to fill the policy gaps left when other tiers of government and the private sector have failed to assist in reducing global emissions.
“Dating back to the Pathways to Sustainability Conference held in Newcastle in 1997 and subsequently by the development of local strategies and solutions through the Cities for Climate Protection Program, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and through development of practical implementation programs for local government in Australia and New Zealand, City of Newcastle has long led the way by working in partnerships to develop and implement strategies and initiatives to tackle climate change head on,” the Lord Mayor said.
City of Newcastle is a founding member of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership, a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.
City of Newcastle has formally committed to the principles and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.
An online information session will be held on Thursday 28 May at midday to provide further information on the City’s current and future initiatives before the draft plan goes on Public Exhibition later in the year.
Register here to register for the online session.
Participants are encouraged to submit three topics they’d like covered or questions on climate action in advance here
Under the 2020 CWMAP, to date City of Newcastle has:
The City’s new climate action plan will outline specific goals and priorities for the next five years, paving the way to further positive environmental impacts, such as additional clean energy initiatives, resource efficiency, emissions reductions in supply chains and more sustainable transport.
Community engagement on the 2025 Climate Action Plan will help build on the achievements of the existing 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP), which winds up at year’s end.
The CWMAP helped slash carbon emissions through construction of a five-megawatt solar farm, installation of more than half a megawatt in rooftop solar panels on council facilities across the city and our suburbs, significant streetlight LED upgrades and a power purchase agreement that sees the City running on 100 per cent renewables.
Constructed on a former landfill site after securing a $6.5 million loan from Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation in 2018, our solar farm is the city’s single largest investment in a renewable project, following eight other solar installations at our Waratah Works Depot, Newcastle Art Gallery, City Hall, Wallsend and New Lambton libraries, No.1 and No.2 Sportsgrounds and Newcastle Museum.
The solar farm at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre builds on one of Australia’s most advanced renewable energy setups at a waste facility – with a 2.2megawatt landfill gas generator and a small wind turbine also located onsite.
Meanwhile, the City has begun transitioning to electric vehicles, installing electric vehicle charging stations to encourage EV take up and investigating the use of electric trucks to reduce diesel usage and further cut emissions.
“Through strong and consistent actions to reduce our emissions, in part due to our ambitious 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan, City of Newcastle is now recognised as one of the leading local government authorities when it comes to implementing initiatives to address climate change,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“After achieving so much over the past five years, in particular becoming the first NSW Council to become powered by 100 per cent renewable energy this year, our transformation to a sustainable city will continue under a new Climate Action Plan.”
“People can learn about the goals we’re looking to adopt in tackling climate change during the month-long public exhibition period.
“I encourage everyone to let us know what they think should be prioritised and what role not only the City but businesses and the community should take to realise net zero emissions.”
In May 2019, City of Newcastle recognised that there is a global climate change emergency and urgent need for real action on climate change.
In doing so, the City reaffirmed our commitment to a just economic transition for coal mining communities, including support for investment in hydrogen as an export energy, construction of large-scale renewables and pumped hydro, and manufacturing of electric vehicles.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City also plays a strong advocacy role when it comes to pushing for action on climate change from the local government sector.
“City of Newcastle has long ensured local government steps in to fill the policy gaps left when other tiers of government and the private sector have failed to assist in reducing global emissions.
“Dating back to the Pathways to Sustainability Conference held in Newcastle in 1997 and subsequently by the development of local strategies and solutions through the Cities for Climate Protection Program, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and through development of practical implementation programs for local government in Australia and New Zealand, City of Newcastle has long led the way by working in partnerships to develop and implement strategies and initiatives to tackle climate change head on,” the Lord Mayor said.
City of Newcastle is a founding member of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership, a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.
City of Newcastle has formally committed to the principles and targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.
An online information session will be held on Thursday 28 May at midday to provide further information on the City’s current and future initiatives before the draft plan goes on Public Exhibition later in the year.
Register here to register for the online session.
Participants are encouraged to submit three topics they’d like covered or questions on climate action in advance here
Under the 2020 CWMAP, to date City of Newcastle has:
- Reduced electricity usage by 14.45 per cent
- Upgraded 31 per cent of streetlights to LEDs
- Secured 100 per cent of electricity from renewable sources
- Reduced potable water usage by 8.59 per cent
- Slashed the City’s carbon footprint by 77.36 per cent, excluding emissions from Summerhill Waste Management Centre
- Reduced liquid fuel use by 6.97 per cent
Newcastle Ocean Baths restoration to receive $9.5 million from sale of local buildings
The Newcastle Ocean Baths will inherit $9.5 million towards its long-awaited restoration should Councillors agree to the sale of three City of Newcastle owned buildings.
City of Newcastle announced last September it intended to sell or lease the vacant Frederick Ash Building, along with the neighbouring properties that are currently home to the Blue Door Café and the Clarendon Hotel on Hunter Street.
If the sale is approved by the Council, the $9.5 million proceeds will be placed into a reserve to part fund the much needed restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said that the City’s asset committee had endorsed the sale, contingent on allocating the proceeds from the sale of three Council owned buildings to the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
“The addition of $9.5 million to the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths allays any community concerns that the economic impact of COVID-19 would delay work proceeding to restore such an important site to the broader Newcastle community,” the Deputy Lord Mayor said.
“The engagement process to date involving the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths has overwhelmingly shown that the people of Newcastle see the return to its former glory as an urgent project.
“While the impact of restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 have significantly impacted on Council’s income this year, with the sale of these properties there is money in the bank to get the restoration of the Baths underway.’’
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the sale cemented the Civic Precinct’s attractiveness as a tourism and hospitality hub.
“The sale completes City of Newcastle’s relocation from the former Civic Precinct to the new CBD in Newcastle West,” Mr Bath said.
“Should the Council support the sale, then Blue Door and the Clarendon Hotel will continue as is, and the Frederick Ash Building will likely to be converted to tourist accommodation.
“This decision allows for an adaptive reuse of the historic Frederick Ash Building, and further activation in the Civic Precinct. Importantly, its heritage is protected through the sale, given its listing on both local and state heritage registers.
“The future of the Civic Precinct is very exciting. The Roundhouse building is currently being converted to the city’s first five-star hotel in what is a $30 million project. Right next door workers are putting the final touches to a stunning $25 million restoration of the City Hall.
“Across the road, City of Newcastle is days away from being handed the keys to the new Visitor Information Centre. The former Civic Station sits in front of the recently completed Museum Park on what is the former heavy rail line.
“Just a few blocks to the east, work is progressing quickly on the $700 million East End development, which will see a stunning overhaul of the old Hunter Street Mall to include boutique shops and stunning apartments with harbour views. This includes the former David Jones building which is now also being converted to a five-star hotel.”
A business case for the sale of the buildings will help inform Councillors’ decision whether to sell or retain the three properties. The business case will show that the sale price is in line with a market valuation of the three properties, as well exceeds the NPV to retain the properties by almost $4.5 million.
The decision to proceed with the sale will go before Council on Tuesday 26 May.
Regional Code of Conduct Review Panel EOI: Hunter Joint Organisation
The Hunter Joint Organisation and its ten member councils are refreshing their Regional Code of Conduct Panel and are inviting Expression of Interest. The Hunter JO represents the ten councils in the Hunter region;
- Cessnock City Council
- Dungog Shire Council
- Lake Macquarie City Council
- Maitland City Council
- MidCoast Council
- Muswellbrook Shire Council
- Newcastle City Council
- Port Stephens Council
- Singleton Council
- Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Under the Local Government Act 1993 and the Code of Conduct framework, Councils are required to establish a Panel of Conduct Reviewers, to inquire into complaints alleging breaches of the Code by the Mayor, Councillors or General Manager.
Councils may enter into an arrangement with one or more other Councils to share a Regional Panel. Hunter JO Member Councils have agreed to establish a Regional Panel of Conduct Reviewers for a period of up to four years commencing 13 August 2020.
The Hunter Joint Organisation (Hunter JO) invites Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment to a Regional Code of Conduct Review Panel. Persons seeking appointment must satisfy the criteria specified in the EOI and nominate their schedule of fees.
To complete an Expression of Interest, please use the following link to access the documentation through Tenderlink: https://www.tenderlink.com/regionalprocurement/
select ‘All Current Tenders’ and Notice Number: REGPRO-918363.
For any questions on the EOI process, please contact the Hunter JO Chief Executive Officer on 02 4978 4040, or by email to admin@hunterjo.com.au.
Expressions of Interest close at 5 pm on Friday 19 June 2020.
Weather warning for this weekend
Hazardous conditions are expected for coastal activities, such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing along Newcastle’s coastline.
Numerous accessways to Stockton Beach will remain closed over the weekend with the possibility of further coastal erosion in Stockton due to the impact of the weather. King Street and Little Beach access is likely to remain open but conditions will be monitored and access may change.
Please stay safe when moving around coastal areas, and adhere to warning signs. Coastal erosion can change beach conditions dramatically and quickly. This can lead to sand cliff collapses without warning.
To stay up to date on the weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Service https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ 13 25 00.
Service station employee threatened with samurai sword and baseball bat – Sandgate
An investigation is underway following an armed robbery at a service station near Newcastle overnight.
About 1.45am (Friday 22 May 2020), emergency services were called to a service station on Maitland Road, Sandgate, after reports of an armed robbery.
Police have been told two unknown men entered the station and approached the counter, threatening the employee – a 24-year-old man – with a samurai sword and baseball bat, while demanding money.
The men stole cash, before fleeing the scene on foot towards Mangrove Road.
The employee was not physically injured.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.
As inquiries continue, anyone who may have dashcam vision or CCTV from the surrounding area, or who may have noticed suspicious activity, are urged to contact detectives at Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4929 0999.