Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle will suspend its commuter bus Park and Ride service from Monday in response to a decline in patronage of more than 85 per cent since COVID-19 began affecting the Hunter.
Patronage of the commuter service has dropped significantly over the past month, with buses running close to empty to and from the city following the shutdown of non-essential services and many businesses implementing work-from-home arrangements.
All registered Park and Ride users will receive notifications of the change via message to their registered mobile phone number and email address.
Blackbutt Reserve has also been closed to the public in line with the Public Health Order of 25 March limiting all non-essential services. This follows last week’s suspension of wildlife shows and other entertainment and services that required close contact between members of the public and Blackbutt staff.
The closure of Blackbutt has become more urgent with staff continuing to locate large public gatherings in the sheltered areas despite pleas from the Federal and State Governments for the community to practise social distancing.
While public access is now restricted, City staff will continue to tend to Blackbutt Reserve and care for the animals on site as per usual.
City of Newcastle has also closed community halls until further notice, following Wednesday’s Federal Government directive to close all community facilities.
While non-essential services have ceased at these facilities, services such as mental health, childcare and crisis support continue under strict social-distancing practises and current health advice.
City of Newcastle staff are reviewing the capacity of these sites to become available for local emergency facilities and other essential services if required.
Meanwhile, the City is installing signage across open space areas including beaches, baths and parks to encourage visitors to practise safe social distancing and refrain from gathering in groups in line with the Public Health Order.
For further information on the City’s response to COVID-19, please see  newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19  

Police are appealing for public assistance after a man deliberately coughed on a supermarket employee at a Hunter region store earlier this week.
About 7.30pm on Tuesday (24 March 2020), a 35-year-old female employee was working inside a supermarket on Glenelg Street, Raymond Terrace, assisting customers to adhere to social distancing rules.
Police have been told a man and woman approached the register before a verbal altercation occurred between the man and the female employee and he deliberately coughed on her.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As inquiries continue, police have released images of a man they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their investigation.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170-180cm tall, with a shaved head, and goatee-style facial hair. At the time, he was wearing cream shorts and black thongs.
Anyone who knows the man or has information which may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A number of COVID-19 ministerial directions been announced to date, covering incoming travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and social distancing rules, and the closure of social gathering places.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides NSW Police with the power to enforce these orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply.
NSW Police can now issue Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction. PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, urges anyone with information to come forward.
“This kind of dangerous behaviour needs to stop immediately. It’s potentially putting the lives of workers and their families at risk.
“This isn’t a time to practice poor hygiene habits.
“For a disgusting act like this, you could find yourself charged with common assault and jailed for up to two years,” Mr Elliott said.

Hunter Valley police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man and a four-year-old boy missing in the state’s Hunter region.
Police have been told 57-year-old Michael Lantry and four-year-old Conner Lantry were last seen boarding a bus on Wollombi Road, Millfield, headed for Cessnock about 8.30am on Tuesday 24 March 2020.
After the pair failed to return home that afternoon, relatives contacted police and inquiries commenced.
Family and police hold serious concerns for the welfare of the pair due to health conditions of the 57-year-old and the age of the child.
Michael is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170-175cm tall, with a thin build, blue eyes, grey hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing jeans, a grey jumper and joggers.
Conner is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 100cm tall, with a thin build, blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a ‘Ben 10’ backpack.
Anyone with any information into their whereabouts is urged to contact Triple 000 immediately.

City of Newcastle’s Customer Service Centre will temporarily suspend the operation of its shopfront at 12 Stewart Avenue.
City of Newcastle has installed prominent signage at 12 Stewart Avenue directing customers to instead access support via its contact centre on 4974 2000, or at its website www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
The number of visitors to the Customer Service Centre has fallen significantly during the past few days, with just six people visiting the centre on Tuesday.
The City is working to limit the spread of COVID-19 in partnership with the State and Federal Governments and has moved a number of front-facing services to an online offering only, including its libraries, Museum and Art Gallery.
The customer service counter in the City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West, and Digital Print Services’ shopfront at 357 Hunter Street – in the Fred Ash Building – will temporarily close to the public from close of business today.
These precautionary measures align with the Public Health Orders issued by the Federal Government which have resulted in a number of temporary shutdowns of City facilities, such as cultural facilities. Services such as waste collection will continue as normal.
The City regrets the inconvenience to the public as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and reiterates that we remain able to serve customers over the phone or online.
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19   

City of Newcastle has developed a comprehensive community and business support package designed to help locals through the unprecedented effects of COVID-19.
The package, which has been designed to maintain the organisation’s financial sustainability, is initially worth $5.5 million in the short term and includes interest free payment plans for rates, rent reductions on council-owned buildings, free online training packages, and a boost to the City’s infrastructure program to deliver an economic stimulus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the package, which was adopted at last night’s Council meeting, delivers both financial and social support to ensure Newcastle remains resilient during this challenging time.
“We understand that every business is suffering enormously from the impacts of COVID-19 and will likely be affected for the foreseeable future,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s imperative, now more than ever, that we work together.
“Our resilience package has been informed by experts and seeks to focus on areas where local government has a clear strength and mandate.
“Many in in our community are facing unemployment and the elderly may become more isolated for the next few months as they minimise their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
“We will further promote City of Newcastle’s existing financial hardship policies and make it easier for rate payers to enter interest free payment arrangements.
“The City will also offer free access to digital training resources for all small business owners and their staff, as well as the broader community, to enable the upskilling and transformation of the workforce during the predicted time of slow economic activity.”
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
The City will also assist not for profit organisations and will expand its e-library offering in a commitment to support community wellbeing and the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk groups.
Cr Nelmes said the package included enhancing City of Newcastle’s ‘buy local’ commitment.
“Businesses within the Newcastle Local Government Area will be favoured with a temporary change to the procurement policy which further enhances the assessment weighting for locals.
“We will also fast track our invoice payment to provide improved cash-flow for businesses and to keep the economy ticking.
“A 50 per cent discount will be given on rent for all City-owned buildings for the June quarter lifting the pressure for dozens of local businesses and community organisations.
“We are embracing community thinking. The City of Newcastle is a community that cares and looks after each other. We will continue to promote and facilitate equitable access to services and facilities.”
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
Community and Economic Package Overview
Financial Hardship Support – $468,000
The City will provide financial hardship support for residents to develop payment plans for their rates. All fees and charges including interest penalties will be waived until 30 June 2021. It will also offer hardship support for owner occupier commercial ratepayers or commercial property owners who can demonstrate the reduction will be passed onto their tenants.
Procurement and Purchasing Support – $535,000
Our existing procurement policy includes a minimum local weighting assessment of 10 per cent. Where possible, this weighting will be increased for the next six months. Invoices from existing contracts with local suppliers will be processed within seven days as soon as approved.
Council support – $1,500,000
The City will give businesses and individuals flexibility on a range of Council fees and policies to ease pressures relating to COVID-19. This will allow essential businesses and service providers to operate responsively to the City’s changing needs in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government and Federal Government. Includes the waiving of library fees, returning booking fees and maintaining hourly parking rates at current levels.
Rent relief for City of Newcastle tenants – $732,000
Small businesses operating out of council owned buildings will receive a cash flow relief with the City offering a 50 per cent discount on rent for the next two quarters.
e-Library expansion – $100,000
Expansion of existing e-Library services including e-book and e-audio platforms, video story, movie and music streaming platforms, access to online newspapers and e-magazines.
Online learning – Studiosity and Lynda – $60,000
Promote existing online training programs, such as Lynda, as well as expanding our subscription to Studiosity, which provides one-on-one tutoring for school and tertiary students.
Community grant program – $800,000
The City will make financial and in-kind support available to mobilise the Newcastle community sector to respond to immediate community need, with a focus on the most vulnerable and emerging at risk groups. An Expression of Interest process will also be opened for Newcastle-based not-for-profits, non government organisations, community groups and organisations to receive funds to deliver essential local services and innovative solutions to COVID-19 created challenges.
City taskforce and industry responses – $500,000
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The Taskforce will initially fund an Expression of Interest program to provide innovative support to targeted local industries.
Lean In Newy – $150,000
“Lean-In Newy” is a social action and economic incentive app that will engage and propel local behaviours, such as volunteering. The platform will enable social actions to be pushed out to our local community, with built-in economic incentives.
Local online training programs – $500,000
Council will support local small business owners and staff to undertake professional development training and accreditation.
Communications and marketing budget is $100,000

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called on the Morrison Government to abandon its plans to close Newcastle and Mayfield Centrelink offices on the back chaotic scenes at Centrelink offices across the country.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see so many anxious people queueing outside local Centrelink offices this week, worrying about paying their rent and what’s going to happen to their family, but it also demonstrates the critical importance of the social safety net and adequate face-to-face services.
“The Government must immediately dump its reckless plan to shut down Newcastle and Mayfield Centrelink offices and replace them with a single office in a yet-to-be-disclosed location.”
Ms Claydon said Government neglect contributed to the chaos at Centrelink offices this week.
“This is a government that has spent six years attacking jobseekers and dismantling the social safety net. It’s no wonder they were woefully unprepared to step up to the task of helping all the people who lost their jobs in recent days.
“Any additional Centrelink staff are absolutely welcome, but it will take an enormous investment to remedy six years of Liberal attacks and savage cuts to Centrelink.”
Ms Claydon said she’d been inundated with support from Novocastrians to protect Mayfield and King Street Centrelink offices
“Ever since I launched the campaign to save our Centrelink offices at the end of last year, I’ve received thousands of emails, petition signatures and personal stories letting me know how damaging these closures would be.
“The government has demonstrated utter contempt for the tens of thousands of people that will be impacted including pensioners, jobseekers, families, people with disability and carers.”
“Mr Morrison needs to listen to the people of Newcastle and dump this terrible plan to shut down yet more precious public services.”
Ms Claydon said history demonstrated that once public services were axed, they rarely return.
“This plan will undoubtedly mean budget cuts, diminished services and reduced access for Novocastrians.
“The idea of closing Centrelink offices as demand soars due to the impact of COVID-19 is both cruel and foolish. Mr Morrison must dump this reckless plan today.”

A woman will face court today after allegedly assaulting two employees at a Lake Macquarie supermarket yesterday.
Shortly after 5pm (Tuesday 24 March 2020), police were called to a supermarket inside a shopping centre at Charlestown, following reports a customer was becoming aggressive towards staff members.
Officers were told the woman was banned from the store after a verbal altercation with staff at the weekend and was asked to leave as per the banning notice.
Police will allege in court that the 52-year-old woman verbally abused and threatened a 46-year-old male staff member before punching him in the chest and spitting in his face.
A 33-year-old male security guard intercepted the woman before she allegedly verbally abused and slapped him.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrived a short time later and arrested the woman.
She was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of common assault and an outstanding arrest warrant.
She was refused bail to face Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 25 March 2020).

Two women have sustained serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash in Lake Macquarie today.
About 10.25am (Wednesday 25 March 2020) emergency services were called to Ntaba Road, Jewels, after reports a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Avalon collided.
The drivers and sole occupants – aged 74 and 65 – were freed from the vehicles before being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.
They were transferred to John Hunter Hospital, the older woman in a critical condition and the other in a serious condition.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.
An investigation has commenced and anyone who may have information or dashcam footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Lake Macquarie Police.
 

City of Newcastle has developed a comprehensive community and business support package designed to help locals through the unprecedented effects of COVID-19.
The package, which has been designed to maintain the organisation’s financial sustainability, is initially worth $5.5 million in the short term and includes interest free payment plans for rates, rent reductions on council-owned buildings, free online training packages, and a boost to the City’s infrastructure program to deliver an economic stimulus.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the package, which was adopted at last night’s Council meeting, delivers both financial and social support to ensure Newcastle remains resilient during this challenging time.
“We understand that every business is suffering enormously from the impacts of COVID-19 and will likely be affected for the foreseeable future,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s imperative, now more than ever, that we work together.
“Our resilience package has been informed by experts and seeks to focus on areas where local government has a clear strength and mandate.
“Many in in our community are facing unemployment and the elderly may become more isolated for the next few months as they minimise their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
“We will further promote City of Newcastle’s existing financial hardship policies and make it easier for rate payers to enter interest free payment arrangements.
“The City will also offer free access to digital training resources for all small business owners and their staff, as well as the broader community, to enable the upskilling and transformation of the workforce during the predicted time of slow economic activity.”
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
The City will also assist not for profit organisations and will expand its e-library offering in a commitment to support community wellbeing and the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk groups.
Cr Nelmes said the package included enhancing City of Newcastle’s ‘buy local’ commitment.
“Businesses within the Newcastle Local Government Area will be favoured with a temporary change to the procurement policy which further enhances the assessment weighting for locals.
“We will also fast track our invoice payment to provide improved cash-flow for businesses and to keep the economy ticking.
“A 50 per cent discount will be given on rent for all City-owned buildings for the June quarter lifting the pressure for dozens of local businesses and community organisations.
“We are embracing community thinking. The City of Newcastle is a community that cares and looks after each other. We will continue to promote and facilitate equitable access to services and facilities.”
For further information on City of Newcastle’s response to COVID-19 please see newcastle.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
Community and Economic Package Overview
Financial Hardship Support – $468,000
The City will provide financial hardship support for residents to develop payment plans for their rates. All fees and charges including interest penalties will be waived until 30 June 2021. It will also offer hardship support for owner occupier commercial ratepayers or commercial property owners who can demonstrate the reduction will be passed onto their tenants.
Procurement and Purchasing Support – $535,000
Our existing procurement policy includes a minimum local weighting assessment of 10 per cent. Where possible, this weighting will be increased for the next six months. Invoices from existing contracts with local suppliers will be processed within seven days as soon as approved.
Council support – $1,500,000
The City will give businesses and individuals flexibility on a range of Council fees and policies to ease pressures relating to COVID-19. This will allow essential businesses and service providers to operate responsively to the City’s changing needs in line with the latest advice from the NSW Government and Federal Government. Includes the waiving of library fees, returning booking fees and maintaining hourly parking rates at current levels.
Rent relief for City of Newcastle tenants – $732,000
Small businesses operating out of council owned buildings will receive a cash flow relief with the City offering a 50 per cent discount on rent for the next two quarters.
e-Library expansion – $100,000
Expansion of existing e-Library services including e-book and e-audio platforms, video story, movie and music streaming platforms, access to online newspapers and e-magazines.
Online learning – Studiosity and Lynda – $60,000
Promote existing online training programs, such as Lynda, as well as expanding our subscription to Studiosity, which provides one-on-one tutoring for school and tertiary students.
Community grant program – $800,000
The City will make financial and in-kind support available to mobilise the Newcastle community sector to respond to immediate community need, with a focus on the most vulnerable and emerging at risk groups. An Expression of Interest process will also be opened for Newcastle-based not-for-profits, non government organisations, community groups and organisations to receive funds to deliver essential local services and innovative solutions to COVID-19 created challenges.
City taskforce and industry responses – $500,000
A City Taskforce, led by the City of Newcastle will be established to act as the local coordinating authority to oversee the future recovery phases of COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The Taskforce will initially fund an Expression of Interest program to provide innovative support to targeted local industries.
Lean In Newy – $150,000
“Lean-In Newy” is a social action and economic incentive app that will engage and propel local behaviours, such as volunteering. The platform will enable social actions to be pushed out to our local community, with built-in economic incentives.
Local online training programs – $500,000
Council will support local small business owners and staff to undertake professional development training and accreditation.
Communications and marketing budget is $100,000

Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 24 March 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minute
A Lord Mayoral Minute to develop a Community and Economic Resilience package to assist Novocastrians through this period of unprecedented disruption caused by COVID-19 was supported.
A report on the proposed package was presented to council and adopted. City of Newcastle in consultation with key stakeholders has developed a two-phase community and economic resilience package in response to the evolving COVID-19 crisis which will be implemented.
Ordinary business 
Public Exhibition of Draft Our Budget 2020/21 (Delivery Program 2018 -2022 and operational plan 2020/21) and draft fees and charges 2020/21
Council resolved to place the draft 2020/21 Our Budget (2018-2022 Delivery Program and 2020/21 Operational Plan) on public exhibition.
Appointment of voting delegate for the 2020 National General Assembly of Local Government and Endorsement of motions.
Council has voted to appoint the Lord Mayor or delegate to exercise Council’s voting rights at the 2020 Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly. The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing 537 Councils across the country.
Adoption of Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy
Council has voted to adopt the Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Proposed road closures – 35 Robert Street and 22 Annie Street, Wickham
Council voted to close a section of road reserve at John Street, Wickham, and sell the land as two separate parcels. The sale revenue will be transferred to City of Newcastle’s ‘Works Program: Specific Projects’ internal reserve.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council has received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2020.
Notices of Motion
Submission to review Disability Inclusion Act
A Notice of Motion to prepare a submission to the NSW Government’s Review of the Disability Inclusion Act was supported by council.
The submission will support ongoing funding to Newcastle based disability advocacy organisations (including Disability Advocacy NSW and Community Disability Alliance Hunter) and will convey its concern regarding the lack of NSW Government funding to implement the mandated Disability Inclusion Action Plans, that are required under the Act.
The submission will also note the impacts of the changing demographic profile of Newcastle, including its ageing population, which increases pressure on local government to provide accessible services without any additional Government funding.
The Future for Waste
A Notice of Motion on the Future of Waste was supported by councillors. The NOM notes the release of two Issues Papers (Cleaning Up Our Act – The Future for Waste and Resource Recovery in NSW and Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW) by the NSW Government. It also notes that City of Newcastle paid $32.7 million in the s88 waste levy in the last financial year, and received $176,290 in NSW Waste Less, Recycle More grants (equal to just 0.6 per cent of waste levy paid).
Councillors voted for the City to make a submission to both Issues Papers, consistent with its previously adopted positions, encouraging the State funding to support waste avoidance and recovery, including grants to support councils with major capital, develop a local circular economy, and support for local manufacturing using recycled product and to also deliver consistent education campaigns to promote waste avoidance and recycling.
Support of Wildlife Carers
A notice of Motion to support Wildlife carers was introduced with the officer’s recommendation supported. The NSW Government was commended on the creation of The Wildlife Heroes Bushfire Emergency Fund 2019 grant program and the important work undertaken by volunteer wildlife carers to rehabilitate wildlife recognised. The supported recommendation also notes the important work undertaken by the City’s Blackbutt Reserve volunteers who focus on animal care and education activities.
Social infrastructure, the community pantry
A Notice of Motion to install a ‘community pantry’ was introduced with the officer’s recommendation supported. In consultation and collaboration with Newcastle’s network of Specialist Homelessness Service providers council will identify potential uses of community assets for the distribution of outreach hampers, parcels and vouchers. It will also explore resources and guidance on the City of Newcastle website to inform the community about grassroots initiatives aimed at helping homeless people.
COVID-19 response measures 
A late Notice of Motion was introduced for Council to provide clear communications to all Newcastle residents on the steps being taken to minimise the spread of the Covid 19 virus and to discuss the provision of financial relief to Newcastle people.