Category: Newcastle News

Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council meeting for Tuesday 27 November 2018. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minute – 2018 Supercars Newcastle 500
The supported LMM declared the 2018 Newcastle 500 an outright success and thanked City staff who worked or volunteered for the event or worked with local businesses on the Entertain Newcastle program.
Lord Mayoral Minute – Recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee
The supported LMM noted that on 1 June 2019 the City’s Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee will celebrate its 20^th anniversary and that it will be recognised with an event during Reconciliation Week 2019.
Quarterly Budget Review Statement
Council received the statement and adopted the revised budget as detailed.
Executive monthly performance report
The report was received.
Adoption of the 2019 Council meeting cycle
The meeting cycle for 2019 was adopted.
Adoption of the revised Instrument of Delegation to the Chief Executive Officer
Council adopted the revised Instrument of Delegation.
Appointment of replacement Councillor representative to the Fort Scratchley Historical Society
Cr Peta Winney-Baartz was appointed to the Fort Scratchley Historical Society for the term 28 Nov 2018 to 11 Sept 2020, with Cr Andrea Rufo as alternate.
Tabling of Pecuniary Interest Returns
Council noted the tabling of the report for 1 August to 15 November 2018
Endorsement of Planning Agreement – 464-470 King Street (Verve Development) Newcastle
Council resolved to let the planning agreement for 464-470 King St (Verve development) lay on the table until the Feb 2019 meeting.
Endorsement of 2017/18 Annual Report
Council received the Annual Report for 2017/18 and noted the submission to the NSW Minister for Local Government.
Solar uptake on residential buildings
Council received a report outlining opportunities to boost solar, electric vehicle and battery storage uptake in residential buildings.
Adoption of the draft Community Engagement Policy
The 2018-2021 Community Engagement Policy was adopted following public exhibition.
Adoption of the draft Newcastle After Dark Strategy 2018-2022
Council adopted the strategy following a six-week public engagement period.
Exhibition of Draft Live Music Strategy
Council resolved to place the draft Live Music Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Adoption of amendment to Mayfield Alcohol Free Zone
Council resolved to adopt the amendment following public exhibition.
Commitment to Welcoming Cities Network
Council agreed to become a member of the Welcoming Cities Network.
Installation of Traffic Control Measures – Byron and Addison Streets, Beresfield
Council approved the proposed traffic control measures.
Land Acquisition – Road Purposes
Council authorised the acquisition of a small portion of privately owned land at 23 Clyde Street to facilitate an upgrade to the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde Streets, Islington.
Adoption of electricity microgrids in Newcastle
Council noted that options for the uptake of electricity microgrids in Newcastle continue to be investigated.
Notices of Motion (NOM)
NOM – Shortland Local Centre Upgrade
A NOM was supported to recognise that the Shortland Local Centre along Sandgate Road would greatly benefit from inclusion in the Local Centre Public Domain Program and to prepare a Public Domain Plan for the Shortland Local Centre.
NOM – Inner City Cycleway On Hunter Street
A NOM was supported to note the current lack of safe, separated cycleways along Hunter Street from Wickham Park to Union Street in Newcastle West and commence community consultation on the Draft West End Streetscape – Stage 2 concept plan.
NOM – Save our Recycling Campaign
A NOM was supported to endorse the Local Government NSW Save our Recycling Campaign, which calls on State Government to re-invest 100% of the waste levy into waste management and recycling activities.
Notice of Tabling Petition – Loss of public amenities Nobbys Beach
Council tabled a petition from Nobbys Action Group on loss of public amenities at Nobbys Beach.

Police have praised the good behaviour of the majority of spectators following the conclusion of the high-visibility operation for the second year of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
Operation Axils commenced last Thursday (22 November 2018), to ensure the safety and security of competitors, officials and spectators throughout the event.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Marine Area Command, Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command were involved in the operation.
Of note, officers attached to Operation Axils arrested and charged a 20-year-old woman after allegedly throwing paint at signage on the race track about 2.10am on Friday (23 November 2018). She was charged with malicious damage and granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 13 December 2018. A 21-year-old man was also arrested but later released pending further inquiries.
In a separate incident, a 40-year-old man was arrested after allegedly exposing his buttocks to police about 6pm on Saturday (24 November 2018). He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was issued with an infringement notice for offensive conduct.
Operation Axils Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, said it was positive to see the majority of racegoers behave appropriately and enjoy themselves at the event over the weekend.
“Police were out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“We were very pleased with the behaviour of most people who attended the race, and it was great to see so many families return to the city this year in support of the Newcastle 500.
“Police worked closely with Supercars and Transport NSW in the lead up and throughout the event to create a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
“There were a small number of attendees who ignored our warnings and tried to spoil the fun for others, but they were identified and dealt with quickly,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Road safety was another focus of the operation, with officers conducting more than 418 random breath tests, and issuing 215 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs), including 95 for speeding offences.
“Police will maintain a presence on the roads in and around Newcastle and major routes, to ensure motorists’ safety on their journey home,” Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.
“Our Traffic and Highway Patrol officers have done an excellent job this weekend, reminding drivers of the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With school holidays and the festive season just around the corner, police are reminding the public to leave the racing to the professionals on the track.
“We do not want to see any more tragedies on our roads and those that choose to engage in risky driver behaviour will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Special event clearways and road closures will remain in place throughout the week. Motorists are urged to visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.

Newcastle surfer and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recipient, 34-year-old Bayden Parker is currently riding a wave of success.
In the past month he has passed his Ls test and secured a new job, with the support of Challenge Disability Services social worker Abdenor and the Connexions program for young active people with low support needs.
Getting his Ls and a new job were Bayden’s goals for his NDIS plan and now he can rest easy knowing they have been achieved.
“I fell off my chair when I found out I had passed my Ls test. It was a lot of hard yakka: study, study, study,” Bayden said
“We studied the practice test on the computer and going through the book and the answers. Abdenor’s help made me feel more confident about going into the test.”
While it was Bayden’s hard work that helped him pass the test, Abdenor was on hand with words of encouragement, an extra push to keep him on track and assistance with tricky questions while he prepared.
“When we could, we would study together twice a week; he was always on time for our meetings and ready to go,” Abdenor said.
“He didn’t give up, he kept trying and involved himself thoroughly in achieving this goal. Bayden certainly put in a lot of effort.”
The second goal on Bayden’s NDIS plan was to secure a good commercial cleaning job. He recently secured a job cleaning offices and is now in the process of completing background checks and paperwork to get started.
“While I’m a commercial cleaner now, I really want to get my red Ps because I want to deliver pizzas. I think being a pizza driver will be a good way to meet more new people,” Bayden said.
“Having my license will make it easier to go for A to B, and makes me more independent. I can finally load up the trolley and fill the car with groceries, so I don’t have to carry 50 bags of shopping on the push bike.
Surfing is never far from Bayden’s mind, and having a licence will make this much easier especially when he buys a car of his own.
“I am saving up for a nice car. I want to get one that has easy access so I can throw the surfboard in and go to the beach, rather than have to carry my surfboard on a pushbike,” Bayden said.

A man will face court today charged over the alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the Lake Macquarie region.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District stopped a vehicle in the Cardiff area about 1am yesterday (Sunday 25 November 2018), and spoke to the driver, a 28-year-old man.
Following inquiries, the man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station.
A 13-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy in the car were taken into the care of police.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad were notified after the 13-year-old girl disclosed she had allegedly been sexually assaulted by the man.
Detectives charged the man with aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years, procure child under 14 years for unlawful sexual activity, and breach of bail.
Police will allege in court the man sexually assaulted the girl at a home in the Lake Macquarie area after meeting and speaking on a social media application for 12 months, prior to meeting up.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Toronto Local Court today (Monday 26 November 2018).
Investigations are continuing.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

A teen has been arrested after a girl was hospitalised following a random attack at Cessnock yesterday.
About 7.15pm (Saturday 24 November 2018), a 15-year-old girl was walking with four friends on Wollombi Road, when a vehicle stopped, and a male allegedly discharged an object.
Police will allege the girl was struck in the face with a makeshift blow dart.
She was taken to Cessnock Hospital for treatment and transferred to John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery to remove the projectile from her cheek.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District were notified and have commenced an investigation.
Police were told witnesses saw a white Toyota Hilux leave the scene. Following inquiries, the vehicle was located a short time later.
Just after 4pm today (Sunday 25 Novemner 2018), a 17-year-old male attended Cessnock Police Station and spoke with investigators.
He has been arrested and remains in custody.
The youth has been charged after a girl was hit in the face by a dart at Cessnock at the weekend.
About 7.15pm on Saturday 24 November 2018, a 15-year-old girl was walking with four friends on Wollombi Road when a vehicle stopped, and a youth allegedly discharged an object towards them.
Police will allege the girl was struck in the face with what has been described as a makeshift blow dart.
She was taken to Cessnock Hospital for treatment and transferred to John Hunter Hospital where she underwent surgery to remove a projectile from her cheek.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation and shortly after 4pm yesterday (Sunday 25 November 2018), a 17-year-old youth attended Cessnock Police Station and spoke with investigators.
He has now been charged with reckless wounding, and possess or use a prohibited weapon.
The youth has been granted conditional bail and is due to appear before a Children’s Court on Tuesday 11 December 2018

Police are appealing for public assistance after several gravesites were desecrated at a cemetery in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
Just before 6pm (Saturday 24 November 2018), a group of four males were seen causing damage at the cemetery on Awaba Road, Toronto.
Police have also been told a woman who was walking in the area was approached and intimidated by the group.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and discovered a large number of ceramic angels and statues had been smashed, and pot plants and statues were thrown on graves.
Detectives investigating the incident are seeking assistance from the public.
They would like to speak to four males, not further described, who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Anyone with information or who was in the area at the time and noticed something suspicious is urged to come forward.

A motorcyclist has died, and a passenger has been hospitalised following a motorcycle crash near Cessnock this afternoon.
Just after 1pm (Saturday 24 November 2018), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, near Duffie Drive, Neath, after reports a Kawasaki motorcycle had lost control and crashed.
The rider, a 59-year-old man, was unable to be revived and died at the scene.
The female passenger, aged in her 50s, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and have established a crime scene.
Local traffic diversions are in place as officers examine the scene and motorists are urged to monitor livetraffic.com.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The second instalment of the Newcastle 500, the city’s biggest event, has begun with the SuperUtes first on track this morning.




The City of Newcastle is supporting Hunter woman Charlotte Poynting in the SuperUtes class.

Poynting, 19, is driving a SuperUte emblazoned with the colourful Newcastle brand.
Pit crews in action this morning.



Crowds started gathering just after sunrise to score the best vantage points.

City staff are out there greeting fans and promoting Newcastle.


Hundreds gathered in Gregson Park, Hamilton, yesterday afternoon for signings by Supercars drivers before their star power lit up Beaumont Street in a parade of vintage cars.

Diners spilled out of restaurants as the procession passed in the first celebration of the four-day Entertain Newcastle festival, organised with our partners to spread the high-octane atmosphere across the city.

Darby Street will light up tonight with live music and early Christmas lights, before tomorrow sees the staging of the Supercars concert at No.1 Sportsground.

Police have launched a high-visibility operation for this year’s Coates Hire Newcastle 500 to ensure race enthusiasts enjoy the event safely.
The finale of the Supercars Australia Championship Series begins with practice laps tomorrow (Friday 23 November 2018), with the final race taking place at 3.40pm on Sunday (25 November 2018).
Operation Axils has been launched today to ensure the safety and security of more than 150,000 people, including competitors, officials and spectators expected in Newcastle this weekend.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, will be assisted by specialist police, from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.
Operation Axils Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, was joined by Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes and Supercars Australia Chief Operation Officer Shane Howard this afternoon to officially launch the operation.
“While we want everyone to have a great time, there will be a large high-visibility police presence and any anti-social or dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“Local officers and specialist police will be out in force across the event, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, alcohol-related violence, and minimising the impact on the local community.
“With over 150,000 people expected to attend, police are urging motorists to be patient, remain vigilant with speed and fatigue, and drive to the conditions.
“Race enthusiasts are also reminded that if you are caught in possession of prohibited drugs or while using prohibited drugs, you are committing a serious offence and will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Additional Traffic & Highway Patrol officers will also be deployed to ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“We were absolutely delighted with how smoothly the event ran last year and the fantastic crowd,” Supercars Australia Chief Operation Officer Shane Howard said.
“The transport system worked exceptionally well, people had a great time and it was a massive event for Newcastle,” he added.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city was excited to host the second consecutive Newcastle 500 and eager to build on last year’s glowing report card.
“The success of the inaugural Newcastle 500 and the excellent behaviour of what were massive crowds reinforced our city’s reputation as a great place for major events,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This year we’re proud once again to highlight our city and region to the world by helping deliver another exciting, safe, inclusive event for residents and visitors.”
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, special event clearways and live traffic reports, visit www.livetraffic.com.
Further information about the event, including venue maps, transport and parking availability, can be found at: www.supercars.com/newcastle/

Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District are appealing for public assistance to find a woman who hasn’t been seen since the weekend.
Police began inquiries after a handbag was handed into Muswellbrook Police Station and on Saturday 17 November 2018, its owner was identified as a 28-year-old woman from Muswellbrook.
Concerns were raised when the woman couldn’t be located, and police are now making an appeal to the public to find her.
Jacinta Roberts was last seen about 4pm that Wednesday (14 November 2018), when she was dropped off at the Aldi carpark, Muswellbrook.
Police hold serious concerns for her safety and welfare as she suffers several health-related issues.
Jacinta is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 178cm tall with a slim build, brown hair, wearing her hair in a side plait, a blue top, black pants and no shoes.
Family believe she may be travelling to Hawks Nest, Byron Bay and/or Queensland.
Anyone with information about Jacinta’s whereabouts is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police on 6542 6999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.