Category: Newcastle News

The City of Newcastle’s popular Park and Ride service turns one today after taking 20,000 cars off inner-city streets since it was first introduced in November last year.
A total of 21,389 passengers have taken the Park and Ride from McDonald Jones stadium to the City following its introduction during the light rail construction.
Monthly users have since more than doubled, with October recording the highest rate of commuters (2,500).

_{Lambton commuter Jordan May, 22, loves how affordable the Park and Ride service is.}
On its first anniversary today, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was pleased to see such a high uptake of the service.
“There’s been a 111 per cent increase in usage, and 20,000 cars taken off the road, in the year since the service was opened to commuters,” the Lord Mayor said.
“I encourage people to continue parking and riding, and ask them to sign up there colleagues and friends. With a return fare of just $2.20, the park and ride offers a fast and convenient trip for commuters to the city, as well as a significant financial daily saving.”


The Park and Ride service was introduced last year in response to light rail construction and had more services introduced earlier this year to accommodate earlier commuters in the afternoon.
For Lambton commuter Jordan May the Park and Ride journey is a convenient, cost-saving mode of transport that she ‘loves’ taking every day.
“The reason why I love the Park and Ride service is I can catch it and I don’t have to pay $15 for parking in town every day,” she said.
“It’s really simple, comes every 15 minutes, is really really convenient and I absolutely love it.”
Buses make the return trip from the CBD to McDonald Jones stadium every 15 minutes from 7am – 9am and 3pm to 6.30pm, with CBD stops designed a few minutes’ walk to wherever you need to go.
“The Park and Ride fare will remain at just $2.20, which for those that work 48 weeks in a year, means a reduction in parking costs of more than $1,000,” Cr Nelmes said.
“It also helps free up valuable car parking for the customers that keep our city businesses ticking.”
More information on the service, visit http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/parkandride

Police have praised the good behaviour of attendees following two festivals held in Newcastle over the weekend.
The “This That” Music Festival was held at Wickham Park, Newcastle on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the “Scene and Heard” festival was held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) at the same location.
Newcastle City Police District with assistance from drug-detection dogs conducted a large police operation over the two days.
About 20,000 people attended between the two festivals.
Yesterday (Sunday 4 November 2018), 13 detections were made, with 4 people allegedly found to be possessing cannabis and cocaine.
On Saturday (3 November 2018), a total of 22 Field Court Attendance Notice’s for possession offences were issued and 7 for drug supply. A total of 3 people were transported to hospital, two for drug related illnesses.
Newcastle City Police Area Command Superintendent and Operations Commander Brett Greentree, said that the majority of festival goers across the weekend were well behaved and enjoyed the events safely.
“It was really positive to see people having a good time and heeding police warnings.
“The small number of people who ignored our advice about illegal activity were dealt with accordingly.
“Police worked closely with the promoter to ensure the events were pleasant for everyone.
“Newcastle City Police are committed to providing a safe environment to people attending festivals in this area.” Superintendent Greentree said.

A man has died and a woman has been injured after a two-vehicle crash on the state’s north yesterday.
About 1.40pm (Thursday 1 November 2018), it is believed two cars collided in the west-bound lane of Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest.
The driver and sole occupant of a 1997 model Mazda 121, a 53-year-old man, died at the scene.
The driver and sole occupant of a Kia Sportage, a 61-year-old woman, had to be extricated from her vehicle. She was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.
Police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Inquiries are underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The City of Newcastle has welcomed a decision by the Appeal Panel of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to withhold financial details relating to the Newcastle 500 that were subject to a commercial-in-confidence agreement with Supercars and Destination NSW.
In line with the Appeal Panel’s decision, the documents, including the Services Deed, have been placed on the City’s website but with the dollar amounts redacted.
The Deed was signed in 2016 by then interim CEO Peter Chrystal and sets out the rights and obligations of Supercars and Council as its “service provider”, for the five years of the Newcastle 500.
The document and its content was extensively reported upon by the Newcastle Herald on 24 August this year.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the City welcomed the Appeal Panel’s decision to respect the need for parts of the documents to remain commercial in confidence.
“The Appeal Panel agreed with City of Newcastle that the Tribunal had made errors of law in the original decision and that dollar figures were not considered in the public interest for release,” Mr Bath said.
“The City of Newcastle is committed to open and transparent governance. We had already provided the vast majority of these documents to the Newcastle East Residents Group, but with the dollar amounts redacted.
“We have a legal and commercial responsibility to support commitments made to Supercars and Destination NSW almost two years ago regarding what was commercial in confidence and what was not.”
A Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC) analysis found the inaugural Newcastle 500 boosted the local economy to the tune of $30 million and strengthened the city’s capacity to stage major events.
HRFC’s research found the Newcastle 500 delivered massive economic benefits within the Newcastle LGA, including:
• $8.94 million in direct expenditure by visitors
• $9.71 million in the flow-on effects
• $4.97 million in direct local expenditure by Supercars
• $6.5 million in flow-on effects of Supercars Australia’s local spending
The HRFC report was informed by an analysis of mobile phone data, banking records and business transactions.
The documents may be viewed on the City’s Supercars Newcastle 500 web page.

The 2018 Newcastle 500 is just around the next turn – and City of Newcastle is calling on all businesses to dress up and rev up to welcome Supercars fans into the city.
Dress up your business with Supercars livery for a chance to win an exclusive Newcastle 500 prize pack, with competition now open.

^{Members of the City’s Customer Service team dressed up our reception area in the City Administration Centre.}
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City aimed to find the business with the most striking display.
“We’re now around three weeks out until Newcastle’s biggest event, so it’s time for everyone to get into the spirit as we welcome tens of thousands of visitors to our city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Last year we saw bars decked out with chequered flags and event posters, bottle shops sporting balloons and bunting, even a day care centre with decorations custom-made by their kids.
“Lowes in the Hunter St Mall was the stand-out and last year’s winner. Their staff went above and beyond to get into the spirit of things and I reckon they will be hard to beat again this year.
“City of Newcastle is kicking things off by dressing up the foyer of the City Administration Centre as well as the Newcastle Shop located at Newcastle Museum.”
The winning business and staff will receive six three-day Newcastle 500 passes, six merchandise packs and six behind-the-scenes tours of the pit lane garages.
Here’s how to compete and win:

1. Register – Email your contact details to events@ncc.nsw.gov.au with subject “Dress up your Business”. The first 200 businesses to register will be eligible for a free starter pack.
2. Dress up your business in support of the Newcastle 500 and take a snap. You can use items provided in the starter pack, but also add extra decorations to get the Wow! factor
3. Upload your photo to the  City of Newcastle Facebook page
4. Tag @CityNewcastle.au and include #entertainnewy.

Competition closes Friday 16 November and the winner will be announced Wednesday 21 November. Conditions apply.

Police are urging event goers to enjoy themselves at this weekend’s music festivals in Newcastle but warned they won’t tolerate behaviour that risks the safety of others.
The “This That” Music Festival will be held at Wickham Park, Newcastle from 1.30pm on Saturday 3 November 2018 and the “Scene and Heard” festival will be held the following day (Sunday 4 November 2018) from 12:30pm at the same location.
Organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to attend the festivals over the weekend.
A large police operation will be conducted involving officers from Newcastle City Police District, with the assistance from drug-detection dogs.
“Thousands of people will make the journey to be involved in the two festivals and while the vast majority of people are well-behaved, police will act swiftly if you choose to do the wrong thing,” Superintendent Brett Greentree said.
“We want people to enjoy the two festivals in Newcastle this weekend, but not at the expense of other people’s safety, so make sure you behave responsibly and think before you drink.”
“Police will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour and will be targeting any illegal activity as well as alcohol-related crime.”
Additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed to ensure music fans and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely.
“Community safety is our number-one priority, and we urge festival-goers to take care of themselves and their belongings while visiting Newcastle for the festivals,” Supt Greentree said.
“Poor choices can have serious consequences and we urge all people attending these festivals to remain safe, look after your friends, and don’t risk your health or your good reputation.”

New figures reveal that Newcastle schools will get a $19.4 million funding injection from 2020 if Labor wins the upcoming Federal election.
New figures reveal that Newcastle schools will get a $19.4 million funding injection from 2020 if Labor wins the upcoming Federal election. [See below for full school-by-school list of funding increases.]
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said every student in every public school in Newcastle will be better off under Labor’s commitment to invest an extra $14.5 billion in Australia’s public schools.
“Newcastle public schools will receive an average increase of $450,000 each over three years,” Ms Claydon said.
“Parents and teachers can find out how much extra funding their school will receive at www.fairgoforschools.com.au.”
Ms Claydon said the funding would restore cuts made by the Federal Government when Scott Morrison was Treasurer.
“The Federal Government abandoned signed contracts with the New South Wales Government. This has resulted in $14.5 million worth of cuts to Newcastle schools over 2017 and 2018 alone,” Ms Claydon said.
“These cuts have meant fewer teachers, less individual attention and less support to help kids achieve their potential.”
Ms Claydon said Labor could afford to make the investment in public schools  because of decisions to scale back excessive tax concessions that largely benefit wealthy Australians.
“Labor has chosen to close a number of tax loopholes so we can afford to invest in the schools, hospitals and public services that benefit all Australians,” Ms Claydon said.
“While the Government is backing in tax breaks for the wealthy, Labor is investing in our children and our future prosperity.”

NEWCASTLE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING INCREASE UNDER LABOR
School Name	Extra Funding (Three Years from 2020)
Callaghan College Wallsend Campus	$1,430,000
Newcastle High School	$1,340,000
Kotara High School	$1,260,000
Lambton High School	$1,230,000
Hunter School of the Performing Arts	$1,160,000
Merewether High School	$1,070,000
Callaghan College Jesmond Campus	$960,000
Callaghan College Waratah Technology Campus	$830,000
The Junction Public School	$530,000
Glendore Public School	$530,000
New Lambton Public School	$510,000
Wallsend South Public School	$480,000
Maryland Public School	$470,000
Belair Public School	$450,000
Hamilton South Public School	$420,000
New Lambton South Public School	$390,000
Waratah Public School	$380,000
Lambton Public School	$370,000
Mayfield West Public School	$360,000
Elermore Vale Public School	$350,000
Adamstown Public School	$330,000
Wallsend Public School	$310,000
Shortland Public School	$310,000
Merewether Heights Public School	$300,000
Plattsburg Public School	$290,000
Tighes Hill Public School	$290,000
Kotara South Public School	$280,000
Hamilton Public School	$270,000
Stockton Public School	$260,000
Mayfield East Public School	$250,000
Newcastle Senior School	$220,000
Heaton Public School	$210,000
Jesmond Public School	$210,000
Newcastle East Public School	$200,000
Merewether Public School	$170,000
Islington Public School	$170,000
Hamilton North Public School	$160,000
Newcastle Middle School	$160,000
Waratah West Public School	$120,000
Carrington Public School	$120,000
Minmi Public School	$100,000
Kotara School	$100,000
New Lambton Heights Infants School	$70,000
Electorate Total	$19,420,000

Emergency services remain at the scene of a two-vehicle crash near Newcastle.
Just after 9.30am this morning (Wednesday 31 October 2018), emergency services were called to the intersection of Church Street and Maitland Road at Mayfield, following reports a motorcycle and a car had collided.
The rider, a man aged in his 50s, was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital with serious head injuries.
The male driver of the car was uninjured and is currently assisting police.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District, with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit, have established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Church Street and Maitland Road are closed, and a number of traffic diversions are in place. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and check www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.
As inquires continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area, is urged to come forward.

Newcastle Region Library members have a chance to clear more than $70,000 in unpaid library overdue fines while supporting people in need across Newcastle this Christmas.
Library members with outstanding fees can clear $5 for every non-perishable food item and $10 for every toiletry item they donate, from their overdue fine ledger.

Food for Five, Toiletries for Ten, which is being used effectively by libraries across Australia and around the world, commences on Monday 12 November and runs until Monday 10 December 2018.
All items collected under Food for Five, Toiletries for Ten will be donated to local emergency relief agencies OzHarvest, Got Your Back Sista and Baptist Care, who will package up the goods for needy families in the lead-up to the festive season.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said now is a great time for members to return to the Library.
“If it’s been awhile since you visited one of our libraries or maybe your fines have been outstanding for ages, come on back.
“Now is the perfect chance to get those fines reduced, do some good for the community and check out the library’s fabulous new resources and programs for everyone in the family.”
Newcastle Region Library aims to significantly reduce the total amount of outstanding overdue fines, more than $70,000, from the past 12 months, through this initiative.
City of Newcastle’s Manager Libraries Suzie Gately encourages people to contact the library if they’re uncertain whether they have overdue fines or to what amount.
“Simply ring us at 4974 5342 with your library card handy to give us your member number, and we can easily look up your fines,” she said.
“Last year in Newcastle alone, more than $13,000 in fines were cleared, resulting in donations of 1400 food items and 1320 toiletry items for community distribution.
“This is the third year that Newcastle Region Library has participated and, given the overwhelming response in previous years, we anticipate another successful campaign.”
There is no limit to the amount in fines that can be paid off with food and toiletry donations, but they will only be accepted to clear overdue charges. Payment for lost or damaged library items must be paid with cash or EFTPOS.

Novocastrians living and working in suburbs from Wallsend to Merewether can now sign up to receive free flood warnings that could potentially save lives.
The flood alert service is now being rolled-out across most of Newcastle following positive feedback in a successful trial among Wallsend residents in 2016.
As a result, seven new catchment areas have been added to the alert list. People can register to receive text messages, emails or voicemail alerts in these areas. Information about the flood alerts can be viewed online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/floodalert.

The service aims to provide an early warning to residents and businesses based on three key risks:
·         Flash flooding caused by intense heavy rainfall in urban areas
·         Mainstream flooding caused by inundation when the Hunter River breaks its banks
·         Ocean storm surges flooding in low-lying areas
Each warning carries a minor, moderate or major level of risk depending on the expected flood event likely to occur, and will also include a recommended action on how to respond.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the extension of the service would enable residents of low-lying areas to stay informed of local flooding in general.
“Flooding affects up to one third of all properties in Newcastle and it’s important for all residents to be aware of their flood risk – not just at home, but at work, school or other places you visit frequently,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Recent history tells us that flooding can occur in Newcastle very quickly and sometimes there can be less than an hour of warning between the beginning of a storm and the onset of flooding.
“Forewarned is forearmed and this alert service, delivered straight to people’s fingertips, will help keep them informed about a possible flooding event and give them time to consider their options to stay safe.”
To learn more about this service and to sign up online for free flood alerts, visit Newcastle.nsw.gov.au/floodalert.