Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle will reinforce one of Stockton’s key coastal protection structures with 8,500 tonnes of rock to reduce the risk of the area being inundated during extreme weather events. 

Work will begin next month on a $5 million upgrade of the 600-metre long seawall adjacent to Mitchell Street, which has become progressively more exposed as a result of ongoing erosion in the area.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said this work was critical for the ongoing protection and maintenance of Stockton’s coastline.

“The renewal of the Mitchell Street seawall is essential for maintaining a stable and resilient barrier in this area of Stockton,” Ms Kikken said.

“The project will increase the height of the seawall to reduce waves going over the top in large swells and provide ongoing protection of the road, utilities, and adjacent residential properties.

“The work will also extend the design-life of the seawall to 50 years, contributing to the long-term safety and security of the community against coastal hazards.”

Extensive remediation work will be carried out, including the removal of undersized or damaged rocks, and the repair of existing gabion baskets and the concrete stormwater outlets. 

Two long-reach excavators, designed for heavy duty marine, dredging and civil applications, will operate from the top of the seawall to place the new rocks, some weighing up to 5.3 tonnes each, into position.

The work is expected to be completed by early next year.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe, who is a member of the NSW Government’s Stockton Special Advisory Panel, said this is one of the first projects to commence following the certification of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP).

“City of Newcastle is committed to working with the NSW Government to manage and preserve Stockton’s coastline now and into the future,” Cr McCabe said.

“We’re encouraged by the recent meeting of the Stockton Special Advisory Panel and efforts to push ahead with plans for mass sand nourishment as part of the NSW Government’s $21.5 million election commitment.  

“The Extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment, supported by regular sand top-ups, as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution for Stockton. 

“It also includes vital short-term actions, such as the renewal of this rock seawall, which will help secure critical public assets until mass sand nourishment is delivered.”

To learn more about the Mitchell Street seawall upgrade and the Extended Stockton CMP visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 24 March. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

City of Newcastle Committees Annual Reports

Council received 2025 annual reports from the Access and Inclusion Standing Committee, Asset Advisory Committee, Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Future Fund Governance Committee, Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee, Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Public Art Standing Committee, Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee.

Adoption of Community Land Plan of Management 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Community Land Plan of Management, which guides the future management of all Council owned or managed public land classified as ‘community’ under the Local Government Act.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2026.

Tender report – processing of FOGO 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the processing of Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) at a third-party facility for City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council. City of Newcastle conducted the tender process on behalf of the Councils.

Notices of Motion 

Strengthening seniors programming and progressing Newcastle as an age-friendly city

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to hold an expression of interest process for membership of the Seniors Reference Group. The group would continue to advise Council on the options for planning and delivery of seniors-relevant activities and strategic priorities to support Newcastle becoming a more age-friendly city.

Bringing Newcastle buses back into public hands 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the Minister for Transport and local State members for Newcastle, Charlestown and Wallsend to express support for the State Government to bring the bus contract back into public hands and provide increased funding to create a quality bus service worthy of NSW’s second largest city.

Mater maintenance mess 

Council voted to lay on the table a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Health and local State member for Wallsend seeking that the Public-Private Partnership with Novacare for the Mater Hospital be terminated and maintenance brought back into public hands.

Celebrating one million stories in Refugee Week 2026 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion for City of Newcastle to work with local agencies, schools and cultural organisations to celebrate Refugee Week 2026 as part of the Neighbourly Newy Program.

International Women’s Day 2026 – standing against domestic violence

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to request that the CEO investigate State and Federal grant funding programs alongside community organisations to support the development of a City of Newcastle Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy.

Participatory budgeting and project co-design

Council supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle explores a trial of participatory budgeting as part of the development of the 2027/28 Budget and Delivery Program, focusing on a clearly defined and manageable component of the budget to manage risks and strengthen representativeness.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman reported missing from the Hunter Valley region.

Danielle Dew, aged 55, was last seen at a business on Wollombi Road, Cessnock, about 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 28 March 2026).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for her welfare.

Danielle is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with slim build and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a plaid long-sleeve button-up shirt, light-coloured shorts, white shoes and a black bag over the shoulder.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Minns Labor Government is transforming The Station Newcastle into a world class tourism, retail and hospitality precinct in partnership with Ashbridge Capital. 

As part of a 99-year lease Ashbridge will further restore the heritage buildings and re-imagine the much-loved city landmark to create a new vibrant must visit destination for shopping, dining and community events.

Initial plans which are subject to approvals will deliver:

• a café, artisanal bakery and specialty fine foods retailers,
• restaurants with outdoor dining options,
• a wine bar and cellar door,
• a ‘gastropub’ focused on regional beers and local produce,
• a new multi-purpose function room on the top floor,
• boutique short-stay accommodation.

Ashbridge will develop a detailed design and seek approval for The Station’s heritage buildings to be refurbished and activated with a carefully selected mix of new uses.

Works to restore and enhance the buildings are expected to commence in 2027 pending approvals.

After the works are completed, The Station’s outdoor spaces will continue to be activated with community and public events such as markets, live music, charity events and family friendly activities, along with new types of events.

For information visit hccdc.nsw.gov.au/station-future

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said: 

“This is fantastic news for the Hunter. This re-development will bring the Station’s beautiful heritage buildings to life as a harbourside destination for dining, shopping and great community events that will draw locals and visitors back again and again.”

“This transformation will create new opportunities for events, dining and cultural experiences, bringing new vibrancy to a landmark destination on the foreshore.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“We’re bringing back bold, vibrant cities by enabling great new precincts like this transformative plan for The Station Newcastle.

“Projects like this are exciting because they bring new activations in our cities and put heritage buildings back to the heart of the community.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government working to protect the heritage and cultural value while supporting tourism, jobs and community connection.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“The Station is an iconic Newcastle landmark and this exciting transformation will make it a must-visit destination, providing a new space to gather, celebrate and experience a reimagined heritage space.”

“Whether you want to shop, dine or just have a wine or beer with a friend the re-imagined station will have something for everyone.

“We’ve already seen the community embrace The Station as a venue for pop up events and this project will take that activation to another level.”

HCCDC Chief Executive, Valentina Misevska said:

“Since 2018, HCCDC has kept The Station open and thriving, and delivered major landscaping, site enhancements, and a popular program of pop-up events.

“We’re continuing temporary activation throughout 2026 and will work with Ashbridge through the design, planning and approvals process to ensure ongoing activity and a smooth transition to the long-term lease.” 

“We look forward to the next phase of The Station’s life including next-level food, beverage and entertainment offerings.”

Ashbridge spokesperson, Vishant Narayan said:

“We are honoured to be entrusted with The Station’s future and are committed to carefully curating a mix of drawcard attractions with best-in-class operators.

“This will be a carefully considered and comprehensive transformation that enables modern use of the space while preserving and celebrating the building’s wonderful heritage character.

“We’re proud to have assembled a leading team, nationally and locally, to bring this vision to life, and look forward to working with the community, Council and our stakeholders.”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man after his vehicle was located abandoned in the Lake Macquire area.

Darko Tomic, aged 50, was spoken to by family members about 9am on Friday 27 March 2026.

About 8.20am today (Saturday 28 March 2026), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District responded to reports of a concern for welfare, after a vehicle was located abandoned on O’Donnelltown Road near the intersection of Railway Street, at West Wallsend.

Initial inquiries revealed Darko was the registered owner, and a land search commenced to locate him.

Police hold concerns for Darko’s welfare.

Darko is described as being of Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall, of solid build, shaved head, brown eyes and full sleeve tattoos on both arms.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Lake Macquarie Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 24 March. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Ordinary business 

City of Newcastle Committees Annual Reports

Council received 2025 annual reports from the Access and Inclusion Standing Committee, Asset Advisory Committee, Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Future Fund Governance Committee, Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee, Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Public Art Standing Committee, Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee.

Adoption of Community Land Plan of Management 

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Community Land Plan of Management, which guides the future management of all Council owned or managed public land classified as ‘community’ under the Local Government Act.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2026.

Tender report – processing of FOGO 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the processing of Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) at a third-party facility for City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council. City of Newcastle conducted the tender process on behalf of the Councils.

Notices of Motion 

Strengthening seniors programming and progressing Newcastle as an age-friendly city

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to hold an expression of interest process for membership of the Seniors Reference Group. The group would continue to advise Council on the options for planning and delivery of seniors-relevant activities and strategic priorities to support Newcastle becoming a more age-friendly city.

Bringing Newcastle buses back into public hands 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the Minister for Transport and local State members for Newcastle, Charlestown and Wallsend to express support for the State Government to bring the bus contract back into public hands and provide increased funding to create a quality bus service worthy of NSW’s second largest city.

Mater maintenance mess 

Council voted to lay on the table a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Health and local State member for Wallsend seeking that the Public-Private Partnership with Novacare for the Mater Hospital be terminated and maintenance brought back into public hands.

Celebrating one million stories in Refugee Week 2026 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion for City of Newcastle to work with local agencies, schools and cultural organisations to celebrate Refugee Week 2026 as part of the Neighbourly Newy Program.

International Women’s Day 2026 – standing against domestic violence

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to request that the CEO investigate State and Federal grant funding programs alongside community organisations to support the development of a City of Newcastle Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy.

Participatory budgeting and project co-design

Council supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle explores a trial of participatory budgeting as part of the development of the 2027/28 Budget and Delivery Program, focusing on a clearly defined and manageable component of the budget to manage risks and strengthen representativeness.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) continues to investigate a fish kill event in the Hunter River at Mount Thorley.

Teams of officers have been taking water samples and following up leads in the community each day since the EPA was informed of the fish kill by government agencies on Friday, 20 March.

NSW EPA Director Operations, David Gathercole, said the EPA has directed significant resources to the matter, and water samples are being processed by the laboratory as a high priority.

“Yesterday our officers saw live fish, including juvenile fish fry, swimming in the river and fish that appear to have died last week,” Mr Gathercole said.

“This indicates that whatever caused the fish deaths may well have passed.

“There can be many reasons for fish death events, including natural reasons, such as low dissolved oxygen or human causes such as pollution or pesticide spills. Our investigations are continuing into all possibilities.

“We have prioritised water quality testing and will let the community and industry know when water quality is within normal limits.

“We acknowledge the community’s concern about this issue and appreciate the help they have provided us. We are following up information from the community. If anyone has evidence they would like to share with us, please send it to our Environment Line via info@epa.nsw.gov.au.”

As a precaution, the EPA recommends anyone swimming in the river follows standard NSW Health advice not to drink any untreated water.

For downstream users who don’t need to extract water from the river could err on the side of caution and wait until the EPA has confirmation that the water quality is normal.

The EPA has established a meeting with representatives from various State Government agencies, Singleton Council and key stakeholders to ensure a whole of Government response to the fish kill.

Newcastle City Police have arrested one man after a second man was allegedly stabbed at a sports club near Newcastle yesterday evening.

About 7.40pm (Sunday 22 March 2026), emergency services were called to a sports club on Caldwell Street, Merewether, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and were told a man – who was working as a musician at the club – had allegedly been stabbed several times near the club’s entrance by another man.

The injured man – aged 69 – was treated by a doctor at the scene before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived to continue treatment.

He was then taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition with stab wounds to his chest and back.

The other man allegedly left the area prior to police arrival.

Police established a crime scene and Newcastle City detectives commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following inquiries, detectives arrested a 53-year-old man at a home in Stockton, about 1.40am today (Monday 23 March 2026).

He has been taken to Newcastle Police Station where investigations are ongoing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Codie Sams, aged 32, was last seen in Morisset, about 4pm on Friday 13 March 2026.

When he was unable to be contacted or located, Police were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Codie as he requires regular medication.

Codie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with short blond/brown hair, a similar coloured beard and moustache and has a tattoo on his right hand.

He was last seen wearing a green hoodie, green pants and black shoes.

Codie is known to frequent the Belmont and Newcastle areas.

City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council have joined forces to progress the development of a new kerbside collection service designed to reduce the amount of food waste ending up in landfill.

The neighbouring councils issued a joint tender last year for the processing of food and garden organics (FOGO) at a third-party facility, as part of plans to roll out a kerbside FOGO service in mid-2027.

The preferred tenderer will be considered by both Councils at their respective Council meetings next week.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said while each council would run its FOGO service independently, the collaborative approach to the tender took advantage of the available economies of scale to secure a better outcome for both communities.

“We are committed to delivering waste and recycling services that are responsible, environmentally sustainable, and commercially feasible, now and into the future,” Mr Bath said.

“While both Newcastle and Port Stephens currently accept garden organics as part of their kerbside collections, we are working towards the introduction of a new FOGO service in each local government area mid next year.

“This will allow both councils to meet the requirements of the NSW Government’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy well ahead of the statewide mandate for councils to implement a FOGO collection service by 2030.

“Collaborating on this joint tender with Port Stephens Council is a great outcome for both communities, putting aside local government boundaries to reduce duplication, enhance the competitiveness of the bid process and deliver strategic, operational and financial benefits.”

Port Stephens Council General Manager Tim Crosdale said we’re excited about this step towards implementing FOGO across Port Stephens.

“Providing a joint solution to support the introduction of FOGO will help us accelerate our progress toward state targets, reduce costs for our community and deliver a sustainable waste management service for the Port Stephens community,” Mr Crosdale said. 

City of Newcastle currently receives around 21,000 tonnes of garden organics and Port Stephens collects around 7,000 tonnes, which is transferred to at Summerhill Waste Management Centre each year before being transported to an external site to be processed into compost.

Collectively, the new FOGO services are expected to divert an additional 10,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill annually, while also reducing the methane emissions produced when food breaks down in landfill.

Managing Director of Waste Services David Witherdin said the introduction of FOGO aligns with City of Newcastle’s long-term strategy to manage the city’s waste.

“We’re implementing a range of waste management, recycling and recovery initiatives to cater for the needs of our city’s growing population,” Mr Witherdin said.

“This includes planning for the development of the next landfill cell at Summerhill, which has recently commenced, and working towards the implementation of the new weekly FOGO service, which meets the expectations of our community, who are supportive of measures to divert waste from landfill.”