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Multimillion-dollar community facility coming soon to Blackbutt Reserve

Food for the body and the mind will be on the menu at Blackbutt Reserve as part of a $3 million community-focused project set to get underway next month.

Featuring a new cafe and environmental education space, the multipurpose community facility will provide an enhanced experience for the more than 150,000 people who visit City of Newcastle’s (CN) 182-hectare nature reserve each year.

Kingston Building director Matt Howard, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, CN Assistant Project Manager Rachael Evans, Councillor Margaret Wood, Blackbutt and Natural Areas Manager Andrew Staniland at Blackbutt ReserveKingston Building director Matt Howard, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, CN Assistant Project Manager Rachael Evans, Councillor Margaret Wood, Blackbutt and Natural Areas Manager Andrew Staniland at Blackbutt ReserveConstruction will begin in March and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, after Councillors voted last night to accept a tender for the project.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will complement Blackbutt Reserve’s existing attractions, offering a new space to gather and dine whilst taking in the tranquil natural surroundings and animal experiences.

“As the green heart of our city, Blackbutt Reserve welcomes countless locals and visitors each year who take advantage of the picturesque walking trails, unique native wildlife exhibits and family-friendly playgrounds,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The construction of this multipurpose community facility and cafe will improve an already popular attraction and offer a space for all members of our community to relax and enjoy the surroundings, with an accessible design catering for people with diverse mobility and other sensory needs.

“This project will deliver one of the final stages of our $10 million investment to deliver the Carnley Avenue Recreation Area Masterplan from the Blackbutt Plan of Management, that I developed more than a decade ago with the community after fighting to save this wonderful community asset.”

An artist's impression of the new Blackbutt Reserve cafe and community facilityAn artist’s impression of the new Blackbutt Reserve cafe and community facilityThe facility will replace the existing temporary kiosk and will include a cafe with an undercover dining and seating area, as well as a multipurpose space where community and school groups can gather, hold events or learn about the environment.

Cr Nelmes said Council is continuing to deliver quality facilities, with new and redeveloped dining destinations currently in the pipeline as part of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery, the Bathers Way project at South Newcastle Beach and the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

A new operator is also being sought for the café at Lambton Park, which will undergo a major renovation, while the refurbished kiosk at Dixon Park Beach has been incredibly popular since it reopened in 2022.

“By investing in these projects, we will continue to make our recreational and cultural facilities welcoming places for both locals and visitors, while also helping to support new jobs and opportunities for hospitality operators in our community,” Cr Nelmes said.

The cafe and multipurpose community facility have been partially funded by the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.

Cliff works underway at South Newcastle Beach to enhance public safety

With work on the lower promenade at South Newcastle Beach now complete, specialist contractors have today begun final work to stabilise a section of the cliff face located to the south of the Bathers Way upgrade.

The area is known by the Awabakal name Yirannali, which means “a place of falling rocks”, and is a key point of interest on the Newcastle Coastal Geotrail given the fracturing of layers of coal and sandstone unique to this location.

City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said this work is an important step before re-opening the nearby pathway to the community.

“We anticipate that we will see a significant increase in foot traffic compared to historic levels when we open the lower promenade and re-establish the connection from Newcastle Beach up to King Edward Park,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“While the work on the lower promenade is now complete, the contractor working on the cliff face has requested it remain closed to pedestrians while they complete the cliff stabilisation work.

“The area has a history of rockfall, I’m sure many people remember the large rock that fell in 2002.

“Public safety is our highest priority so it’s important that we reduce any risk to the community.”

The work involves installation of a series of rock bolts, while specialised machinery will be used to seal areas of soft rock to reinforce the cliff face.

“We anticipate some short periods of disruption to the flow of traffic and pedestrians along Watt Street in March due to crane movements when the sealing works take place, but much of the work is undertaken using hand tools with workers abseiling from the top of the cliff line,” Mr Dudgeon said.

The specialist contractor will work in close collaboration with Daracon who are working to complete the construction of the Bathers Way upgrade after the original contractor Lloyd Group entered voluntary administration in March last year.

The Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach upgrade features a shared path from Shortland Esplanade to King Edward Park, improvements to parking, landscaping, lighting and accessibility, the installation of fitness equipment, shade, seating and viewing areas, as well as a new café/kiosk and accessible amenities.

The project also includes a $1.6 million upgrade to the skate park with wheelchair-accessible skate bowl and terrain park, which will complement the advanced-level facilities at Empire Park and provide a unique drawcard to promote ongoing visitation and activation of this area.

The upgrade remains on track for completion in mid-2024.

$20 million funding injection for regional horse racing

The NSW Labor Government has welcomed Racing NSW’s investment of almost $20 million in country and provincial racetracks.

The Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, has made supporting regional racing a focus since taking on the role. 

The Racing NSW Board has committed to this significant capital works program, prioritising shovel ready projects, including new stabling, track upgrades and other infrastructure improvements. 

Goulburn racecourse will receive the most significant funding, $9.5 million, to construct 80 new stables and supporting infrastructure, with these works already having the necessary development approvals. 

Wyong racecourse has secured more than $1.5 million for irrigation and drainage upgrades, as well as a new machinery shed. 

Gosford racecourse will have a new home turncamber constructed on the course proper at a cost of $2.0 million. 

This project will greatly improve the competitiveness of racing at Gosford, with works to commence immediately following The Coast race meeting in May 2024. 

Dubbo, Albury, Wagga and Grafton have received funding for new or improved training tracks, with these works ready for immediate commencement. 

Ballina will receive funding for a complete irrigation system upgrade to ensure the club is able to efficiently and reliably manage their training and racing surfaces. 

Racing Orange will receive funding for refurbishment of existing oncourse stabling that is currently vacant, adding to the volume of horses in training at the venue. 

Racing is a $3.3 billion industry in the state, with more than 90,000 people involved as employees, participants or volunteers and the flow on effects sustain more than 50,000 local jobs, either directly or indirectly. 

Critically, more than half the racing industry’s economic impact is in rural and regional NSW. 

Racing NSW has spent over $125 million in the past 10 years improving the safety and reliability of racing and training facilities in NSW. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris: 

“This funding injection is welcome. It’s about creating local jobs in our rural and regional areas which are more critical than ever before. 

“Thoroughbred racing is an economic powerhouse in regional NSW, providing around 17,700 direct jobs and contributing almost $2 billion to the state’s economy.

“Regional racecourses and clubs play a crucial role in developing our state’s world-class thoroughbreds and creating the champion racehorses of the future. 

“This funding injection is also about futureproofing the industry. 

“This significant investment in infrastructure, as well as a pipeline of trained workers from the Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy established by Racing NSW at Scone, creates a safe and sustainable future for the industry. 

“Local jobs in rural and regional areas have flow-on effects across the whole economy and for our communities. 

“The NSW Government understands the value that racing brings to NSW and will continue to support it being the number one state for thoroughbred racing in the country.”

New manufacturing program to change the game for building NSW public schools

Dozens of new and upgraded public school and preschool facilities will be built under an innovative new program that employs modern methods of construction to deliver high quality, sustainable schools in a shorter timeframe while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

The Manufacturing for Schools program incorporates a range of cutting-edge construction techniques including digital technologies, off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements to deliver high quality school buildings faster and at a lower cost than with traditional construction methods.

The program brings together industry professionals via a Manufacturing Partner responsible for connecting the supply chain to deliver the ‘kit of parts’ for new and upgraded schools across the state’s growth areas. A contract has been awarded to The APP Group for the manufacturing partnership.

The Manufacturing for Schools program is expected to deliver cost savings of up to 20 per cent and slash construction time by up to 30 per cent.

At Oran Park Public School, a Stage 2 upgrade that opened for students to use on Day 1, Term 1, 2024, was installed on site in eight weeks. From design to completion, the project took a total of 13 months.

The construction approach prioritises students and growing school communities, especially in high growth areas such as North-Western and South-Western Sydney.

There are plans currently under way to deliver more than 30 new and upgraded schools under the Manufacturing for Schools program, including new primary schools at Sydney Olympic Park and Box Hill/The Gables, and high schools at Jordan Springs, Gregory Hills/Gledswood Hills, Schofields/Tallawong, Leppington and Medowie.

The program is also being deployed to rebuild schools on the North Coast that were devastated by floods, and deliver the majority of 100 public preschools across NSW at locations recently announced.

In addition to faster build times and reduced costs, the new program will reduce carbon emissions, material waste and water waste on sites in comparison with traditional construction methods.

Manufacturing in a controlled factory environment, combined with the shorter build times, also ensures less noise and overall disruption to student learning for projects on existing school sites.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Manufacturing for Schools program represents the future – a major shift in our approach to designing, building, and delivering new schools and facilities for students and families in NSW.

“This is an economical, sustainable, and speedy solution that will deliver school facilities meeting the needs of our growing population, while getting better bang for taxpayers’ buck.

“In challenging times like natural disasters, the program’s speed and efficiency will ensure a swift rebuilding process, allowing us to reinstate the schooling routine for affected students and families promptly.

“I am proud we are leading the way with industry partners to deliver a new era of school building through this innovative program.

“This future-focused strategy for sustainable and modern school building will ensure we can support teachers and students to achieve outstanding learning outcomes.”

Ministerial media release27 February 2024

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The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its election commitment to ensure every family in NSW has the option of choosing a co-ed public high school, with thousands of families across Sydney set to benefit from next year. downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

Couples leap for love on once-in-four-year opportunity

Fourteen couples will tie the knot today on a date that comes around just once every 4 years, in special Leap Year ceremonies offered by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Another couple will also take the opportunity to renew their vows on their ‘first’ wedding anniversary, after tying the knot with the Registry exactly 4 years ago.

Since 2004, more than 900 couples have chosen to get married in NSW on a leap day, with more than 450 couples celebrating their ‘first’ anniversary this year despite being married for 4 years.

To make the occasion even more memorable, the couples will be among the first to enjoy the Registry’s new Pyrmont venue, which offers water views and a convenient location close to Sydney’s CBD for those celebrating a wedding.

The new venue is bigger and more accessible than its predecessor in Chippendale, with 2 wedding rooms couples can choose from – or merge to accommodate up to 70 guests.  

Ceremonies at the Pyrmont Registry start from $477 and include a celebrant, marriage certificate and private room with up to 30 guests. 

For those who prefer simplicity, Legal-Only ceremonies are available with just 2 witnesses and a celebrant in a small room.

Get more information on getting married at the new Pyrmont Registry.

Bookings must be made at least 1 month prior to the wedding date.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“What is more memorable than getting married on February 29, the rarest date on the calendar?”

“Couples not only get to enjoy their special day with 30 of their nearest and dearest, but also the novelty of a leap year wedding – with only one anniversary every 4 years to remember and exchange gifts for!”

“A Registry wedding is also incredibly affordable, starting at just $477, making it a great option at the moment when cost of living pressures are impacting people across NSW.”

NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrar Theresa Fairman said:

“The new Pyrmont Registry is where affordability meets elegance, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate their love without compromising on quality.”

“We extend our warmest congratulations to all the couples who chose to marry on this special leap year day and hope your union is filled with joy, laughter, and countless memories as you journey through life together.”

A Sound future for music in NSW

The ten-year plan to rebuild the music sector in NSW takes another important step forward as Sound NSW holds its first advisory board meeting of representatives from a cross-section of the industry.

Sound NSW is delivering a ten-year Contemporary Music Strategy, as well as policies and funding programs, including soundproofing of live music venues to counter some of the noise complaint issues that have dogged the sector in recent years.

To inform the strategy, Sound NSW is conducting research into NSW’s live music ecosystem with insights due by the middle of the year.

Emily Collins has been appointed as Head of Sound NSW following a competitive recruitment process by the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade to drive and deliver this music agenda. Collins and her team will be supported by an artist and industry Advisory Board.

The 12-strong Advisory Board is now complete following the final appointments of three new members – Jane Slingo, Kristy Peters (KLP), and Tanya Ali.

The board will consider initiatives to support the contemporary music sector and encourage collaboration and innovation, and identify investment opportunities.

The full Sound NSW Advisory Board is:

  • Vyvienne Abla, Director, 4E Hip Hop Festival
  • Tanya Ali, Managing Director, FBi Radio
  • Tyla Dombroski, Director, Crowbar Sydney 
  • Jessica Ducrou (Chair), co-CEO, Secret Sounds
  • Annabelle Herd, CEO ARIA and PPCA 
  • Matthew Jeffrey, Delegate, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
  • Lucy Joseph, Live and Local Program Manager, Live Music Office 
  • Tim Leha, Independent Indigenous media specialist
  • Dean Ormston, CEO, APRA AMCOS
  • Kristy Lee Peters, Musician/DJ, KLP
  • Jane Slingo, Executive Producer, Electronic Music Conference
  • John Watson (Deputy Chair), founder and president of John Watson Management and Eleven: A Music Company

See the full list of members and biographies

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said: 

“Through Sound NSW, the music industry has a dedicated Government office committed to the development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.

“Working together with industry, Sound NSW will help the government to move the dial on our commitment to support the venues that sustain and grow our music industry.

“With a board full of nationally significant leaders from across the music industry and Emily Collins heading up the team at Sound NSW, work is underway to deliver on our election commitment to double live music venues and support contemporary music in NSW.

“Sound NSW has been given the direction to champion and invest in the contemporary music sector to deliver positive outcomes for artists and audiences alike through targeted programs and advocacy.”

Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins, said: 

“It is an exciting time for Sound NSW as we really start to break our stride and deliver on our 
priorities to nurture creative careers, encourage innovation, enhance export opportunities, and 
create positive outcomes for artists, industry professionals, music businesses, and audiences.

“With a new Sound NSW team in place, an Advisory Board of music experts and the support of 
Government, NSW is on track to become a global music powerhouse and a thriving heartland for our national industry.”

Foreign licence holders given deadline to get a NSW licence

As part of the NSW Government’s focus on road safety, all motorists driving on a foreign licence will now have a maximum of six months to convert to a NSW licence if they want to reside in the state and remain on the road.

The tightening of overseas licence usage removes a loophole left behind by the previous government that only required new arrivals to NSW from 1 July 2023 to convert their licence within six months of residing here.

Under Regulation changes announced today, anyone who has been driving on an overseas licence – regardless of when they arrived in NSW – will also be required to switch to a NSW licence. Existing residents will have 12 months from tomorrow to undertake this process.

The loophole led to thousands of drivers racking up demerit points but remaining beyond the reach of NSW authorities.

In one case, a driver accrued more than 35 demerit points, an outcome unthinkable to the nearly seven million other drivers in NSW.

Many drivers – some of whom have spent years on a foreign licence – will need to pass a practical driving test to remain behind the wheel. Others, whose licenses are from countries which have road systems more compatible with NSW, will need to simply convert their licence.

In the five-year period between 2018-2022 there were 23 fatal crashes and 468 serious injury crashes involving a driver or rider on an overseas licence in NSW.

According to preliminary data from 2023, a further five fatal crashes involved drivers or riders not on an overseas licence.

Drivers who have been using a foreign licence before July 1 last year and want to remain on the road must now obtain a NSW licence by 1 March 2025.

This timeframe will allow Service NSW sufficient time to process tests and licences while still handling the normal flow of learner and provisional licence tests.

To absorb the increased demand, Service NSW has opened a Driver Testing Centre in Macquarie Fields, a second dedicated driver testing centre along with one in St. Marys.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The changes announced today are squarely aimed at ensuring the safety of all seven million drivers on our roads. More drivers on a NSW licence sooner will improve the standard of driving in NSW and therefore safety overall.

“The former government talked tough in this area but what they left behind was a work-lite, safety left in the backseat, compromise that squibbed the challenge in this space.

“This Regulation change means no one will be able to drive around for years and years on NSW roads without coming under the NSW licence system. The Government is not going to cop people running up demerit points with impunity.

“When everyone comes under the same set of rules then safety is enhanced, but for belligerent rule breakers who have had a place to hide behind overseas licences, they will now face the full force of NSW law.”

Minister for Customer Service, Jihad Dib said:

“Settling into a new country can be challenging enough, which is why Service NSW is making driver testing as quick and easy as possible by opening another centre dedicated to helping new arrivals, as well as local residents, get on the road sooner.”

“The new Macquarie Fields Driver Testing Centre will guide temporary visa holders through every step of the process to get them on the road as quickly, and more importantly, as safely as possible.”

Realising Australia’s strategic partnership with the Philippines

Prime Minister Albanese and President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr reaffirmed the strong relationship Australia and the Philippines share during the President’s first official visit to Australia this week.

President Marcos’ address to a joint sitting of the Australian Parliament highlighted the close cooperation between Australia and the Philippines under our upgraded Strategic Partnership, signed by Leaders last year, and our shared commitment to an open, resilient and prosperous region.

Leaders’ announced the following new Memoranda of Understanding to implement key priorities of our Strategic Partnership, including:

  • Enhanced Maritime Cooperation to strengthen our existing civil and defence maritime commitments;
  • Cyber and critical technology to harden our resilience against cyber attacks and encourage cooperation on the digital economy; and
  • Cooperation between our national competition commissions to enhance effective competition law and policy.

The Prime Minister also announced a new $20 million investment to support the Philippines to reform, and improve access to, its justice system.

Next week the Prime Minister will welcome President Marcos and other Southeast Asian leaders to Melbourne to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue at the Australia-ASEAN Special Summit.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Philippines is one of Australia’s key partners in Southeast Asia – we share a vision for an open, stable and prosperous region.

“The President’s historic address to the Australian Parliament articulated our shared vision for the region and for the thriving Australia-Philippines relationship.

“Our nations have never been closer, and realising opportunities through our Strategic Partnership will bring great benefits to Australians and Filipinos.

“I look forward to continued discussions with President Marcos at the ASEAN-Australia Summit.”

TRANSPHOBIC LIBERALS TRY ANOTHER STUNT TO PEDDLE HATE

After tabling his transphobic and homophobic bill to Parliament last year, Senator Alex Antic has brought on a motion today to have his bill referred to committee.

But like everything Antic does, this is just a stunt to justify more hate speech in Parliament.

The Australian Greens LGBTIQA+ Spokesperson, Stephen Bates MP, condemns this bill and Antic’s shameful attempt to import American culture wars to Australia.

Stephen Bates MP, Australian Greens LGBTIQA+ Spokesperson said:

Antic is trying once again to ram through an inquiry for him and his far right buddies to spruik hate and misinformation — putting kids’ lives at risk.

These transphobes are desperate for media attention so they can pretend their fringe views have any relevance here. 

An inquiry is just another platform for stunts and another excuse to go on Sky News After Dark. 

The Senator has the implicit backing of the Liberal Party in introducing his bill and goes to show that you can never trust the Liberals with LGBTIQA+ rights.

We should not give this man and his crusade against trans kids any more oxygen. We should stop this bill and any more fake debate. 

Transphobia has no place in our Parliament. Trans rights are non-negotiable. 

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 27 February 2024

Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 27 February 2024 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 27 February 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Newcastle’s Citizens of the Year and Australia Day 2024 Honours List recipients

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported congratulating 2024 Citizen of the Year, Professor Nathan Bartlett, Young Citizen of the Year, Olivia Hughes, Senior Citizen of the Year, Emeritus Professor Julie Byles and Community Group of the Year, The LIVEFree Project. Congratulations also go to the 15 Novocastrians who received awards in the recent Australia Day 2024 Honours List.

Roads to Recovery and Financial Assistance Grant support

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program that will strongly support Council in delivering our Annual Works Program and Operational Plan, and will support our work to improve town centres, build new playgrounds, address climate change at the local level, provide beach lifeguards and deliver other important services to our community.

Ordinary business 

Change to 2024 adopted meeting schedule

Council unanimously voted to adopt a change in Council’s 2024 meeting cycle; moving the Council Committee meeting from 19 November to 12 November 2024.

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 November 2023 to 31 January 2024 by the CEO.

December Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – December Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

Newcastle Maritime Museum Society (NMMS) collection storage facility lease 

Council voted to extend leases with Venues NSW and a private rental facility for the storage of the NMMS’s collection and paper-based records and archives for a maximum period of 12 months until 21 March 2025. Council will also extend the current in-kind storage support at various CN sites for other NMMS owned items for a maximum period of two years. Council noted that the NMMS remains responsible for the storage, management, relocation and ongoing care of its collection.

Cancellation of easement – 65 Portside Crescent, Maryville

Council unanimously voted to cancel an existing easement at 65 Portside Crescent, Maryville.

Traise Street, Waratah – kerb realignment and footpath

Council unanimously voted to approve kerb realignment and footpath connections on Traise Street, Waratah.

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report

Council unanimously voted to table the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Report for the 2022/2023 financial year and note the 2023/2024 Forward Internal Audit Plan.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for January 2024.

Tender report – Blackbutt Cara Kiosk and Community Facility 

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for construction of a new kiosk and community facility at Carnley Avenue, Blackbutt.

Tender report – Memorial Drive, The Hill – road embankment 

Council voted to accept a tender for the Memorial Drive, The Hill, road embankment.

Newcastle Art Gallery partnership agreement

Council unanimously voted to endorse a partnership agreement between Newcastle Art Gallery and the University of Newcastle for a period of four years, which will provide valuable opportunities for learning and professional development that will enrich the city’s cultural and academic landscape.

Notices of Motion 

Bring the Rugby World Cup to Newcastle 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to write to the organisers of the Rugby World Cup advocating for Newcastle be considered a Host City for the men’s and women’s events, which will be held in Australia in 2027 and 2029 respectively.

Celebrating 150 years of local government in Wallsend 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion reaffirming its support for the planned large-scale community event in August to commemorate Wallsend’s 150th anniversary as a municipality. Council will seek grant funding support under the NSW Government Vibrant Streets Package Open Streets Program for this event.

Fairness for regional hospital workers 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledges with disappointment the reinstatement of paid parking for staff at John Hunter Hospital came on 1 February. Council questions the NSW Government’s inclusion of JHH in the paid parking program, given the re-introduction of paid parking is for metropolitan hospitals only, and notes how this situation again highlights the inconsistent manner in which the Newcastle Local Government Area is sometimes classified as regional and sometimes metropolitan, and the financial impact of this inconsistency on our community.