Appeal for information following child approach – Hunter Valley

Police are appealing for assistance following a reported child approach incident in the state’s north last month.

Police were told between 4.30pm and 5.15pm on Saturday 23 August 2025, a 13-year-old girl was walking along Doyle Street, Bellbird, when a utility vehicle stopped next to the girl, and the driver asked if she wanted a lift.

The driver attempted to get out of his car as the girl refused and managed to run away. The driver left the scene.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced investigations.

The driver is described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be in his 60s or 70s, with light grey hair, grey beard with a dark colour at the bottom, and a crooked nose.

Following inquiries, police have released CCTV images of a vehicle seen in the area at the time of the incident.

The vehicle is described as being a two-door black/chalky appearance utility – possibly an older model Ford – with white flames going along the side of the car, a spoiler on the tray, and black rims.

HEXHAM BRIDGE TAKES SHAPE AS FINAL GIRDERS LOCKED INTO PLACE

The Albanese and Minns Governments are forging ahead with one of the Hunter’s most significant infrastructure projects, with the final girders now in place on the new northbound bridge over Ironbark Creek (Toohrnbing) on the Hexham Straight Widening.
A total of 65 girders have been lifted into place by a 400-tonne crane. Each girder weighs around 20 tonnes – equivalent to the weight of 10 family cars – and forms the foundation of the new three-lane northbound bridge.
The Hexham Straight upgrade is a key part of the $2.2 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
With around 50,000 vehicles using this stretch of road each day, the project aims to relieve congestion, improve safety and provide more reliable travel for both commuters and freight operators.
Transport for NSW and its delivery partners – an alliance of Georgiou, Daracon Contractors and SMEC – are now focused on completing the bridge deck, installing barriers and progressing final road surfacing.
The new northbound bridge is expected to open to traffic by early 2026, weather permitting.
This six-kilometre upgrade between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge will see the current two-lane dual carriageway widened to three lanes in each direction, removing a well-known bottleneck and helping to future-proof the region’s road network.
Motorists are already seeing the transformation take shape, and more changes will become visible as construction continues. Some temporary lane closures and speed reductions will be required at times, with updates available through Live Traffic NSW.
The M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace includes the Hexham Straight Widening and is being delivered with $1.8 billion from the Australian Government and $448 million from the NSW Government. The entire upgrade is expected to open to traffic in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“There will be no sub-par work on this project. This is one of the most important road corridors in the Hunter, and we are building infrastructure that will last – not just for today, but for decades to come.
“In the 1870’s, the first timber truss bridge was opened over Ironbark Creek, connecting Newcastle to Maitland.
“Now we’re seeing the final girder placed on a brand new, modern bridge that will carry this connection forward for generations.”
Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon:
“This is an exciting step forward on one of Newcastle and the Hunter’s most critical road projects.
“Once complete, this upgrade will make trips faster, safer, and more reliable for the more than 50,000 motorists who use this stretch every day.
“We’re delivering real progress on this long-awaited project, and this milestone brings us another step closer to the finish line.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:
“The final girder lift is a major step forward for the Hexham Straight upgrade – a project that will ease congestion, improve safety, and support local jobs right here in our region.
“I’m proud to see this progress delivered thanks to a strong collaboration between the Australian and NSW Governments. With $1.8 billion in federal funding, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace project is a major investment in our region’s future – and the Hexham Straight Widening is a critical step towards its completion.
“A big thank you to all the commuters for your patience during construction, and to the incredible roadworkers and project teams for their hard work in making the Hexham Straight Widening a reality.”
Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:
“It’s fantastic to see the Hexham Straight Widening project ticking off another significant milestone.
“Motorists will be able to see the bridge come together before their very eyes over the next few months as our teams continue carrying out this important upgrade.”
Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:
“A big well done to the Hexham Straight Widening team who have worked tirelessly on upgrading this important stretch of the Pacific Highway.
“Once complete, this project will improve traffic flow for motorists and freight which mean safer journeys and more reliable travel times.”

RAAF Base Townsville prepares for Apache fleet

The foundations are almost complete and the first structures are beginning to take shape as RAAF Base Townsville forges ahead with infrastructure works, to prepare for the arrival of Australian Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet. 

The Albanese Government is investing $700 million for critical infrastructure upgrades and facilities works in Townsville. The works support the introduction of the Apache helicopters, including accommodation for the 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters who recently relocated from Brisbane, and for the 1st Aviation Regiment who have commenced their relocation from Darwin.

The Apache is the most advanced helicopter currently in operation. Its introduction into service will be a step change in Army’s aviation capability.

Basing Apache in Townsville alongside the expanded CH-47F Chinook fleet allows Army to generate, sustain and deploy a stronger and more resilient helicopter capability for Defence.

These critical infrastructure works are part of the Albanese Government’s focus on investing in Australia’s northern bases, in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Works underway include:

  • New aircraft hangars, as well as renovations to existing hangars;
  • New working accommodation;
  • New training and command facilities;
  • A simulation hall to accommodate Apache Pilot Simulation Training and the Army Aviation Training Centre Attack Helicopter Wing; and
  • Multi-storey car park facilities to support personnel working at the base. 

The construction phase of the project is set to inject $375 million into the North Queensland economy and bring significant investment into local construction trades, industries and suppliers. At the peak of construction, more than 275 jobs will be created within the Townsville region.

Defence has partnered with CPB Contractors as the managing contractor for the works, who are committed to generating opportunities for local tradies to upskill. This commitment to offer new entry-level pathways to locals, supports the Albanese Government’s aim to build stronger capability within north Queensland’s workforce. 

Construction works are expected to be completed by 2028. 

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“By strengthening our northern bases, we’re not just investing in infrastructure —we’re safeguarding our national security and ensuring the ADF can defend Australia’s interests. 

“RAAF Base Townsville is critical to our operations in the North and this $700 million transformation will help ensure Australia’s Defence estate is fit for purpose and ready to support operations in our region. 

“We’re also committed to supporting the local industry and businesses who have been chosen to help deliver the program of works, which will create more than 275 new jobs for North Queenslanders.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Nita Green:

“RAAF Base Townsville plays an important role in protecting our nation and our communities. There’s no clearer example of that than the role played by the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment in the response to the most recent North Queensland floods. 

“These upgrades will support the personnel that support the community. That’s why they are so vital for Townsville.”

Minns’ captains call on nuclear subs approaches

The NSW Government is preparing a final business case for cabinet which would allow nuclear submarines to dock at the Port of Newcastle or Port Kembla. No community consultation has been undertaken on the proposed nuclear submarine sites in Newcastle or the Illawarra despite documents, provided to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) by the NSW Government, showing the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is finalising their recommendations.  

The NCAT hearing and documents are the result of a challenge by Senator Rex Patrick after the NSW Government refused to release documents under freedom of information laws.  

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment, Sue Higginson:   

“The people of Newcastle and the Illawarra are in the crosshairs of the Federal Government’s plan to host nuclear tools of war and long lasting toxic waste from the United States – and it’s all happening behind closed doors,”   

“Premier Chris Minns is picking up where Peter Dutton left off, with no plan for where their inevitable nuclear waste will be stored, but he’s going further making us and our ports vulnerable military targets,”   

“It’s a disaster plan in every sense. The people of NSW and Australia have been so clear about our rejection of nuclear and all of its dangers, but here we have what seems to be another reckless captains call from Minns,”  

“These decisions, happening a long way from the affected communities, represent a seismic shift in policy for NSW when it comes to nuclear machines of war and nuclear waste storage. We shouldn’t accept that these massive decisions can only be made by Premiers or Prime Ministers, we must have early and transparent consultation sitting at the heart of these kinds of moves,”  

Greens Councillor for the Illawarra, Jess Whittaker:   

“Chris Minns and Labor shouldn’t underestimate the grassroots community opposition to war activities in the Illawarra. We have a long and proud history as a peaceful city and allowing the arrival of nuclear submarines will be strongly opposed.”  

Greens Councillor for Newcastle, Charlotte McCabe:   

“The NSW and Australian Governments seem determined to make Newcastle a centre for weapons investment, this is the last thing that our community needs or wants. We have a growing young person population in our city, and they want stronger climate action and support for essential community services, slapping a nuclear submarine in our beautiful harbour is not on the agenda.”

PM picked a climate target last year and without hearing climate doomsday report findings, witnesses reveal

The Prime Minister has not been briefed by the authors of the doomsday Climate Risk Report, and appears to have pre-determined the upcoming 2035 climate target potentially over six months ago and without having considered the dire warnings for Australian society given by scientists, according to explosive revelations in the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications on Tuesday.

Representatives of the Australian Climate Service (ACS, the agency responsible for the National Climate Risk Analysis) told the Greens-led hearing that they had been unable to brief the Prime Minister on the report’s diabolical contents (clip available here, 9:23-9:26 from the inquiry).

The inquiry also heard from Treasury officials that they have modelled just one figure for a 2035 emissions reduction target, and that work commenced prior to the last election, suggesting Labor pre-determined a climate target without first evaluating the catastrophic risk to Australians, and kept it hidden at the election. (Climate Risk Inquiry Hearing, 11:10-11:11 & 11:17-11:18)

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“Today we found out the Prime Minister hasn’t even met with the scientists who authored the climate doomsday report.

“1.5 million people are at risk of their homes constantly flooding or falling into the sea in the next 25 years, but the Prime Minister doesn’t want to know about it.

“I’m sure it was easier to approve the North West Shelf gas project with your fingers in your ears, ignoring the real-life terrifying trajectory Australia is on towards climate collapse in the next 25 years.

“The Prime Minister will soon announce Australia’s climate target, but was apparently too busy to talk to the researchers about 1.5 million displaced people, a collapsing health system, crop failures creating food insecurity and the national security implications of the target he’s chosen.

“Treasury officials admitted today that they modelled a single climate target months ago. When they inevitably say they got the balance right, the first question should be how do you know, since Treasury never modelled another scenario.

“Anything less than zero emissions by 2035 locks in the worst scenarios contained in this report.

“Leaders in the business community including Fortescue, Volvo and Unilever have called for a target of at least 75% to incentivise the renewable transition.

“The systemic collapse of climate change will be this Prime Minister’s legacy if he doesn’t set a strong climate target this week and stop approving new coal and gas projects.”

Labor should hit social media companies where it hurts: Greens

Greens respond to Communications Minister Anika Wells’ announcement today of the final rules for social media ban.

Greens Spokesperson for Communication, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“The Government’s newly released rules for the social media ban today show what a farce this ban is.

“Rather than policing the sharks, the government is just hoping kids don’t jump in the water. 

“This is going to leave a lot of parents and a lot of young people in a vulnerable state come December when the ban kicks in.

“If the government was serious about protecting our kids, they would hit the social media companies where it hurts: their business model. 

“We need a ban on social media companies targeting minors with advertising and dangerous algorithms. That is the only reason these companies want young people on their platforms; so they can sell them things, target them with their advertising, and collect their data.

“I challenge the government – work with the Greens to put in place a digital duty of care and prohibit online advertising to minors. The Greens are willing to work together on this important reform to protect our kids and make social media safer for everyone.”

Labor Government must act as UN commission finds Israel has committed genocide in Gaza

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, today made clear that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. The Albanese Government must now acknowledge the genocide and take direct material actions in the wake of these findings.

The United Nations commission’s report made clear that countries like Australia have an immediate legal duty under the Genocide Convention to employ all means available to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.

These actions include ending the transfer of weapons and other equipment to Israel, including through third countries, and imposing sanctions.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said:

“We know what the Albanese Government must do, the UN have made it crystal clear, stop the two-way arms trade with Israel, and sanction the Israeli Government.”

“The Albanese Government must now finally acknowledge there is a genocide in Gaza.”

“This report concludes the Israeli military is committing a genocide in Gaza. The Albanese Labor Government continues to allow Australian citizens to fight in the Israeli military as active participants in this genocide. That cannot continue.”

“We know that the Israeli military is using Australian-made weapons and weapon parts. This includes the F-35 fighter jet parts, the R400 turret photographed in Israel this year, the DroneGun and armoured steel. By allowing this deadly trade, the Albanese Government is complicit in a genocide.

“Instead of acting, the Albanese Government has been gaslighting the Australian public about its role in the genocide and its legal responsibilities to prevent it.

“There is a current example of the action needed to address gross breaches of international law and it’s the sanctions against Russia. Australia must now impose the same sanctions regime against Israel and do all it can to prevent Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson on International Aid and Justice, said:

“How many reports and inquiries confirming Israel is committing a genocide against the Palestinian people will it take for Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Wong to face the evil they have allowed to continue unchecked for the past two years?”

“The United Nations Commission of Inquiry Report is yet another nail in the coffin of Israel’s disgusting attempts to pretend there is any legitimate reason for the violence and horror it is inflicting on the people of Gaza.

“The Albanese Government has failed over and over again to demonstrate any courage, compassion or sense of human decency.

“This report must be the turning point. The Government must sanction Israel, expel the Israeli ambassador and end the two-way arms trade.”

National Climate Risk Assessment

The Albanese Government has today released its National Climate Risk Assessment.

The Opposition has accepted a briefing from the Australian Climate Service and will examine the assumptions behind the report, including how projections have been made about health, property prices, insurance costs, and impacts on communities and businesses.

Climate change is a global problem, and it demands global action. Australia cannot make a difference on its own, but we must play our part. The Coalition will always support sensible action to reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and protect communities.

Our nation has the capacity and resources to meet the challenge of climate change with the right policies and priorities. This is a moment to reassure Australians. What Australians do not need is alarmist language being used to distract from Labor’s failures.

There is a trifecta of Labor failure: prices are up, reliability is down, and emissions are flatlining. Labor went to the 2022 election with three promises — a $275 cut to power bills by 2025, 82 per cent renewables by 2030, and a 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030. They have either failed or are failing on all three.

Power prices are up 39 per cent, or $1,300 more than promised for 2025-26.

The 82 per cent renewables target is off track, with experts forecasting just 65 per cent at best. The rollout is only half the pace needed and industry is crying out for gas.

After emissions rose under Labor, they now sit at 28 per cent below 2005 levels — exactly the same as when the Coalition left office.

It is expected Labor will unveil its 2035 emissions target later this week. Any target must pass two simple tests: it must be credible, and it must be upfront about the cost to households and small businesses. 

We need to reduce emissions, but not at any cost. If Labor cannot outline the cost and a credible pathway, why should Australians trust them not to force households and small businesses to pay even more? Don’t look at what Labor says, look at what it does.

Minns Government invests in expansion of more quality and accessible childcare to families

The Minns Labor Government is investing $100 million to help community preschools expand their hours and cater for more children, giving working families better access to quality early education.

This next stage of the Government’s early learning reforms will lift the quality of childcare by supporting not-for-profit providers to open longer and serve more families.

It forms part of the Government’s commitment to rebalance a sector increasingly dominated by for-profit providers, which have grown by 90 per cent in the past decade and now account for 58 per cent of NSW’s 6,300 services.

Community preschools will be encouraged to extend their operating hours, open more days, and expand the age range of children they serve, making it easier for working families to access trusted, quality care.

With strong community roots, and an excellent record of quality service, these not-for-profits are widely regarded as among the best providers in NSW.

Through the new Expanding Quality Access program, community preschools will be supported to extend beyond current 9am–3pm hours and cater for children from birth through to school age. A strong uptake could see thousands of children gain access to services prioritising early learning.

This announcement follows the Government’s landmark legislation introduced last week to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and restore parents’ trust in early childhood education and care. The bill delivers 30 reforms to the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010, including:

  • Enshrining in law the principle that the rights and best interests of children come first.
  • A 300 per cent increase in fines for non-compliant services, and a 900 per cent increase for large providers operating 25 or more services.
  • A new requirement for providers to display their compliance history and details of any current investigations.

Together, these initiatives build on the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in early education, including the commitment to build 100 new public preschools — the largest ever by a state government. This will double the number of public preschools in NSW and deliver up to 9,000 new preschool places.

The $100 million investment will support eligible preschools over two years to upgrade their facilities, improve IT and administration, and build workforce capability to support expanded services. Applications for the Expanding Quality Access program open today, with providers encouraged to apply.

The community preschool sector has been arguing for increased funding and while the NSW Government doesn’t fund wages in the sector, we do provide program funding, and this is a substantial uplift for the sector that can be accessed with an application to the Expanding Quality Access Program.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands the value of early education — it’s central to our commitment to universal preschool for our littlest learners. That’s why we’re backing the community preschool sector to provide more services for families who already value their fantastic, high-quality services.

“We believe every child should have access to the best possible education, regardless of their age, and this investment will help community preschools deliver that.

“We want more families to access quality early education close to home and at hours that suit them. The community preschool sector’s credentials are trusted by so many families, so it makes perfect sense to support them to grow and reach more.”

$5.4 million available for NSW surf clubs

The Minns Labor Government has announced it will provide $5.4 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

The Program provides funding to keep clubs modern, inclusive and accessible with grants up to $1 million are available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf lifesaving facilities.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on its commitment to build better communities, and as such the program will now include grants for project design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

The Program aims to assist eligible Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout NSW to create new and upgraded inclusive and accessible facilities. Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Applications for Category 1 close 20 October 2025 while applications for Categories 2 and 3 close 10 November 2025.

For further information and to apply visit: Surf Club Facility Program. 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The weather is heating up and summer is almost here.

“The Surf Club Facility Program will provide critical funding to our surf lifesaving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The inclusion of grants for design and planning means clubs are supported from concept to completion and better equipped to apply for funding at later stages of projects.

“This Program is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our dedicated volunteers are dusting off their caps for the upcoming patrol season as the NSW Government delivers on its record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

“The $5.4 million in upgrades to be funded through this program will help surf life savers to better protect beach lovers along the entire NSW coastline.

“Coupled with the new and upgraded equipment, additional jet skis, and Emergency Response Beacons funded by the NSW Government, our volunteers are being equipped with the latest modern and safe equipment to continue their incredible work.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“The funding provided by the NSW Government is vital to ensuring our surf clubs are safe and fit for purpose in what are sometimes extreme weather conditions which take an enormous toll on our clubs’ facilities.

“Our membership continues to grow and with more than 83,000 lifesavers and Nippers.

“Providing safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities they protect is more important than ever.”