Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is calling on the NSW Government to significantly increase investment into critical infrastructure to help councils meet their ambitious housing targets.

Newcastle was allocated the highest housing target in the Hunter region when the NSW Government released five-year housing targets for 43 local government areas in May 2024.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the forecast modelling does not consider barriers in the market that affect completion rates.

“Over the past decade City of Newcastle has been laying the groundwork for future growth, planning for higher density living and diverse housing options, and creating frameworks to deliver more streamlined and efficient development assessments,” Ms Bisson said.

“This placed us on track to exceed the long-term housing forecasts under the NSW Government’s Hunter Regional Plan 2041.

“But the NSW Government revised our target last year, compressing 62% of the previous 20-year target into just five years, disproportionately front-loading delivery expectations.

“The methodology used is based on theoretical housing capacity modelling without considering the economic and environmental constraints impacting delivery.

“While local councils play a key role in facilitating housing growth through zoning, development assessment and infrastructure planning, they are not responsible for housing construction and have little control over delivery. There are currently more than 2,000 dwellings in Newcastle that have been approved but not yet constructed. Council has no ability to make a developer commence construction.

“The pace and scale of housing delivery is primarily driven by market conditions, including financial viability, construction costs, labour costs, provision of infrastructure, workforce availability, and investor confidence.”

Newcastle’s target of 11,100 completed dwellings by 2029 almost doubles the previous forecast for delivery under the Hunter Regional Plan 2041.  

This equates to an average of 2,220 dwellings needing to be built per year. Under the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 target, an average of 940 dwellings were required to be constructed per year.

During the peak construction periods of 2016 to 2018, and 2020 to 2021, City of Newcastle averaged approval of 1,364 and 1,129 dwellings per year respectively. 

City of Newcastle is consistently ranked as the top performing council within the Hunter region and among the top-performing councils in all of NSW for development assessment and determination.

This is due in part to the implementation of its award-winning Accelerated Development Application System, which streamlines the assessment of routine and code-compliant applications to improve efficiency and reduce timeframes. 

Councillors will consider a report at next week’s Council meeting that outlines the challenges being faced by City of Newcastle, opportunities to address housing delivery and the need for more equitable access to NSW Government funding.

“Current trends and market conditions indicate that achieving the revised 2029 target is extremely unlikely without a significant injection of funding for enabling infrastructure by the NSW Government,” Ms Bisson said.

“The best chance of achieving this target would be through the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, a shared vision developed in collaboration with the NSW Government that has the potential to deliver 20,000 new homes for 40,000 people. 

“We will continue to advocate for the NSW Government to accelerate its investment in the infrastructure needed to enable development in this precinct.

“Consideration should also be given to the parameters around a range of infrastructure funding programs that City of Newcastle has been excluded from, or disadvantaged by. For example, there is more than half a billion in Government community infrastructure funding that only Sydney councils are eligible to receive. Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are not entitled to even one dollar of this. 

“The report to Council recommends continued advocacy to the NSW Government for a funding model that recognises planning performance, as well as the reinstatement of the Mine Grouting Fund to unlock stalled development.

“We will continue to leverage every available tool to eliminate barriers and streamline delivery pathways, and will continue to work with the NSW Government to secure the long-term supply of well-located housing across the city.”

The Boolaroo and Argenton communities will soon benefit from a more accessible Cockle Creek Station with confirmation that construction work is planned to commence in mid-2026. The upgrade is being delivered by the Minns Labor Government’s Safe and Accessible Transport program and will deliver accessible, modern and integrated public transport facilities for residents and visitors to Cockle Creek. The upgrade includes improved footbridge access to the station with new lifts and stairs, accessible paths to station amenities including improvements to Lake Road entry, a new kiss and ride zone, new accessible parking spaces and bicycle parking. It will also include CCTV cameras and wayfinding signage, improved connections to the bus stop, tactile indicators, and other upgrades to make facilities at the station more accessible. Early investigations for the scope of works will be undertaken by Transport for NSW in the coming months, with construction planned to start in mid-2026. A Review of Environmental Factors will be displayed ahead of construction. Construction is expected to take one year, weather permitting, with the upgrades complete by mid2027. The station will remain operational except for advertised weekend closures. Minister for Transport, John Graham said: “With more people using Cockle Creek Station than ever before, and continued growth projected for the region, it’s great to hear work will begin on the accessibility upgrades in early 2026. “These upgrades to Cockle Creek Station are a great first step in improving safety and amenity for people, including seniors and people living with disability, travelling between Sydney and Newcastle.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said: “This is another great example of the Minns Labor Government delivering for the Hunter, making every day travel safer, easier and more accessible for local people. “The Cockle Creek Station upgrade will give residents more choice and confidence when using public transport, whether they’re heading to work, school or the shops. “It’s fantastic to see investment flowing into our region to create a transport network that keeps the Hunter connected and supports our growing communities.” Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said: “Making public transport more accessible is an absolute priority of the Minns Labor Government, because we know the difference it makes to people’s lives. “The accessibility upgrades at Cockle Creek Station are yet another clear demonstration of our commitment to build a better, more inclusive NSW.” Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said: “I’m proud to see work moving ahead to make Cockle Creek Station safer and more accessible for the local community. “The Safe and Accessible Transport program aims to ensure the NSW Government is creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods. “This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. “We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and connected transport network right across NSW, one that works for everyone, no matter where they live or how they travel.” Duty MLC for Lake Macquarie, Emily Suvaal said: “This upgrade is great news for the local area and will make a real difference for people who rely on Cockle Creek Station every day. “The improvements to access, parking and safety will help more people connect easily with work, school, shops and local services. “Projects like this show the Minns Labor Government is focused on building better connections and investing in the infrastructure that keeps our communities moving.” Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper said: “This is a great first step in improving safety and amenity for people to travel to, from and around the Hunter via Cockle Creek station. “This project will make it easier for everyone to use public transport, whether you’re travelling with a pram, bike or luggage, or you need extra support to get around. “Accessible transport means freedom and independence. It allows people to get to work, appointments and social activities in ways that suit their needs.”

Speers Point Park will come alive tomorrow (Saturday 25 October 2025) for the second annual Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Emergency Services and Community Resilience Expo – a community event featuring interactive displays and hands-on activities from a wide range of emergency and essential service providers.

The family-friendly expo is a fantastic opportunity to meet the heroes who keep our community safe and running during emergencies including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and many more.

The event will showcase recruitment opportunities while highlighting the capabilities of local emergency and essential services, providing a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the people behind the uniforms and discover how they keep our community safe, prepared, and resilient every day.

Lake Macquarie Police District Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM said the event provided an opportunity for the community to see behind the scenes.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and see the incredible work our local emergency services and community partners do every day. Their collaboration and commitment play a vital role in keeping Lake Macquarie safe and resilient,” Supt Chapman said.

“After great community feedback last year, we look forward to seeing the community out in large numbers again to support the event.”

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the event hopes to build stronger relationships between emergency services and the community.

“The Emergency Services and Community Resilience Expo is a celebration of the extraordinary commitment of our frontline workers, everything from managing natural disasters to responding to medical emergencies,” Minister Catley said.

“Events like this go beyond education and awareness – they’re important in building trust and strengthening the connection between emergency services and the communities they serve.

“When people feel connected, they’re more informed, more engaged and more confident in the support available to them.

“I’m proud to see events like this giving the public an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of these workers, ask questions and perhaps even be inspired to begin careers in these fields.”

The event will be held at Speers Point Park between 9am and 2pm tomorrow (Saturday 25 October 2025).

Come explore the vehicles, gear, and skills that power our frontline services!

A man has been charged after police allegedly found weapons and drugs inside a car in the Hunter Valley yesterday.

About 8:30am on Wednesday 22 October 2025, officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District attended Ruby Street, Bellbird following reports of a concern for welfare.

When officers approached a hatchback, the driver allegedly drove away at high speed.

A short time later police were patrolling in Pokolbin and observed the vehicle parked on Oakey Creek Road.

Upon arrival, the man allegedly ran away but was arrested a short time later.

Police conducted a search and allegedly seized knuckle dusters, folding knife, 25 grams of methamphetamine and an amount of cash.

The 28-year-old man was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with nine offences:
Use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order
Supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity
Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)
Custody of knife in public place
Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle) (two counts)
Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty
Drive vehicle under influence of drugs

He was refused bail and appeared at Bail Division Court 2 today (Thursday 23 October 2025) where he was formally refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 5 November, 2025.

Police are investigating two unrelated traffic incidents which left a man and a woman with critical injuries in the Newcastle region overnight.

About 12.20am today (Thursday 23 October 2025), emergency services were called to the intersection of Denison Street and Gordon Avenue, Hamilton, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and were told a motorcycle rider had crashed while attempting to navigate a roundabout.

The rider – a 27-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene for serious injuries.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.

Police declared a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Inquiries are ongoing.

About 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 22 October 2025), emergency services were called to the Cowper Street, Carrington, following reports of a crash.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and were told an E-bike rider had crashed into a stationary caravan.

Paramedics treated the rider – a 26-year-old woman – at the scene for life-threatening injuries, before she was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition where she remains.

Police were later notified of the crash, and officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended.

A crime scene has been declared, and an investigation commenced into the circumstances of the crash.

Inquiries are ongoing.

Police will today launch a new high-visibility operation to improve road and pedestrian safety across coastal communities from the Central Coast to Port Stephens.

The safety initiative, Operation Shore Safe, is a joint effort between Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Northern Region, aimed at improving road and pedestrian safety across these areas during the busy summer period.

Beginning today (Thursday 23 October 2025) and running through to February 2026, Operation Shore Safe will see a high-visibility deployment of up to eight solo motorcycle officers supported by unmarked highway patrol vehicles, trail bikes, and bicycle patrols.

The resources will be strategically positioned across key coastal areas to supplement local police and highway patrol teams during a time of increased traffic and visitor activity.

The operation is designed to promote safer behaviour on roads and footpaths, as well as in and around other high volume pedestrian areas, particularly in relation to the growing use of e-micromobility devices.

A key focus will be reducing road trauma, including fatal and serious injury collisions, which have disproportionately affected communities in the Northern Region this year.

Newcastle-Hunter Sector Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Thomas Barnes said the operation is about being proactive and present in the right places at the right times.

“We know that during the warmer months, our coastal areas become significantly busier. Operation Shore Safe is about making sure we’re out there, engaging with the public, encouraging safe behaviour, and stepping in when necessary to prevent harm,” Ch/Insp Barnes said.

Traffic North Highway Patrol Commander, Superintendent Julie Boon, echoed the importance of the initiative, noting its potential to save lives.

“This is about visibility, education, and enforcement. We want to remind everyone, from drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and e-bike users, that safety is a shared responsibility. Our presence will be felt, and our message is clear: we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coastlines safely.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, said the operation will help ensure the safety of the community.

“Operation Shore Safe is about putting police where they’re needed most to promote road safety, prevent serious crashes and keep both pedestrians and road users safe,” Minister Catley said.

“Every summer, thousands of people flock to our coastline to enjoy everything it has to offer, and we want to make sure they get home safely at the end of the day. Our highway patrol and local police will be out in force to keep roads, shared paths and popular beachside areas safe for everyone.

“This is smart, proactive policing that shows the commitment of the NSW Police Force in keeping communities safe right across the state.”

Police are urging all road users to remain alert, follow the rules, and look out for one another as the region heads into its busiest season.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the Lake Macquarie region.

Rhylan O’Keefe, aged 14, was last seen on Barlee Street, Morisset Park, about 7.30am yesterday (Tuesday 21 October 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and inquiries commenced to locate him.

Police and family hold concerns for Rhylan’s welfare due to his young age.

Rhylan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170-180cm tall, slim build with blue eyes and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, and black and white Nike shoes.

Rhylan is known to frequent the Morriset, Bonnells Bay and Newcastle areas.

The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has condemned the University of Newcastle’s decision to apply for Fair Work Commission intervention in enterprise bargaining.

The move comes as 140 job cuts loom over staff already experiencing severe stress and anxiety about their futures.

University management has applied for the Fair Work Commission to deal with a bargaining dispute, despite negotiations commencing just six months ago.

NTEU members are pushing for a fair pay rise, workload regulation and flexible work provisions.

NTEU members will strike for half a day on Thursday October 23.

The University of Newcastle attempted to sideline staff and their union from the bargaining process a little over two years ago.

UoN Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky serves as Vice-President of the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association (AHEIA), the aggressive employer association known for advising universities on strategies to circumvent union negotiations.

NTEU General Secretary Damien Cahill said:

“The University of Newcastle has shown it would rather blow up negotiations and push disputes to the commission than engage constructively with staff seeking fair pay and conditions.

“Management is running to the Fair Work Commission rather than staying at the bargaining table and addressing the reasonable demands of staff for a fair pay rise, workload regulation and job security.

“This is a cynical tactic from a university whose vice-chancellor is the vice-president of the bosses’ association that is notorious for using aggressive industrial tactics.

“Staff are already under enormous pressure with 140 job cuts hanging over their heads. Now they must endure management’s aggressive industrial tactics designed to avoid genuine negotiation.

“The University of Newcastle appears to have lost faith in its own executives’ ability to negotiate a fair agreement. Instead of working with staff and the NTEU, they’re deploying the same failed playbook as they did last time.

“Universities that find common ground with the NTEU reach agreements that benefit everyone. But the University of Newcastle seems determined to pursue confrontation.

“The NTEU will continue to fight for fair pay, secure jobs and reasonable working conditions for all university staff.”

Detectives have released CCTV footage as they appeal for public assistance in relation to an armed hold up that occurred last year in the states Hunter region.
Shortly after 8pm on Thursday 18 April 2024 officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of an armed hold up at a café on Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay.
Police were informed that two men entered the store armed with a machete and a shortened baseball bat and stole a quantity of cash.
The men left the location in a red two-door hatchback that was driven from the location by a third unknown person.

There were no reports of any person being injured.

Strike Force Merson was established to investigate the incident.

As inquiries continue investigators have released CCTV of two men who maybe able to assist police.
The first man was wearing a black balaclava, black hooded jumper with the word EVERLAST written in white across the back, black gloves, blue jeans and red sneakers. He was also carrying a green shopping bag.
The second man was wearing a grey beanie, white jumper with a fluorescent yellow hood, black gloves, white pants and white sneakers.

Police are warning members of the public to be on alert after counterfeit cash has been reported being handed to businesses across the Hunter Valley.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were alerted after counterfeit $50- and $100-dollar notes were handed to businesses in Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone, Singelton, Blandford, Cliftleigh, Glendon, Merriwa and Middle Falbrook between May 2025 and October 2025.

Officers have seized the notes which amount to over $2,600 in counterfeit notes and inquiries are now underway.

Tips from NSW Police to spot a counterfeit note include,

• Feel the note – a genuine note is printed on special plastic polymer and is difficult to tear
• Check for words that mark the note as counterfeit such as ‘prop’ or ‘specimen’
• Hold the note to the light and look for the Australian Coat of Arms. This is generally located to the left of the clear window, or denomination numeral when looking at the front of the note.
• Feel for slightly raised printing on the main design of the note
• Look for the seven-pointed star inside a circle
• Compare the background printing – look for any distortions or less clearly defined patterns.
• Check that the note has a clear window and that it has a clear printed image: $50 has the Southern Cross and the $100 has the lyrebird.
• If possible, look under a UV light to locate the serial numbers