Local suburban business precincts to benefit from activations and beautification

$150,000 is being shared amongst 10 successful projects aimed at activating key suburban business precincts in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend, including an innovative self-guided op shop trail, vertical “smart” gardens installed on shopfront facades, and a series of community-based art initiatives.

SBR-funding-announcement-at-Samaritans-Wallsend.JPG

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Special Business Rate (SBR) program was integral in bringing people back to business precincts across the city following the impacts felt in recent years from the pandemic.

“Our latest suburban SBR round is set to see beautification in New Lambton, a fringe festival on Beaumont Street, and a fantastic initiative that supports sustainability by promoting shopping at Wallsend’s eclectic op-shops among other great local projects”, Cr Nelmes said.

“We’ll see some exciting new activations like the Curious Legends Halloween celebration Wallsend Frights which will activate Nelson Street with live performance and interactive activities, while New Lambton Library is set to receive a stunning new mural delivered by Up & Up, drawing inspiration from the ideas of the local community”.

Bianca Bartlett, co-founder of the Purple Card Project, said SBR suburban funding will help bring her Op Shop Trail concept to life by tapping into an increased interest in slow fashion and shopping sustainably.

“With SBR funding, in collaboration with the Wallsend Town Business Association, we are developing a self-guided digital trail map that shines a spotlight on Nelson Street’s unique and diverse mix of op-op shops and cafes all in one convenient location,” Ms Bartlett said.

“The trail concept is designed to encourage visitors to spend time and money in the precinct on weekends, when op-shops are usually closed, starting with coffee at a local café, visiting all five op shops brimming with unique wares, and concluding with lunch.”

Wallsend’s business precinct is also set to benefit this Halloween with Curious Legends awarded SBR funding to run Wallsend Frights: a two-day program of family-friendly events on Nelson Street featuring live roving performances, costume-making challenges, installations, interactive activities, and workshops.

More information about the program and funding opportunities can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/special-business-rates.

Successful suburban SBR projects include:

HAMILTON

  • Newcastle Fringe Festival, March 2023
    The project will build on the Fringe Festival’s existing presence on Beaumont Street by expanding the number of shows with more family-friendly events and micro-performances in local businesses.
  • Beautiful Beaumont Doors
    Six local female artists will beautify and transform six graffitied doorways in between shops along Beaumont Street.
  • Herb Urban – Thriving Gardens
    The project involves the installation of standalone smart gardening systems, fixed to shopfront facades throughout Hamilton, connecting Newcastle with greenery throughout the suburbs and City Centre.

NEW LAMBTON

  • New Lambton Library Community Mural
    The community mural project will be delivered by Up & Up Inspirations design on the exterior wall of New Lambton Library. The mural design will incorporate the ideas of the people who live, work and play in New Lambton.
  • Herb Urban – Thriving Gardens
    The project involves the installation of standalone smart gardening systems, fixed to shopfront facades throughout New Lambton, connecting Newcastle with greenery throughout the suburbs and City Centre.

WALLSEND

  • Wallsend Op Shop Trail to Revitalise Nelson Street
    In collaboration with Wallsend Town Business Association, Samaritans, and the other four Op Shops on Nelson Street, the Wallsend Op Shop Trail is designed to encourage visitors to Wallsend on weekends.
  • And Then, They Were No Longer Invisible
    This is a photo-storytelling project that shines a spotlight on seniors in our communities. The project will include community workshops, local business engagement and a community art installation in the Wallsend Business Precinct that encourages social cohesion and visitation to the area.
  • Banner Art
    This project will involve local primary schools in the painting of images on 20×20 cm boards. 240 images will be chosen to be enlarged onto 80×200 cm banners for the proposed public banner sites in Wallsend business precinct.
  • Wallsend Frights
    Curious Legends will produce two days of Halloween-themed activations such as roving performances and costume-making challenges to draw foot traffic to the Wallsend business precinct. The program will culminate with a family event with installations, performances, interactive activities and workshops with community groups and Wallsend businesses.
  • Public Mural
    Play State Studio will deliver a mural in a main street of Wallsend with three local mural artists.

Weather warning for Newcastle’s coastline

A coastal weather event with hazardous surf, heavy rain and strong wind is forecast for this evening and through Wednesday.

City of Newcastle is monitoring its facilities and assets along the coastline including areas in Stockton and the Southern Beaches which may be further impacted by coastal erosion.

Following this weather event, and when safe, City of Newcastle will inspect all beaches and undertake any repairs required.

To stay up to date on weather warnings visit the Bureau of Meteorology at www.bom.gov.au and for information about any emergencies visit the State Emergency Service at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 August 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 August 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

State Election Priorities
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported that noted the New South Wales State Election is to take place on Saturday, 25th March 2023, and supported the projects and policies listed within the City of Newcastle Advocacy document as election priorities for the benefit of the Newcastle community.

The LMM also acknowledged that City of Newcastle’s (CN) funding priorities have remained consistent, with CN advocating for funding to deliver these projects across multiple election and budget cycles, and their identification in various external stakeholder strategies.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 May to 31 July 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

Adoption of Council Policies
Council voted to adopt three Council policies: Effective Communication between Councillors and Staff Policy; Art Gallery Acquisitions and De-Accessioning Policy; and Social Media Policy.

Endorsement of motions for submission to the 2022 Local Government NSW Conference
Council voted to endorse 13 motions for submission to the 2022 LGNSW Annual Conference, which will be held from 23 to 25 October.

Adoption of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 Section 6.03 Wickham
Council unanimously voted to adopt the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 Section 6.03 Wickham.

Variation to Development Standards – 2nd quarter 2022
Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 April 2022 and 30 June 2022 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Authorisation for signing of the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022
Council voted to authorise the signing of City of Newcastle’s Statements by Councillors and Management as required for the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.

Darby Street, Cooks Hill – Adoption of the trial Traffic Calming Infrastructure Concept Plan
Council voted to adopt a six-month trial of traffic calming infrastructure on Darby Street, Cooks Hill from October 2022 until March 2023.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for July 2022.

Write-off of sundry debt
Council agreed to write-off a balance of sundry debt consistent with City of Newcastle’s Debt Management Guidelines and in accordance with the provisions of clause 213 of the Local Government (General) Regulation, 2005.

Notices of Motion

Delivering Regional level playgrounds
Council unanimously supported a notice to motion that noted CN’s success and commitment to delivering new and upgraded high level playgrounds throughout the Newcastle LGA. CN’s adopted 2022/23 Budget has allocated $1 million for the commencement of the construction of the District level playground at Gregson Park in Hamilton, in line with the adopted Gregson Park Masterplan 2021.

Using recycled plastic products in City of Newcastle projects
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged ‘Plastic Free July’ and CN’s longstanding commitment to sustainability initiatives. Council will investigate opportunities to incorporate recycled plastic products in CN projects, where appropriate.

Youth Mock Council
Council unanimously supported a notice to motion that congratulated the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2022. The motion noted that the Youth Mock Council developed and adopted several motions and requests a report to be provided to councillors by the relevant council officers assessing the viability, cost, and merits of each proposal, if they were to be adopted as policy of the Council.

Council also supported reiterating its commitment to the Youth Council and that Council members of the Youth Council review their delivery, including its processes, forward agenda, and the role of the Youth Council/Youth Mock Council in the delivery of Civics education.

Reinvestigating the Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project
An alternate notice of motion was supported by Council that does not support reinvestigating the Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project which was abandoned by the NSW Government 41 years ago. Council supported requesting a report back to Council on the public and private property that would need to be acquired, and the potentials costs (environmental, social and heritage) of delivering this proposal.

Availability and affordability of flood insurance for residents and businesses in low lying areas
Council supported an amended notice of motion noting that a review of City of Newcastle’s flood studies are underway, with the Draft Flood Study for the eastern half of the LGA scheduled to be placed on public exhibition in early 2023. Council will write to the Insurance Council of Australia to request it participate in a public information session in 2023 when the draft flood study is placed on public exhibition.

Community engagement plan for Newcastle 500 contract extension
Council supported an amended notice of motion to delegate authority to the CEO to enter necessary agreements to facilitate the March 2023 Newcastle 500, including a Services Deed. All modifications to the existing Deed and Agreements to enable the March 2023 event are to be communicated to Council and published on CN’s website.

Council also supported CN’s total expenditure for the Newcastle 500 event does not exceed the current budget of $1.6 million, which is consistent with previous events.

Future liveability and amenity of Wickham enhanced

The future liveability, public domain and amenity of Wickham are at the centre of updates to the Newcastle Development Control Plan (DCP) adopted by the elected Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

Following a four-week public exhibition period, additional planning controls consistent with the Wickham Masterplan have been added to the DCP (Section 6.03 Wickham), including requirements for all developments in Wickham to upgrade their public domain frontages to CN’s specifications.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the amendments respond to community feedback to achieve a shared vision for the precinct’s urban renewal.

“This is welcome news for residents and the community of Wickham who have advocated for Wickham’s urban renewal with a clear vision from the start,” Cr Clausen said.

“Creating community infrastructure with upgraded footpaths and better-connected green spaces as part of all developments, to CN specifications, will maintain Wickham’s inner-city suburban character and protect the Village Hub atmosphere.

“The updates to the DCP are consistent with Wickham Masterplan, and Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan for a liveable Newcastle with enriched neighbourhoods and places of enjoyment.”

Along with the adopted DCP relating to Wickham, CN is currently preparing a comprehensive public domain plan for Wickham. The plan will increase amenity and safety in the area and include traffic, transport and road configuration changes in line with the Wickham Masterplan.

Community engagement is scheduled to commence toward the end of 2022.

City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said CN is committed to delivering good planning outcomes for Wickham residents and the community.

“Wickham’s identity is continuing to evolve and take shape as it transitions from a semi-industrial suburban area into a thriving urban neighbourhood that supports the revitalisation of Newcastle’s West End,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is great to see CN’s shared vision with the community progressing and we look forward to the next stage in the planning pathway.

“Further community input into the public domain plan for Wickham will ensure we meet future growth associated with the precinct.”

Drones the new eye in the sky for firefighters

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews across the State are being trained to use state-of-the-art drone technology to assist in firefighting operations and other emergencies.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are being rolled out as part of a $5.4 million investment by the NSW Government.
 
“These drones are being deployed to 25 regional areas, giving FRNSW crews an eye in the sky to help them better fight fires and keep our communities safe,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The drones are connected to FRNSW’s wireless and satellite communication networks, allowing images to be viewed and analysed in real time at the scene of an emergency which helps firefighters make quicker decisions and act faster.”
 
The RPAS are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and laser technology that can detect variable heat temperatures, identify people or animals under threat in a fire zone and measure the size of an area impacted by fire.
 
FRNSW Bushfire and Aviation Unit Commander Scott Donohoe said the drones can be activated at an emergency scene within minutes.
 
“The drones are stored in our vehicles and ready for immediate use, providing FRNSW commanders with aerial images that can help determine the safest and most effective places to position fire trucks and crews,” Superintendent Donohoe said.
 
“We are planning to have around 200 firefighters trained to pilot the drones. The available training over several tiers includes sessions on night flying, situational awareness, ‘live’ streaming, rapid mapping, aerial incendiary use and 3D panoramic skills.”
 
The drones can be used to assess bush fire risk, assist in hazard reduction operations and find people missing in dense bushland.  
 
The drones have already been deployed to the Northern Rivers region to assess flood-damaged infrastructure, identify hazardous materials and find leftover debris.

Upgrades to sports grounds deliver female-friendly facilities

The NSW Government will invest $25 million in a ground-breaking female sport facility program that aims to get more women and girls playing sport.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the Community Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrade Grants Program will see community sports facilities across NSW transformed into safer and more inclusive venues for females.

“This program will deliver female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades at grounds across the state to enable more women and girls to get involved in sport,” Mr Kean said.

“This is really important to us – that’s why the NSW Government committed $16.5 billion in the Budget over 10 years to supporting opportunities for women and children.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the program was a game changer for women’s sport in NSW.

“Women’s sport is going from strength to strength across our state and this program will provide safer, more inclusive community sports facilities that our female athletes need and deserve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is removing barriers and inspiring more women and young girls to get involved in sport.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said women’s sport is growing in popularity and this investment in community infrastructure and facilities will accelerate the number of girls and women playing sport.

“The recent Commonwealth Games highlighted the depth of talent in women’s sport. The upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will see Sydney host the world’s best players in September and inspire the next generation of female athletes,” Mr Henskens said.

“By investing in our sport communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to lace up a boot, pick up a ball or run around a track, will do so in a supportive environment.”

The Community Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program will open in late 2022. Government and sporting organisations can register their interest in the program at: https://comms.sport.nsw.gov.au/female-friendly-sport-facilities-and-lighting-upgrades-ryi

New pathology department underway at Nepean Hospital

Penrith and Blue Mountains communities will soon benefit from more pathology laboratories and services, with construction underway on a new, expanded pathology department as part of the $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new pathology department was being fast tracked as part of Stage Two of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment, which will provide the Penrith and Blue Mountains communities with access to world-class health services well into the future.
 
“The new pathology department will be in a larger, purpose-built facility and provide significantly expanded pathology services to meet the needs of the growing local communities and boost health outcomes in the region,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Construction of the pathology department in a newly built facility in Building E (East Block) will include new laboratories, services, reception area and administration spaces, and is scheduled for completion in mid-2023.
 
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said after years of neglect and band-aid solutions by the former government we are finally getting the Nepean Hospital that patients, medical staff and our community deserve.
 
Construction of a new 14-storey clinical tower as part of Stage 1 is now complete, and floors are opening to patients and staff in stages this year.
 
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said she was very impressed with the transformation of the hospital campus, with more exciting changes to come.
 
“The new building being delivered as part of Stage 2 has been designed to seamlessly connect with the new hospital tower, which is already an impressive landmark in the Penrith skyline,” Mrs Davies said.
 
The next stage of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment includes a new intensive care unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, cardiology services, more beds, community health services and a front of house for the hospital.
 
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 130 currently underway.
 
The NSW Government is investing $3 billion on health infrastructure, as part of a $11.9 billion investment over the next four years.

700 Parking Spaces Delivered for Western Sydney Commuters

Public transport commuters across Sydney’s booming north-west are set to benefit from the newly completed Schofields Station commuter car park.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the project had delivered 700 additional parking spaces for commuters as well as 15 new dedicated accessible parking spaces and six motorcycle bays.
 
“Car parks such as this one at Schofields not only helps make catching public transport even easier and more convenient for commuters but helps reduce congestion on the roads.
 
“The 305 spaces delivered today is excellent news for the growing number of residents in Schofields and surrounding suburbs, following completion of 395 new spaces last month.
 
“A total of 398 people worked 61,030 hours on the project, pouring 1100 square metres of concrete and laying 1574 tonnes of asphalt to deliver a modern, accessible car parking station. There was also 700 square metres of recycled mulch used and 99 earthmoving machines were put to work.
 
“Schofield commuters now have safe and reliable parking 24 hours a day to access public transport. This car park features CCTV coverage, lighting, fencing and wayfinding signage to help customers navigate the car park safely and additional facilities for motorcyclists and those who require accessible spaces,” Mr Elliott said.
 
The project was delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Commuter Car Park Program which provides more convenient access to public transport at key interchanges. The NSW Government has delivered more than 13,000 commuter car spaces across Sydney since 2011, with around 5000 additional spaces under development.
 
Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the new commuter car park had been provided to cater for the growing population of the district.
 
“I’m pleased that we have been able to deliver 700 extra spaces for commuters at Schofields station,” Mr Conolly said.
 
“This will make life easier for those who travel by train to and from work every day.”
 
Transport Park&Ride boom gates are also planned for installation to free up more spaces for those who travel on public transport. The Opal card operated boom gates will provide parking for up to 18 hours when customers tap onto a connecting public transport journey.

SAFEGUARDING AGAINST ‘SHADOW GOVERNMENT’ APPOINTMENTS AND STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S DEMOCRACY

Yesterday, I received the Solicitor-General’s opinion in the matter of the validity of the appointment of Mr Morrison to administer the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (SG No.12 of 2022).

Given the highly extraordinary circumstances, I have today decided to release that Opinion, and I have instructed the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to publicly release it on the department’s website at https://www.pmc.gov.au/news-centre/government/solicitor-general-opinion-validity-appointment-mr-morrison.

In summary, the Solicitor-General has concluded that Mr Morrison was validly appointed to administer that department under the Constitution.

However, the Solicitor-General has also said that the fact that the Parliament, the public and other ministers were not informed about this appointment, was inconsistent with the conventions and practices of responsible government which are critical to our constitutional democracy.

The Solicitor-General’s conclusions are relevant to the circumstances of Mr Morrison’s appointments to administer four other portfolios during 2020 and 2021, which followed the same process.

Importantly, the Solicitor-General considers that the existing practices by which appointments such as this are notified to the Parliament and the public are deficient.

I agree.

He has proposed various mechanisms by which those practices could be improved.

I have directed the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to work with the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General to adopt a practice of publishing in the Commonwealth Gazette future appointments of ministers to administer departments.

I will also give consideration to whether any further immediate changes are required.

Cabinet has agreed there will be an inquiry into these events and will now consider what form that inquiry will take.

My government is seeking to restore the Australian public’s faith in our institutions and put an end to the culture of secrecy.

Our democracy is precious and we are committed to strengthening it.

Man charged after pursuit in Maitland 

A man will appear in court today charged following a pursuit and alleged attempted carjacking in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 11.30am yesterday (Monday 22 August 2022), police were called to O’Hearn Street, Tenambit, following reports of a brawl.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and located a man allegedly armed with a speargun, who immediately fled a Holden Commodore.

Police initiated a pursuit, during which the Holden collided with a caged police vehicle. The pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, police were called to Melbourne Street, East Maitland, after the Holden reportedly lost control and the man allegedly attempted to carjack two vehicles while armed with a weapon.

Following inquiries, the vehicle was located parked at the rear of a unit block on Newcastle Street.

Offices forced entry to a unit and arrested the 36-year-old man.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with affray, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, and two counts of aggravated assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle – armed with weapon.

The East Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 23 August 2022).