Category: Newcastle News

City of Newcastle is set to deliver a modest surplus for the third consecutive year as part of its $415 million Budget adopted by Councillors last night.

The 2024/25 Budget balances service delivery and outcomes for the community with fiscal responsibility through a modest $4.1 million Budget surplus forecast alongside an investment of almost $140 million into infrastructure throughout the Local Government Area. 

Through its Budget and Delivery Program, City of Newcastle will invest $415 million across 60 services and more than 280 projects in the coming financial year, including marquee projects such as the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion and essential infrastructure such as roads, parks and sports facilities. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s sound economic management is key to achieving the community’s vision of Newcastle as a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city. 

“We’ve achieved financial strength through years of stability and responsible local government, which allows us to support Novocastrians in their everyday lives and deliver the infrastructure and legacy projects our state’s second-largest city deserves,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our infrastructure investment will improve people’s lives, with $38.1 million for local roads, bridges, footpaths and community buildings, $7.7 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses and $6 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network and transport. 

“We’re also giving back through our Community Grants, which for a fourth year will provide more than half a million dollars for initiatives to help vulnerable members of our community and reinforce the social, cultural, environmental and economic life of the city.” 

Highlights of the 2024/25 Budget include:

• $17.9 million on roads, footpaths and cycleways across the city
• $11 million on recreation and sports improvements, including Gregson Park Playground
• $5 million for Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road, Wallsend Road renewal$4.5 million on coastal management including Stockton coastline protection work
• $4.1 million on Memorial Drive Road embankment 
• $2.8 million on improving bushland and watercourses
• $2.4 million on Local Centre upgrades such as Orchardtown Road at New Lambton and Georgetown
• $2.4 million on resources and improvements for Libraries, Civic Theatre and City Hall
• $1.3 million on renewable energy projects including climate action and EV charging.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle’s economic bottom line is a credit to the elected council and staff.

“I’m proud to be part of a council delivering this record investment that will be felt in every single community across our city and I’m proud of every single person at City of Newcastle whose hard work has made this happen.”

Acting CEO David Clarke said City of Newcastle will keep working hard to balance the needs and expectations of a growing community with fiscal responsibility and sustainability. 

“An operating surplus of more than $4 million is a sign of good economic management, despite ongoing inflation and rising construction costs,” Mr Clarke said.

“By investing in our community through this Budget, we’re meeting the needs of our residents while also helping to support local jobs and businesses, with estimates that our infrastructure program in 2024/25 will create 735 local jobs and increase total economic output in the LGA by up to $305 million.”

Novocastrians are being invited to have their say on a 10-year plan designed to increase pedestrian activity in Newcastle by building and supporting walkable neighbourhoods.

Council voted last night to place City of Newcastle’s draft Walking and Mobility Plan on public exhibition for six weeks.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen using pedestrian infrastructure at New Lambton.The plan aims to make walking and active transport the natural choice for short trips for every member of the community, by prioritising pedestrians in all infrastructure upgrades across the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said walking and active transport have a range of benefits for residents, visitors, and the environment.

“Walking and riding are efficient ways to travel short distances, reduce congestion, lower emissions and increase the vibrancy of local places,” Cr Nelmes said.

“When we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including skateboards, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams. Walking presents an opportunity for everyone in our community to enjoy Newcastle while also providing significant health benefits from more active lifestyles.

“Newcastle is already highly walkable city, and by enhancing the walkability of our neighbourhoods we will support our community, businesses and visitors to embrace walking, including options to connect with public transport as a better way to explore the city and its surrounds.”

The draft plan has been developed through consultation with the community and other relevant stakeholders, utilising surveys, interactive maps, and the establishment and coordination of the Walking and Mobility Working Party.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Walking and Mobility Working Party said the 10-year plan contains four main themes.

“In order to achieve our goals, we need to promote safety and the prioritisation of pedestrians, build and maintain walkable neighbourhoods, support walking trips and celebrate walking in our communities, for all people, of all abilities,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Surveys have shown 70 per cent of people in Newcastle walk at least 30 minutes every day, but it’s mainly for recreational purposes, not for transport.

“To change those statistics, we need to guide development to take pedestrians into greater consideration while also encourage pedestrian-friendly drivers by introducing traffic calming measures and advocating for lower speed limits.

“By 2034, City of Newcastle aims to be a place where all pedestrians, of all ages, abilities, and mobilities, feel safe and prioritised within the public road space.”

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the main objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, helping to make our city a more liveable, sustainable and creative place.

The plan will be on public exhibition from 27 June to 8 August 2024.

To find out more and have your say visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

A man has died after being hit by a car at Lake Macquarie.

About 3:15am today (Wednesday 26 June 2024), emergency services were called to Alhambra Avenue, Cardiff, following reports a man had been hit by a car.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and were told a man had been laying on the road and was hit by a utility.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended; however, the man died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

The male driver, aged 45, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A woman has been charged following an alleged child approach at a Lake Macquarie shopping centre over the weekend.

About 12.30pm on Sunday 23 June 2024, a couple and their two children aged 2 and 10 months were in a shopping centre at Glendale, when a woman, who was not known to the couple, allegedly took hold of the pram containing the two-year-old girl.

The woman attempted to push the pram containing the child away but was stopped by the mother and other members of the public. She then left the shopping centre.

The mother and the children were shaken but not otherwise hurt during the incident.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into the incident.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 41-year-old woman at a unit in Windale about 12.50pm yesterday (Monday 24 June 2024). During the arrest, the woman allegedly resisted police officers’ attempts to effect the arrest.

She was taken to Belmont police station where she was charged with three offences – stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal), affray and hinder police.

The woman was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

A survey of public school teachers and principals in Newcastle and the Hunter reveals how the combined impact of the $1.9 billion funding shortfall and teacher shortage is leading to merged classes, poorer student wellbeing and unsustainable workloads, the NSW Teachers Federation has warned.

NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra will hold a doorstop with local teachers at Newcastle High School at 8:15am on Wednesday, 26 June

The survey of 664 principals and teachers across Newcastle and the Hunter found:

● 46% have taught merged/split classes regularly or always;
● 91% agree that “schools as a whole currently have difficulty in retaining teachers in the profession”;
● 14% are committed to staying in the profession until retirement;
● Only 3% of teachers say their school is well-resourced;
● 72% reported a decline or significant decline in student wellbeing and engagement in past 18 months;
● 91% reported a decline or significant decline in teacher wellbeing and morale;
● Only 11% say counsellor support is adequate.

NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra said Newcastle and Hunter public schools were facing immense challenges due to the funding shortfall.

“Amazing things happen in our public schools every day, but the Government is exploiting the goodwill of teachers to maintain standards. This is not sustainable.

“The challenges facing our schools are too great, and the cost of inaction too high. We need the state and federal governments to step up and deliver the funding our schools so urgently need.

“The Federal Government must lift its share of funding to 25% by 2028, while the NSW Government must ensure that public schools are genuinely funded at 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard.

“Providing a quality education for every child is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic necessity. Today’s students are the lifeblood of tomorrow’s workforce. Shortchanging their education now will have consequences for decades to come.”

Mr Rajendra said it was time for federal MPs to fight for their local public schools, pointing out that public schools educate the overwhelming bulk of the region’s students.

Electorate Number of public school students Percentage of total students

Shortland
16,554
73.8 per cent

Newcastle
17,742
68.3 per cent

Hunter
17,135
66.2 per cent

Paterson
18,754
67.5 per cent

“Our schools and our students need champions in Parliament who will stand up and demand fair funding,” he said.

“It’s time to stop the excuses and start investing in our children’s future. Every student in Newcastle and the Hunter deserves the resources and support they need to thrive.”

Mr Rajendra said fully funding public schools was the only way to ensure every child in Newcastle and the Hunter got the support they needed to succeed.

The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) at Lake Macquarie is nearing completion, opening up an uninterrupted 27 kilometre continuous active transport route for walkers, runners and cyclists from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.

Four years in the making, the upgrades fill a missing gap of shared pathway between Blacksmiths and the existing Fernleigh Track, when complete it will be the longest active transport route in the Hunter region.

The final works include an elevated accessible boardwalk along Belmont Lagoon, accessible amenities, upgrades to three local bus stops, and public art installations, crafted by Aboriginal artists, telling of the local Awabakal people and their relationship with the environment.

The project was made possible through $1.15 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, $8.92 million from the NSW Government, and $12.82 million from Lake Macquarie City Council.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“Bushfire recovery takes time, so it brings me great pleasure to know that this track is nearing completion and will support the Hunter community to continue to heal from a devastating time in their lives.

“These grants assist recovery efforts of communities and I thank our NSW colleagues for working with the Australian Government to deliver an incredible result for the community.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“The new track will provide locals and tourists alike with some of the best views in Lake Macquarie while promoting an active lifestyle.

“This shared track will be a great addition to the Lake Macquarie area as well as a tourism drawcard for cyclists and fitness-minded visitors.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“It’s great to see the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track nearing completion for the Hunter community to enjoy, creating a safe place for pedestrians and cyclists to get outdoors and exercise.

“The NSW Government is committed to community infrastructure upgrades that support the health and wellbeing of communities that live in regional NSW.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“This track is the longest shared walking and cycling route in the Hunter region and provides potential for the area to host a wide variety of sporting and fitness events, such as marathons.

“The track is also an opportunity for us to showcase the incredible scenery of the area, which was previously hidden, helping put Lake Macquarie on the map.

“Enjoying the outdoors is such an important part of life in the Hunter, and this will make it even better for the people who live here.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“Shared pathways are vital for healthy lifestyles and enhancing regional tourism opportunities.

“I remember walking the first section of the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track with my family in the early 2000’s. It’s great to be here for the completion of the 27km continuous active transport link from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser:

“The track’s centrepiece is a 400m stretch of elevated boardwalk over wetlands next to Belmont Lagoon – the focal point of the Aboriginal creation story known as ‘When the Moon Cried’, and one of the region’s best spots for birdwatching.

“We are blessed with so many beautiful places here in Lake Mac, but Belmont Lagoon is up there with the best of them – until now, it’s been a bit of a hidden gem, but the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track provides a very low impact means of shedding light on this natural and cultural wonder.

“It also contributes to our ongoing push to promote tourism and active transport in Lake Mac and expand our city’s network of family-friendly shared pathways.”

Two women have been charged following an unauthorised protest near Newcastle earlier today.

About 1pm (Tuesday 25 June 2024), officers from Newcastle City Police District received notification that a number of people had entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains at Kooragang Island.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District – assisted by Police Rescue and the Dog Unit – attended the site and arrested two women aged 67 and 59.

They were taken to Newcastle Police Station where they were each charged with enter inclosed lands and create serious safety risk.

Both women were refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 26 June 2024).

Three men have been charged following an unauthorised protest near Newcastle earlier today.

About 7am (Tuesday 25 June 2024), emergency services were called to a rail bridge near Mangrove Road, Kooragang, following reports of an unauthorised protest.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District – assisted by Police Rescue and the Dog Unit – attended the site and commenced inquiries into the incident.

Three men – aged 20, 27 and 67 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The 20-year-old man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

A warrant was also executed over an alleged earlier incident for enter etc Sydney Harbour Bridge etc disrupt etc vehicles etc, wilfully prevent free passage of person/vehicle/vessel, pedestrian obstruct driver’s/other pedestrian’s path, and join or continue in unlawful assembly.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June 2024).

The 27-year-old was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, and enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 4 July 2024.

The 67-year-old man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, and cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 25 June 2024).

Residents of Cessnock and Maitland in New South Wales may see an aircraft flying unusually low next week as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carries out important flight path safety checks.

The checks are being conducted by CASA on 3 July and 4 July to validate new procedures at Cessnock and related modified procedures at Maitland.

A twin-engine Beechcraft Duchess will be used to carry out the safety checks within an area up to 40 kilometres from the aerodromes.

Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with the aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times.

Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days, they will be carried out as soon as possible.

The NSW Government is delivering a new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station at Charlestown, providing modernised emergency coverage for the Greater Newcastle area.

The Minns Labor Government has allocated $7.7 million in the 2024-25 Budget to the new facility, which will include additional training facilities, storage areas and workspaces.

Design of the new facility will start in the upcoming financial year and will be informed by consultation with the Charlestown crew.

The new station will be designed to meet the needs of a modern firefighting workforce and adhere to FRNSW’s ‘Clean Firefighter’ policy, separating work and cleaning areas.

The existing station is almost 40 years old and has limited scope for expansion and modernisation.

Funding for the design of the new Charlestown station is part of a $96.9 million capital investment in the Fire and Rescue network in 2024-25, including funding for new fire stations at Badgerys Creek and Byron Bay.

The Minns Labor Government has also committed an additional $189.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to guarantee the positions of 286 permanent firefighters, whose jobs were not previously funded on an ongoing basis.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are rebuilding essential services across the State through the NSW Budget 2024-25, ensuring Fire and Rescue NSW can respond to emergencies and restoring job security for firefighters.

“This new fire station will provide a modern base for Charlestown firefighters who play a critical frontline role in keeping the local community safe.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

“This new station is great news for local Charlestown firefighters and for the Charlestown community.

“With local crews having the opportunity to provide feedback on the design, I look forward to seeing the final building when it opens.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“A new fire station at Charlestown is important for our operational readiness, and we are dedicated to improving our infrastructure to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting in the Lake Macquarie district.

“This new facility will not only replace the old station but also provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the public.”