Category: Newcastle News

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 May 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Condolence motion – Professor Lyndall Ryan AM

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging with profound sadness the passing of Emeritus Professor Lyndall Ryan AM on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.

The Minute recognised the significant impact Professor Ryan made throughout her remarkable career, as an activist, scholar and educator.

City of Newcastle sends sincere condolences to Professor Ryan’s family, friends and colleagues.

NSW Government Inquiry – Ability of Local Governments to Fund Infrastructure & Services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that the NSW Government is currently undertaking an inquiry into the ability of local governments to fund infrastructure and services. 

City of Newcastle has made a detailed submission to the NSW Government Inquiry.

City of Newcastle grants and sponsorship program

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that City of Newcastle’s 2024/25 annual Grants and Sponsorships and Special Business Rate programs will soon open for applications, funding approximately $900,000 across a number of streams.

The Minute asked that in light of the current cost of living crisis, up to $100,000 in additional funding be considered for eligible Social Inclusion grant applications should the program be oversubscribed.

Ordinary business 

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 February to 30 April 2024) by the Chief Executive Officer.

March Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – March Quarterly Performance Report and voted to adopt the revised budget. 

Endorsement of draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy for public exhibition

Council voted to place the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy on public exhibition for 42 days, noting the supporting documents including the Local Infrastructure Discussion Paper and the Interim Aboriginal Engagement Outcomes Report. Council will receive a report on the outcomes of the exhibition.

St James Primary development – transport infrastructure amendments

Council voted unanimously to approve the transport infrastructure amendments in Vista Parade and Princeton Avenue Kotara to support the St James Primary School development. The proposed transport infrastructure amendments are consistent with the Planning Agreement endorsed by the Council in February 2023.

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2024.

Tender report – asphaltic concrete and pavement services 

Council voted unanimously to accept tenders for the provision of asphaltic concrete and pavement services required by Civil Construction and Maintenance to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal as required across the Newcastle local government area.

Tender report – Smith Park sports field upgrade 

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for the construction of the Smith Park sports fields upgrade.

Late item

Winten developments in Newcastle

Council voted unanimously to accept a late item that reiterated the previous concerns of the elected Council over the many inadequacies of Winten’s current and future proposed work in the city between Fletcher and Minmi, that suggest a disregard for the potential significant impacts on the local community.

An urgent traffic investigation will be undertaken by City of Newcastle staff on the operation and capacity of Minmi Road including potential funding mechanisms, to service current and future populations across a range of transport modes.

Notices of Motion 

Public Art Reference Group items 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that noted the success of City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group and requested that the draft 2024/25 Budget consider funding a resource to achieve coherence of City of Newcastle’s public art policy and subsequent art outcomes.

The motion requested that the Director of the Newcastle Art Gallery, in consultation with the Executive Director of City Infrastructure, implement an appropriate process for the curation, conservation and maintenance of public art owned by City of Newcastle.

The motion further requested that City of Newcastle’s draft 2024/25 budget consider whether additional funding is required to enable the repair of the Michio Ihara ‘Wind’ sculpture on Newcastle Foreshore.

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to provide feedback on a 30-year plan that outlines how housing, employment opportunities and public spaces are developed in Broadmeadow. 

Councillors voted unanimously last night to place the Draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy on public exhibition next month for six weeks. 

The Strategy presents a shared vision to revitalise the 313-hectare precinct, with up to 20,000 new homes for 40,000 people, and 15,000 jobs to be created, while retaining Broadmeadow as the region’s premier sport and entertainment destination. 

It was developed by City of Newcastle in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in response to the NSW Government’s Rezoning Pathways Program, which identified Broadmeadow as one of 10 precincts to significantly contribute to housing supply across NSW. 

The precinct includes areas of Broadmeadow, Hamilton, Hamilton North, and Hamilton East. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Broadmeadow Place Strategy will help set the vision, direction and guide where key infrastructure and services should be located. 

“Broadmeadow offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver vital affordable housing, jobs and infrastructure to support our housing strategy, as well as access to quality public open spaces and improved leisure facilities in the heart of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“The NSW Government has been working in partnership with City of Newcastle to develop the Place Strategy. We are the only Council in NSW involved in such a partnership, ensuring early input into the strategic planning for the renewal of the Broadmeadow precinct. 

“Our vision for Broadmeadow is to be a vibrant destination with highly connected neighbourhoods that balance the needs of a dynamic community and growing Newcastle.  

“The draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy provides strategic direction on how to achieve that vision.” 

“I encourage the community to take this opportunity to have their say so that together we can plan for Broadmeadow’s future and create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit for years to come.” 

To support the supply of new housing, DPHI will also release a discussion paper that proposes the development of more than 3,000 new homes on certain parcels of government-owned land as part of the first stage.  

This will be placed separately on public exhibition by the NSW Government. 

Cr Nelmes said feedback from the community and stakeholders will help ensure the Place Strategy is fit for purpose and comes with the social, community and transport infrastructure required for a growing community. 

“There have been many plans and promises for this site for many years, it’s great to have the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure now leading community engagement to ensure that all our current users and future residents are included in the plans,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“It’s vital that any future changes incorporate the continued operation of the PCYC, Newcastle Basketball, Newcastle Tennis, Broadmeadow Magic and Newcastle Show in the precinct, together with significantly enhanced public community open space, indoor sports and leisure and aquatic facilities. 

“We support the advocacy from the Hunter Community Alliance for a minimum of 30 per cent of new homes to be set aside as social and affordable homes in perpetuity as part of any residential development that goes ahead. 

“We also support the integration of transport planning principles via the inclusion of the extension of the light rail corridor to Broadmeadow. Increases in population must come with commensurate investment into public transport infrastructure across the city. 

“It is really important to advocate strongly and clearly our expectations for this 30-year vision, and for what is delivered in the next decade in particular.” 

The outcomes of the Draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy public exhibition will be reported back to Council later this year.

Olympians Natalie Burton, Simon Orchard, Kate Jenner and Zoe Newman will be in Newcastle this week cheering on nearly 700 of the state’s best primary school athletes for Magic Round, as the city plays host to the NSW Public Schools Sports Association boys and girls state hockey and basketball championships.

The championships kick-off with an opening ceremony at Newcastle Basketball Stadium from 8am on Tuesday 28 May and run through to Friday 31 May.

The boys and girls hockey championships will feature the best 364 primary-aged players in the state, representing each of the different regions.

Muswellbrook-born Olympian and Kookaburras player, Simon Orchard, will join Hockeyroos Kate Jenner and Zoe Newman in cheering the players on as they contest the pool rounds and finals at the Newcastle International Hockey Centre in Broadmeadow.

At Newcastle Basketball Stadium, 280 players will be vying for the state championship in both boys and girls competitions with Opals star Natalie Burton courtside in support.

The Executive Director of the NSW Department of Education’s School Sport Unit, Dr Sylvia Corish, said having the Olympians in town to support the championships was a massive thrill for our young athletes and for the adults too.

“Natalie, Simon, Kate and Zoe are in Newcastle for the championships as part of the Olympics Unleashed program,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity for some of our best up-and-coming young athletes to meet an Olympian and talk about the pathways they took on their journey to be among the very best in their chosen sports”.

In addition to the nearly 700 athletes, more than 2000 supporters are expected to attend the championships.

The finals of the championships will take place on Friday 31 May, where the NSW teams to contest the national basketball and hockey titles will also be announced.

For more information about the Olympics Unleashed program, visit https://www.olympics.com.au/olympics-unleashed/

City of Newcastle is moving forward with remediation and accessibility improvements at Bar Beach, inviting tenders for the next stage of rehabilitation works at the popular coastal destination.

The stretch of beach, and the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club, suffered significant damage from huge swells in April 2022. 

Since then, a staged program of works has been developed and is being delivered to ensure minimal disruption to beach users. 

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said City of Newcastle is continuing to address the significant storm damage and increase accessibility for emergency service vehicles, lifesavers and beachgoers.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring all members of our community and visitors can continue to access Bar Beach, while delivering improvements to our valuable recreational areas,” Mr Thomson said.  

“We worked with Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club to schedule the work outside of the busy summer season, with construction expected to commence mid-year following a tender process.”

The next phase of remediation work will concentrate on the southern end of the promenade adjoining Cooks Hills Surf Life Saving Club, including the reinstatement of a vehicle access ramp from Memorial Drive to the beach, and new stairs to enhance pedestrian access to the sand.

A wave deflector wall topped with a new walkway and handrail will be constructed to help protect the surf club and provide pedestrian access across the front of the building.

Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club President Michael Clancy said the ongoing remediation and enhancements are welcomed by the local community.

“Cooks Hill Surf Club and the extended community that we serve are looking forward to seeing the work underway in coming months, to continue remediation works and improve beach access for all,” Mr Clancy said.

Emergency works at Bar Beach were initially undertaken following the storm to enable use of the club house and facilities and provide temporary vehicular access to the beach.

Further work was carried out in 2023, including the construction of a temporary beach access ramp and upgraded balustrade fencing to replace temporary water-filled barriers. 

City of Newcastle has received $1 million in funding from the Australian and New South Wales governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

City of Newcastle is continuing to work with coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for the stretch of beaches between Nobbys and Burwood Beach. The CMP will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued and much utilised stretch of coastline.

Police are appealing for information as part of an investigation into a carjacking at Rutherford this morning.

About 6.10am today (Sunday 26 May 2024), a man left his vehicle in the driveway of a business on Racecourse Road, Rutherford, when an unknown woman got into his Mercedes Benz 4WD.

The owner was trying to remove the woman from his car when an unknown man – armed with a firearm – directed the owner to leave his car, and the woman drove it away.

The armed man then left in a Nissan Skyline sedan.

The owner was not injured and contacted officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District, who arrived on scene a short time later.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for public assistance to locate a 2012-model silver Mercedes Benz with NSW registration ETZ-43F and a 1990-model white Nissan Skyline with NSW registration EOW-76F.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is also urged to come forward.

Anyone who sights the vehicle is reminded not to approach the vehicle or the occupants and to instead call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Novocastrians can add their voices to reconciliation by joining City of Newcastle in a pop-up choir in Museum Park next week to sing the Warumpi Band’s famous anthem, ‘Blackfella/Whitefella’.

The free event on 30 May will run from 12pm to 1pm and be coordinated by local group, The Sum of the Parts, who’ll lead the rehearsal and provide sheet music, as well as a three-piece band.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is proud to support local events during National Reconciliation Week.

“City of Newcastle has a strong track record of leading the way when it comes to reconciliation, becoming the first Council to raise the Aboriginal Flag over a civic building under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week is Now More Than Ever and it’s a reminder to everyone the fight for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said events such as the pop-up choir were an ideal way to unite all members of the community in the journey towards reconciliation.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia,” Cr Richardson said.

“Our pop-up-choir at Museum Park is part of a national initiative by Reconciliation Australia, which is encouraging communities across the country to lend their voices to reconciliation.

“Blackfella/Whitefella is a call for all people of all backgrounds and races to come together and stand up for change and we’re proud to be championing that message through this free community event.”

Reconciliation Week activities continue on 1 June with Newcastle Art Gallery and Aboriginal education group Speaking in Colour hosting a community drop-in workshop at The Olive Tree Markets.

Visitors can join a traditional weaving circle to discover Aboriginal methods and the importance of these practices, while also learning about the historical impact of Reconciliation Week on First Nations communities and discuss what needs to be done in the future.

City of Newcastle will also be represented at the University of Newcastle Reconciliation Ball which is being held on 30 May at the Great Hall, providing an opportunity for the community to connect to culture, Country, and each other.

The celebration will feature Minimbah Dancers, installations from the staff and students of the College of Engineering, Science, and Environment, as well as deadly local DJ Baker Boy and food by renowned Gamiliaraay Wonnorua Wailwan chef, Corey Grech.

National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey, the 1967 referendum for Aboriginal recognition on 27 May and the High Court Mabo decision on 3 June 1992.

For more information visit the City of Newcastle website.

Community groups, residents and business owners are being given the chance to share in almost $900,000 from City of Newcastle to enhance the culture, environment, and economy of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program covers a range of initiatives such as community support, sustainability, the environment and event sponsorship.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with a previous recipient of a City of Newcastle grants and sponsorships funding allocation.

Funding through City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate program will be allocated to projects that support the promotion, beautification and development of Wallsend and Hamilton, prior to applications opening for the City Centre later this year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said funding can be used for a wide range of activities and projects.

“This is the community’s chance to secure grants for initiatives that improve our local way of life,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our grants and sponsorships program can also help to alleviate the cost of living crisis with funding for things such as social inclusion.

“Last year our funding helped Grainery Care maintain an Outdoor Foodcare Delivery Space, allowed the University of Newcastle to create an employment clinic for the newly arrived migrants and maintain a student grocery hub.

“Our environmental and sustainability grants helped Apnom, a sustainable technology developer, create a program aimed at saving energy while maintaining food security and community nutrition, assisted the Diocese of Newcastle with the operation of a community garden, and funded Newcastle’s first Community Textile Recovery Hub at Wallsend.

“Our Special Business Rate program is an important way of involving businesses and the community in the continued improvement of their local precincts.

“It’s played a part in the Newcastle Fringe Festival at Hamilton, Streets Alive Wallsend and the Wallsend Op Shop Trail.

“The funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton will be assessed on their impact, creativity, and innovation.”

Hockey NSW secured $20,000 from last year’s major events funding to host the Regional Challenge in Newcastle.

Competitions manager Nathan Walker said Hockey NSW is extremely grateful for the support.

“We’ve formed a great relationship with City of Newcastle that’s allowed us to bring premier events to the region and utilise one of the best hockey facilities in Australia,” Mr Walker said.

“The funding helps Hockey NSW grow existing tournaments and by strengthening our relationship we hope to attract world class events to the Newcastle International Hockey Centre in the future.”

Hamilton and Wallsend SBR funding expressions of interest open on 27 May and close 23 June.

Applications for the grants and sponsorships program open on 3 June and close 30 June. 

Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants which target minor capital activities including Recreation Facilities Grants and Façade Improvement Grants.

Community Support Grants support community-based groups, sport and recreation clubs, and service organisations to enhance community services through Arts, Culture and History Grants, Social Inclusion Grants and Youth Climate Action Grants.

The Event Sponsorship Program provides a mechanism to promote active and vibrant spaces, attract local and out of region visitation and enhance Newcastle’s profile and reputation as an events city and includes General Sponsorships, Major Sponsorships, Incubator Sponsorships and Business Events Sponsorships.

Tourism and Economic Development sponsorships target activities and initiatives that provide economic benefit through enabling skills, innovation, vibrant places and spaces, and business event attraction.

To learn more about or apply for a City of Newcastle grant or sponsorship visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

For SBR expressions of interest for Hamilton and Wallsend, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/business/supporting-local-business-people/business-improvement-associations/special-business-rates-program

A man has been charged following a fatal crash in the state’s Hunter region last month.

About 12.05pm (Thursday 4 April 2024), emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Wingen, about 18km north of Scone, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash.

On arrival, officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District attended the scene found a Toyota Landcruiser towing a caravan and two other vehicles – a Volvo truck and an Isuzu truck – had collided.

The driver of the Isuzu truck– a 41-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the Toyota – a 63-year-old man – and his female passenger were taken to the same hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Volvo truck – a 60-year-old man – was uninjured.

A crime scene was established, with officers from the Crash Investigation Unit commencing an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Following inquiries, the 63-year-old man was issued a future Court Attendance Notice for negligent driving occasioning death and not give way (move from marked lane to another) today (Friday 24 May 2024).

He is due to face Scone Local Court on Wednesday 12 June 2024.

His licence was also suspended.

Hunter communities will soon be able to enjoy improved access to public transport infrastructure thanks to a more than $245,000 funding injection that will deliver dozens of better bus stops across the region.   

The NSW Labor Government’s $1.6 million Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Scheme will see 149 regional bus stop improvement programs rolled out across the state, including 54 in the Hunter.

Maitland City Council will receive $77,250 from the latest round of the Scheme and this will go towards funding construction of a new bus shelter in East Maitland and the upgrade of 26 bus shelters across the local government area.

Port Stephens Council will use $80,500 in grant funding to build two new shelters and upgrade 12 existing shelters.

Cessnock City Council will benefit from $88,000 which will be used to build two new bus shelters and upgrade 11 existing shelters.

Upgrade works will include a mix of treatments including:

• Installation of tactile indicators to help people with vision impairment
• Establishment of safer boarding points
• Erection of new signage and support poles
• Construction of connecting paths

For a full list of NSW councils and funding amounts they have received visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/community-transport-operators/country-passenger-transport-infrastructure-grants-scheme 

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“If we want people in the Hunter using public transport we need to make it an attractive option.

“Bus stops are a window to a crucial part of our integrated transport system in the Hunter.

“These stops need to be user-friendly for everyone including older passengers and those with a disability. This funding will vastly improve 54 stops in the Hunter.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government is delivering improved public transport infrastructure across the state and I’m happy to see Hunter communities have benefited.

“Better bus stops make public transport more accessible and attractive as an option to get around our community so these investments are very welcome.

“Whether it’s upgrades to improve safety, travel experience, or new shelters to protect people as they wait for public transport; these investments will deliver a range of positive benefits to all transport users and future generations for many years to come.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Labor Government is injecting $1.6 million to improve public transport infrastructure across regional NSW and Port Stephens is a big beneficiary.

“Port Stephens will be getting two new bus shelters, and twelve will be made more accessible, enabling local residents to catch buses more easily.

“By investing in better bus stops we’re delivering on our commitment to make NSW more accessible and inclusive – one bus stop at a time.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“It is great to see the Cessnock City LGA receive two new bus stops and upgrades to a further 11 existing shelters.

“The investment into infrastructure will make it more accessible and inclusive for everyone to use public transport.”

Maitland City Council new bus shelter site:

• 14 Mitchell Dr, East Maitland NSW 2323

Maitland City Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• 108 South Seas Dr, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 99 South Seas Dr, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 42 Norfolk St, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 14 Highland Way, Bolwarra NSW 2320
• 37 Corina Ave, Bolwarra Heights NSW 2320
• 65 Cumberland St, East Maitland NSW 2323
• 31 Turnbull Dr, East Maitland NSW 2323
• Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321
• 343 Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321
• 18 Belmore Rd, Lorn NSW 2320
• 321 High St, Maitland NSW 2320
• Ken Tubman Dr, Maitland NSW 2320
• 5 Dunkley St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 39 Avery St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• Hillview St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 59 Weblands St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 34 South St, Telarah NSW 2320
• 27 Taylor Ave, Thornton NSW 2322
• 1 Purdom Cl, Thornton NSW 2322
• Raymond Terrace Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
• 11 Woodlands Dr, Thornton NSW 2322
• 28 Government Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
• 1 Taylor Ave, Thornton NSW 2322
• Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322
• 114 Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322
• 118 Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322

Port Stephens Council new bus shelter site:

• South St, Medowie NSW 2318
• 2129 Nelson Bay Rd, Williamtown NSW 2318

Port Stephens Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• 6 Frost Rd, Anna Bay NSW 2316
• 35A Blanch St, Boat Harbour NSW 2316
• Fullerton Cove Rd, Fullerton Cove NSW 2318
• 77 Government Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
• 152 Benjamin Lee Dr, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Rees James Rd, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• 141 Mount Hall Rd, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Port Stephens Dr, Salamander Bay NSW 2317
• Sandy Point Rd, Salamander Bay NSW 2317
• Ridgeway Ave, Soldiers Point NSW 2317
• 112 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point NSW 2317
• 24 Moxey Clos, Williamtown NSW 2318

Cessnock City Council new bus shelter site:

• 93 Main Rd, Heddon Greta NSW 2321
• Alexandra St, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327

Cessnock City Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• Allandale Rd, Cessnock NSW 2325
• 15 Main Rd (Main Road opp 20 stop id) Cliftleigh NSW 2321
• 4 Lake Rd, Kearsley NSW 2325
• 2A Lake Rd, Kearsley NSW 2325
• 16 Triton Blvd, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• Bendeich Dr (opp Slattery Rd), North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 24 Bendeich Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 44 McGann Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• McGann Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 124 Triton Blvd, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 8 First St, Weston NSW 2326

The newly established Hunter Environment Advisory Group met for the first time last week, bringing together a group of representatives from community, industry and councils to discuss the Hunter’s unique environmental profile, challenges and priorities.

The new Advisory Group has evolved to combine and replace two former committees – the Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee (UHAQAC) and Newcastle Community Consultative Committee for the Environment (NCCCE) – providing a more unified approach to environmental issues across the region.           

Fourteen members represent interests across the Hunter region, including six from the community, four from industry, three from local government, and one environmental representative. 

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Executive Director of Operations Jason Gordon, who chairs the group, said the new Advisory Group will inform the EPA’s regulatory priorities and work in the region.

“The Hunter Environment Advisory Group is a great way for us to come together to listen to the major environmental concerns across the Hunter region, and share the ideas and actions being taken to mitigate these issues,” Mr Gordon said.

“In our first meeting, we covered a range of topics including local air quality and monitoring networks and discussed water quality and the remediation of contaminated land. 

“We committed to more transparency about how the EPA works with our licensees and protects the environment across a range of industries.

“The inaugural meeting was also a great opportunity to discuss the results of the EPA’s recent Operation ‘Bust the Dust’. Using drones and unannounced site inspections, EPA officers undertook 78 observations of coal mines in the Hunter Valley between August and December 2023 to monitor for dust emissions.

“Fortunately, the results from this latest campaign show improved performance by local mines against previous years, including increased measures for dust suppression and several instances where operations were stood down in response to dust risks.

“We understand that dust from mining activity in the Hunter Valley is a key concern for the community, and the EPA will continue its campaigns and routine inspections to ensure the mines are maintaining good air quality in the region.”

The Hunter Environment Advisory Group will meet every six months. More information about the Group’s priorities and members can be found at: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/community-engagement/community-committees/hunter-environment-advisory-group