Category: Newcastle News

A man has died following two-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 3.50pm today (Monday 5 August 2024), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Cliftleigh, following reports a car and truck had collided.

The driver of the car – a 31-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.

The driver of the truck – a man believed to be aged in his 40s – was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene, which will be forensically examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

A keynote address by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe will lead discussions on clean energy, jobs and investment as City of Newcastle urges Novocastrians to become net zero champions.

This follows the successful launch of the Empowering Newcastle event series at City Hall last month attended by more than 800 Novocastrians to hear from Australian engineer, inventor and renewable energy entrepreneur Saul Griffith on electrifying Newcastle.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.

Minister Sharpe will join Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, business leaders and members of the community at City Hall on August 17 to highlight the opportunities around the Hunter’s renewable energy transition.

Renewable energy experts and representatives from the NSW Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and EnergyCo will join the discussion, sharing details about the Hunter’ renewable energy zone and government initiatives to support a net zero transition.

City of Newcastle will share details of its Empowering Newcastle community program to support residents, businesses, schools and community groups to switch to renewable energy, electrify and create a net zero future, based on the Rewiring Australia model. 

Through the program, City of Newcastle will offer a range of online resources, and deliver a free Climate Champions training program later in the year, to equip emerging climate leaders with the knowledge and skills to deliver electrification campaigns and projects across the city.

City of Newcastle is also exploring the feasibility of a solar and battery bulk buy program to support the community to buy affordable, quality solar and battery systems from trusted suppliers, and will offer youth based and sustainability grants to drive local climate action.

Minister Sharpe said that the Hunter has led the conversation on how to put people at the heart of the changes we are seeing in how our energy needs are met.  

“We’re in the business of providing good secure jobs for the future and the Renewable Energy Zones are essential to this” Minister Sharpe said.

“Increasing the production of renewable energy as well as access to rooftop solar and batteries is good for the environment as we tackle climate change, will place downward pressure on bills and ensure that our State achieves net zero by 2050.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the opportunity to have key players in the city’s net zero future in the same room as part of City of Newcastle’s Empowering Newcastle event series.

“One our crowning achievements of the last decade is the planning, hard work and results that continue to move us further towards sustainability,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we’re supporting the transition of our local government area to net zero emissions, encouraging an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries, electric or zero emissions transport and buildings, as well as community renewable energy projects.

“Our Empowering Newcastle event series is a way to encourage the community, business and industry to become involved in this transformation.

“Whether you’re across the clean energy transition or you’re just starting to take an interest, I’d strongly encourage you to be at City Hall on 17 August for this important and timely discussion.”

City of Newcastle will also host a roundtable to discuss electric vehicles and low emissions transport on 8 August. A host of stakeholders will be invited, including Transport for NSW, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, the University of Newcastle, Business Hunter and Port of Newcastle, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to electric vehicles and low emissions transport in Newcastle. 

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the roundtable would be a welcome opportunity for City of Newcastle to engage with stakeholders with a common goal to tackle climate change and energy security.  

“We embrace our role in addressing climate and City of Newcastle has leadership we’re proud to share in response to this challenge we all face,” Cr Clausen said.  

“Hosting key stakeholders is a golden opportunity for City of Newcastle to align our plans with our industry partners, and help us to achieve our community’s commitment to be net zero by 2040.” 

To secure tickets to the free August 17 Empowering Newcastle event with Minister Sharpe at City Hall visit: trybooking.com/CSVXK

A man has died after a three-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 7.30pm yesterday (Friday 2 August 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a three-vehicle crash along Cessnock Road, Gillieston Heights, approximately 5km south of Maitland.

The driver of one of the vehicles – a 44-year-old man – died at the scene.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the other drivers – a 40-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman – at the scene.

The 40-year-old man was taken to John Hunter Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The woman was assessed at the scene for minor injuries.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene that was later examined by specialist police.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Local primary school students will have the chance to design the city’s next water safety poster as part of a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for almost 60 years.

More than 150 Jesmond Public School students were amongst the first participants in this year’s Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered annually by City of Newcastle’s lifeguards since 1966.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins City of Newcastle lifeguards Julian Boag, Dan Collins and Lily Forbes, and vice captains Rocky Stevenson and Vienna Wills at Jesmond Public School for a Water Safety Education session.The free program teaches students vital water safety lessons they’re being asked to incorporate into a poster, with the winning design to be displayed across the city’s five inland swimming centres.

With close to 280 drowning deaths across Australia every year, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important to empower kids with the water safety knowledge to keep them safe.

“We are so lucky to have a stunning coastline and lots of swimming spots to enjoy in Newcastle, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and what we can do to minimise them,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Over the next eight weeks our amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff will utilise their extensive skills and experience to educate more than 13,000 students about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.     

“This year’s poster competition not only gives students a chance to see their artwork displayed at our inland pools, but it is a great way to reinforce the lessons they learn through the Water Safety Education Program and to share them with the wider community.”

The school visits form one of City of Newcastle’s most significant youth engagement programs and are a key component of the overall approach to water safety.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle lifeguards commit more than 700 hours each year to educating and promoting water safety messages across the city, with delivery of the program being a highlight for many.

“Our lifeguards are passionate about engaging students in fun, smart and interactive ways to help prevent aquatic accidents and drownings,” Ms Duffy said.  

“Encouraging students to tap into their creative side to design a water safety poster is another way we can ensure the next generation understands and appreciates these potentially life-saving lessons.”

Students from the school with the winning design will also have the chance to cool off with a fun-filled pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the lead up to summer.

Art lovers are being given an early glimpse of the six-metre-wide suspended sculpture that will eventually fill the atrium and greet visitors at the new-look Newcastle Art Gallery.

Seventh generation Novocastrian and proud Awabakal descendant Shellie Smith has completed the design and concept proposal for the work of art, which will be made up of 30 cast aluminium fish shimmering in a spiralling school.

Councillor Margaret Wood, Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, Councillor Deahnna Richardson, artist Julie Squires, artist Shellie Smith, Councillor Carol Duncan, and Newcastle Art Gallery Society President, Prue Viggers OAM and Vice Chair Gael Davies OAM with part of the commissioned work.Inspired by Smith’s personal stories of fishing with her grandmother in the Port Stephens area, the work will be visible from the ground floor and first-floor corridor, which will connect the existing building with the new galleries.

Fellow artist and fabricator Julie Squires will work with Shellie to produce the sculpture, which will be based on Smith’s original fibre weaving.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this is the first of three new major works of art being planned for the expanded gallery.

“It’s fitting that two of our prominent local artists will collaborate to create an inspiring welcome to the Newcastle Art Gallery, where visitors will have access to exhibitions from home and abroad,” Cr Nelmes said.

Ms Smith said the sculpture was partly inspired by an incredibly rare Aboriginal artefact she was privileged to view as part of the Smithsonian collection in Washington DC.

“It’s one of only a few intact possum skin cloaks in the world and features patterns and iconography of fish, people and water etched into the leather surface,” Ms Smith said.

“I feel so privileged to be given this opportunity to tell a story that’s really personal to me, but also very connected to Newcastle.

“This is one of my first major commissions. It’s a very large and substantial work for me.

“I’d really like to thank the Newcastle Art Gallery Society for supporting this commission, and I’m also really grateful to the Awabakal descendants for supporting me.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said Shellie Smith’s work provides a special connection to Country.

“As part of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, we are committed to recognising, acknowledging and celebrating the Awabakal and Worimi people’s strength, resilience and living culture,” Cr Richardson said.

“Shellie’s work uses First Nations traditional weaving techniques, drawing inspiration from Awabakal patterns and iconography. It will be a fitting tribute to the traditional owners of the land on which the Art Gallery stands.”

City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group Chair, Councillor Carol Duncan said this work of art is another key step in creating a space that will attract Novocastrians and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will only enhance our reputation as a city that’s known for its culture,” Cr Duncan said.

“It will allow us to increase Newcastle’s opportunities in the areas of employment, education and the economy while celebrating the arts and Aboriginal culture.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery Society is supporting the project with a donation of $30,000.

“Newcastle Art Gallery Society is delighted to be associated with the acquisition of this work, one that records the history of Newcastle, while recognising the wealth of talented local artists in the city,” Society President Prue Viggers OAM said.

“Since the Art Gallery Society’s inception 55 years ago the proud tradition of assisting with the acquisition of works of art for the Gallery’s collection will be continued.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it will be exciting to have new works of art displayed alongside the gallery’s nationally significant collection.

“The completed Art Gallery will feature an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, enabling us to show off more of our $126 million collection as well as some of the best touring exhibitions,” Director Morton OAM said.

“We look forward to announcing more commissions for the expanded Art Gallery in the near future.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. 

A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

City of Newcastle has delivered the next stage of its landmark Bathers Way coastal revitalisation project, transforming South Newcastle Beach into a vibrant hub for community activity.

The upgraded shared pathway reopened to the public today as part of the multi-faceted project, which also includes the Hunter’s first wheelchair-accessible (WCMX) skate bowl.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Paralympian Paul Nunnari with City of Newcastle staff, Daracon representatives and community members cutting the ribbon to officially open the Bathers Way South Newcastle Beach upgrade.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the renewal of this precinct, which is located along an important stretch of coastline.

“The Bathers Way provides an accessible and inclusive opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy six kilometres of Newcastle’s incredible coastline,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I am thrilled to see the completion of these works at South Newcastle Beach, and to welcome the community back into this space to enjoy the new facilities.

“This project doesn’t just represent an investment in important coastal assets like the seawall at the southern end of the site, but an investment in quality public spaces for all of the community, young and old, to enjoy.”

The four-metre-wide pathway provides a more accessible connection between Shortland Esplanade and King Edward Park and forms a key link in Bathers Way coastal walk, which links the city’s five iconic beaches. 

Opportunities for passive and active recreation have been created to re-activate the precinct, with new seating, shade and viewing areas along the upper and lower promenades, while exercise equipment delivers an outdoor gym experience with a panoramic outlook. 

Newcastle’s thriving surf and skate community have been well catered for with new amenities including outdoor showers where beachgoers can rinse off, as well as a $1.8 million inclusive skate bowl and terrain park for skaters, scooters and riders including wheelchair athletes of all skill levels, providing an alternative to the advanced-level facilities at nearby Empire Park.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the focus on inclusive design in earlier stages of the project has been brought to life through the project’s delivery.

“We know how much the community values this section of coastline, and through community consultation we heard how important the renewal of the assets in this area was to create a safer, more inclusive and vibrant public space,” Cr Clausen said.

“Through collaboration with a range of subject matter experts and our Community Reference Group we were able to refine the design, and ultimately deliver a precinct that is significantly more accessible and provides a more inviting space for people to pause and take in the views while on a walk, although swimmers are reminded to stay safe and continue to swim between the flags at the northern end of the beach.

“The upgrade has also delivered a unique sporting facility not just for Newcastle, but for our region. The South Newcastle Beach site will become an inclusive hub for skateboarders, scooter and bike riders that enhances our ability to host events and competitions, which in turn drives growth in the sport and contributes to the local economy.”

Paralympian and Inclusion Consultant Paul Nunnari said it was fantastic to see City of Newcastle incorporate the needs of all members of the community into the design for this upgrade.

“City of Newcastle’s Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach offers a new benchmark for inclusive facilities and design along our coastline, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy Newcastle’s great beaches, recreational facilities and unique way of life,” Mr Nunnari said.

The NSW Government contributed $5 million to the $20 million project to show its support for initiatives that increase the attractiveness of regional NSW as a place to live and do business.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley noted the importance of public spaces like Bathers Way in bringing the community together.

“Bathers Way is such an iconic strip and its fantastic to unveil such a significant transformation. Thanks to support from the NSW Government, the area has been revitalised to make it more accessible and enjoyable for locals and visitors,” Minister Catley said.

“The upgrades are designed to cater for everyone, and they certainly make the space more inclusive and accessible. I look forward to the community seeing it for themselves.”

Local artists have made their mark on the project including a stunning mural by Ellie Hannon inspired by the native trees and flowers found in the Glenrock and Awabakal Nature Reserves, which has been sandblasted into the retaining wall underneath the elevated skate bowl.

The wall adjacent to the new skate bowl features the work of artist Bronte Naylor, who celebrates skating, scooter and surf culture, as well as the surrounding landscape.

A new kiosk has also been constructed on site, with the internal fit-out now in the final stages ready to begin serving patrons in the coming months.

Other key elements of the Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach include the construction of a new sea wall and the restoration of the 115-year-old heritage stone arches and shelter, which are among the oldest European hand-crafted structures on the New South Wales coast. 

Executive Manager Project Management Office Rob Dudgeon said City of Newcastle had delivered important upgrades to infrastructure alongside a revitalised recreational precinct that has transformed a long dormant part of the coastline.

“The project involved significant investment to ensure the community will enjoy this space for generations to come,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“This included upgrades to the seawall, retaining wall, bleachers and stairs at $3.9 million, the installation of new buildings, Bathers Way promenade and public amenity including the protection of the heritage stone arches at a cost of $6.5 million, as well as a new inclusive skatepark at $1.8 million to replace the former facility built in 1995.”

Cliff stabilisation works were also completed concurrently with this project to reinforce an area located to the south of the Bathers Way upgrade known by the Awabakal name Yirannali, which means “a place of falling rocks”. 

City of Newcastle invites the community to join them in celebrating this renewed public space with a series of family friendly activities being held from 8.30am to 11.30am on Sunday 18 August. For the latest information about the free community event visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/bathersway

Passengers travelling to or from the Hunter and the Central Coast, and on the T9 Northern line are urged to plan ahead this weekend as essential trackwork goes ahead to ensure our train network continues to be resilient and reliable.

Passengers travelling to or from the Hunter and the Central Coast, and on the T9 Northern line are urged to plan ahead this weekend as essential trackwork goes ahead to ensure our train network continues to be resilient and reliable.

Buses will replace trains on Saturday and Sunday between Strathfield and Hornsby, between Hornsby and Berowra, and between Hornsby and Newcastle Interchange.

In addition, from Saturday 3 August to Monday 5 August, buses will replace trains on the Hunter Line from Newcastle Interchange to Scone and Dungog as the Australian Rail Track Corporation carries out annual maintenance work. This includes ballast cleaning, track reconditioning, and work on signalling equipment.

On the T7 Olympic Park Line, services will not stop at Lidcombe and will instead run between Olympic Park and Strathfield, continuing to T1 North Shore Line stations.

Buses will replace trains on the T1 Western and T5 Cumberland lines between Richmond and Blacktown from 5:50am until 8:45am, then between Richmond and Schofields from 8:45am until 11am.

Sydney Trains will be carrying out regular trackwork, including station upgrade works, track reconditioning, rerailing, contact wire renewal, turnout renewal, bridge refurbishment and signalling upgrades.

Regular trackwork is critical for the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the rail network. Passengers may need to change trains and are encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info or using trip planning apps.

Sydney Trains thanks passengers for their patience. 

All public transport buses across the Hunter and Lower North Coast are now fitted with smart technology which means customers will be able to view reliable timetable information and real-time trip updates any time they use buses in their local area.  

Over recent months, GPS tracking devices and automatic passenger counting systems have been fitted on 233 buses across a region stretching from from Diamond Head in the north to Cessnock in the south and as far inland as Cassilis, as part of the Transport Connected Bus (TCB) program.  

This means passengers who use bus services in the Cessnock, Maitland, Myall Lakes, Port Stephens and Upper Hunter electorates can find out where their bus is in real time, how soon it is due to arrive and how full it is.  

They can also use Transport for NSW’s website or mobile apps such as TripView to access digital timetable information.  

The technology has been installed on all regular passenger route buses and school buses, meaning parents can digitally track the bus their child is on in real time.   

The Hunter and Lower North Coast was the first of the regional NSW areas completed under Phase 3 of the Transport Connected Bus program. Transport for NSW worked with 22 bus operators during the roll out.  

Locations serviced by these buses include Aberdeen, Broke, Buladelah, Cassilis, Cessnock, Denman, Dungog, East Maitland, Forster, Gloucester, Hawks Nest, Karuah, Lochinvar, Maitland, Medowie, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Nabiac, Old Bar, Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace, Rutherford, Scone, Seaham, Singleton, Smiths Lake, Taree, Tinonee and Tea Gardens.   

Buses in Newcastle that are part of the Opal network already have similar technology.  

The TCB program is progressively rolling out this technology across regional NSW. By the end of June 2025, the entire NSW fleet of Transport-contracted buses will be tracked. 

People living in and around the Hunter will have a safer trip home thanks to more than 3.7 million in Albanese Government funding to improve seven known crash sites under the 2024–25 Black Spot Program.

The Blackspot Program will fund safety improvements to the roads in Hamilton South, Thornton, Chisholm, Taylors Beach, Morisset and Mount Vincent. These projects will make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths for all road users in the Hunter.

Project Location	Detail of Works	Federal funding
Hamilton South	Install wombat crossing, additional signage and speed humps on all approaches to the roundabouts at the intersection of National Park Street and Smith Street.	$469,560
Thornton	Install a 400-metre-long raised median between Weakley’s Drive and Glenwood Drive.	$485,790
Chisholm	Install a one-lane roundabout including all traffic calming, line marking, lighting and signage at the intersection of Heritage Drive and Tigerhawk Drive.	$567,678
Taylors Beach	Install barrier, signage, wide painted profile line marking and raised median. Upgrade road seal to high level non-skid surface. Improve sealed shoulder on curve, and deflection of roundabout on Port Stephens Drive.	$945,000
Morisset	Upgrade seal to high level non-skid surface, install barrier, wide painted profile linemarking and improve sealed shoulder on curve on Fishery Point Road.	$681,425
Mount Vincent	Install motorcycle underrun, barrier, retro-reflective pavement markers, profile linemarking, guideposts, incremental traversable clearzone and signage on Sandy Creek Road.	$671,879
Morisset	Install one-lane roundabout including all traffic calming, line marking, lighting and signage. Install wombat crossing on Bridge Street and Newcastle Street.	$372,025

The Black Spot Program funds a range of safety measures at locations where serious crashes have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.

The Australian Government has substantially increased Black Spot Program funding, which is progressively rising from $110 million to $150 million per year.

This is part of the Government’s response to the worsening road toll which includes progressively doubling Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $1 billion a year and delivering a nationally-harmonised set of high-quality and timely data to inform road safety decision making.

For more information on the Albanese Government’s Black Spot Program, to nominate a black spot and for the full list of NSW recipients visit : Black Spot Program | Infrastructure Investment Program.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“I am pleased to announce this latest round of Black Spot projects in NSW, which will improve roads across the state.

“Every death on NSW roads is a tragedy and could have been avoided.”

“Local communities know where their most dangerous road locations are and their ability to nominate projects under this program and work with state and local experts in reviewing nominations is why this program is so successful.”

 “With the recent announcement of our increased commitment to this long-running program, I strongly encourage individuals, organisations, and local governments to nominate sites in their local communities for consideration in the next round of funding.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

“More funding for vital road improvements in our electorate of Paterson will continue to improve the safety of our community and save lives.

“This black spot funding will support our local Councils in delivering these much-needed upgrades now and into the future.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“Living regionally, I know how dangerous our roads can be and these Black Spot projects will make our roads safer for everyone.

“Black Spot treatments help reduce serious injuries and deaths on our roads, and get people home safely.

“Working closely with our local Councils to fund these projects means that the Councils can focus on more road upgrades that are much needed across Lake Macquarie and Cessnock.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“It’s great to see some much-needed funding for road safety improvements in Newcastle and across the Hunter.

“These upgrades to the two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue are sure to be particularly welcomed by the Newcastle High School and Newcastle Grammar School communities, whose access will now be much safer.

“The project will be undertaken by Newcastle Council, and I look forward to seeing the finished product.”

The first of three public art murals at Blackbutt Village is taking shape this week as part of the $4.5 million upgrade of Orchardtown Road shopping precinct.

Newcastle social and artistic enterprise UP&UP Inspirations will produce the murals at three locations in Blackbutt Village following consultation with the New Lambton community and local businesses, with the first adding colour to the northern façade of the Blackbutt Village Grocer. 

IMAGE CAPTION: (l-r) City of Newcastle Project Manager Alex Altuneg, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, artist Olas One and UP&UP Inspirations co-founder Faith Curtis at Blackbutt Village.

The public art is one of the final elements of City of Newcastle’s Local Centre upgrade of Blackbutt Village. The upgrade has already delivered improved access for pedestrians and shoppers, upgraded drainage and enhanced footpath connections to the popular Blackbutt Reserve, which is an inspiration for the murals.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Blackbutt Village will be a more walkable, greener village, filled with local character under the full scope of the improvements.

“Blackbutt Village is where New Lambton locals gather to support their local businesses, grab a coffee and connect with friends and family,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re committed to delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for New Lambton residents through these upgrades, including the addition of 130 new trees and 23 landscaped garden beds, which will create a more appealing environment with increased shade and colour.

“The murals will add to this appeal, becoming a source of pride that captures how New Lambton locals feel about their green spaces, like the stunning Blackbutt Reserve.

“I’m thrilled with the improvements that have been completed so far in Blackbutt Village and can’t wait to see the final stage of the project taking shape over the next six months.”

The Blackbutt Village upgrades are made possible through $591,677 in support from the NSW Government. 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said Blackbutt Village will have a chance to flourish through the investment by state and local government.

“Blackbutt Village and New Lambton are unique places that deserve to have their character celebrated while providing enhanced facilities, infrastructure and amenity for the suburb,” Minister Moriarty said.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government is working alongside City of Newcastle and the New Lambton community taking pride in this beautiful neighbourhood.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said it’s wonderful to see the long-awaited project nearing completion. 

“Blackbutt has long been a great place for families to spend weekends together. The new murals will inject colour and character into the precinct so locals can enjoy all it has to offer,” Minister Catley said

“It’s fantastic that the NSW Government is supporting community projects like this and ensuring we have access to modern public spaces, facilities, and infrastructure. I can’t wait to see the rest of the upgrades to Blackbutt village.”

City of Newcastle will continue the delivery of the final project stage with new community spaces on Myra Street and Carnley Avenue, and upgrades to the intersection and signals on Carnley Avenue later this year pending design approvals through Transport for NSW. 

The completed works will deliver a shared zone for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, an off-road shared pedestrian and cycleway, and a new pedestrian crossing providing a safer link between the car park and shops. 

A community gathering is planned for August 10 in Blackbutt Village to mark the project milestones.

Blackbutt Village is being upgraded through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in communities across Newcastle. 

Other centres renewal delivered include Beresford Avenue, Beresfield; Mitchell Street, Stockton; Young Street, Carrington; James Street Plaza, Hamilton; Llewellyn Street, Merewether; Joslin Street, Kotara, Sandgate Road, Shortland; Nelson Street, Wallsend; and Darby Street.