Category: Newcastle News

The program helping to break down barriers to accessing government payments and services for people experiencing homelessness has expanded to include more locations across Australia.

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten, has announced 9 new partnerships, including in Newcastle, bringing the total to 27 nationwide.

“I’m pleased to announce BaptistCare HopeStreet has welcomed the opportunity to partner with Services Australia in Newcastle,” Minister Shorten said. 

“In this program, Services Australia Community Partnership Specialist Officers (CPSOs) works alongside community organisations to connect people to government payments and services.

“As Minister for Government Services one of my priorities is simplifying access to government support, and Community Partnerships do just that.

“Working alongside non-government organisations, learning from each other’s expertise, and listening and responding to the needs of people accessing these services, the partnerships have delivered real results.

“We are meeting people where they are, working with them individually to understand their circumstances and tailoring support to connect them to essential government services.”

Since Community Partnerships began as a then pilot in 2022, CPSOs have assisted customers on more than 33,642 occasions.

The majority of these customers had complex barriers to accessing government services, were homeless or experiencing housing instability and just under half were experiencing mental ill health.

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, said the Community Partnership will bolster the existing support available for individuals and families in Newcastle.

“This is an important service that is making a huge difference to vulnerable people in need.”

“By continuing and extending this initiative, more people experiencing vulnerability will be able to access and engage with government services, in their local community and get the support they need.

“This will have wide-reaching benefits for many Novocastrians.”

Operations Lead for Community Services with BaptistCare, Elizabeth Hukins welcomed the opportunity to partner with Service Australia.

“BaptistCare HopeStreet is thrilled to be partnering with Services Australia to enable vulnerable people in Newcastle to have better access to federal government services.  We are excited to introduce this program to our locations in Windale and Wallsend.”

For more information about Community Partnerships visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/community-partnership-specialist-officers

Investigations are underway into the potential for affordable housing on a parcel of land owned by City of Newcastle in Hunter Street.

The strategically positioned site, known as Rail Bridge Row, sits as a junction between King Street, Hunter Street and the Foreshore.

It was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020 with a vision for a mixed-use development with potential for ground floor retail, affordable housing and commercial uses. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said while the future of the site was still being investigated, affordable housing is central to the discussions.

“With cost of living pressures exacerbating the housing stress being experienced by thousands of Novocastrians, increasing the supply of affordable housing in Newcastle is a key priority,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of our vision for the ongoing revitalisation of the CBD, a mixed-use development on this site could help ease the affordable housing shortage, while supporting investment and creating more jobs in Newcastle.

“We are currently working through various investigations and early design options and will soon commence site assessments for the early works and approvals needed to support future development on the site, along with exploring potential partnership opportunities with Community Housing Providers.”  

The 4,125 sqm lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Street and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop.

Investigations are also assessing whether the site can also enhance the city’s active transport network. 

“We’re committed to delivering safe, connected and convenient cycleways across the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This site could also provide an opportunity to deliver an important east-west commuter cycleway connection, strengthening Newcastle’s cycling infrastructure while enhancing the sustainability and liveability of our city.”

Details

• Trains continue to be affected by an ongoing police operation at various Hunter Line locations.
  
• Nightly from 5.30pm until 7am the next morning, limited buses replace trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange.
  Buses will not run to the normal train timetable so please allow plenty of extra travel time, delay overnight or early morning travel if possible or consider using other transport. 
  
• At other times of the day, extended travel time may be experienced, or trains may be replaced by limited buses at short notice.
  
• It is not clear how long this disruption will continue, but we are committed to keeping passengers updated as the situation progresses. 
• Check transport apps, information screens and listen to announcements for service updates.

Bus routes1HU  Telarah, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return4HU  Dugong, then all stations to Maitland and return7HU  Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus18HU  Scone, then all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return19HU  Dungog, then all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresford, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return26HU  Singleton, all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July

• Trains may run to a changed timetable due to trackwork between Strathfield and Central.
• Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Police are appealing for public assistance after several vehicles were set alight in the state’s Hunter region.

About 1:30am today (Sunday 14 July 2024), emergency services responded to reports of several vehicles on fire in a carpark in Brentwood Street, Muswellbrook.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District found eight vehicles alight.

All vehicles were destroyed in the fire however, there were no reports of injuries, and no structures were damaged.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and police are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam vision to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Community members are being invited to have their say on proposed alternative construction options to build the new 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.

The option approved in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) involved using small rock jetties and large barges in the Hunter River, which necessitates dredging.

The barges would be used to transport and allow piling rigs, cranes and concrete pumps to work over water while secondary barges would support construction and help supply materials, removing spoil and piling activities. 

The alternative option being considered involves using a temporary rock platform in the Hunter River. 

The rock platform would be utilised in two separate stages – starting with a platform up to 180-metres constructed from the western side of the river.

Once work is complete on this side, the rock material would be removed and relocated to the eastern side of the river to allow crews to complete the viaduct construction. 

Following completion, the rock platform would be removed. This alternative option reduces construction duration and therefore the duration on impact on the Hunter River.

Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said Transport for NSW and the project team want to speak with community members and hear their feedback about the options. 

“We know the community has concerns about impacts to the Hunter River and potential flood impacts on their properties, which is why we want to sit down with residents to hear from them and speak to them individually about this part of the project,” Ms Zycki said. 

Transport for NSW is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our communities when building state shaping infrastructure such as the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.

There will also be an opportunity for the community to speak with the project team, with five drop-in sessions scheduled for later this month. 

The community drop-in sessions will provide a chance for the community to meet members of the project team and get answers to their questions relating to flood management measures during construction.

The project team will have flood specialists, environmental and construction personnel on hand to provide more information and answer any questions from community members.

Community drop-in session details:  
•    Millers Forest Popular Hall: 105 Scotch Creek Road, Millers Forest – Wednesday 24 July from 6pm to 9pm and Thursday 25 July from 10am to 1pm 
•    Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Hall: 17E Irrawang St, Raymond Terrace – Thursday 25 July from 6pm to 9pm and Friday 26 July from 1pm to 4pm 
•    John Holland Gamuda site compound: Aurizon Road, Tarro – Saturday 27 July from 10am to 2pm

The project team will also be sending letters and contacting all potentially impacted property owners over the coming weeks to discuss how the alternative construction option may impact their property and potential mitigation measures that may be available to them at their property.

The M1 extension includes upgrades to the surrounding network, such as the Hexham Straight Widening, and is funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

It will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods. 

There will be new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace; and a 2.6-kilometre viaduct over the Hunter River and floodplain, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway.  

The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace is expected to be open to traffic in 2028. 

To have your say, visit https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/m1rt/community-information-sessions.

City of Newcastle is inviting businesses to participate in a program designed to grow Newcastle’s position as an inclusive tourism destination and its share of the $6.8 billion accessible tourism market.

Expressions of interest are now open for businesses to participate in the free program, with 20 to be selected based on their relevance to the visitor economy.

Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Chairman Dominic May, City of Newcastle Destination & Economy Manager Georgia Lazzari, Councillor Margaret Wood, Newcastle Business Improvement Association representative Lucy Glover and City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee Co-Chair Andrew Vodic.Those businesses will receive practical advice on how to improve their accessibility for tourists with a broad range of needs, including mobility and vision, sensory, intellectual and neurological disabilities.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said improving the accessibility of Newcastle is an ongoing priority.

“Access and inclusion are key priorities for City of Newcastle and we want the millions of Australians who have a disability to look to our city as the place to visit for a holiday,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Enhancing our inclusive tourism offering will not just attract more visitors and tap into new markets, it will also make our city a better place to live work and play for locals.”

City of Newcastle has appointed The Visitor Inclusion Group, a specialist consulting firm in the field of accessible and inclusive tourism, to develop the framework, which will help local operators better understand the requirements of visitors with a disability.

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee said accessible tourism is the fastest growing travel sector in Australia.

“The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that in 2022 around 5.5 million Australians were living with a disability,” Cr Wood said.

“Australian travellers with accessibility needs spent $6.8 billion on domestic travel in the 2022/23 financial year.

“This project aims to encourage improvement and inclusion in the accessible tourism sector, helping local business to find ways to be an inclusive destination for everyone.

“Together, we can make our city an accessible and inclusive destination for all.”

Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Chairman Dominic May encouraged Newcastle tourism operators to get on board.

“This initiative will help to make Newcastle accessible to all visitors and provide a much needed boost to local businesses,” Mr May said.

“It’s important for all of our tourism providers to do everything we can to be part of the growing accessible tourism market.”

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on 22 July.

To submit an EOI visit: www.visitnewcastle.com.au/industry-resources/expressionofinterest

Improving the accessibility of Newcastle is a key part of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan and Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Due to ongoing illegal protest activity in the rail corridor in the Hunter, from Wednesday July 10, additional buses will provide passengers with more services on the Hunter Line each evening until early morning. 

Buses will be on site from 4:30pm on weekdays and on weekends until trains resume at 7am the following morning. Bus marshals will be stationed at Newcastle Interchange, Maitland and Hamilton. 
  
Between 15 to 20 buses will operate on six different routes covering all stations as follows: 
•    Telarah – all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return 
•    Dungog – all stations to Maitland and return 
•    Warabrook Station to Newcastle University shuttle 
•    Scone – all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return 
•    Dungog – all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return 
•    Singleton – all stations to Lochinvar, Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return. 
 
The buses will continue to run each night until Tuesday 16 July. 
 
Passengers may experience some delays and gaps in services as we grapple with a bus driver shortage and routes may change, but Transport for NSW will do its best to provide as many services as possible. 
 
Passengers are advised to allow extra travel time and take alternative transport options where available.  
  
The Hunter Line has been substantially disrupted by illegal protest activity since Tuesday 25 June, with more than 20 incidents that have stopped rail traffic.  
 
To date NSW Police have made 31 arrests and laid 90 charges.  
   
Transport for NSW is assessing the situation daily and taking the advice of NSW Police.    
   
It is not clear how long the illegal protest disruption will run, but we are committed to keeping passengers updated as the situation progresses.   
   
A risk-based approach was used to inform the decision to shut down overnight passenger rail services, to ensure the safety of the travelling public, our train crew, and emergency service workers that need to enter the rail corridor to conduct rescues.    
  
Passengers are advised to check real time transport apps for the latest information. 

Police are appealing for public assistance after a bag containing fishing gear was located in Newcastle.

About 7.20am this morning (Thursday 11 July 2024), police were called to Dudley Beach following reports items were located on rocks; however, no one was located nearby the items.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and located a grey bag at the southern end of the beach, near the Bombala Street track and Cross Creek.

A search of the area commenced, with assistance from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue, PolAir and NSW Surf Lifesavers; however, no one was located.

While the items may have been discarded or lost, police hold concerns for the welfare of the potential owner and are appealing for anyone who has information on the owner of the items to contact local police.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information about the items found is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.