Category: Newcastle News

Lake Macquarie residents will benefit from work completed to install a noise wall on the M1 Pacific Motorway northbound near Currans Road.
Transport for NSW Director Region North Anna Zycki said the NSW Government funded the $8.1 million project to help reduce traffic noise for residents.
“The NSW Government views road traffic noise as an important issue and is committed to improving the daily lives of residents living near arterial infrastructure such as the M1 Pacific Motorway,” Ms Zycki said. 
“Around 25,000 motorists use this section of motorway northbound every day.
“Work included surveying, vegetation clearing and building a 408-metre noise wall on the motorway.
“We also want to say a big thank you to the local community and motorists for their patience while we completed this work.
“Some minor finishing work will continue this month however traffic restrictions will no longer apply.”

A man has been charged with several drug supply offences following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs in the state’s north.

In February 2024, police from Lake Macquarie Police District formed Strike Force Picatinny, to investigate the alleged supply of illegal drugs in the Lake Macquarie area.

On Wednesday 3 July 2024, following extensive investigations, police executed search warrants at homes in Windale and Gateshead, where they located a quantity of illegal drugs including commercial quantities of methylamphetamine, and other quantities of cocaine, heroin, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis, an amount of cash and other items which police will allege are proceeds of crime. The seized drugs have a combined street value of $150,000.

A 43-year-old man was arrested near the Gateshead property and was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with thirty seven offences:

Thirty two counts of supply prohibited drug offences
Three counts of possess prohibited drug
Two counts of deal with proceeds of crime
He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Thursday 4 July 2024).

Sheriffs in Newcastle, Gosford and the Hunter will stop work and protest outside Newcastle courthouse at 8.30am tomorrow over a staffing crisis and poor pay.

This action, which will last two hours, will have a severe impact on courts’ ability to function.

The Office of the Sheriff has difficulty recruiting and retaining Sheriffs due to the poor pay.

While Sheriffs’ duties have ballooned over the last decade their pay has failed to keep pace.

Sheriffs, (formally ‘Sworn uniformed Sheriff’s Officers’), both enforce the law and provide court security. 

Sheriffs are a crucial part of law enforcement. They enforce orders issued by NSW Local, District and Supreme Courts, the High Court, the Federal Court and Family Court.

Sheriffs enforce writs, serve warrants and Property Seizure Orders issued under the Fines Act 1996.

Their security duties involve maintaining the security of court complexes, many of which have airport-style perimeter security and scanning to ensure the safety of judges, magistrates, lawyers and the public. 

There are over 300 Sheriffs across the state attached to over 170 courthouses. Only 44 courthouses will be affected by tomorrow’s action.

Sheriffs have tried to play by the rules, said Stewart Little, General Secretary of the Public Service Association which represents Sheriffs, but they have just been ignored for over two years.

“In mid 2022 there was an agency restructure and the senior leadership of the Office of the Sheriff got a significant pay bump,” said Mr Little.

“In 2023 there was a review of Sheriffs’ pay but the report was never released under ‘cabinet in confidence’.

‘Sheriffs waited patiently, and were told the matter would be resolved in the 2024 budget, but when it was delivered in mid June nothing happened, and now they’ve been fobbed off again with some other made up bureaucratic process, so Sheriff’s have just had enough.

“Sheriffs are highly trained in what is risky and stressful work.

“Sheriffs need a solid pay bump to reflect the dangerous work they do, when enforcing court orders they’ll be entering people’s properties wearing stab proof vests, carrying capsicum spray, batons and handcuffs. It’s difficult work.

“Sheriffs put their lives on the line in courthouses to make sure judges, lawyers and members of the public are safe from crooks and criminals, yet they are paid the same as people with desk jobs and administration roles at the courthouse, it’s just not on,” said Mr Little.

A man has been charged following an unauthorised protest near Maitland this morning.

About 4am (Wednesday 3 July 2024), police were called to the rail corridor at East Maitland following reports a person had allegedly entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with assistance from Police Rescue, attended the site and arrested a 22-year-old man from Queensland.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with enter enclosed non-agricultural lands – serious safety risk, cause obstruction to railway locomotive, and hinder working of mining equipment.

He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 3 July 2024).

City of Newcastle will take on greater leadership in NSW through new accords with Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and City of Coffs Harbour councils. 

Newcastle has entered memoranda of understanding (MoU) with two of our Hunter neighbours, as well as fellow regional coastal council Coffs Harbour. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison and Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds at a recent meeting of the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the four councils will gain valuable expertise and a stronger collective voice from each MoU. 

“We’re in a unique position to both be a leader in the local government sector and to learn from the successes of other councils,” Cr Nelmes said.  

“As a financially sound and well-resourced council, we have plenty of success stories that are worth sharing and I look forward to exploring new opportunities through closer ties with our neighbours.

“Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are each vital parts of our state, and we’re stronger, smarter and better off when we collaborate.” 

City of Newcastle Acting CEO David Clarke said the accords would pool the knowledge of each council in many areas of expertise.  

“We’re exploring opportunities to share insights and capabilities, as well as the potential for staff exchange program with our MoU partners, which is a golden way to share the rich expertise of each council and just one of the many benefits of these agreements,” Mr Clarke said. 

“We’ve already applied for grants in partnership with some of the councils to fund projects together and had had success working with the NSW Government. City of Newcastle’s CEO Jeremy Bath has worked hard on this and deserves a lot of credit.” 

As part of the MoU, City of Newcastle’s planning team has already met with their Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter counterparts to outline Newcastle’s award-winning Accelerated Development Assessment program. 

City of Newcastle has applied for grant funding to roll out Accelerated Development Assessment – its streamlined determination tool for low-impact developments – to its three new MoU partners over the next 12 months. 

In the past year, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour have worked together on a range of submissions to the NSW and federal governments on issues that affect both large coastal councils. 

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said the coastal council areas’ similarities made them logical partners.  

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Coffs Harbour to work closely with Newcastle on all manner of things, and the MoU will be of particular advantage in areas where challenges are common to both councils,” Cr Amos said.  

“It makes every sense for Coffs and Newcastle to align as two major regional, coastal cities – each with ambition for continual improvement.  

 “While the MoU is non-binding on either council for any actions, it paves the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.” 

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said his council saw its Newcastle MoU as mutually beneficial. 

“We look forward to working with the City of Newcastle and exploring opportunities for joint advocacy and funding prospects to benefit the region and enhance our capability,” Cr Reynolds said. 

“Improved efficiencies and learnings will support better outcomes across the board.” 

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison said his council’s new accord would bring a suite of benefits.  

“By collaborating across boundaries, we can share valuable knowledge and resources, leading to enhanced service delivery and sustainable regional growth,” Cr Collison said. 

“This MoU represents our commitment to working together for the economic and social prosperity of our communities. Our combined efforts will ensure that we are better equipped to address the complex issues facing local government.” 

Preparations are now in full swing for the start of construction of the Singleton Bypass, with early work progressing and final touches being made to the detailed design.

The Australian Government has committed $560 million and the NSW Government is investing $140 million to deliver the project and remove one of the Hunter region’s most notorious bottlenecks.

Since being announced as the successful contractor for the eight-kilometre project, ACCIONA Constructions Australia has been busy carrying out early work including geotechnical and utility investigations, and additional site surveys.

These early activities will inform the detailed design for the project before major construction starts later this year.

Transport for NSW’s environment team has also been working with ecologists, ahead of vegetation clearing, to oversee the carving of replacement hollows in trees adjacent to the project, to preserve wildlife habitats.

The Singleton Bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

Images and short video available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/tpgoNW4fNn.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is an exciting time for the local community which has been patiently waiting for the delivery of this bypass.

“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government to deliver Singleton’s biggest infrastructure project.

“Importantly, the project also delivers economic growth and will support more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Singleton bypass will improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter region.

“When the bypass is built motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and it’ll remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre – improving safety, slashing travel times and increasing efficiency for all road users.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“We are hitting the ground running on this vital infrastructure project, which will benefit many people who live, work and visit our region.

“As part of the project, Transport for NSW’s environment team are overseeing the installation of carved hollows which will provide habitat for native fauna including birds, gliders, possums and bats that may be displaced during construction and operation of the project.

“ACCIONA have also carried out surveys of the Hunter River to help plan construction activities and ensure local aquatic species and river embankments remain protected.

“The Australian and NSW governments are committed to ensuring the furry, feathered, and arguably cutest residents around the Singleton Bypass experience the best possible outcomes now and into the future.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“The Singleton Bypass is another example of the ways the Australian and NSW governments are working together to deliver critical infrastructure projects that will set not only the Hunter, but the nation, up for the future.

“This will ensure safer and smoother journeys for local motorists, visitors and our freight industry who rely on the New England Highway as an important link road every day.”

A woman has been charged following an unauthorised protest near Maitland today.

About 3pm (Tuesday 2 July 2024), police were called to the rail corridor at Thornton, following reports persons had allegedly entered the rail corridor and were causing obstruction to trains.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with assistance from Police Rescue, attended the site and arrested a 69-year-old woman from Victoria.

She was taken to Maitland Police Station where she was charged with enter inclosed non-agricultural lands serious safety risk, cause obstruction to railway locomotive or rolling stock and hinder working of mining equipment.

She was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 3 July 2024).

City of Newcastle will take on greater leadership in NSW through new accords with Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook and City of Coffs Harbour councils. 

Newcastle has entered memoranda of understanding (MoU) with two of our Hunter neighbours, as well as fellow regional coastal council Coffs Harbour. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison and Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds at a recent meeting of the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the four councils will gain valuable expertise and a stronger collective voice from each MoU. 

“We’re in a unique position to both be a leader in the local government sector and to learn from the successes of other councils,” Cr Nelmes said.  

“As a financially sound and well-resourced council, we have plenty of success stories that are worth sharing and I look forward to exploring new opportunities through closer ties with our neighbours.

“Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are each vital parts of our state, and we’re stronger, smarter and better off when we collaborate.” 

City of Newcastle Acting CEO David Clarke said the accords would pool the knowledge of each council in many areas of expertise.  

“We’re exploring opportunities to share insights and capabilities, as well as the potential for staff exchange program with our MoU partners, which is a golden way to share the rich expertise of each council and just one of the many benefits of these agreements,” Mr Clarke said. 

“We’ve already applied for grants in partnership with some of the councils to fund projects together and had had success working with the NSW Government. City of Newcastle’s CEO Jeremy Bath has worked hard on this and deserves a lot of credit.” 

As part of the MoU, City of Newcastle’s planning team has already met with their Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter counterparts to outline Newcastle’s award-winning Accelerated Development Assessment program. 

City of Newcastle has applied for grant funding to roll out Accelerated Development Assessment – its streamlined determination tool for low-impact developments – to its three new MoU partners over the next 12 months. 

In the past year, Newcastle and Coffs Harbour have worked together on a range of submissions to the NSW and federal governments on issues that affect both large coastal councils. 

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said the coastal council areas’ similarities made them logical partners.  

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Coffs Harbour to work closely with Newcastle on all manner of things, and the MoU will be of particular advantage in areas where challenges are common to both councils,” Cr Amos said.  

“It makes every sense for Coffs and Newcastle to align as two major regional, coastal cities – each with ambition for continual improvement.  

 “While the MoU is non-binding on either council for any actions, it paves the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.” 

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said his council saw its Newcastle MoU as mutually beneficial. 

“We look forward to working with the City of Newcastle and exploring opportunities for joint advocacy and funding prospects to benefit the region and enhance our capability,” Cr Reynolds said. 

“Improved efficiencies and learnings will support better outcomes across the board.” 

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison said his council’s new accord would bring a suite of benefits.  

“By collaborating across boundaries, we can share valuable knowledge and resources, leading to enhanced service delivery and sustainable regional growth,” Cr Collison said. 

“This MoU represents our commitment to working together for the economic and social prosperity of our communities. Our combined efforts will ensure that we are better equipped to address the complex issues facing local government.” 

Eight councils across the Hunter will share in $60 million to boost walking and cycling, with $10 million across the state dedicated to supporting active travel to and from schools, as part of the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.

Of the 88 projects, 51 are in regional NSW including 14 around primary schools, which will be funded under this latest round of the grant program to build crucial pathways and cycleways that promote walking and bike riding as an easy, safe, and convenient way for people to get around.

The 16 Hunter projects, worth a total value of $13.4 million, include:

Singleton Council – $5.074 million to construct a 1.55km long walking and bike riding connection along Combo Lane and Wilkinson Boulevard. The project will deliver entirely new transport options for people living in Singleton Heights and Hunterview. The construction of a bridge over the Hunter River will provide a quiet route along Combo Lane to connect people directly to the Singleton CBD and make walking and bike riding a safe and attractive choice for day-to-day travel.
Lake Macquarie City Council – $3.657 million to design and partially construct an active transport link from Charlestown to the Fernleigh Track.
Lake Macquarie City Council – $650,000 to construct a 3km shared path, including a bridge, from the Soldiers Road shared pathway from Pelican and the service road at Pelican Airport. This path will provide Pelican residents and visitors a connection to Marks Point and the Fernleigh Track.
Maitland City Council – $647,441 to design and construct a shared pathway along Raymond Terrace Road between Settlers Boulevard and Hillgate Drive, Thornton, for active transport. It will provide safe crossing and link up to 12,500 people to existing recreation, commercial and community infrastructure.
Cessnock City Council – $586,919 to construct a 1.8km walking path from Anderson Avenue to Main Road Paxton to connect to the existing path to Paxton Public School. This will provide a walking and cycling track to and from school.
City of Newcastle – $500,000 to construct the Memorial Drive shared crossing to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians. It will connect the 6km Bathers Way shared path to sporting facilities and the broader cycling network.
City of Newcastle – $500,000 to construct a shared path in King Edward Park along Reserve Road to replace the existing footpath between the Terrace and York Drive.
MidCoast Council – $467,000 to construct a sealed footpath from the Coolongolook Public School to the existing path in King Street that links to bus stops.
Cessnock City Council – $424,216 to replace the existing dilapidated path with a 3-metre wide shared path at East Esplanade Weston from Fourth Street to Third Street.
MidCoast Council – $396,000 towards building a sealed footpath along Marine Drive to allow tourists and residents to easy access the Tea Gardens foreshore.
Port Stephens Council – $112,300 to construct a raised pedestrian crossing across Tarean Road, Karuah and provide safer access to school and sporting facilities.
Muswellbrook Shire Council – $100,625 to design a shared path between Thompson and Kamilaroi Streets and Cassidy Avenue, South Muswellbrook. It will provide access to the Calvary Retirement community and retail businesses on Rutherford Road.
Lake Macquarie City Council – $93,280 to design the extension and expansion of Toronto Greenway, the pathway connecting Toronto Foreshore with Fassifern Train Station.
Port Stephens Council – $88,320 to design a new footpath to connect existing footpaths on Strathmore Road in Mallabula. This missing link will connect the town centres of Tanillba Bay and Lemon Tree Passage.
Port Stephens Council – $73,440 to plan a new footpath to connect existing footpaths on Campbell Avenue in Anna Bay. It will connect the existing path on Campbell Avenue to the town centre.
Port Stephens Council – $73,440 to plan a new footpath that connects existing footpaths on President Wilson Walk in Tanilba Bay. This missing link will connect the town centre of Tanilba Bay to the local primary school.

This most recent round of the Get NSW Active program received 345 applications from councils with a total request worth $287.6 million which shows the strong desire for infrastructure that supports people who choose to walk or ride to their destination.

The next step will be to confirm the award of funding to councils so they can begin construction or planning phases of their projects.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“It’s exciting to see the wide range of active transport projects that will soon come to life, positively impacting potentially hundreds of thousands of people across the state.

“This year, of the amount shared, $10 million will be dedicated to delivering infrastructure that supports walking and riding to school, which received an overwhelming amount of interest from councils.

“I want to thank councils across the state for their commitment to making it easier for people to safely walk, cycle and scoot around their communities.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“I’m thrilled the Hunter has received more than $13 million to fund new active transport projects.

“These pathways and cycleways will not only make it safer for our community to get around but help us stay connected to local schools, businesses and of course stay healthy while travelling there.

“We know more people are moving to our great region and it’s vital we have the infrastructure in place to support them.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The communities of the Hunter will benefit greatly from this investment.

“I’m thrilled that more than half of the projects successful in this year’s round of funding is going to regional NSW to provide active transport options for local communities to enjoy.

“It’s this type of infrastructure that makes our communities happier and healthier.

“There is a strong movement towards active transport corridors in our regional communities and it’s great to be part of a government which is funding the development and delivery of infrastructure to envisage this.”

City of Newcastle will conduct a review of how it delivers and maintains valuable community assets to ensure it can cater for a predicted population boom.

Under new housing targets set by the NSW Government, Newcastle will welcome more than 86,000 new residents by 2041, which would see the city boast more people than the current population of the Northern Territory.

Councillors voted to review City of Newcastle’s draft Social Infrastructure Strategy which was developed with community feedback and stakeholder engagement.

The Social Infrastructure Strategy was originally designed to cater for a predicted population of just over 201,000 but that figure is now expected to top 256,000, with Broadmeadow set to accommodate up to 40,000 of those new residents.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said the Social Infrastructure Strategy plays a significant role in enhancing the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

“City of Newcastle plays an important role in providing facilities and spaces for the community,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Our network of social infrastructure contributes to inclusion and cohesion and is used by all Novocastrians at some point in their lives, often on a daily basis.

“These assets help the community to be happy, safe and healthy, to learn, and to enjoy life.”

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle is committed to providing inclusive and welcoming social infrastructure that is designed, managed and programmed for everyone to enjoy.

“Social infrastructure comprises a range of assets including community centres, libraries, museums, art galleries, parks and sporting fields,” Ms Duffy.

“City of Newcastle will continue to review its strategies and key planning documents against population and housing targets to ensure Newcastle remains a liveable, sustainable, inclusive, global city.”

The NSW Government has handed down two reforms that will lead to the population increase, starting in December last year with the proposal for transport-oriented development of higher-density homes around selected railway stations.

The State Environmental Planning Policy decision will see thousands of extra residents added near stations at Adamstown, Newcastle Interchange, Hamilton and Kotara.

In May this year the Government increased housing targets across the state with Newcastle asked to provide more than 11,000 new homes by 2029, more than double the number completed in the city between 2017 and 2022.

This new target translates to an annual population growth rate of approximately three per cent a year, triple Newcastle’s 10-year average.

On top of these reforms, City of Newcastle and the NSW Government have developed the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy, which will guide future development in the area and provide the opportunity for additional housing, jobs and population growth.

That draft strategy, which is now on public exhibition, features a proposal for an additional 40,000 people and 20,000 dwellings over the next 30 years.