Category: Newcastle News

All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region

Storms force Stockton closures

City of Newcastle has closed accessways along Stockton Beach and will monitor other seaside walkways and roads over the next 24 hours amid today’s storm warnings.
Heavy seas with significant wave heights in excess of seven metres from a southerly direction are expected to hit the coast by 1pm. Heavy wind gusts strong enough to uproot trees in urban areas are also predicted.
In preparation, the City has closed Stockton Beach accessways along the Mitchell Street seawall and the northern access at Stone Street.
Staff will continue to monitor rising water levels throughout the day.
Updates will be provided on the above, and other possible closures as they arise. Locations and facilities currently being monitored include:

  • Shortland Esplanade and promenades along City beaches, including the Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths
  • Low-lying roads

Please limit your travel and stay safe when moving in and around the City in the predicted weather event.
To stay uptodate on the most current weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Service https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/  13 2500.

Economic, Art and Community Grants now open

City of Newcastle has opened applications for three separate funding programs worth a total of $265,000 in a bid to empower community groups to make the city a better place.
The 2019-20 funding round includes:

Mulletsinside.jpgThe Mind Our Mullets project received the City’s support last year 
“Organisations should look to take advantage of the funding available to promote their own – and the City’s – economic and cultural development,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We want to see emerging and established artists, cultural groups and commercial entities thrive in our City, and this funding is allocated to help them do so. These funding programs help deliver activities that foster a sense of community, build capacity within our community, strengthen our economic base and enhance the quality of life for our residents”.
Up to $20,000 will be made available for successful applicants under the Economic Sponsorship, and a maximum of $4,000 will be offered to each project that secures a Community Placemaking grant.
Organisations successful in the arts and cultural category will be provided with an annual contribution of $70,000 for a maximum of three years to help cover the cost of their ambitious projects.
Last year, funding across a range of sponsorship and grant programs contributed to projects with a direct expenditure of $1.25 million and provided support for business growth and employment while encouraging innovation, community capacity building, placemaking and developing the visitor economy.
The Mind Our Mullets project received support last year to increase awareness of and change waste management behaviours around Islington and Throsby Creek catchment.
The Greater Hunter Technology Festival at Broadmeadow, which showcased innovative companies and start-ups and allowed school, university and TAFE students to display their projects, also benefitted.
The latest round of City funding follows the opening of last month’s Event Sponsorship Program (ESP), which closed last Tuesday. The $280,000 ESP program provides up to $20,000 each to groups keen to stage community events, major community events, major destination events, commercial events and business events throughout the City.
For more information, or to apply to this year’s programs prior to the 1 July closing date, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-sponsorships.

Police seek assistance to locate missing man – Hunter Valley

Police are seeking information from the public to locate a man missing from the Hunter Valley.
Matthew Warwick Brooker, 47 old, was last seen on Sunday 4 May 2019 when he left his workplace at Scone, after feeling unwell and has not been seen since.
Family became concerned and reported him missing to police.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170–175cm tall with a medium build. He has brown hair and possibly a moustache and/or goatee beard.
He is known to frequent the areas of Sydney City, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and the Eastern Suburbs.
He is possibly driving a 2013 white Volkswagen Up! with NSW registration plates CMH15F.
Family and police are concerned for Mr Brooker’s welfare as this is out of character.

CLAYDON RE-ELECTED IN NEWCASTLE

Sharon Claydon MP has been officially declared as the re-elected Federal Member for Newcastle today.

Ms Claydon said she was “honoured and humbled” to have the support of Novocastrians for a third term and promised to continue to be a “fierce advocate” for the city.
“Newcastle has a critical role to play, and much to gain from, the inevitable transition to a low-carbon economy and I will continue to argue that we should have a key seat at the decision-making table to ensure that workers and communities like ours are not left behind.
“I will also be laser-focused on mounting the case for a Newcastle container terminal to create new jobs and a more diverse economic base for the entire region.”
Ms Claydon said one of the great disappointments of the national result was that Labor wouldn’t be in Government to deliver on the local commitments she had made for Newcastle.
“I’m incredibly proud that I was able to secure $25 million worth of Labor commitments for our community, including the rebuilding of Boscawen Street Bridge in Wallsend, the revitalisation of Throsby Creek and $3.5 million worth of projects to create jobs and drive university participation,” Ms Claydon said.
“I am writing to the Prime Minister and relevant Ministers, calling on them to respect the strong endorsement of the people of Newcastle by honouring the commitments Labor made during the election.”
Ms Claydon urged people who were disappointed with the national election result to get behind Labor.
“The best antidote to a regressive conservative government is a strong and united labour movement,” Ms Claydon said.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to see a fairer, more inclusive country to get involved and have a voice in the policies and priorities that Labor pursues from here.”
Ms Claydon said that while it was time for reflection and renewal, she cautioned against moving away from Labor’s fundamental principles.
“While we obviously need to explain our policies more clearly and bring Australians with us, we mustn’t abandon big thinking.  We must stay true to Labor’s core mission of fighting for a fairer world where everyone gets to share in our national prosperity.
“With determination, unity and a commitment to our core values, I am confident we can return to Government in three-years’ time.”
PHOTO: Sharon Claydon being declared as the Federal Member for Newcastle by Peter Hunter, AEC Divisional Returning Officer – Newcastle

Financial assistance due to light rail construction still open to City businesses

Businesses that suffered hardship during construction of the light rail project can still apply for financial assistance up to 30 June.
Support is still available to properties within the City Centre Benefit Special Rate Area made possible via a successful amendment from the Lord Mayor in 2018 to Council’s current budget.
Around 110 eligible property owners or tenants have already successfully applied for that relief, receiving assistance equalling 50 per cent of the City Centre Special Rate paid by the building owner, which to date has been $45,000.
Following a separate successful Lord Mayoral Minute at Tuesday’s May Council meeting, this assistance will be extended for a further 12 months for those businesses in The Mall and East End who pay or who operate within a building that pays the City Centre Special Rate.
Property owners seeking the rebate can only do so if they commit in writing to passing on the rebate to businesses leasing from them.
For a typical business, this support amounts to approximately $500.
“There’s still time for the business and tenants to take advantage of this year’s relief,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Council took the decision to provide direct rate relief to those businesses suffering from the disruption that the construction of light rail brought about.
“We understand that their bottom line was adversely impacted, and this rate relief was a mechanism to ensure they received some financial assistance.
“Council once again acknowledged Tuesday that businesses faced continued challenges amid the unavoidable construction of the Iris Capital East End project and upcoming works by the City to upgrade Newcastle East.”
Financial assistance is available:

  • to the tenant(s) of the property, or
  • to the property owner – providing the property is solely owner occupied and no part is leased out.

To access this assistance, property owners must have at least paid the first-quarter rates instalment on their 2018/19 Rates and Charges Notice.
They should complete an application form together with details of tenants (with their signature) where applicable.
If more than one tenant occupies the property, a separate form is required for each tenant.
Once processed, the City will then transfer half the amount they would have paid for the 2018/19 City Centre Special Rate to the bank account nominated on the application form.
Both property owner and tenant(s) will be notified by email once the City makes the financial assistance payment.

Ammunition, OC spray and sling-shot seized; man charged – Wybong near Muswellbrook

A man has been charged with drugs and weapons offences in the state’s Hunter Valley region.
About 11am yesterday (Thursday 30 May 2019), officers from the Rural Crime Prevention Team with assistance from officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order search (FPO) at a home on Yarraman Road, Wybong, west of Muswellbrook.
During the search, police seized a number of items including ammunition, OC spray, a sling-shot, as well as cannabis plants and drug paraphernalia.
A 39-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
He was charged with six offences, including two counts of possess prohibited weapon, possess prohibited weapon contrary to WPO, acquire ammunition contrary to FPO and two counts of cannabis possession.
He was refused bail at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Friday 31 May 2019) to reappear at the same court on Wednesday 17 July 2019.
 

Gravestones damaged – Hunter Valley

An investigation has been launched after more than 30 gravestones were desecrated at a cemetery in the Hunter Valley tonight.
Police have been told, about 7pm (Friday 31 May 2019), a vehicle was seen parked in Sedgefield cemetery, near Singleton, and unknown persons have damaged a number of gravestones.
In all, 36 gravestones were damaged during the incident; having been pushed over with a number of those being smashed.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As police continue their inquiries they’re asking for anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or has any information that could assist investigators, to come forward.
Anyone with information about fraudulent activity or other rural crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Newcastle wins second smart city gong

City of Newcastle’s great smart city strides were recognized again Thursday night at a national event highlighting the latest technologies being deployed across Australia’s building, transport and utilities industries.
Newcastle was named joint winner of the headline Smart City of the Year – Metropolitan prize along with Adelaide’s City of Prospect at the Smart Cities Awards 2019 in Melbourne.
Presented during the Smart Cities 2019 Conference, the award confirmed Newcastle had moved ahead of other local governments, including finalists Randwick, Townsville and Lake Macquarie city councils, as an advanced and ambitious smart city.
Nathaniel-Bavinton-with-Smart-City-awar-shrunkd.jpg“This award recognises our commitment to planning for the future and engaging widely with the Hunter’s tech minds as part of the Smart City Strategy, adopted by Council in 2017, and the extent of our smart city development,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Whether investing in energy-efficient solar projects or rolling out electric-vehicle charging stations and bike-sharing initiatives, we’re leading the way when it comes to investment in and uptake of technology.
“This includes the roll-out of free Wi-Fi and low-power wide area networks that will link sensors and integrated technology to provide detailed real-time data to improve ease of access, efficiency and liveability for residents, businesses and tourists.
“It’s also important to move beyond the installation of technology alone, to also engage with the community around the future city. This is what we’ve seen with our catapult project working with innovative startups, and workshops and events aimed at ensuring our smart city is for everyone, such as the inaugural Humble Lecturebeing delivered Friday at our City Library.
“This is an exciting time for our City, and I want to pay tribute and extend a big thank you to the great achievements of our Smart City team.”
The latest gong follows the City’s win of last year’s Smart Cities Strategy Award, which recognised the the Smart City Strategy 2017-2021 at the Smart Cities Council Australia and New Zealand’s inaugural Smart City Week.
For more information on the Smart Cities Conference and Awards 2019, visit https://smart-cities.com.au/ or to view the Smart City Strategy 2017-2021, visit  http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/getattachment/Business/Smart-City/smart-city/2752_Smart-City-Strategy-FINAL-WEB-indexed.pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU.
Caption: City of Newcastle Smart City Coordinator Nathaniel Bavinton with the award at last night’s presentation.

More than $100,000 in stolen property found in storage unit – Warners Bay

A large amount of stolen property has been located inside a Lake Macquarie storage unit.
About 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 30 May 2019), police from Lake Macquarie Target Action Group executed a search warrant of a storage unit on Macquarie Road, Warners Bay.
During the search, officers seized more than 60 items believed to be stolen goods.
Some of the property included a motorcycle, mountain bikes, construction tools, tablet devices, mobile phones, and women’s fashion accessories.
Police estimate the total value of items seized to be in excess of $100,000.
An investigation has been launched, no arrests have been made.
Police are now hoping to locate the owners of the stolen property.
Anyone with information can contact Belmont Police Station on (02) 4922 8899 or call Crime Stoppers.

Events, projects clear winners under new BIA model

As much as $900,000 will soon be offered to community-minded organisations and groups to activate the CBD and business districts of Hamilton, Mayfield and Wallsend, following a decision of the City of Newcastle’s elected Council last night.
Under a new scheme designed to increase investment in projects to benefit business and improve accountability, Council decided that local business improvement associations (BIAs), which previously received more than $1.3 million annually from a special rate paid by some commercial property owners, will be offered agreements that cap their funding at $100,000.
The Council also voted to ban special rates from being used by BIAs on employees and administration, stipulating that funds should go towards events and projects that activate the business areas.
The Council also agreed to terminate an existing funding agreement with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in response to a confidential report from the City of Newcastle CEO regarding breaches of the funding deed.
“I have today written to the Chamber President Nathan Errington outlining to him the significant breaches that provide me grounds to immediately terminate their funding,” Mr Bath said.
“Mr Errington is aware of the numerous allegations that have been put to him and another director over the past few months. It is a decision for him whether he wishes to make these breaches public.”
Council also voted to encourage the formation of a new BIA in the CBD following an independent investigation last year that confirmed Newcastle Now had committed multiple breaches of its funding agreement.
“Newcastle Now received $844,111.80 from ratepayers for the year 2016/17,” Mr Bath noted. “They responded by incurring a wages and salaries bill of $423,000 for a small number of employees.
“Their own profit and loss statement shows that over the course of the full 12 months, they invested just $5,539.88 in the East End on placemaking.
“The Civic precinct received just $11,845 in investment on activities and events, while Newcastle West, which has over the past two years been developing into the City’s new CBD, received just $326.82 on placemaking.
“In a year in which traders in the Mall and along Hunter Street were gearing up for light rail construction and Watt Street and Shortland Esplanade were closed for renewal works, Newcastle Now managed to spend more money on rent than placemaking in the Civic and East and West End precincts.
“Newcastle Now’s loud protests during the past few months has now been exposed as nothing but a distraction from their own shameful spending performance.
“Rather than profusely apologise for their repeated breaches of the funding agreement, they have led a campaign in partnership with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce against Council’s determination to bring accountability and transparency to special rate funding.
“Events such as Beaumont Street Carnivale will continue. I have no doubt that when a BIA is formed to secure events for Hamilton, that festivals such as Beaumont Street Carnivale will be the No.1 priority to ensure it remains funded.
“I would like to make clear that one BIA held its head high throughout the review of the BIAs. That BIA was Wallsend Town Village, which took the time to understand the review and new funding model.
“Doing this allowed them to understand that under the new model, more money and therefore more events will be available for Wallsend,” Mr Bath said.
Tenders for a new shared resource to manage the administration responsibilities of the BIAs closed Tuesday. A joint Support Officer was a suggestion of the BIAs last November as each organisation is paying consultants to manage identical responsibilities such as preparing business plans and acquittal reports.
Council looks forward to announcing in June the organisation that will ensure the spending of special rates money is transparent and invested in events and projects that promote the business areas of the CBD, Hamilton, Mayfield and Wallsend.