Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Tyrus Reseck, aged 17, was last seen on Thursday 23 May 2024, leaving a unit on Platt Street, Waratah and was dropped off at Waratah railway station.

When he failed to return home and was unable to be located, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Tyrus is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of solid build, with short red/ginger hair and blue eyes.

Tyrus is known to frequent the Hamilton, Islington, Mayfield and Cameron Park areas.

Anyone with information into the whereabouts of Tyrus is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died after falling from an e-scooter in the Newcastle area today.

About 12.15pm (Sunday 2 June 2024), emergency services were called to Appletree Road, West Wallsend, following reports of a crash.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find the rider of an electric scooter had fallen, impacting with the roadway.

Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance Paramedics and first responders, the man died at the scene.

The man, believed to be aged in his 30s, is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of a Toyota Hilux was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this crash has commenced.

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

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from Newcastle area.

Parris Valentine, aged 47, was last seen at Newcastle Railway Station, on Tuesday (21 May 2024).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified on Friday (31 May 2024) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Parris’ welfare.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of a large build, with short blonde hair and black eyes.

Parris is known to frequent the Bankstown and Newcastle areas.

Anyone with information into Parris’ whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man has died following a crash in the state’s Hunter region overnight.

About 10.45pm yesterday (Friday 31 May 2024), emergency services were called to Carnley Avenue, Kotara, following reports of a single-vehicle crash.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District arrived to find the driver and only occupant of a black Kia Rio hatchback had left the roadway and collided with a tree.

Despite the efforts of Ambulance Paramedics and first responders, the man died at the scene.

The man, believed to be aged in his 60s, is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene was established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this crash has commenced.

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

As inquiries continue, anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in relation to this incident is urged to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

In a major step for the state’s renewables sector, the NSW Government has given planning approval to a $207.6 million hydrogen hub in the Hunter.

The State Significant Development at Kooragang Island led by Origin Future Fuels is expected tobegin construction in mid-2025.  The hub will initially deliver approximately 55 megawatts of electrolyser capacity by 2026, with an aim to scale up to over 1 gigawatt of capacity over the next decade.

Green hydrogen is created through electrolysis (splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen) which can be used as a feedstock in industrial processes and as a fuel source in the transport sector. 

The development will support the hydrogen industry in NSW by establishing a commercial-scale green hydrogen supply chain and a hydrogen refuelling network for the Hunter Region and NSW. 

It will be used by industry, with the majority going to Orica’s nearby ammonium nitrate manufacturing facility to help decarbonise its operations with green hydrogen and made available to transport customers through onsite and satellite refuelling stations.

The development will save the equivalent of more than 52,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year from Orica’s facility.

The project will create 160 construction jobs with 10 ongoing roles.

It has been funded by $45 million from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and $70 million from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

For more information visit here.  

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“This facility will be a regional cornerstone of the hydrogen industry, accelerating NSW’s shift towards clean technologies and net zero.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“The Minns Government is committed to seeing viable renewable projects move through the planning system efficiently to make sure we are working towards our goal of Net Zero by 2050.

“Without a supportive or efficient planning system in NSW we are not going to have the investment we need to decarbonise our industries and support job growth in our regions.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“NSW has the potential to be a leading producer of green hydrogen and so does the Hunter as the country’s largest regional economy.

“The Hub offers us an opportunity to bring back work lost when the former government shipped manufacturing jobs offshore.

“The approval of the Hub follows this week’s announcement of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority.

“It is a clear sign that the NSW Government is investing in the future of the Hunter, shoring up our energy grid and unleashing the Hunter’s potential to once again be a manufacturing powerhouse.

“Workers expect the NSW Government to be making investments to unlock new industry in the Hunter and ensure our region has stable, good paying jobs well into the future.    

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the NSW Government is ambitious about our community’s future.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“Green hydrogen will play a critical role in Australia’s transformation to net zero. I am pleased to see this important project progressing, following the $70 million investment from the Commonwealth Government.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting carbon intensive regions like ours to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with more affordable and reliable renewable energy.”

Bin morning will become quieter and cleaner for Newcastle residents after Councillors voted to add a hydrogen-powered truck to the City of Newcastle waste collection fleet.

City of Newcastle will undertake a 12-month trial of the rear-loading hydrogen fuel cell electric truck with Australian clean energy business Pure Hydrogen as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions from its vehicles and equipment.

Summerhill Waste Management Centre

The lease will include the option for a four-year extension based on the outcome of the trial, with the zero-emissions waste collections truck expected to make its maiden round in Newcastle later this year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the trial aligns with a key priority under City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy.

“We’re seeing zero-emissions vehicles emerge as a marker of the best-run cities in the world and this trial is a step forward that Newcastle can and should be proud of,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This truck will help many of us get a better sleep on collection days. We can also rest easy knowing it’s helping make our city a cleaner, quieter, more sustainable place to live.

“We’re committed to delivering a 100% reduction in carbon emissions from City of Newcastle vehicles during the next decade and we’ll continue driving toward this goal by trialling new technologies that contribute to this transition.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the trial was consistent with Newcastle’s emerging future as a global hydrogen leader.

“Newcastle is the only hydrogen hub designated by both the NSW and Australian governments,” Cr Clausen said.

“I’m proud that Newcastle is taking real action with this hydrogen vehicle trial and I’m proud that our work is shaping the Hunter’s hydrogen transition road map.”

Unlike diesel trucks, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles emit no exhaust, minimal heat and a trickle of pure water. They are also significantly quieter. Newcastle joins cities such as Tokyo and Amsterdam in adding a hydrogen vehicle to its waste collection fleet.

The Newcastle truck will run on Green Hydrogen. While the hydrogen energy to run the truck will be produced by electrolysis using grid power, Green Power Purchase agreements will offset any carbon emissions.

The new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle aligns with the City’s net zero emissions and fleet transition plans under the Newcastle Environment Strategy, as well as liveability, sustainability and circular economy targets in the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

Business Hunter Chief Executive Officer Bob Hawes welcomed City of Newcastle’s support of green hydrogen technology.

“This isn’t just ticking a sustainability box, this is the way the smartest cities are heading and Newcastle and the Hunter needs leadership prepared to be early adopters for communities and industry to be competitive and relevant,” Mr Hawes said. 

“City of Newcastle is backing an Australian business and backing a crucial, zero-emissions technology pathway to net zero is going to be very challenging.

“Every initiative adopted in using new technology in the public and private sector is going to count.”

Data from the 12-month trial will help inform City of Newcastle’s future purchases of waste trucks. Over the coming four years City of Newcastle is expected to replace a significant number of its existing diesel powered green and red lid bin trucks as part of the routine renewal of the fleet.

Work will get underway at Smith Park next month as part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the popular Hamilton North sportsground.

Councillors unanimously voted this week to award the contract for construction, which includes new drainage and irrigation, the realignment of fields used for football, Oztag and cricket, as well as the repositioning of three synthetic cricket wickets.

The upgrade of the 56,000 sqm site is being delivered by City of Newcastle with support from a $2.5 million grant secured by the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association through the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project aligns with the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

“Newcastle 2040 calls for the community to be engaged in local planning to help create quality parkland and recreation facilities, promoting active and healthy communities, and ensuring people of all abilities can enjoy our public spaces,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle has received positive feedback following community consultation regarding the draft Smith Park Masterplan and the stage one works.

“We’ll continue to engage with the community throughout the development of the Masterplan to ensure the requirements of our residents are considered.”

NSW Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper said the upgrade of Smith Park will enable more Newcastle residents to play sport, be active and healthy. 

“Enabling more people to play sport, regardless of age, gender or ability through inclusive and accessible facilities is a key objective of the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund,” Minister Kamper said.

“The approval of the construction contract by City of Newcastle is an important milestone in this vital community sporting project, which will create jobs and provide an economic boost to the region.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the stage one works are just the beginning for Smith Park.

“Stage two of the Masterplan forms part of our Strategic Sport Plan 2020 and is designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing improvements to our sporting infrastructure,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Future works proposed for Smith Park include a community building, upgraded carparks and footpaths, new lighting, a multi-sports court and the upgrade of cricket practice nets.

“Time and time again the Strategic Sport Plan 2020 provides us with a platform to work with our local sporting organisations.

“It helps City of Newcastle align our priorities and facilitate successful grant applications, enhancing our already positive relationships with clubs and officials.”

Newcastle Junior Cricket President Andrew Cornwell said the association is delighted to partner with the NSW Government and City of Newcastle to deliver this much needed upgrade.

“This $2.5 million investment will provide top quality playing conditions for the next generation of Newcastle’s young cricketers,” Mr Cornwell said.

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

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Condolence motion – Professor Lyndall Ryan AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

City of Newcastle grants and sponsorship program

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

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

Ordinary business 

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

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

March Quarterly Performance Report

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

Endorsement of draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy for public exhibition

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

St James Primary development – transport infrastructure amendments

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

Executive Monthly Performance Report 

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2024.

Tender report – asphaltic concrete and pavement services 

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

Tender report – Smith Park sports field upgrade 

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

Late item

Winten developments in Newcastle

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

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

Notices of Motion 

Public Art Reference Group items 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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