Category: Newcastle News

A man – wanted on outstanding warrants – will appear in court today charged with more than 30 alleged traffic and hunting offences, following a police operation in the Hunter region yesterday.

Following investigations into property crime in the Hunter Valley Police District, officers attended a property on Ridgeland Road, Wybong about 7am yesterday (Sunday 18 February 2024) to execute outstanding warrants for the arrest of a 30-year-old man.

Upon police attendance, a man was seen to run from the residence and local general duties officers were assisted by PolAir, to track the man after he left the property, driving through bushland in a utility.

The 30-year-old man was arrested a short time later and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with six offences including take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, drive while licence suspended, and drive while disqualified.

Three outstanding warrants were also executed for 27 traffic, property and hunting offences.

The Singleton man was refused bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court today (Monday 19 February 2024).

City of Newcastle (CN) is moving ahead with a program of road and footpath upgrades across Newcastle’s bustling western suburbs as the population in the area continues to grow.

More than $6 million is forecast to be invested in works this financial year that will repair and improve the surface of roadways, extend the life of the infrastructure and provide enhanced connections for pedestrians and cyclists.

This complements the large-scale infrastructure projects in the pipeline to benefit the region, including two dual-lane road upgrades at Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road, Wallsend, which are designed to reduce traffic congestion in the western corridor and are currently undergoing detailed design.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the works recognised the significant growth that was continuing to occur in the city’s west, where populations had risen dramatically during the past decade.

“City of Newcastle is committed to meeting the needs of our city’s growing population, which has increased by around 14 per cent during the past decade and is forecast to pass 200,000 residents by 2041,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The western suburbs in particular have experienced strong population growth during the past decade, with the Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi area up by around 46 per cent and Wallsend and Shortland increasing by more than 20 per cent since the 2011 Census.

“We’re committed to maintaining and enhancing the essential community infrastructure in these areas as part of our record $14.7 million investment into road resurfacing and rehabilitation projects across the city this financial year.

“CN’s investment in capital works has been growing over the past five years as we continue to balance infrastructure renewal with revitalisation projects to meet our community’s expectations that come with sustained growth.”

Work is progressing on road reconstruction projects at Irrawang Street, Wallsend and Maryland Drive, Maryland, with the latter also including the replacement of a pedestrian refuge to provide safer access to the nearby Maryland Neighbourhood Centre.

Around 70 blocks across Fletcher, Maryland, and Wallsend will also have their road surfaces rejuvenated, while a project to rehabilitate a section of Awabakal Drive in Fletcher has recently been completed.

Residents in Fletcher will also benefit from a new 120m-long shared pathway that is currently under construction on Minmi Road to provide safer access to the nearby shops and businesses for pedestrians and cyclists.

Patching and strengthening works are scheduled for roads in Beresfield, Maryland, Jesmond and Wallsend with grant funding from the NSW Government’s Regional and Local Roads Repair Program.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the states Lower Hunter region.

Pamela Hassan, aged 78, was last seen at a care facility in Waratah about 2pm today (Saturday 17 February 2024).

When she was unable to be located, officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and have immediately commenced inquiries to locate her.

There are serious concerns for Pamela’s welfare due to her age as well as her living with dementia.

She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, thin build with shoulder length white hair.

Pamela was seen wearing a red shirt, blue stripped pants and maybe carrying either magazine or a teddy bear.

She is known to frequent the Waratah and Warners Bay areas.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The footpaths on Wallsend’s main street and around the town’s 136-year-old rotunda are looking as good as new thanks to a pressure cleaning campaign.

City of Newcastle (CN) has collaborated with the Wallsend Business Improvement Association (BIA) to undertake the cleaning along Nelson Street, from Dan Rees Street to Boscawen Street, as part of the Special Business Rates (SBR) program.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the cleaning kickstarts CN’s preparations for Wallsend’s 150th anniversary celebrations in August, which will mark the sesquicentenary of local government in the area.

“With its rich Indigenous and post-colonial history, including its declaration as a municipality in 1874, Wallsend has played an important role in our city’s growth and development,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As the celebration of this milestone approaches, we want to make sure Wallsend’s main street is looking its best as we continue our preparations to welcome members of the community into the precinct for the family-friendly event.”

Ward Four councillor and Wallsend resident Elizabeth Adamczyk said the work follows a successful trial last year with the Mayfield BIA.

“The Wallsend BIA has been working hard in recent years to enhance the appeal of the precinct with a range of wonderful community activations including the Wallsend Op Shop Trail and the Handmade Markets at the Rotunda, as well as a calendar of events which have become a regular feature of Christmas festivities,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Together with the Wallsend BIA, CN has listened to the community about the cleanliness of its suburban shopping precinct footpaths.”

The program has been conducted in February, with cleaning taking place after 5pm in order to minimise disruption to local businesses.

Ward Four Councillor Deahnna Richardson said the SBR program is designed to activate and beautify business districts.

“By cleaning and maintaining our suburban shopping precincts we improve their visual amenity to ensure they are inviting places for people to visit, with the benefits flowing onto local businesses,” Cr Richardson said.

The Wallsend 150^th celebration will be held on Saturday August 17 and is being planned in partnership with the Wallsend community.

It will include family-friendly activations throughout the town centre, cultural performances, storytelling and a time capsule to be developed with local schools.

A man and woman have been charged following a pursuit in the Hunter Valley region.

Just after 1pm yesterday (Wednesday 14 February 2024), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting high visibility patrols in the Cessnock area, when they attempted to stop an allegedly stolen white Kia Picanto.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

A short time later, the vehicle came to a stop on O’Connors Road, Pokolbin, when the vehicle failed to negotiate a turn and hit a tree.

After a short foot pursuit, the driver and a passenger, a 26-year-old man and woman, were located uninjured and arrested nearby.

A second passenger, a 26-year-old woman, was taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

The man and woman were taken to Cessnock Police Station, where the driver was charged with the following ten offences,

– Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly

– Learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester

– Learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed

– Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm)

– Drive conveyance taken w/o consent of owner

– Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse

– Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

– Possess prohibited drug

– Fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury

– Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.

She was bail refused to appear before Cessnock Local Court later today (Thursday 15 February 2024).

The male passenger was charged with be carried in conveyance taken w/o consent of owner, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty and enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 27 March 2024.

An investigation continues into the incident.

Just after 3.40am (Thursday 15 February 2024), emergency services were called to Foundry Street, Wickham, following reports of an industrial fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW are on scene and working to extinguish the blaze.

Officers from Newcastle City Police Area Command have established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the incident.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

Localised traffic diversions are in place and motorist are urged to avoid the area. 

As inquiries continue, anyone with information into the incident is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Community connection and lifelong learning is at the heart of Newcastle’s annual festival celebrating seniors as part of the state-wide NSW Senior’s Festival.

With the theme ‘Reach Beyond’, close to 40 events and activities will be held across the city from 11 -24 March 2024 delivered by City of Newcastle (CN) and a range of community organisations.

CN facilities will play host to a range of events including the flagship comedy gala and Seniors Expo at City Hall, a travel writing workshop with renowned author Bruce Elder at Wallsend Library and a saucy science lecture with Newcastle Museum’s resident scientist.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the success of previous festivals led to the establishment of a committee to organise a packed program for 2024.

“The Seniors Festival Reference Committee have created a wonderful program featuring a range of activities presented by City of Newcastle and a diverse mix of community groups,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Line dancing lessons, Tai Chi classes, handbell ringing demonstrations, pickleball matches and cake decorating sessions are just some of the free activities on offer.

“The seniors festival is an opportunity to collaborate with community organisations and groups who champion the health and wellbeing of our seniors and continue to raise awareness of the barriers older people face every day.

“City of Newcastle is proud to take part in this inclusive event that encourages people to connect with their community, supports health and wellbeing, and celebrates the wealth of knowledge and experience that our seniors bring to the city.”

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the NSW Seniors Festival is a fantastic opportunity for seniors to get together, connect and make new friends.

“This year’s NSW Seniors Festival theme ‘Reach Beyond’ says it all – we want our seniors to seize this opportunity, to attend the various events around the state and try something new,” Minister Harrison said.

“Seniors have and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, whether it is through volunteering or caring roles. The Seniors Festival running from 11-24 March is our way of thanking them for this, with plenty of free activities on offer across the state, including the Premier’s Gala Concerts, expo and Comedy Shows.

“The City of Newcastle Seniors Festival Reference Committee has put together a strong festival program and I encourage local seniors to join in the festivities and make the most of what is on offer.”

City of Newcastle’s newly named Senior Citizen of the Year and president of Hunter Ageing Alliance, Professor Julie Byles, was a key member of The Seniors Festival Reference Committee.

“The Seniors Festival strengthens social connections by bringing people from across the Hunter region together,” Professor Byles said.

“We hope that the breadth of events in this year’s program, tailored to different interests and abilities, will encourage our seniors to ‘reach beyond’ and try something or meet someone new.

“The importance of continual learning and connection cannot be underestimated which is why the festival plays such a significant role in the mental health and wellbeing of seniors in our community.”

Alongside the City of Newcastle events are a wide selection of community-led activities, lectures and workshops included as part of this year’s festival program.

This year’s festival will start on 11 March 2024 with the flagship comedy gala and expo at City Hall.

Chemical and material manufacturer Koppers Carbon Materials and Chemicals has been fined $15,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for failing to transfer tar-based substances onto a ship properly at Mayfield North in September last year.

The incident occurred as hot coal tar pitch being loaded onto a ship came into contact with water, which increased pressure in the vessel’s storage compartments and activated safety relief valves releasing potentially harmful fumes into the atmosphere.

The EPA’s investigation found the loading happened too quickly, and that Koppers was aware of the issue after workers had previously stopped transferring the substances twice before the safety feature was activated.

The incident resulted in an alleged breach of Kopper’s environment protection licence.

EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon said while the EPA is unaware of any offsite impacts, Koppers has a duty to ensure hazardous materials are handled appropriately.

“Exposure to vapour from coal tar pitch is environmentally hazardous, and Koppers could have taken measures to prevent this incident from occurring,” Mr Gordon said.

“We consider the incident was foreseeable and Koppers must prioritise compliance in its day-to-day operations. Extra care is needed when working on our waterways to protect our communities and sensitive marine habitats.

“Safety relief valves are designed for emergencies and their activation should be a last resort to prevent potential harm to the environment and public health.”

Since 2012, the EPA has issued 21 notices, official cautions and prosecutions in the Land and Environment Court to Koppers. These previous matters relate to odour complaints, air pollution and spilling coal tar pitch onto a wharf.

Mr Gordon said the EPA is beyond disappointed with the actions of Koppers, who continue to breach the obligations under their licence.

“The Kopper’s site has a history of breaching environmental laws, and the community has the right to expect better from its industrial neighbours,” he said.

“We are monitoring operations closely and may consider other regulatory action if the company commits future alleged offences.”

Penalty notices are one of several regulatory tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance, including formal warnings, licence conditions, notices and directions, mandatory audits, legally binding pollution reduction programs, enforceable undertakings, and prosecutions.

If you suspect someone is doing the wrong thing, phone the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.

City of Newcastle will shortly commence work to reinstate permanent road infrastructure on the former Newcastle 500 track.

Planning for the first stage of work on the roundabouts at the intersection of Watt Street and Wharf Road, as well as the intersection of Zaara Street and Shortland Esplanade, is underway with onsite works scheduled to commence this financial year.

The removable infrastructure at these two key intersections will be replaced with permanent roundabouts.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the staged restoration works would enhance the safety and accessibility of Newcastle’s East End and along Foreshore Park.

“We are replacing the removable elements with permanent structures and completing road improvements that will further enhance the safety and amenity of the areas and improve accessibility for pedestrians,” Cr Clausen said.

“Re-installing permanent infrastructure demonstrates to the community that after four successful Newcastle 500 events, which delivered an estimated economic output for the city of $36 million per event, City of Newcastle has responded to community feedback and is committed to moving in a different direction going forward.

“The Newcastle 500 successfully achieved what it had intended to, in delivering unparalleled national and international exposure for our city and, as the city’s largest ever event, showcased Newcastle’s ability to host significant major events.

“It has since led to the city cementing its reputation as a premier tourism and major events destination, including by helping attract acts like Pink, Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and festivals such as Groovin the Moo, and we look forward to continuing to secure new events as a key economic and tourism driver for the region.”

The road and traffic restoration works will include the installation of permanent raised pedestrian crossings throughout the East End precinct, with updated signage and linemarking to improve safety, visibility, and enhance accessibility for pedestrians throughout the precinct.

The road infrastructure is owned by the City of Newcastle and therefore the first stage of work will be funded from Council’s 2024 capital works budget with the second stage to be included in the upcoming 2024/25 capital works program, which will be placed on public exhibition in April.

Work to remediate Camp Shortland will be undertaken separately given the ownership complexity of the area. Camp Shortland is owned by the NSW Government with no lease in place to City of Newcastle. Despite this, City of Newcastle is responsible for the remediation under a direction from Heritage NSW.

Concept plans for remediation of the site were sent to Heritage NSW last year. Feedback was recently provided and City of Newcastle will commence considering this once the prioritised stage one road infrastructure works are complete. City of Newcastle is committed to placing the Camp Shortland concept plan on public exhibition later this year.

City of Newcastle has identified 15 sections of the former race track that will be replaced with permanent road infrastructure.

The sites are:

1. Watt Street & Wharf Road – roundabout
2. Watt Street & Hunter Street – crossings
3. Watt Street & King Street – crossing
4. Watt Street, Shortland Esplanade, Church Street – intersection
5. Shortland Esplanade – South Newcastle crossing
6. Shortland Esplanade – Newcastle Beach crossings
7. Shortland Esplanade & Zaara Street – roundabout and crossing
8. Scott Street & Zaara Street – crossing
9. Scott Street & Parnell Place – intersection and refuge
10. Parnell Place – crossing
11. Nobbys Road – crossing and traffic calming
12. Nobbys Road & Wharf Road – alignment and refuge
13. Horseshoe Beach Road – crossing
14. Wharf Road & Horseshoe Beach Road – intersection
15. Wharf Road – crossing and car park