Category: Newcastle News

Delivering a record $117.8 million capital works program, hosting two of the greatest musicians of all time, beginning the rejuvenation of Stockton Beach and a return to swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths are just some of the highlights City of Newcastle (CN) is celebrating following another big year of milestones and achievements.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who this year became one of Newcastle’s longest serving Lord Mayors, reaching nine years in the role praised City of Newcastle staff and gave thanks to the community when reflecting on 2023.

“I want to thank the people of Newcastle, who have repeatedly supported our Council to show leadership and take tough decisions to deliver the change our city has needed,” Cr Nelmes said.

The Lord Mayor praised the City’s staff across the entire organisation for continuing to serve the community, including residents, workers, visitors, community groups and businesses.

“2023 has given us all plenty of reasons to be proud of ourselves, proud to be Novocastrians, and proud to work for a local government that is leading the way,” Cr Nelmes said.

Just this week swimmers made their long-awaited return to Newcastle Ocean Baths, with a celebration poolside for the completion of stage one of the multi-million dollar upgrade of the much love community facility.

This year City of Newcastle demonstrated a commitment to sustainability with CN spending $376.5 million this year to provide services and facilities to more than 169,000 residents, while recording a modest surplus of $7.8 million.

CN’s record $117.8 million capital works program included the Lugar Park amenities upgrade in Kotara, drainage upgrades at Smith Street, Merewether, the multipurpose sports and community hub at Myer Park, Adamstown, as well as road pavement stabilisation works at Kinta Drive, Beresfield and new traffic control signals at Chinchen Street, Islington.

As part of the Local Centres Program work is progressing at Orchardtown Road in New Lambton, with a future project for Georgetown now in the planning stage.

CN’s ongoing investment in recreational spaces saw five new local playgrounds officially opened in Fletcher, Waratah, Birmingham Gardens, Beresfield and Mayfield.

In January, Elton John entertained almost 50,000 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium backed up by Paul McCartney’s historic first concert outside an Australian capital city. The shows were secured as part of City of Newcastle’s Major Events Partnership with Venues NSW and injected an estimated $23 million into the local economy.

There was more big entertainment news thanks to Come From Away’s record-breaking season at the Civic Theatre, with 21,500 theatregoers from across the Hunter and beyond attending 23 shows.

In May, Newcastle was hailed as the ‘Top Tourism Town’ by Business NSW at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference, in recognition of its strategic initiatives to increase visitation and support tourism development for local operators.

Home grown hero Emily Van Egmond was awarded a Key to the City of Newcastle in August in recognition of the Matildas’ heroic efforts during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

New Annual returned in September with a range of amazing acts and performers. Newcastle’s flagship arts and culture festival has registered around 95,000 visitors and featured more than 1,500 visiting and local artists during its first three years, encouraging council to endorse a new 5-year commitment.

In October, the Newcastle Knights women were honoured with a civic reception at City Hall after beating the Gold Coast Titans in the grand final to claim their second-straight NRLW premiership.

Newcastle also earned the right to host Game Two of the 2024 Women’s State of Origin series at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 6.

Also that month Stockton residents celebrated the arrival of a 75-metre-long dredger spraying a rainbow of sand off the coastline, depositing 100,000 cubic metres to help renourish the beach.

November saw City of Newcastle and the RAAF host the largest single day event in the region’s history with the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show attracting around 100,000 spectators and delivering an estimated economic output of $19.5 million, with hotels reporting a 97% occupancy rate over the weekend.

CN’s City Administration Centre will be closed from midday Friday 22 December 2023, reopening on Tuesday 2 January 2024. For more information about CN’s services, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au

A planning proposal designed to increase the supply of affordable housing across the city was endorsed by Councillors for the next steps at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme Planning Proposal sets out how contributions would be levied on new developments across the Local Government Area (LGA) by introducing affordable housing provisions into the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan (NLEP 2012).

The planning proposal seeks to amend NLEP 2012 to give effect to the Newcastle Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme. It will allow CN to impose conditions of consent on new developments for contributions towards affordable housing.

This significant step recognises the important role affordable housing plays in Newcastle’s social infrastructure, with affordably priced housing critical to the health and wellbeing of people and their families.

Increasing the supply of affordable housing in Newcastle is a key priority. This is outlined in CN’s Local Housing Strategy 2020, Housing Policy and is consistent with the strategic direction of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan.

With the latest forecasts showing the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle LGA, stimulating demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings, CN has committed to implementing an affordable housing contributions scheme.

To help achieve this, CN’s Housing Policy sets out a 15 per cent affordable housing target.

Councillors endorsed the planning proposal to be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Environment for Gateway determination before it is publicly exhibited.

Parkville, Wingen and Blandford residents now have access to a local town water supply for the first time, with the completion of four water dispensing stations that will help reduce reliance on rainwater tanks and water carting during dry times.

The new infrastructure will significantly boost water security for these villages and has been funded thanks to $2.66 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and $1.77 million from Upper Hunter Shire Council.

Each new station is equipped with a drive-through bay making them safe and easy to access 24/7 with a self-service machine that allows locals to swipe their credit card and order water on demand.

The new stations are serviced by large concrete reservoirs ranging from 450KL to 13ML in capacity, all connected to the NSW Government ‘s $14.5 million Scone to Murrurundi Pipeline Project which began operating in 2020 and pumps water from Glenbawn Dam 40 kilometres across the Upper Hunter.

These villages have previously relied on rainfall and intermittent private supplies from the Pages River, Kingdon Ponds, and other groundwater sources, but now they have a reliable source to lean on whenever they need it.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Hingerty, Acting Executive Director Development, NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Water:

“We’re already seeing drought conditions starting to affect many parts of state including the Upper Hunter so having this work finished in time for summer is a huge win for the community who are under no illusions about the value of clean water in a changing climate.

“These stations are a super convenient and cost-effective solution to boost water security and will essentially work the same as a petrol station for water, where locals can simply drive up with their tanks, swipe their credit card, fill up and go.

“While residents and businesses do a terrific job maximising water efficiency from their rainwater tanks, knowing they now have these water dispensing stations located nearby will provide added peace of mind because they’re no longer solely dependent on the weather or expensive water carting.”

Quotes attributable to Maurice Collison, Mayor of Upper Hunter Shire Council:

“This new infrastructure has come about through close consultation with our ratepayers, who preferred this option of having a strategically located water station in each village because it required no out of pocket contribution for installation and was cheaper overall.

“Tapping into the Scone to Murrurundi pipeline to ensure all townships along this stretch have access to a safer and more secure water supply is a no-brainer particularly with the El Niño already impacting the region.

“This project is a great example of state and local governments working productively together to help future proof water supplies in the Upper Hunter.”

City of Newcastle has splashed out with a pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre to celebrate the completion of the new $2.2 million grandstand.

The concrete structure is capable of hosting 800 people and includes much-needed storage space for operational requirements including equipment for sporting groups, and upgraded accessibility.

It’s the first time the grandstand has been replaced since Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre was officially opened in 1963 by then Lord Mayor, Alderman F J Purdue, in memory of those who have served in all conflicts.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes officially opened the new grandstand and shared cupcakes with young swimmers to mark the anniversary.

“Lambton was City of Newcastle’s first inland pool so we know it holds a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate such a significant milestone for this much-loved community facility.”

An average of 184,000 people visit the centre annually, making it the most popular swimming centre in the Hunter.

“Replacing the grandstand is further evidence of City of Newcastle’s commitment to our Inland Pools Strategy 2043, which sets out a strategic path to enhance and protect Newcastle’s five public pools over the next 20 years,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Sport and recreation are a valuable part of life in Newcastle. Everyone who has visited Lambton Pool will have a favourite memory and it’s important we continue to invest in our public pool network so swimmers can enjoy them for generations to come.”

The completion of the new grandstand comes a year after the nine-metre tall, 120m-long twisting waterslide was also replaced at the facility.

Other more recent upgrades include the installation of three smaller grandstands with shade shelters adjacent to the diving pool, while work over the winter closure included safety upgrades, extensive re-painting, and maintenance of the pool tiles and promenades.

City of Newcastle has invested more than $5 million upgrading and $2 million maintaining the city’s public pool network during the past few years to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of more than 320,000 people who visit them each year.

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash at Maitland overnight

About 12.30am (Saturday 16 December 2023), emergency services were called Haussman Drive, Thornton, following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established the rider of the Yamaha motorcycle lost control after failing to negotiate a bend before he was ejected and struck a tree.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated the rider; however, the 26-year-old man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established which has been forensically examined.

An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information into the incident or dashcam footage is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Christmas will come early for swimmers keen to dive back into the upgraded Newcastle Ocean Baths, with the pool set to reopen on 21 December.

Members of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group were given a sneak peek of the refurbishments to the much-loved facility today, ahead of the planned return to swimming next week.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes invited the community to come together to celebrate this project milestone with a morning swim event from 7.30am on Thursday, with music, free coffee and the opportunity to capture a Summer Santa photo on the newly restored bleacher seating.

“I am pleased to see this important project progress and to have Novocastrians back in the baths this summer,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Growing up in Newcastle I spent many summers forming happy childhood memories at the ocean baths. This upgrade will ensure generations of Novocastrians will be able to create their own special memories at this popular community facility, starting with our opening swim event next Thursday.”

City of Newcastle (CN) Executive Manager Project Management Office, Robert Dudgeon said that the site tour recognised the time and energy the Community Reference Group has invested into shaping the upgrade over a number of years.

“Today we were able to demonstrate the significant work that has gone into the upgrade of the pool and promenade areas ahead of the pool being reopened,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We have undertaken a period of testing and commissioning for the new pump system over recent weeks, and with that process nearing completion, our contractor will be applying the finishing touches to the pool and surrounding areas before we welcome the community back for swimming.”

Construction will continue at the southern end of the site, with minor works near the Canoe Pool set to be complete in early 2024.

The site’s existing amenities and change facilities will be open for use in line with the return to swimming, with Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer working to prepare concepts for the future upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.

“Appointment of the Principal Design Consultant in September was an important step for the project, bringing together feedback from the community and the findings of technical studies to develop more detailed options for the upgraded pavilion buildings,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“The intention is to deliver a facility that welcomes all visitors in an accessible and inclusive way, is sensitive to the site’s heritage, and resilient to coastal inundation and predicted sea level rise.

“Exploring options for community space at the Baths site is part of CN’s vision of providing an equitably distributed, sustainably managed and inclusive network of public places and spaces, as outlined in the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan.

“We will continue to engage with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and the wider community throughout this process, as the designs are developed.”

The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building is helping fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.

In March this year, Newcastle Basketball announced it would not be proceeding with its previously communicated stadium relocation to Lake Macquarie. Instead, its then Chair announced that they would be seeking to build a new stadium in Newcastle on Crown Land opposite McDonald Jones Stadium at Broadmeadow.

Part of the March announcement was a statement from the Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper that he had secured a commitment for an additional $5 million from then Premier Dominic Perrottet. This funding was in addition to $25 million committed by the NSW Government in 2019.

The Crown Land site, which is home to Wallarah and Blackley Ovals and within a kilometre of the existing stadium, is owned by the NSW Government and managed on its behalf by City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said her team has been working closely with local sporting groups and Lambton High School to ensure that should the NSW Government approve the development of the proposed basketball stadium at Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, new playing locations would be secured.

“Since April, we’ve been meeting with the sporting groups that use Wallarah and Blackley Ovals. This includes both the Area Manager Northern and the Local Infrastructure Manager for CricketNSW, as well as representatives from Northern NSW Football, Newcastle Football and Lambton Jaffas. Each has provided us with a list of their infrastructure needs so that we ensure they continue to have access to quality sporting facilities for the long term,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our next meeting with each of the sporting groups is occurring on Monday.

“While construction on a new basketball stadium is not expected to start until 2025, we’re prioritising discussions with local sporting groups to ensure that disruptions to their sporting and recreation needs are minimised. We understand that that relocating these sporting clubs will require upgrading of other local fields.

“To be very clear, the basketball project is being managed by the NSW Government, is being funded by the NSW Government, and will be assessed by the NSW Government. Our only role is to ensure that all sporting groups continue to have access to quality sporting facilities. This is not only possible but will happen well before the basketball stadium is built.

“I note Sonia Hornery has suggested that a better location for the basketball stadium would be within the proposed Hunter Park. This land is also owned by the NSW Government. The Newcastle Herald reported many months ago that the business case for the relocation of the Harness Racing Club out of Broadmeadow had been shared with the NSW Government. To date none of the required $50 million funding has been allocated by the NSW Government.

“The proposed basketball stadium has been declared State Significant Development by the Department of Planning and Environment, who will act as the planning authority when a DA is lodged by Newcastle Basketball.

“Members of the community will be given the chance to comment on the proposal by the Department of Planning as part of the standard assessment and public exhibition process, which will also address issues around traffic movements and stormwater management. Newcastle Basketball has been in talks with Venues NSW to consider a co-use arrangement for the parking at McDonald Jones Stadium, which is largely unused outside of sporting matches and larger event days.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s adopted Strategic Sports Plan includes a process to support all local sporting clubs whether they be the new facilities for football and cricket under construction at Wickham Park and Darling Street or the new lights being installed at Elemore Vale Reserve Field or at Stevenson Park in Mayfield.

“We work collaboratively to find solutions that help facilitate participation and the shared use of our facilities. I really feel for Newcastle Basketball and welcome the commitment that the NSW Government will finally deliver the long overdue new basketball stadium for the over five thousand local children and players that have been desperate for new facilities promised by successive NSW Governments. We will always work towards a collaborative solution that puts the community needs first and foremost,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Any claim that there had been no consultation regarding the proposed new basketball stadium is incorrect. Given this is a NSW Government project, both formal and informal consultation processes will continue to ensure a positive outcome is reached for all parties, and that this well overdue project is not delayed even further.

“The State Member for Newcastle and Shadow Minister for the Hunter were both supportive and briefed prior to Newcastle Basketball’s announcement in March this year. Greg Piper as the Member for Lake Macquarie made the announcement given he had secured an additional $5 million from the then Premier.

“City of Newcastle staff also informed the sporting groups prior to Newcastle Basketball’s announcement in March that Newcastle Basketball was hoping to build a new stadium at Blackley and Wallarah Ovals.

“I’ve been advised by City of Newcastle staff that discussions to date with local sporting groups are progressing, noting the 2024 seasons will remain unaffected.

“Newcastle Basketball has made it very clear it is willing to work with the local community to ensure that the project is a win for all. For that reason, and noting no DA has been submitted to the NSW Government, I encourage everyone to reach out to Newcastle Basketball so that all comments are evidence based and focused on securing much needed sporting infrastructure for our city and the basketball communities of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.”

Background:

The proposed Hunter Basketball Stadium is a Newcastle Basketball project that has been in development for many years and undergone several iterations. Newcastle Basketball was told by the NSW Government that they needed to move from their current location in Hunter Park over seven years ago so their site could be used for much needed housing. Newcastle Basketball have been working with the NSW Government ever since to find a home for their growing 5,000 local members. Their current facilities are not fit-for-purpose.

It was originally intended to be built on a site on Hillsborough Road, Charlestown and in 2019 received a commitment of $25 million from the former NSW Government, however this proposal was refused by the Joint Regional Planning Panel on the grounds of adverse traffic impacts on local residents. To avoid any such concerns, the proposed basketball stadium will feature a lane exiting Turton Road to avoid any disruption to existing traffic, and to ensure vehicles are away from Lambton High School. These plans follow extension discussions with Transport for NSW.

An independent investigation has been undertaken into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a resolution of Council on 25 July 2023 and a letter from the Minister for Local Government.

In accordance with CN’s Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct, the matter was referred to an external Conduct Reviewer, independent of CN, for assessment and investigation.

The investigation found no evidence that the CEO incentivised the author to write the articles, nor did he reveal to the author confidential information, which was contained in the letters to the Newcastle Herald.

There is no evidence that the CEO directly contributed to the letters and the investigation found both allegations were not substantiated.

The Conduct Reviewer has referred allegations of how confidential electoral roll details about Council staff and their friends and family came into the possession of journalists to the appropriate external agencies to determine the next steps.

The procedure does not provide for the Conduct Reviewer to take action or make a referral in relation to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Now the matter is finalised, CN will advise the Minister for Local Government and relevant external agencies of the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation report remains confidential, and the procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN will proactively consider and seek advice to determine whether the outcome letter and investigation report issued by the Conduct Reviewer, in part or full, can be released publicly in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

The full Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct is available on the CN website.

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the forefront of enhanced provisions for new developments that were endorsed by Councillors at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) newly adopted Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023 features improvements to design guidelines that minimise the impact of extreme heat on the community, encourage more active modes of transport, and address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s endorsement is the result of a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, DCP Working Party, industry stakeholders and our community.

“This is the most comprehensive review we have undertaken to update planning and design guidelines for the city to better address environmental impacts, mobility and our ageing population,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community and industry consultation has helped inform key features of the final DCP, which in the long term will deliver better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines.

“The Newcastle DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community’s exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.”

The latest forecasts show the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle local government area, which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

“As Newcastle’s population grows and ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create new liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk said sustainability, the environment and accessibility were key focus areas in the adopted DCP.

“The DCP 2023 will future proof the city by ensuring that developments result in buildings that are people-centred and climate ready, because everyone deserves a safe and healthy home to live in,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment and our community by promoting healthy and sustainable buildings and outdoor spaces.

“The infrastructure that supports this is vital to people with diverse mobility and ability needs, and will combine with greater access to active and public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.”

A day in the life of a modern café, inspired by Goldbergs on Darby Street, is a taste of the local flavour that features in the UpStage at the Playhouse program.

Written by Carl Caulfield, Karma Kafe showcases hard-working young staff and a diverse bunch of regulars and is one of four new and reimagined works that will call the Civic Theatre’s intimate Playhouse home in 2024.

Deputy Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Margaret Wood said this is an incredible opportunity to introduce works by home-grown theatre companies.

“Civic Theatre and City of Newcastle are investing in local productions, providing space and marketing support to local creatives,” Cr Wood said.

“We invited Newcastle’s creative and performing arts community to express their interest in being part of UpStage and we’re excited about the range of applications, especially the top four productions.

“The atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse is ideal for presenting smaller shows and we’re hoping a program such as this cements the connections between the theatre, our community, and the arts industry.”

Alongside Karma Kafe, another original production on the program is Blueberry Play, written by Ang Collins, a one-woman show that explores the highs and the lows of being a teenage girl in a small town, packed with heart, humour and aching nostalgia.

The Magic Hour, a dark comedy written by Vanessa Bates, is described as Little Red Riding Hood meets Trainspotting, featuring an episodic take on Grimm’s fairy tales, where Jack’s beanstalk grows in his parent’s backyard and Rapunzel’s tower is on top of a housing commission high-rise.

Romeo and Juliet reimagined by Charlotte De Wit & Pip Thoroughgood is an adaption of the timeless classic, which seeks to bridge the gap between centuries, weaving the enduring beauty of Shakespearean prose with the visceral power of movement, dance and physical theatre.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the program will bring local shows to local audiences and highlight the creativity in our region.

“The fact all four of these productions have been written by Newcastle playwrights just shows the depth of talent we have in our city,” Ms Wallace said.

“The Civic Theatre is aiming to build the capacity and exposure of our artists and to build Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural capital.

“It’s wonderful to see original and re-imagined productions form part of the UpStage at the Playhouse program.”

Each show will be given a two-week placement in the Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse will go on sale from 15 February 2024, with shows to run from August to November.

For more information visit https://www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/upstage