Category: Newcastle News

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s north.

Robert Lovegrove, aged 13, was last seen at a school in Hamilton South around 9am on Thursday 25 October 2024.

When he could not be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified on Friday (25 October 2024) at 6pm and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

There are concerns for Robert’s welfare as he lives with a medical condition that requires medication.

Robert is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, with black mullet-style hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts, black shoes and carrying a bum bag.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A man will face court charged with numerous offences following an investigation by Newcastle City detectives.

In January 2022, detectives attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation after receiving a referral from the Australian Federal Police regarding the alleged uploading of child abuse material through a social media platform.

Following extensive inquiries, about 8.10am yesterday (Thursday 24 October 2024), officers executed a search warrant at a house in Kotara and arrested a 23-year-old man.

Police also seized a number of items in relation to child abuse material, as well as five gel blaster firearms, two sets of throwing knives, a set of throwing stars and a trench knife.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with ten offences – possess unauthorised prohibited firearm (five counts), possess, or use a prohibited weapon without a permit (two counts), two counts of possess child abuse material and one count of possess bestiality material.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 25 October 2024).

The community is invited to have their say on a proposal to upgrade Newcastle’s cycling and pedestrian network along the heritage listed Parkway Avenue in Hamilton South. 

The proposed improvements, between National Park Street and Smith Street intersections, includes both on-road cycle lanes, sections of off-road shared pathway, amendments to the roundabouts, as well as two combined pedestrian-cycling crossings across Parkway Avenue and the grassed median. 

Corner of National Park Street and Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $469,500 from the Australian Government Black Spot Program as administered by Transport for NSW. 

Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the cycleway and shared pathways would foster a safer and more accessible thoroughfare for cyclists and pedestrians, whilst linking schools with parks and residential areas.  

“This project will provide safe, convenient connections between our shopping centres, favourite places to visit, and homes, inspiring people to walk and ride more often,” Mr Tranter said. 

“We want to hear feedback from residents, high school students, commuters, and anyone who has an interest in the proposed improvements to Parkway Avenue. 

“Feedback from the community is an important aspect of the process and I encourage everyone to have their say during the public exhibition period to help inform the detailed design.” 

The project aims to maintain the heritage and character of Parkway Avenue including its uniform streetscape and retaining the grand median with iconic Norfolk pine trees, whilst providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists.  

In alignment with City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan, the project proposes designated cycle routes and slowing vehicles by adding speed cushions and realigning the kerb to narrow the lanes on approach of the two roundabouts. 

New priority crossing points will also improve safety for pedestrians travelling in the area.   

The new cycleway and shared path will complement City of Newcastle’s $2 million upgrade which is underway at Maud Street Waratah West, addressing safety and accessibility issues with a signalised crossing, improved alignment, kerb extension and shared paths.  

Community feedback on the proposed concept plans is open until 5pm, Monday 18 November 2024 and will be incorporated as part of the detailed design stage. 

To view the preliminary concept plans and complete the online survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay. 

Incident activity

• Ongoing – Until further notice

Details

Buses are replacing some trains between Morisset and Newcastle Interchange between approximately 22:00 and 00:30 due to urgent track repairs at Fassifern. Please check individual trips and service alerts in your app for further information.

Stops affected

• Cockle Creek Station, Boolaroo
• Cardiff Station, Cardiff
• Fassifern Station, Fassifern
• Dora Creek Station, Dora Creek
• Booragul Station, Booragul
• Adamstown Station, Adamstown
• Awaba Station, Awaba
• Broadmeadow Station, Broadmeadow
• Teralba Station, Teralba
• Hamilton Station, Hamilton
• Kotara Station, Kotara
• Newcastle Interchange, Wickham
• Morisset Station, Morisset

Police have charged a woman following a fatal crash near scone earlier this month.

About 3:55pm Friday 4 October 2024, emergency services were called to Bunnan Road, Owens Gap, 22kms west of Scone, following reports a Mitsubishi Lancer had collided with a Nissan Navara.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told the sedan – with three women in it – was travelling north and was attempting to negotiate a right-hand bend when it collided with the ute – with a man and a woman in it.

The female front passenger in the sedan, aged 76, died at the scene.

The female driver of the sedan, aged 53, and female passenger, aged 39, were airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

The male driver of the ute, aged 27, and the female passenger, aged 24, were also taken to John Hunter Hospital.

The drivers of both vehicles have undergone mandatory testing.

Officers attached to Hunter and Mid North Coast Crash Investigation Units attended and established a crime scene.

Following extensive investigations, police charged the 53-year-old driver with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death and no keep left of dividing line.

The woman was issued a future court attendance notice to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court Tuesday 17 December 2024.

The Port of Newcastle and broader Hunter region are on track to become hydrogen-ready and contribute to Australia’s transformation to net zero.

Supported by $100 million funding from the Albanese Government, the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct has reached a major milestone signing agreements for key design work and environmental impact studies.

The precinct will renew a disused 220-hectare industrial site to facilitate clean energy production, storage, transmission, domestic distribution and international export.

The Government is supporting these latest studies along with the procurement and delivery of enabling works for the precinct. The project is being delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through a Federation Funding Agreement Schedule.

The Port of Newcastle plays an important economic role as a major deep-water global gateway.

The commencement of Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies follow previous work by the Port of Newcastle including public and industry engagement and feasibility studies. Formal community consultation and further industry engagement will now be undertaken by the Port.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This Clean Energy Precinct demonstrates how legacy infrastructure can be repurposed towards making Australia a renewable energy superpower.

“Through our investment, we are supporting Australia’s transition to net zero while creating jobs and economic opportunities in the Hunter region.

“The project will help position Australia as a global leader in technologies and products that reduce carbon emissions including hydrogen and green ammonia.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen:

“The Hunter has been industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a clean energy precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.

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

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic boost for our region.”

“Newcastle and the Hunter have powered Australia for Generations. This project makes sure we will continue to do so for generations to come as we lead the transition to Net Zero.”

“Establishing the Port as a hydrogen exporter will ensure good local jobs are protected and created into the future.”

NSW Minster for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter has powered our state for decades and we’re ensuring it continues to do so for many years to come.

“Our energy market is transforming and we’re playing a central role; this project will support almost 6,000 local jobs and add billions to the regional economy.

“Today’s announcement will help ensure a bright future for the Hunter.”

NSW Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“I’ve been working closely with the Port of Newcastle over the last ten years to support them in their diversification away from coal.

“With Newcastle’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, there is no better place in NSW for this precinct.”

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody:

“The Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct is expected to support around 5,800 jobs throughout construction and provide new business growth and expanded career pathways for the region, adding an estimated $4.2 billion to the Hunter regional economy.

“The FEED and EIS studies will cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth infrastructure and pipelines to berth. The studies will be completed by successful tenderers Lumea (electrical), coNEXA (water) and GHD (general infrastructure, storage, berth and pipelines), informing future site enablement, site layout and land platform design, which will be used to prepare concept planning approvals.

“Pending planning and legislative requirements and timeframes, our production partners, KEPCO, are expected to begin construction of facilities in 2027, with the precinct to be operational from 2030.”

For more information, visit www.portofnewcastle.com.au/landside/major-projects/clean-energy-precinct.

Sharon Claydon, Federal Member for Newcastle, has today welcomed the news that the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon. Ed Husic MP, has carefully considered all material submitted by Asset Energy Pty Ltd and formed a preliminary view that the PEP-11 applications should be refused.

“The Minister’s preliminary view that PEP-11 should be refused is great news for Newcastle”

“The Newcastle community’s message has been loud, clear and consistent – PEP-11 is not welcome. NOT in Sydney, NOT on the Central Coast, and certainly NOT in Newcastle.”

“This is an important step in making sure that we put an end to PEP-11 once and for all.”

“I thank the Newcastle community – this couldn’t have happened without your steadfast advocacy!”

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Johdyn Richards, aged 26, was last seen on Barringum Close, Medowie, on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were notified on Monday (7 October 2024) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Johdyn is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 167cm tall, with a large build, and brown hair.

He was last seen wearing an orange jacket, and brown tracksuit pants.

He is known to frequent the suburbs around Charleville in Queensland and Wodonga in Victoria.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Tuggerah Lakes Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information about this incident 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 information via NSW Police social media pages.

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to help determine whether the first day of the 2025 Newcastle Show should be declared a local public holiday.

A community survey will gather feedback from people who live, work and run businesses in Newcastle to gauge support for the proposal, with specific questions about the economic and social benefits as well as tourism industry promotion of the region.

Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the community has traditionally supported the idea of a local public holiday.

“City of Newcastle conducted community consultation in 2023 and 84 per cent of respondents supported a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” Mr Clarke said.

“The Newcastle Show is an important historical, social and cultural event that dates back to 1901, and visitor numbers have continued to increase since the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of the community survey City of Newcastle will consult with chambers of commerce, banks, major employers and schools that would likely to be impacted, should the day be declared a local public holiday.”

“If the day was to be declared a local public holiday it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.”

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case in recent years. A local event day is not a public holiday, but can be considered as one, for those employees in the area who have agreed to observe the day in their relevant industrial agreement and any other employers who want to participate.

The community survey is now open and will close at 5pm on 5 November.

Feedback will then be presented to Council for consideration, prior to an application being made to the NSW Government. 

You can have your say by completing the online survey here before 5pm on 5 November http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Newcastle-regional-show-day-2025

The 2025 Newcastle Show will run from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March.