Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting for Tuesday 10 December 2019. Note it is not a full record of Council.
Ordinary business
Code of Conduct Statistics report
Council resolved to note City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019.
Local Emergency Management Centre
A motion to construct a Local Emergency Operations Centre within the City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West was carried. City of Newcastle is required to provide executive support facilities for the Local Emergency Management Committee and the Local Emergency Operations Controller in its area as outlined in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (SERM Act). The Local Emergency Operations Centre will provide a large flexible space for multiple city emergency and functional agencies.
Adoption of procurement policy
Council adopted a new Procurement Policy and authorised the Chief Executive to make any administrative changes to it, where necessary, to reflect changes in legislation or maintain business continuity for City of Newcastle.
Affixing Council seal to deed of indemnity to Newcastle Airport
Council voted to enter into and affix its seal to Deeds of Indemnity for a newly appointed Director of Newcastle Airport and Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis.
Endorsement of Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement for Exhibition
Council resolved to place the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, Housing Needs and Character Study Evidence Report and Employment Lands Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Exhibition of Draft Section 7.11 Western Corridor Local Contributions Plan 2013
Council voted to place the Draft Section 7.11 Western Corridor Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2013 on exhibition for 28 days.
Draft Amendment to Newcastle DCP 2012 – 233 Wharf Road and 250 Scott Street, Newcastle
Council resolved to exhibit a proposal to rezone a section of Newcastle’s former rail corridor for public feedback early next year.
Classification of Council Land – Honeysuckle Domain Plan
Five harbourside lots stretching from the Cowper Street Bridge, Wickham, to Lynch’s Hub Café will be officially transferred to the City for permanent use as the harbour promenade after being endorsed by Council.
Classification of Council Land – 452 King Street, Newcastle West
Council resolved to classify 452 King Street, a strip of land that will become a shared pathway between King and Hunter Street, as operational land.
Review of S.355 Committees
Council resolved to dissolve the operations of six Section 355 Committees that manage sportsground assets on the grounds of non-compliance with the required standards of governance or that have expressed a desire to cease. A Sports land Strategic Advisory Committee will be established to provide a vehicle for interested former members of the s.355 committee to continue to provide strategic advice on the management of the City’s sports lands including the development of the City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sports Plan during 2020.
Notices of Motion
A Notice of Motion to reinforce the intent of the City’s endorsed Live Music Strategy and Night Time Economy Strategy and progress both – to protect and grow the live music industry and their economic benefits – was supported.
Submission to National Environment Law Review
A NOM to review the Federal Government’s discussion paper on its review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – and make a submission to the review before February – was supported.
Developing a heatwave and homelessness program
A NOM to develop a heatwave and homelessness program was supported.
Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot
A NOM for Council to receive a report on the current status and any future plans of Transport for NSW or Transport heritage NSW in relation to Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot was supported.
Month: December 2019
Kick off the new decade with indie rock and butterflies
City of Newcastle has announced Australian indie-rock legends You am I will headline this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Newcastle Foreshore.
New Year’s Eve 2020 will feature a record-fireworks display and inclusive activities for the whole family with colourful butterfly theming.
.JPG.aspx "IMG_1840-(1).JPG")
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the foreshore will transform into an event precinct for one of the city’s favourite gatherings, which last year attracted 35,000 people.
“With multi-Aria Award winning band You Am I headlining this year’s concert plus our largest ever fireworks display, we’re expecting locals and visitors to head to the Foreshore in droves.
“The event will be ‘butterfly’ themed, with colour and light throughout the family friendly precinct including interactive craft activities, art installations including a 7-metre butterfly dome and illuminated fibre optic trees sure to capture everyone’s imagination.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the wide array of entertainment and inclusive activities planned to ring in 2020 are designed to be enjoyed by everyone in our community.
“2019 has been an incredible year of achievement for Newcastle and the city deserves to celebrate all that we love about our home, and everything we’re looking forward to in 2020.”
Headline act You Am I will be supported by popular local talents Jets Play Jets and reggae rock outfit Rum Jungle. UK electronic act Antony & Cleopatra will join the line up to provide a great range of musical entertainment at a free concert at Foreshore Park.
The crescendo of the New Year’s Eve celebration will be the 15-minute fireworks display, a traditional showstopper over the City’s iconic harbour.
“We are fortunate to have a beautiful harbour and foreshore location for our fireworks display and my favourite part of the evening is seeing the awe and wonder on children’s faces as the spectacular colours and sparkling lights fill the sky,” Cr Carol Duncan said.
The kids zone features inflatable slides and jumping castles, while local artist Bliss Cavanagh of Happy Senses will create a safe and magical sensory experience harbour side for people with disabilities and their families.
“Back by popular demand this year is the sensory zone which provides a safe base from where registered participants can explore the whole event or simply relax and enjoy the music and fireworks,” Cr Duncan said.
City of Newcastle is facilitating fundraising for those affected by bushfires and drought, including at the New Year’s Eve event by collecting cash donations for the Red Cross. No savings could be made from cancelling the fireworks display as contracts were signed several months ago and display materials have already been purchased.
Event information
Entertainment kicks off at 5pm with festivities to conclude following the 9pm firework display. For more information, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au or follow the City of Newcastle on social media.
Entertainment:
5.00 – 5.40pm: RUM JUNGLE
6.00 – 6.40pm: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA
7.00 – 7.40pm: JETSPLAYJETS
8.00 – 9.00pm: YOU AM I
9.00 – FIREWORKS
Family Fun Zone, Market Street Lawn
Work off some energy on the safe and accessible inflatable slides and jumping castles and enjoy the free family-friendly entertainment. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the butterfly dome and admire the fibreoptic trees.
Food Alley, Market Street Lawn and along Wharf Road
Discover the range of mouth-watering treats on offer from a wide range of food vans, located in the New Year’s Eve food alley at either end of the event precinct. From burgers to desserts and everything in between, the vendors will have something to suit every taste.
VIP Sensory Area, west of Queens Wharf
Back by popular demand, Local artist Bliss Cavanagh will once again create a very special VIP Sensory Area to help make the event more accessible, safe and fun for people with disabilities. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity, as spaces are limited! Register now via our online form at www.studiobliss.com/NYE2019 Registrations close by Friday 27th December 2019.
Picture caption: Councillor Carol Duncan, Grant Walmsley and Richard Lara from Jets Play Jets, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Josh Giles and Frazer McDonald from Rum Jungle announced the NYE entertainment today surrounded by giant butterflies created by local artist Bliss Cavanagh.
M4 CHURCH ST OFF RAMP EXTENSIONS COMPLETE
Drivers using the M4 Motorway off ramp at Church Street will be safer and face less congestion when new and extended lanes open ahead of tomorrow morning’s peak.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the project was a key safety priority following a number of incidents near the eastbound exit to Church Street.
“We fast-tracked delivery of this upgrade before Christmas, which will keep traffic flowing and drivers safe as they exit this busy part of the M4,” Mr Constance said.
“The eastbound left turn lane is nearly 100 metres longer to help reduce traffic queues and improve the efficiency and safety of the off ramp, especially in peak periods.
“The upgrades will allow even more vehicles to pass through the traffic lights each time they turn green, reducing queuing on the Motorway.”
A new right turn only lane for motorists heading towards Woodville and Parramatta Roads has also been installed, further increasing the capacity of the off ramp where thousands of vehicles exit the M4 daily.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the upgrade work follows a safety review of the M4 Motorway and its surrounds.
“The Government looked closely at data like crash statistics and road user behaviour, which showed completing this work near Parramatta was a key priority,” Mr Lee said.
“Transport for NSW will continue monitoring traffic flow now improvements are in place. We urge all motorists to please drive to the conditions, indicate and slow down on approach to ensure you merge safely and legally onto the extended off ramp.”
A maintenance bay is also being installed on the southern side of the off ramp, to help repair crews respond to any issues on the Motorway. Work will also be carried out to make the road surface smoother, and improve signage and lighting.
NEW NESA LEADERSHIP TO GUIDE EDUCATION REFORMS
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell today announced Professor Peter Shergold will be the new Chair of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Board.
Chancellor of Western Sydney University and former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Professor Peter Shergold AC, will take the helm of the authority responsible for curriculum, assessment, school regulation and teacher quality across NSW public and non-government schools.
Ms Mitchell said Professor Shergold’s experience is exactly what NESA needs as the organisation prepares to reshape the NSW Curriculum and support education reforms in 2020 and beyond.
“As NSW undertakes a review of the curriculum for the first time in three decades, and moves into the digital space for examinations and learning, the experience Professor Shergold brings from both the private and public sector will be vital,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Professor Shergold is well respected by education stakeholders and brings leadership credentials of the highest calibre to the role.”
“In addition to Professor Shergold’s announcement, we have also secured Paul Martin as NESA’s CEO and appointed six new board members,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I’m excited that the leadership of NESA includes more members with hands-on teaching experience including four school principals and CEO Paul Martin a former English and History teacher.”
Professor Shergold said NESA has a crucial role to play at an exciting time of significant reform in education.
“The delivery of the curriculum review in 2020 will provide NSW with a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise the school curriculum so our students, community and economy continue to thrive well into the 21st century,” Professor Shergold said.
“We know world-class syllabuses, assessment, teaching and school environments are the components needed for our students to achieve their very best.”
Professor Shergold will replace current Chairperson, Tom Alegounarias who is retiring after 30 years in education.
Ms Mitchell said Mr Alegounarias has had an extraordinary impact on education in NSW and will be remembered for many years to come as a passionate educator, policy maker, Chair of NESA and President of NESA’s predecessor, the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards.
“I wish Mr Alegounarias all the best for his retirement and I warmly thank the other outgoing Board members for guiding the establishment of NESA over the past three years,” Ms Mitchell said.
NESA Board members
* = new appointment
* Chairperson, Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor of Western Sydney University
Mr Mark Scott AO, Secretary, NSW Department of Education
Mr Dallas McInerney, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Schools NSW
Dr Geoff Newcombe, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Independent Schools NSW
Mr Denis Fitzgerald, Executive, NSW Teachers Federation
Mr Mark Northam, Branch Secretary NSW/ACT, Independent Education Union
* Mr Nathan Towney, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Newcastle
* Ms Christine Legg, Chief Executive Officer, KU Children’s Services
Ms Katherine Grace, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Stockland Group
* Ms Jude Hayman, Principal, Griffith Public School
* Dr Anne Wenham, Head of College, St Stanislaus’ College
* Mr Gary Johnson, Principal, Cherrybrook Technology High School
* Ms Jenny Allum, Head of School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst
* Mr Paul Martin, Chief Executive Officer, NESA
TREASURER TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON THE NSW BUDGET AT HALF-YEARLY REVIEW
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet will deliver the NSW Half-Yearly Budget Review (HYR) on Thursday, 12 December.
The HYR is an update on the State’s finances and will be launched at a breakfast event hosted by the Australian Business Economists.
Mr Perrottet said the Review will outline the continued strength of the NSW economy, bolstered by an ongoing boom in infrastructure and business investment across the State.
“Six months ago we delivered another strong budget – but it’s been a tough six months for people in NSW, with the drought pushing rural and regional communities to their limits and bushfires ravaging the State,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These are issues that no amount of money can prevent but they demonstrate why it’s so important for us to maintain a strong financial position, to enable us to provide vital support in times of extreme hardship.
“We remain firmly in surplus, our net debt position is the lowest of any state, and we have been able to continue making record investments in schools, hospitals and transport.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government has also laid the groundwork for the next wave of economic and productivity reform.
The Government has published a major Economic Blueprint, the Productivity Commissioner has released a discussion paper ahead of a Productivity White Paper and the Treasurer has established an eminent panel to conduct a Federal Financial Relations Review.
“We’re all about creating better opportunities for current and future generations and ensuring NSW remains the best place in the world for people to live and get ahead,” Mr Perrottet said.
The launch of the HYR will be followed by a media conference at 9:15am.
The HYR is an update on the State’s finances and will be launched at a breakfast event hosted by the Australian Business Economists.
Mr Perrottet said the Review will outline the continued strength of the NSW economy, bolstered by an ongoing boom in infrastructure and business investment across the State.
“Six months ago we delivered another strong budget – but it’s been a tough six months for people in NSW, with the drought pushing rural and regional communities to their limits and bushfires ravaging the State,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These are issues that no amount of money can prevent but they demonstrate why it’s so important for us to maintain a strong financial position, to enable us to provide vital support in times of extreme hardship.
“We remain firmly in surplus, our net debt position is the lowest of any state, and we have been able to continue making record investments in schools, hospitals and transport.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government has also laid the groundwork for the next wave of economic and productivity reform.
The Government has published a major Economic Blueprint, the Productivity Commissioner has released a discussion paper ahead of a Productivity White Paper and the Treasurer has established an eminent panel to conduct a Federal Financial Relations Review.
“We’re all about creating better opportunities for current and future generations and ensuring NSW remains the best place in the world for people to live and get ahead,” Mr Perrottet said.
The launch of the HYR will be followed by a media conference at 9:15am.
City to bring emergency operations into 21st Century
Just a few weeks before the 30th anniversary of the Newcastle earthquake, a modern emergency operations centre proposed for the City’s new Administration Centre will be considered by Councillors at their final meeting of the year.
If approved next Tuesday night, the facility at 12 Stewart Avenue will provide a large, fully equipped space for emergency services and welfare agency personnel to manage responses to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, bushfires, floods, and other major incidents.
City of Newcastle Director of Governance David Clarke said the ageing existing facility at Tighes Hill was unsuitable for emergency operations and there was now an opportunity to build something fit for purpose at the new City Administration Centre.
“It has become clear that the City’s emergency operations centre at Tighes Hill doesn’t comply with modern standards and isn’t compatible with our partnering emergency services’ technologies,” Mr Clarke said.
“The proposed new operations centre would be activated during natural disasters or other emergencies and provide emergency services the best possible facilities to support the people on the ground responding to incidents.
“The sixth floor of our secure City Administration Centre is the best option for the new facility due to its central location, full range of amenities and access to backup power via onsite generators.
“Our City Library had to be used during the recent catastrophic bushfire event because the existing site at Tighes Hill is now 30 years old and lacks the required technology to lead a disaster response from. Equally, the City Library is not a suitable long-term solution due to its insufficient size, lack of emergency power and IT equipment.”
State Emergency Service’s Newcastle Commander, Ian Robinson, said the way emergency services respond to major incidents had evolved with technology and it was important to have the right facilities in place.
“We’ve come a long way from the days of having hard-wired telephones on the desk and using paper-based maps when responding to emergency situations, and the current facilities at Tighes Hill, for not only the Newcastle Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), but also the City of Newcastle SES Headquarters, which co-houses the EOC, are long overdue for modernisation, as neither facility adequately meet the current needs, nor the foreseeable future needs of the community in the face of an emergency situation,” Mr Robinson said.
“The City of Newcastle’s proposed new facility at 12 Stewart Avenue is an important step towards modernising Newcastle’s ability to adequately respond to an emergency situation, providing a modern, technologically advanced centre, from which the Local Emergency Operations Control Centre can oversee critical situations with confidence.”
The co-location of the Local Emergency Operations Control Centre at the City Administration Centre will allow for all necessary IT and audio/visual infrastructure, furniture and support facilities at a central location in Newcastle West.
City of Newcastle is required to provide a Local Emergency Operations Control facility under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act1989.
Fast facts
The emergency operations centre would feature:
- A 16-seat conferencing facility with wireless presentation, TV connectivity for news coverage, weather, traffic cameras, server and four 65-inch screens and mobile 86-inch screen
- An eight-seat, dedicated video conference room with a 65-inch screen, wireless presentation and network connectivity
- Capability to open to one 32-seat room or incorporate other areas, and breakaway spaces
- Eight dedicated workstations, 12-seat elevated bench seating, whiteboards and 86-inch screen
- Power and data including high-speed Wi-Fi access and multi-function devices capable of high-speed printing and scanning
- Kitchen area capable of providing meals during a city-wide blackout
- Two diesel powered-generators capable of indefinitely powering 100 per cent of the building load
- Uninterruptable power supply throughout City Administration Centre levels supplying communications infrastructure
- Onsite parking, secure access and secure toilet and shower facilities.
It is expected to cost $1.8 million to deliver the emergency operations centre, which would be operational by May 2019.
HISTORY MADE AS METRO COMPLETES HARBOUR TUNNEL
The first metro railway tunnel to be built deep under Sydney Harbour has been completed in an historic milestone for public transport in Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today walked to the deepest point of the tunnel 40 metres below the harbour floor, meeting workers who built it.
“This is an engineering feat of historic proportions for our great city which will forever change how we get around Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Today we have made history walking deep beneath Sydney Harbour for the first time, inside one of two metro railway tunnels to be built as part of this mega project.”
Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Kathleen is digging twin railway tunnels under Sydney Harbour as part of Sydney Metro – Australia’s biggest public transport project.
The machine was pulled apart and its giant 90-tonne cutter head and front sections were barged back across Sydney Harbour where it is being reassembled to start digging the second tunnel.
The specialised TBM is named after Kathleen Butler, who played a vital role in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as technical adviser to engineer John Bradfield.
“It is incredible that Kathleen has already finished her first tunnel and we are able to walk through this crucial piece of infrastructure deep under the harbour,” Mr Constance said.
Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024 extending the North West Metro into the city and beyond to Bankstown
Sydney Metro will have the ultimate capacity of a train every two minutes in each direction under the Sydney CBD and will be able to move more people across the harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined.
CENTRAL SYDNEY CBD SET TO THRIVE
More office space, good design and high-quality public places are the cornerstone of plans to supercharge growth and investment in Sydney’s CBD.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes today announced the NSW Government’s in-principle support of the City of Sydney’s Central Sydney Planning Strategy.
Mr Stokes said the Strategy will guide Central Sydney’s commercial, residential and recreational future and will enable more jobs and growth while protecting the city’s iconic heritage and public spaces.
“Sydney CBD is Australia’s economic gateway to the world, generating nearly $110 billion each year. This strategy means we will deliver nearly three million square metres of new office space to ensure Sydney remains the commercial hub of the nation,” Mr Stokes said.
“The NSW Government has been working with City of Sydney Council to get the plan moving and provide much-needed certainty to industry that Sydney is open for business.”
Following negotiations between the City of Sydney Council and the NSW Government, three amendments to the Central Sydney Planning Strategy have been agreed to in-principle:
- Allow for up to 50% more floor space for development in the four tower cluster areas (near Barangaroo, Circular Quay, Central and Town Hall) that demonstrate design excellence;
- Encourage more office space in the CBD by removing the residential accommodation bonus instead of implementing a proposed 50% cap on residential accommodation; and
- Prepare a new development contributions plan to help fund the delivery of new public infrastructure to ensure the city retains its valued public and green spaces.
The in-principle agreement allows for the Council to prepare the changes to the draft Strategy and planning proposal, and place both on exhibition early in the new year.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the 20-year plan is the most comprehensive urban planning strategy for Central Sydney in 45 years.
“If we want Sydney to maintain its status as a global city and economic powerhouse, it’s vital that we balance the need for commercial floor space with residential development in the city centre,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Central Sydney’s residents, workers and visitors are best served by collaboration between the City and the State Government. This plan strikes a balance between fostering new businesses and growth while protecting and enhancing the great public spaces that make our city unique.”
Two men charged with Grievous Bodily Harm – Merewether
Two men have been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm after an incident in the Newcastle area earlier in the year.
Just after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 February 2019, a 31-year-old man and his friends were in Jefferson Park, Merewether when a group of males, who had been at a function at a licensed premise across the road, approached them.
Two men within the group became aggressive and a physical altercation occurred.
The 31-year-old man was kicked in the head – sustaining a broken jaw.
Following extensive investigations, officers from Newcastle City Police Area Command identified two men who they will allege assaulted man.
About 7pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019, a 24-year-old Wangi Wangi man was arrested and charged with common assault, offensive behaviour and grievous bodily harm including malicious wounding. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 19 December 2019.
About 7pm on Sunday 8 December 2019, a second man was arrested. The 23-year-old man from Toronto was charged with larceny, common assault, affray and recklessly cause grievous bodily harm. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 16 January 2020
Driver dies in head-on crash – Raymond Terrace
Crash investigators remain at the scene of a fatal crash in the state’s Hunter Region today.
About 11am (Sunday 8 December 2019), a head-on crash occurred between a Toyota Corolla and a Holden Astra on Richardson Road, near Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace.
The driver of the Holden Astra died at the scene. Two female passengers were taken to John Hunter Hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
The female driver of the Corolla was also taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory tests.
Officers from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District established a crime scene that will be examined by officers from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Anyone who may have dash-cam vision of the crash is urged to contact police at Raymond Terrace Police Station, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.