Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 23 June 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
A Lord Mayoral Minute providing an update on the impacts of COVID-19 and the City’s comprehensive Community and Economic Resilience Package was supported.
A Lord Mayoral Minute for the City to sign a letter of intent with the World Economic Forum to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with the G20 Smart Cities Alliance as a Pilot City was supported.
Ordinary business
Establishment of the Draft Stockton Coastal Maangement Program
Council has adopted the final Draft Stockton Coastal Management Program and endorsed its submission to the Minister for Local Government by 30 June 2020.
Write-off a sundry debt
Council has resolved to write off a debt totalling $52,048.35 in unpaid tipping fees after being unable to recoup outstanding fees from a business in liquidation.
Making of the rates and charges
Council has set its rates and charges for the 2020/21 financial year.
Making of the rate – Hunter Catchment
Council has adopted the rate commission payable to the City for the collection of the 2020/21 Hunter Catchment Contribution at five per cent of the contributions collected, as determined by Hunter Local Land Services.
Interest on overdue rates and charges for 2020/21
Council has adopted the rate of 2.3 per cent a year on interest on overdue rates and charges deferred against an eligible ratepayer’s estate for the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021.
Exhibition of draft Local Housing Strategy
The draft Local Housing Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
Adoption of 2020/21 budget
Council has adopted a new budget for 2020-21 that includes a record $116 million capital works program that will generate up to 700 jobs and increase local economic output by $275 million.
Proposed road closure – 81 Fletcher Street, Adamstown
Council has endorsed the sale of a 278sqm land parcel to the owners of an adjoining block in Fletcher Street, Adamstown, for $75,000.
Classification of Council Land – 280 Hunter Street, Newcastle
Council has resolved to classify 280 Hunter Street, Newcastle, as operational land after buying the plot, known as Rail Bridge Row, from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation earlier this year.
Tender for Natural Areas Rehabilitation
Council has accepted four individual tenders for the provision of natural areas rehabilitation services to deliver specialised bushland services and other environmental projects through Newcastle.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for May 2020.
Notices of Motions
Shining example of energy transition
A notice of motion to celebrate the City’s Summerhill Solar Farm for generating more than $420,000 in revenue, well up on business case projections of $250,000 a year, and reducing operational carbon emissions by 77 per cent compared to a 2008 baseline, was supported.
Clarification on Local Land Services Hunter Catchment and Contribution Levey and Benefits
Another NOM was supported to write to Hunter Local Land Services to query the $2.59 million paid annually by Newcastle residents for the Hunter Catchment Contribution levy and ask how that money could help address long-term catchment issues down river, including flooding in Wallsend.
Month: June 2020
More millennials skipping the big city to make the move to Newcastle
Newcastle has proven a drawcard for millennials bypassing the big cities in favour of a regional relocation.
The city was among the top three locations in Australia favoured by regionally-based millennials — people aged between 20 and 35 years old — who opted to move to another region rather than shift to a major metropolitan area, according to a new report issued today.
Compiled by Regional Australia Institute (RAI), “Big Movers: Population Mobility in Australia” tracked population movements that occurred in between the last two Census counts in 2011 and 2016.
According to an ABC article on the report, 207,510 millennials moved between regional communities during the four-year period, with Newcastle, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast the most popular destinations.
Other Hunter locations, including Maitland and Lake Macquarie, also benefitted from the millennials’ preference to maintain their regional roots.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes spoke with ABC News presenter Joe O’Brien today to explain what we’re doing to make Newcastle a smart, progressive and liveable city.
ONLINE SKILLS TRAINING IN ALL NSW HIGH SCHOOLS
The NSW Government has today committed to delivering state of the art online vocational education and training (VET) in every government high school by 2022 to continue building the workforce of the 21st century.
In addition to existing face-to-face VET courses, TAFE NSW will now develop at least 20 courses for Year 11 and 12 students into online courses to provide equal study options for senior secondary students across the State.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is determined to make vocational education available to as many students as possible to combat the skills shortage.
“From 2022, students will be combining vocational skills with academic knowledge. Their mathematics will be paired with advanced manufacturing, their biology with healthcare or their economics with accounting. Students will pick the course that is right for them and study online without leaving their school. All courses available will contribute to the HSC and ATAR,” he said.
The nationally recognised courses will include future focused and in-demand skillsets from industries such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, IT and cyber security, business, health and trades in construction and other critical industries.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said taking these courses online allows small student numbers in one school to connect with others in another area to form a larger class.
“This initiative will enable a student in a regional area to connect with their peers in schools all over the State to learn something like cyber security as one class across many classrooms, benefitting from industry experts and cutting edge materials”, she said.
“We know many schools are already doing an excellent job, and this policy will level the playing field when it comes to access, choice and industry connections. It won’t matter where you go to school – all NSW students will be given the opportunity to learn the skills that will see them thrive in the 21st century.”
The NSW Government will ensure this initiative is introduced in all secondary schools across the State with Year 11 and 12 students by 2022.
LIGHT RAIL HONOURS AUSTRALIAN VETERANS IN KOREAN WAR
The images of eight Australians who served in the Korean War will be featured on Sydney Light Rail carriages to mark 70 years since the start of the war.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the photos on the carriages bring to life the enormous contribution Australia made to the Korean War.
“The faces of eight Australians who served in Korea is a powerful tribute to the 17,000 Australians who fought in the conflict between 1950 and 1953,” Mr Lee said.
“Over the course of the war 340 Australians were killed and over 1,200 wounded defending South Korea from the communist forces of North Korea.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the eight stories are amazing.
“As the carriages weave their way through Sydney’s streets, travellers and pedestrians will be captivated and intrigued as they reflect on Australia’s proud military history,” Mr Constance said.
One of the eight images featured in the Lest Korea Forget campaign is of veteran Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Ian Crawford AO AM (Mil), who is passionate about ensuring this war is not forgotten.
“It is very moving to have the Korean War acknowledged for its important part and its ongoing relevance in the Australian story,” Mr Crawford said.
“I think of those who are no longer with us to share this recognition.”
Mr Crawford sailed to Korea with the Australian Navy as a teenager and served in missions to evacuate isolated United Nations units and to support operations behind the advancing North Korean line in extremely tough conditions.
The commemoration is an initiative of the Consul General of the Republic of Korea to thank Australia for the very personal cost of the War to our country.
The Korean War was among the most destructive conflicts of the modern era, with approximately three million war fatalities and a larger proportional civilian death toll than the Second World War or the Vietnam War.
The Light Rail commemoration Lest Korea Forget will operate 22 June to 26 July.
Three officers assaulted – Newcastle area
A man and woman have been charged after allegedly assaulting three police officers in the Newcastle area yesterday.
About 4.10pm (Tuesday 23 June 2020), emergency services were called to Long Crescent, Shortland, following an altercation between a group of people.
Upon arrival, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District spoke to a man and a woman who allegedly became abusive towards police and refused to leave the premises.
After the man allegedly grabbed an officer, he was restrained and continued to resist, kicking a Sergeant and Senior Constable.
OC spray was deployed, and the 30-year-old man was arrested.
During the man’s arrest, the woman allegedly tried to intervene and spat at officers, before she allegedly pushed and kicked a Senior Constable and stole a set of handcuffs.
OC spray was again deployed, and the 35-year-old woman was arrested.
Both the man and woman were taken to Waratah Police Station where they allegedly continued to act aggressively towards police. Medical assistance was declined.
The three officers sustained minor injuries including abrasions to their knees and hands and some swelling.
All officers were affected by OC spray.
The man was charged with two counts of assault officer in execution of duty and two counts of resist officer in execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 Jane 2020).
The woman was also charged with two counts of assault officer in execution of duty and two counts of resist officer in execution of duty.
The woman was granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 23 July 2020.
Officer allegedly threatened with a knife; man charged – Newcastle
A man has been charged after allegedly threatening a police officer with a knife in Newcastle yesterday.
Police will allege in court that about 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 June 2020), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were patrolling Hamilton South when they were approached by a member of the public about a possible brawl occurring on Fowler Street.
Police approached the crowd that was gathered and as they stopped the marked police vehicle, a 28-year-old man allegedly approached the driver’s side window armed with a large knife.
The driver, a Senior Constable, had the window down to speak with the man who allegedly raised the knife toward him.
The driver’s partner, also a Senior Constable, exited the vehicle and called upon the man to drop the knife.
The man dropped the weapon as the two officers subsequently placed him under arrest.
During the arrest, a second man, aged 35, approached the officers and attempted to stop them effecting the arrest, while a third man kicked the door of the police vehicle.
The officers called for further assistance as they deployed OC spray towards the 35-year-old.
Further police arrived shortly after and the 35-year-old was arrested.
Both were taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged.
A 28-year-old Hamilton South man was charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence. He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).
A 35-year-old man, also from Hamilton South, was charged with affray and hinder police. He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 24 June 2020).
Investigations are continuing to identify and locate the third man.
Man rescued after boat capsizes off Newcastle coast
The Marine Area Command has rescued a man after his boat capsized off the Newcastle coast today.
About 11.40am (Tuesday 23 June 2020), officers from Newcastle Water Police were called to waters off the coast of Stockton, following reports a runabout boat returning to shore encountered trouble and was sinking.
On arrival, officers located the skipper and sole occupant of the vessel, a 41-year-old man, clinging to the overturned boat.
Police rescued the man and he was returned to the Newcastle harbour safely. He did not require medical assistance.
The vessel sank and was not able to be salvaged.
Man in court over two separate alleged stabbings – Newcastle
A man will appear in court today charged over two separate alleged stabbings at a shopping centre complex in Newcastle last week.
About 8.45pm on Thursday 18 June 2020, a 38-year-old man was allegedly stabbed by another man in the carpark of a shopping centre on Turton Road, Waratah.
The man suffered cuts to his forearm and was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
In a separate incident, a 26-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed by a man in the carpark of a shopping centre on Wallace Street, Waratah, about 2pm on Sunday 21 June 2020. The woman was with the 38-year-old man at the time of the incident.
She suffered a stab wound to her arm and was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where she has since undergone surgery.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into the incidents, which are believed to be linked and targeted.
Following inquiries, detectives arrested a 20-year-old man at a home on Harriet Street, Waratah, about 6.20am today (Tuesday 23 June 2020).
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with two counts of wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“I commend police on their tenacious work which has resulted in the arrest of the man,” said Commander of Newcastle City Police District Superintendent Brett Greentree.
“These attacks were targeted, and police acted swiftly to put someone before the courts,” said Superintendent Greentree.
“Any serious incident that occurs in the community is of great concern and our priority is keeping the community safe.”
The man has been refused bail and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 23 June 2020).
National sick leave vital as COVID containment remains precarious: Bandt
As new infections increase again with many happening at workplaces, the Greens say there is new urgency to give every worker 14 days COVID sick leave, especially for the millions of Australians without any sick leave at all.
The ACTU has backed national sick leave, the Greens have a bill before parliament for 14 days’ COVID sick leave and the Greens will raise the issue at the COVID Senate committee hearings tomorrow.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing that this pandemic is not conquered yet. Making sure workers can take sick leave when they need to is an important public safety measure,” Greens Leader, Adam Bandt said.
“3.3 million Australians are without sick leave. In addition to being a terrible situation for those individuals and their families, it’s a public health risk and makes it harder to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“Working people need to know that they’ll be supported if they self-isolate. We shouldn’t have people facing the choice between having no income or risking their and the community’s health.
“The government should step in and help employers meet the cost. This modest but vital provision could be easily funded with a sliver of the $60 billion dollar overestimate for JobKeeper.
“Some states are assisting workers, but there remains no provision for the rest of the country.
“The Greens believe that all workers should have sick leave during the crisis,” Bandt said.
LABOR: CYBER SECURITY ATTACK
The national security of Australia is paramount at all times.
We understand from briefings from the relevant federal agencies that all levels of government, critical infrastructure and the private sector are being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor.
We support our security agencies and their efforts to address this serious and growing threat. We urge all Australians, Australian businesses and other organisations to listen to the advice that the Australian Cyber Security Centre provides to the public.
Individuals and business can visit www.cyber.gov.au to access up to date information and advice. We urge everyone to be proactive and vigilant when it comes to cyber security.
We acknowledge the first-class work of our intelligence and defence authorities and thank them today, and every day, for their hard work to protect our nation.
We take today’s news extremely seriously and we will continue to work with the Government to ensure Australia’s national security, including cyber security, is not only maintained but strengthened.