Last updated 2:30 pm
Unprecedented bushfires across NSW and a catastrophic fire warning for the Greater Hunter today has prompted City of Newcastle to review its services for the safety of its staff and the community. We will update this information page when more information becomes available.
Catastropic Fire Danger Response
City of Newcastle has activated its Emergency Operations Centre in response to unprecedented fire conditions.
The Emergency Operations Centre is supported by key council staff, the local Emergency Operations Controller Superintendent Commander Brett Greentree, an NSW Police liaison and a Fire and Rescue NSW liaison.
The Emergency Operations Centre is ready to respond to any risks should they arise in a coordinated fashion.
As a precaution, the City of Newcastle has closed Blackbutt Reserve and the Fernleigh Track today. This is in line with National Parks closing today along with many schools and institutions in bushfire prone areas today.
The City has extended an offer of support to the nearby MidCoast Council in any way that we can, be in human resources or otherwise. Should any of our neighbouring Councils be impacted by fires this week we will extend to them too.
We want to take the opportunity to thank the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue for the coordinated approach to today’s unprecedented fire conditions and encourage anyone to download the Fires Near Me app and listen to the ABC Local Newcastle for the latest updates.
Council Services
Waste Services
Our kerbside collections are running on schedule and Summerhill Waste Management Centre remains open for business.
Blackbutt Reserve
The reserve has been closed. Staff will be onsite at Blackbutt Reserve to monitor the welfare of animals to ensure they are safe, hydrated and out of harms way. Read more about the closure of Blackbutt Reserve.
Fernleigh Track
The track has been closed in line with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s decision to close the State’s national parks north of the Hawkesbury River – including Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Neighbourhood Safer Places
These are a places of last resort during a bush fire emergency. They are to be used when all other options in your bush fire survival plan can’t be put into action safely. Find the Neighbourhood Safer Places in Newcastle.
School closures
Get up-to-date information on schools that have temporarily ceased operations due to adverse weather conditions, bushfire activity, emergencies or other incidents. Visit the NSW Public Schools website and check if your school is affected.
Keep informed
Stay up to date with local information via the Rural Fire Service Updates and ABC Newcastle.