A popular genre of computer game allows players to design and create civilisations from the ground up.
Players build roads, water supplies and industrial precincts. As their cities grow, they attract workers whose taxes fund further building, allowing the player to build wealth, raise armies and conquer the world.
The heart of these games is planning. Players have to make sure their civilisations have the infrastructure necessary to sustain development.
High speed rail down the east coast would completely transform the economies of the regional cities along its route, as it has done in Europe.CREDIT:RAIL EUROPE
If they skimp on roads and water supplies, for example, community sentiment goes sour, residents leave, the civilisation collapses and the player has to start all over again.
Of course, in the real world, it’s not that simple. We can’t just start the game again if we get it wrong.
That’s why it is critical governments ensure that they respond to population growth with commensurate infrastructure investment or risk real damage to our quality of life.
The simple lesson from those computer games is that government must invest adequately to meet the demands of growth with the investment required to deal with its effects.
The current federal government is failing in this task.
Over the five years to 2018, total annual infrastructure investment in this country was down by 17 per cent compared with average levels during the period of the former Labor government.
In the same period, the national population, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, increased by 1.5 million, or 6.5 per cent.
The outcomes of this under-investment are manifest across our big cities, most notably with traffic congestion.
According to the recently released Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, the average daily commuting time for Sydney workers climbed from 61 minutes in 2002 to 71 minutes in 2017.
It is a tragedy that traffic congestion means many Australian workers spend more time driving to and from work each day than they spend at home with their children.
One of the first decisions of the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison government was the cancellation of all federal investment in public transport projects that were not already under construction.
Tony Abbott set out the reason for this approach in his book, Battlelines.
“Mostly, there just aren’t enough people wanting to go from a particular place to a particular destination at a particular time to justify any vehicle larger than a car and cars need roads,” he said.
The cuts and delays to urban rail projects has had an ongoing negative impact. Australians are paying by having to waste more time stuck in traffic.
Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison changed the rhetoric on public transport, but they have failed to restore Mr Abbott’s cuts, instead leaving the heavy lifting to states.
While the government announced an Urban Congestion Fund in its May 2018 Budget, not a single project has begun.
Indeed, only about 30 per cent of all money allocated to rail and road investment in the 2019 Budget will be invested within the next four years.
The government should bring some of this investment forward. In Sydney, it could speed up work on the Western Sydney Rail line and also get behind the proposed Western Metro to Parramatta and beyond.
This investment would also satisfy the Reserve Bank’s ongoing calls for increased infrastructure investment to stimulate the economy, creating jobs and economic activity in the short term, while boosting productivity over the medium to long term.
Infrastructure investment as an essential component of economic and social policy.
It’s about giving Australians the services they are paying for through their taxes, but also driving economic growth that will benefit their children and grandchildren.
It can also boost regional development.
High speed rail down the east coast would completely transform the economies of the regional cities along its route.
It would make regional cities more attractive as places to set up new enterprises and create new jobs, which would take pressure off the capital cities.
Anthony Albanese
Vera Deacon given City’s highest honour
Writer, philanthropist and passionate historian Vera Deacon has been named a Freeman of the City in recognition of her contribution to Newcastle’s heritage, conservation and local history at a special ceremony at City Hall today.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Vera was a well-deserved recipient who would join an esteemed list of 13 other Novocastrians to be awarded the City’s highest honour.
“The City of Newcastle deeply appreciates Vera’s immense contribution to the ongoing preservation and interpretation of our rich local history,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Steadfastly involved in progressive social and political movements, Vera is a trailblazer for women and has a keen sense of social justice and equality.
“We thank Vera for her many contributions to our community and know that while she may shy away from being singled out in this way, there are none more deserving of this wonderful honour.”
Vera was born in Mayfield and raised on two of the Newcastle’s original estuary islands on the Hunter River – Dempsey Island and Mosquito Island (also known as Moscheto).
During her childhood, she developed a deep and enduring connection with the waterway that continues to this day through her conservation and literary works.
After spending most of her married life in Sydney Vera returned to Newcastle in 1997 following the death of her husband Stanley.
Moving to Stockton where she could remain close to her beloved Hunter River, she joined the local historical society and began to piece together the history of the estuary islands, sharing the fruits of her research and the memories of other former residents in a series of award-winning stories.
She has dedicated countless hours to restoring the health of the estuary, volunteering as part of the Kooragang wetlands rehabilitation project on Ash Island.
Preserving the city’s history and heritage continues to drive the Stockton resident, who has made regular donations to the University of Newcastle’s Cultural Collections during the past 18 years. The Vera Deacon Regional History Fund was set up by the university and named in her honour to recognise and build on her generosity, with donations, including Vera’s, used to collect, document and digitise regional history archives.
“Through her generosity and passion, Vera has ensured that current and future generations of Novocastrians will be able to access the records and accounts of those who have come before them,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The stories of our past play an important role in weaving the fabric of our society, both now and in the years to come.
“Newcastle’s stories will continue to be remembered and passed on, thanks in part to the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund and the altruism of its namesake.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Vera was a well-deserved recipient who would join an esteemed list of 13 other Novocastrians to be awarded the City’s highest honour.
“The City of Newcastle deeply appreciates Vera’s immense contribution to the ongoing preservation and interpretation of our rich local history,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Steadfastly involved in progressive social and political movements, Vera is a trailblazer for women and has a keen sense of social justice and equality.
“We thank Vera for her many contributions to our community and know that while she may shy away from being singled out in this way, there are none more deserving of this wonderful honour.”
Vera was born in Mayfield and raised on two of the Newcastle’s original estuary islands on the Hunter River – Dempsey Island and Mosquito Island (also known as Moscheto).
During her childhood, she developed a deep and enduring connection with the waterway that continues to this day through her conservation and literary works.
After spending most of her married life in Sydney Vera returned to Newcastle in 1997 following the death of her husband Stanley.
Moving to Stockton where she could remain close to her beloved Hunter River, she joined the local historical society and began to piece together the history of the estuary islands, sharing the fruits of her research and the memories of other former residents in a series of award-winning stories.
She has dedicated countless hours to restoring the health of the estuary, volunteering as part of the Kooragang wetlands rehabilitation project on Ash Island.
Preserving the city’s history and heritage continues to drive the Stockton resident, who has made regular donations to the University of Newcastle’s Cultural Collections during the past 18 years. The Vera Deacon Regional History Fund was set up by the university and named in her honour to recognise and build on her generosity, with donations, including Vera’s, used to collect, document and digitise regional history archives.
“Through her generosity and passion, Vera has ensured that current and future generations of Novocastrians will be able to access the records and accounts of those who have come before them,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The stories of our past play an important role in weaving the fabric of our society, both now and in the years to come.
“Newcastle’s stories will continue to be remembered and passed on, thanks in part to the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund and the altruism of its namesake.”
Second person charged following armed robbery near Newcastle
Detectives have charged a woman over her alleged role in an armed robbery at a licensed premises near Newcastle earlier this year.
About 10am on Thursday 18 April 2019, a man – armed with a firearm – entered a licensed premises on Station Street, Waratah, and threatened patrons before fleeing with cash.
No one was injured at the time of the incident.
Police from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries before the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Yard.
As part of their inquiries, a 32-year-old man was charged in April 2019. He remains before the courts.
Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 32-year-old woman at a facility at Silverwater just before 9am yesterday (Tuesday 24 September 2019), where she was charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.
Police will allege in court that the woman assisted the man by driving a vehicle following the armed robbery.
The woman was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 25 September 2019).
Greens Slam Resumption of Cruel Live Exports to ‘Furnace-Like’ Conditions in Middle East
Greens Spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has slammed the resumption of the live export of sheep to the Middle East.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The resumption of live exports to the Middle East, especially while temperatures are so hot shows the Government is just paying lip service to animal welfare.
“It is going to be over forty degrees in Kuwait over the next few weeks, which means thousands of sheep will continue to suffer cruel heat stress. We are quite literally putting these poor animals into the furnace of the Middle East heat for profit.
“Whether it is heat stress, overcrowding or spending weeks standing in their own filth, animals on live export ships suffer immensely. It’s time to end live exports once and for all,” she concluded.
Meeting Paris targets won't protect us from catastrophic global warming: Greens
Greens spokesperson for the climate crisis, Adam Bandt MP, has warned that the United Nations Climate Summit has made it abundantly clear that even if global Paris pledges are met, it won’t be enough to avoid catastrophic global warming.
“This summit made it crystal clear that even if Australia meets its Paris commitments, that won’t be enough,” said Mr Bandt.
“The world’s Paris pledges, including Australia’s, have us on track for a catastrophic 3.4 degrees of global warming.
“Scientists at the summit say we need to a least triple current Paris pledges to stay below 2 degrees, but instead Scott Morrison is lifting pollution. Scott Morrison is now a direct threat to life.
“It’s great to pull plastics out of the sea, but the biggest threat to our oceans is climate change and Scott Morrison is making global warming worse.”
“A true leader would front up to the UN Climate Summit, and explain why they’re desperately trying to open new coal mines in the middle of a climate emergency,” said Greens leader Richard Di Natale.
“Instead, Scott Morrison is too busy hanging out with his fellow climate denier Donald Trump and Australia’s richest coal baron – while unashamedly boasting that he shares many of the same backwards and views as his host.
“In an attempt to deflect blame for Australia’s carbon exports he’s urging China to reduce their use of fossil fuels – at the same time his Resources Minister is trying to flog off ever more coal to India. By seeking to ignore reality, he’s clearly found a mentor in the most dangerous US President in history.”
Delivering the next generation of capability for the Australian Army
The first of the fleet of new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force has been unveiled at a ceremony at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane.
The 211 new Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia under the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability program.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the new vehicles, with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility, will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army.
“These new vehicles are part of the Liberal National Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Minister Reynolds said.
“They will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.”
Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Melissa Price welcomed the approximately 1,450 jobs across Australia that would flow from the construction of the vehicles.
“This project presents an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to play a vital role in delivering leading-edge capability and technology to Australia’s Army,” Minister Price said.
“Our Government’s investment decisions in defence capability are complemented by a comprehensive defence industry policy agenda to support a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry, which will support jobs and investment across the country.”
Over the 30-year life of the vehicles, Australian industry will secure $10.2 billion of the total investment in acquiring and maintaining the fleet.
Minister Price also today announced an additional seven small businesses that have been contracted by Rheinmetall as suppliers for the first 25 Boxer vehicles.
The companies are:
The 211 new Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia under the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability program.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the new vehicles, with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility, will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army.
“These new vehicles are part of the Liberal National Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Minister Reynolds said.
“They will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.”
Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Melissa Price welcomed the approximately 1,450 jobs across Australia that would flow from the construction of the vehicles.
“This project presents an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to play a vital role in delivering leading-edge capability and technology to Australia’s Army,” Minister Price said.
“Our Government’s investment decisions in defence capability are complemented by a comprehensive defence industry policy agenda to support a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry, which will support jobs and investment across the country.”
Over the 30-year life of the vehicles, Australian industry will secure $10.2 billion of the total investment in acquiring and maintaining the fleet.
Minister Price also today announced an additional seven small businesses that have been contracted by Rheinmetall as suppliers for the first 25 Boxer vehicles.
The companies are:
- Brisbane-based Frontline Manufacturing: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Sydney-based Precision Metal Group Australia: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Burnie-based Direct Edge: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Melbourne-based MoTeC: supplying information data logging, IT connections and system support.
- Sydney-based Axalta: supplying specialist paint and paint supply products.
- Melbourne-based Hilton Manufacturing: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Brisbane-based Rockpress: supplying mine blast protection plates.
This brings to a total of 12 small businesses across Australia who will contribute to the Boxer program, ensuring the delivery of these vehicles is a national enterprise.
The first 25 vehicles will be assembled in Germany and delivered to Australia as part of technology transfer activities to familiarise Australian workers and suppliers on the specific manufacturing techniques of these vehicles.
The remaining vehicles will be assembled at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence facility in Redbank, near Ipswich, using companies located across Australia.
Five star hotel fitout set to start as City of Newcastle makes final preparations for move
City of Newcastle will move into its new Administration Centre (CAC) at 12 Stewart Avenue on 8 October, allowing new owners Crystalbrook Collection to commence work on converting it into the City’s first five star hotel.
Concurrently, City of Newcastle will recommence the campaign to sell or lease the Frederick Ash building (FAB) which stopped last year when it became apparent the nearby Roundhouse was likely to receive a spectacular new future as a hotel.
The FAB, along with the adjacent Bennett Building and the Clarendon Hotel, will be marketed by Commercial Collective in conjunction with CBRE and Moore and Moore Real Estate.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the time was right for expressions of interest to be sought for all three buildings.
“This will be a campaign that will again attract interest both domestically and internationally. The opportunity to buy into a precinct that will in 12 months’ time be home to Australia’s newest five star hotel, will undoubtedly create significant excitement.
“For the City of Newcastle, our job is to maximise the value of those buildings for ratepayers as well as create opportunities for the private sector to invest in the civic precinct to further its position as the cultural capital of the region.
“Not only will the area include the Kingsley Hotel, but also the Civic Theatre, the Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum, the Civic light rail station, Newcastle Library, the soon to open Visitor Information Centre and Museum Park.
“The City will now seek expressions of interest for the three buildings, with most interest in the Fred Ash building given its size and current function as office space.”
“Should we secure offers that deliver value for money to ratepayers, I will take the sale or lease of one, two or possibly all three buildings to the elected Council for consideration in the first quarter of next year.”
Mr Bath said the fit out of 12 Stewart Avenue had progressed as planned, with onsite inductions commencing for staff next week before moving in on 8 October.
“Our administrative employees will walk into a modern, collaborative and functional office when they arrive for work at 12 Stewart Avenue on Tuesday 8 October.
“They will leave three buildings, 14 floors and 43 years of memories behind. But we know that the current structure is not allowing our staff to reach their potential, nor is the building in the right location to act as a hub for community and government interaction.
“The fit out of the new office space has been delivered on program, allowing staff to move in just two weeks from now and Crystalbrook to start construction at the Roundhouse shortly after.
“As planned, the fit out is being completed in two stages, with levels 2 to 5 nearing completion while construction will be underway on levels 1 and 6 from October to February. A temporary kitchen will be available for staff use until a permanent one is completed later this year on level 6.
“The City’s Call Centre will temporarily operate from a vacant Council-owned facility in Hamilton while level 1 is completed. This will of course have no impact on our services.
“Anyone who needs to do business with us in person will be able to come to 12 Stewart Avenue from 8 October, where they’ll be greeted by our concierge and served as per usual,” he said.
Crystalbrook Interim CEO and Group Director Hotels Geoff York said Newcastle was a great fit for the Crystalbrook Collection brand.
“We’re excited to be bringing the Crystalbrook Collection brand to Newcastle,” Mr York said.
“We believe the city is a great fit for our brand.
“We’re looking forward to receiving the keys to the Roundhouse and anticipate that construction will begin later this year with the intention of opening the doors to the five-star Kingsley late in 2020.”
The FAB is a State Heritage listed building constructed in 1905, originally understood to have operated as a retail showroom with storage on the upper floors. City of Newcastle purchased the building in 1969 and in more recent years has used the site as office space for administrative staff.
The upcoming EOI will be for sale or lease of the FAB, while EOIs will be sought for the purchase of the current Blue Door Café (Bennett Building) and Clarendon Hotel sites.
Concurrently, City of Newcastle will recommence the campaign to sell or lease the Frederick Ash building (FAB) which stopped last year when it became apparent the nearby Roundhouse was likely to receive a spectacular new future as a hotel.
The FAB, along with the adjacent Bennett Building and the Clarendon Hotel, will be marketed by Commercial Collective in conjunction with CBRE and Moore and Moore Real Estate.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the time was right for expressions of interest to be sought for all three buildings.
“This will be a campaign that will again attract interest both domestically and internationally. The opportunity to buy into a precinct that will in 12 months’ time be home to Australia’s newest five star hotel, will undoubtedly create significant excitement.
“For the City of Newcastle, our job is to maximise the value of those buildings for ratepayers as well as create opportunities for the private sector to invest in the civic precinct to further its position as the cultural capital of the region.
“Not only will the area include the Kingsley Hotel, but also the Civic Theatre, the Newcastle Art Gallery, The Newcastle Museum, the Civic light rail station, Newcastle Library, the soon to open Visitor Information Centre and Museum Park.
“The City will now seek expressions of interest for the three buildings, with most interest in the Fred Ash building given its size and current function as office space.”
“Should we secure offers that deliver value for money to ratepayers, I will take the sale or lease of one, two or possibly all three buildings to the elected Council for consideration in the first quarter of next year.”
Mr Bath said the fit out of 12 Stewart Avenue had progressed as planned, with onsite inductions commencing for staff next week before moving in on 8 October.
“Our administrative employees will walk into a modern, collaborative and functional office when they arrive for work at 12 Stewart Avenue on Tuesday 8 October.
“They will leave three buildings, 14 floors and 43 years of memories behind. But we know that the current structure is not allowing our staff to reach their potential, nor is the building in the right location to act as a hub for community and government interaction.
“The fit out of the new office space has been delivered on program, allowing staff to move in just two weeks from now and Crystalbrook to start construction at the Roundhouse shortly after.
“As planned, the fit out is being completed in two stages, with levels 2 to 5 nearing completion while construction will be underway on levels 1 and 6 from October to February. A temporary kitchen will be available for staff use until a permanent one is completed later this year on level 6.
“The City’s Call Centre will temporarily operate from a vacant Council-owned facility in Hamilton while level 1 is completed. This will of course have no impact on our services.
“Anyone who needs to do business with us in person will be able to come to 12 Stewart Avenue from 8 October, where they’ll be greeted by our concierge and served as per usual,” he said.
Crystalbrook Interim CEO and Group Director Hotels Geoff York said Newcastle was a great fit for the Crystalbrook Collection brand.
“We’re excited to be bringing the Crystalbrook Collection brand to Newcastle,” Mr York said.
“We believe the city is a great fit for our brand.
“We’re looking forward to receiving the keys to the Roundhouse and anticipate that construction will begin later this year with the intention of opening the doors to the five-star Kingsley late in 2020.”
The FAB is a State Heritage listed building constructed in 1905, originally understood to have operated as a retail showroom with storage on the upper floors. City of Newcastle purchased the building in 1969 and in more recent years has used the site as office space for administrative staff.
The upcoming EOI will be for sale or lease of the FAB, while EOIs will be sought for the purchase of the current Blue Door Café (Bennett Building) and Clarendon Hotel sites.
City of Newcastle begins construction on Tyrrell Street Bridge Replacement
City of Newcastle has started the $3.3 million replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge in a major step towards combatting flooding which has plagued the local centre.
The new higher and longer bridge will allow more floodwater to pass through the Hunter Water-owned channel during rain events. The existing Tyrrell Street road pavements adjacent to the bridge will also be raised to match the higher bridge level.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge is just one part of a wider plan to revitalise Wallsend.
“The start of construction on the Tyrrell Street Bridge is an important milestone in an ongoing process of flood mitigation and renewal in Wallsend,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is the starting point of a larger program of work to benefit residents, businesses, property owners and visitors to the suburb.
“Wallsend is on the cusp of being transformed with significant streetscape improvements, free Wi-Fi in the town centre and safer pedestrian and cycle routes to be rolled out in the coming years.”
Replacing Tyrrell Street Bridge forms part of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan, which proposes another two bridges at Boscawen Street and Nelson Street be replaced, increasing the flow capacity at the Cowper Street Bridge, and planning for how Hunter Water’s channel can be widened to allow better water flow during heavy rainfall.
“Wallsend is a high-flood-prone area, so this project aims to prevent the damaging impacts caused by major rain events that we’ve see in the past,” the Lord Mayor said.
“While City of Newcastle is pleased to be investing over $3 million into the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge, we continue to advocate to the NSW and Commonwealth governments to assist us to deliver the full Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in the most timely manner.
“Unfortunately, the City is yet to receive assistance to deliver this important project for the Wallsend community.”
The Tyrrell Street Bridge replacement was identified as a priority and is the first project implemented as part of the recommendations of the Wallsend Floodplain Risk Management Plan (FRMP).
City of Newcastle will continue to work with Hunter Water on long-term flood mitigations solutions in Wallsend.
The work complements other planned remediation as part of the Wallsend Public Domain and Traffic Plan.
The existing Tyrrell Street Bridge was built in 1930 and is 17.5 metres long and 2.6 metres high. The new bridge will be 26.6 metres long between abutments and approximately 3 metres high.
The bridge reconstruction project is expected to be completed in 2020.
The new higher and longer bridge will allow more floodwater to pass through the Hunter Water-owned channel during rain events. The existing Tyrrell Street road pavements adjacent to the bridge will also be raised to match the higher bridge level.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge is just one part of a wider plan to revitalise Wallsend.
“The start of construction on the Tyrrell Street Bridge is an important milestone in an ongoing process of flood mitigation and renewal in Wallsend,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is the starting point of a larger program of work to benefit residents, businesses, property owners and visitors to the suburb.
“Wallsend is on the cusp of being transformed with significant streetscape improvements, free Wi-Fi in the town centre and safer pedestrian and cycle routes to be rolled out in the coming years.”
Replacing Tyrrell Street Bridge forms part of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan, which proposes another two bridges at Boscawen Street and Nelson Street be replaced, increasing the flow capacity at the Cowper Street Bridge, and planning for how Hunter Water’s channel can be widened to allow better water flow during heavy rainfall.
“Wallsend is a high-flood-prone area, so this project aims to prevent the damaging impacts caused by major rain events that we’ve see in the past,” the Lord Mayor said.
“While City of Newcastle is pleased to be investing over $3 million into the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge, we continue to advocate to the NSW and Commonwealth governments to assist us to deliver the full Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan in the most timely manner.
“Unfortunately, the City is yet to receive assistance to deliver this important project for the Wallsend community.”
The Tyrrell Street Bridge replacement was identified as a priority and is the first project implemented as part of the recommendations of the Wallsend Floodplain Risk Management Plan (FRMP).
City of Newcastle will continue to work with Hunter Water on long-term flood mitigations solutions in Wallsend.
The work complements other planned remediation as part of the Wallsend Public Domain and Traffic Plan.
The existing Tyrrell Street Bridge was built in 1930 and is 17.5 metres long and 2.6 metres high. The new bridge will be 26.6 metres long between abutments and approximately 3 metres high.
The bridge reconstruction project is expected to be completed in 2020.
Police release images as they investigate string of robberies – Hamilton
Police have released images of three men they would like to speak with as they continue to investigate several robberies in Hamilton, which they believe are linked.
About 3.30am on Saturday 14 September 2019, a 21-year-old man was at the intersection of May Street and Maitland Road, Islington, when he was approached by two unknown men.
He was then assaulted by the pair, before they stole his wallet and mobile phone.
A similar incident was reported about 1am the following morning (Sunday 15 September 2019) when two men – aged 27 and 55 – were walking home through Gregson Park, Hamilton. They reported being approached by two unknown men, before being threatened and assaulted. The younger man received a significant wound to the head and was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment. The older man was unconscious for a short period of time.
Three additional incidents were reported in the early hours on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September.
About 1.30am on Saturday 21 September, a 29-year-old man was leaving work at a licensed premises on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, when he was approached by four unknown men and was assaulted.
About an hour later, two men – aged 21 and 22 – were walking through Gregson Park, Hamilton, when three unknown men assaulted them before stealing property.
Then about 1.30am on Sunday 22 September, a woman was walking at the intersection of Cleary and Samdon Streets, Hamilton, when two unknown men approached her from behind and attempted to steal her handbag. They were unsuccessful and fled the scene.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District are investigating each incident and believe all are linked.
As inquiries continue, detectives have released three images of men who may be able to assist with their investigation.
They are all described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged between 18-25 and were wearing dark clothing.
Newcastle City Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said it was concerning these incidents occurred in such a short period of time.
“These crimes appear opportunistic in nature, and we intend to find those responsible in a swift manner.
“Anyone who may have information which could help track down these thieves is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers,” Det Ch Insp Parker said.
Millions march for climate, Morrison opens box factory
By skipping the United Nations Climate Summit to attend the opening of a box factory owned by a billionaire donor to the Liberal Party with President Trump, Scott Morrison is showing just how out of touch he is with the millions of Australians demanding genuine action on climate change, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“Millions of people are taking to the streets to demand that our political leaders take serious action on climate change. But instead of listening to their voices and attending a landmark UN Climate Summit today, Scott Morrison has chosen to open a box factory in Ohio owned by a billionaire political donor to the Liberal Party,” said Di Natale.
”We are in a climate emergency and yet the Prime Minister is more interested in rewarding his donors than action to save the planet. Unless Scott Morrison is expecting to find his Government’s missing climate change policy in one of those cardboard boxes, he should be at the United Nations working with other world leaders on a genuine solution to the climate crisis.”
“This weekend, millions of people around the world took to the streets to demand greater action to tackle the climate crisis, yet Scott Morrison refuses to even show his face at the UN Emergency Climate Summit, taking his climate denialism to new and increasingly destructive heights,” said Greens Climate Change Spokesperson Adam Bandt MP.
“Scientists from around the world have a very simple message: we must triple our climate ambition to have any hope of avoiding catastrophic, runaway global warming. It’s time for Scott Morrison to listen to the scientists, listen to the strikers and plan for a phase-out of fossil fuels.”