$17.2B Anambah To Branxton Infrastructure Plans Revealed

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Plans have been revealed for a $17.2 billion strategy to bring major housing and infrastructure into the Hunter over the next 40 years. 

The draft Structure Plan for the Anambah to Branxton Regionally Significant Growth Area (A2B RSGA) was put on public exhibition earlier this week, following resolutions from Cessnock, Singleton and Maitland councils. 

The area spans around 15,000 hectares across the three local government areas and is positioned along major transport routes, including the New England Highway, Hunter Expressway and Main Northern Rail Line. 

Outlined in the plans are significant infrastructure investments, including $10.32 billion for roads, $3.6 billion for open spaces and $1.2 on public transport. 

Alongside that, the RSGA aims to allow for an additional 61,000 new dwellings to be built in the outlined areas, set to boost the population by 124,000 and create 15,000 new jobs. 

Lochinvar is estimated to see the largest infrastructure investment of $3.1 billion, followed by Huntlee ($2.3 billion), Anvil Creek ($2.2 billion) and Greta ($2 billion). 

Other features of the RSGA include plans for 77 new sports courts, 52 playgrounds, eight primary and four secondary schools, seven libraries and 17 community centres. 

The RSGA is designed to be rolled out over the next 40 years, until 2066, with significant help from both state and federal government investments. 

Maitland mayor Phillip Penfold said they're expected tens of thousands of people to move into the outlined corridor over the next four decades. 

"What's most important to me and to the council is that we're planning for that growth, making sure that there's an appropriate roads network, paths network, schools, libraries, hospitals and train stations for the future growth," he said. 

The draft A2B RSGA is currently on public exhibition, available on the three Council's Have You Say pages until Tuesday 6 October. 

"Once the plan is adopted, there will be an opportunity for prospective developers to discuss with landowners their interest over the coming decades to be able to develop that land over time," said Cr Penfold. 

"It's important that we make sure everything that's necessary is planned appropriately so the road network can cope, ensuring we have the hospitals and schools that are needed. 

"This will take time and it's subject to landowners being interested as time passes." 

Draft Anambah to Branxton Regionally Significant Growth Area structure plan. Picture: Cessnock City Council

CCTV Footage Released Of Muswellbrook Robbery Suspects

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Detectives are appealing for information as an investigation continues into the robbery of a Muswellbrook bottle shop earlier this year.

At around 10pm Friday 22 May, police were called to a business on the corner of Maitland Road and Sydney Street. 

It was reported three people forced entry into the bottle shop and assaulted an employee before stealing alcohol. 

A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced. 

Following inquiries, a 17-year-old boy was arrested at Muswellbrook Police Station the following Monday. 

He was charged with robbery in company and 10 unrelated offences, including break and enter and vehicles charges. 

The 17-year-old was granted conditional bail at a children's court the same day and is next due to appear in September. 

CCTV images have been released of a woman police believe might be able to assist with inquiries. 

She is depicted wearing a dark-coloured hoodie, with black pants and white sneakers. 

Footage was also released of a black Holden Cruze sedan seen in the area at the time of the incident. 

Anyone able to identify the woman or vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Pictures supplied. 

Construction Begins On First Hunter REZ Project

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Construction has begun on the first project to be connected to the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). 

A large solar farm and battery project is being built on a former coal mine site 2.5 kilometres east of Muswellbrook. 

Delivered by renewable energy generator OX2 and co-developed with Idemitsu Australia, it reached financial close in May and is expected to support around 200 construction jobs. 

Once operational, the 135 megawatt (MW) solar farm and 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System will general enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes. 

The project is expected to connect to the upgraded grid in late 2027 and be operational by 2028. 

With the first stage of the Hunter-Central Coast REZ Network infrastructure complete, projects, including OX2, can immediately connect to the grid once construction is finalised. 

Ausgrid was commissioned by EnergyCo to deliver the upgrade to its existing distribution network and unlock 1 gigawatt of network capacity in the region by 2028.

In total, the REZ will connect an additional 1.8 gigawatts of new renewable generation and storage projects.

Included will be the upgrade of around 85 kilometres of sub-transmission lines, installation of 18 kilometres of new underground fibre optic communications cable, two new energy hubs at Sandy Creek and Antiene in Muswellbrook and the upgrade of existing substations. 

It's is expected to attract up to $3.9 billion in private investment and support an average of 590 direct jobs per year during construction, and 220 ongoing operational roles from 2030. 

Executive Project Director at EnergyCo Phil Bratney said it's been a long-time coming. 

"We signed a commitment deed with Ausgrid in December 2024 and then signed a construction contract in December last year," he said. 

"So, it's great to see the first project looking to connect to this [REZ]." 

OX2 Vice President Stephens said the project demonstrates how Australia's energy transformation can deliver lasting benefits for regional communities. 

"By repurposing a former coal mine site into a renewables hub, we're investing in infrastructure that will provide reliable energy, create local jobs, strengthen regional supply chains and support the Hunter's future prosperity," he said.

Picture: Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline

5-Year-Old Girl Dies In Lake Macquarie House Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

The death of a little girl in a house fire has left the Swansea Heads community in shock.

Around 40 firefighters, police and ambulance crews were called to Northcote Avenue around 1.30am yesterday afternoon (Thursday 20 August, 2026) to find the home engulfed in flames.

An elderly woman in her 80's was taken to hospital with serious burns, while the body of the 5-year-old girl was later found in the burnt out home.

A second child living at the home was not injured.

Police have praised the actions of a teenage boy who lives nearby who tried to gain access to the burning home - he suffered cuts to his leg and was taken to hospital.

Investigators have set up a crime scene and inquiries into the fire continue

Community Not Thrilled Over Updated Ocean Baths Plans

 BY CAMERON TARAGEL

Community groups are still concerned over proposed updates to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, as Council reveals updated plans. 

After significant community backlash on Council's proposed design of the historic structure, an updated design of the Bath's Stage 2 redevelopment has been released. 

The new plans will now include a kiosk, accessible ramps and a more open layout.

The changing rooms will be relocated closer to the accessible parking spaces with an additional access ramp.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said he's pleased to see such strong feedback from the community.

"The Newcastle Ocean Baths are a much-loved part of our city, so it's only natural that people have passionate views about their future," he said.

"They are a part of our history, our coastline, and our identity."

However, community group Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths (FONOB) are still calling for alterations to the newly released plans.

The pavilion's roof has been a major point of contention between council and the group, who have actively pushed for open-air change rooms. 

In response, Council has altered the design to feature a simplified glass roof and glazed finish which will "float" above the building as an attempt to maximise natural light.

FONOB President Peter Wickham said the new roof is a good start but still covers the entire building.

"It doesn't give that really direct feel of sunlight and views of the sky and that wonderful sense of being outdoors that you get in the current change rooms," he said.

"Hearing the sounds of the people outside and hearing the ocean pounding, that's a unique experience of Newcastle Ocean Baths."

He also said the notion is echoed by the community but has been ignored.

"3,000 people on a petition that we presented to Council around 12 months ago certainly expressed that feeling," he said.

"It's an integral part of the cultural practice of Newcastle Ocean Baths."

Another issue with the new design is the continued inclusion of a commercial cafe.

Following significant community concerns around the commercial premises, the cafe will see a reduction in size and be included in the design alongside a kiosk.

Peter Wickham said although the kiosk is welcomed, the cafe infringes on public property.

"We don't know whether it's gonna be an 80-seat cafe or a 90-seat cafe, it's unclear at this stage," he said.

"For example, on the upper promenade there's still a strip reserved for the cafe patrons.

"We believe that in a heritage listed public place, that's unacceptable to take that away from the public. 

"We question why a state-owned listed public swimming facility really needs that level of commercialisation at all."

He added the cafe hasn't proven to be successful in actuality.

"We haven't seen the evidence that the business case that it's viable," he said.

"We don't believe that public space should be surrendered unnecessarily to support a commercial operation."

 A public submission period will begin in late August, which Mr Wickham said they'll use to advocate against the new design.

"Once that period starts, we'll certainly be encouraging people to put in a submission for that Revised DA," he said.

"If you go anything by what happened last night [August 18] at the actual council chambers, my headcount of people in the chamber last night was at least 40. 

"I know that a number of people were turned away at the doors because of lack of space. 

"So people are still very interested."

Council said they're hoping once the DA is approved, to award a construction tender in mid-2028.

Updated render of Newcastle Ocean Baths facade. Picture: City of Newcastle

Nelson Bay Road To Receive Massive $275 Million Overhaul

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

The state government has revealed a $275 million upgrade plan for Nelson Bay Road, aiming to make the route safer and more efficient.

With preliminary works expected to begin next year, the first stage will build a four-lane road in the 2.8 kilometre stretch between Bobs Farm and Salt Ash.

It will support travel to Port Stephens via Richardson Road, which is expected to grow following the completion of the M1 to Raymond Terrace expansion.

The second stage then focuses on duplicating eight kilometres of road from Fern Bay to Williamtown, improving accessibility to Newcastle Airport and the surrounding areas.

Finally, the third stage will deliver additional safety measures across the improved sections of road.

It replaces the former Coalition Government's contentious Bobs Farm-to-Williamtown bypass proposal, which was declared to be unworkable by a Transport NSW review due to engineering and agricultural concerns. 

Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the three-staged plan is a major step forward. 

"What we're giving the community now is a realistic, achievable plan to ensure that this road can be duplicated in a way that provides the safety upgrades that we need, but also improves connectivity, reduces congestion and looks at the sensitive agricultural and other lands around this area," she said.

Nelson Bay Road has a notorious reputation for crashes, with Transport for NSW statistics recording 115 incidents between 2020 and 2024.

Two fatalities have been recorded on the road this year, however the corridor between Anna Bay and Salamander Bay where both crashes occurred is not within the project's scope.

The timeline for the project remains uncertain, with the new plan yet to be submitted for federal government review.

Jenny Aitchison said it aims to right the wrongs of the prior Liberal-Nationals Government, and deliver improvements which serve the community.

"We had a lost decade in Newcastle and the Hunter, where plans were put on ice for over 10 years, not progressed, because they wouldn't engage with local representatives who were democratically elected by their communities," she said.

Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison discussing plans with Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp. Picture: Ian Crouch

State Government Set to Tackle Calvary Mater Mould

 BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Critical infrastructure failures at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital are set to be addressed under a new State Government plan.

NSW Health has announced a taskforce to manage critical asset remediation at the hospital, addressing building condition, maintenance, and critical safety failures.

The Mater has faced constant controversy after accusations of mould in the cancer ward surfaced, alleging fungal infections had caused several fatalities over a 20-year period.

A lengthy parliamentary inquest uncovered evidence of corruption and cover-ups, recommending an immediate termination of the hospital's public-private partnership (PPP).

NSW Health announced $12.5 million for emergency remediation work earlier this year, replacing external cladding to prevent water leaks into the hospital.

Current works are expected to be complete by mid-2027.

Health Minister Ryan Park claims the inaction of NovaCare, the hospital's parent company, forced the state government to intervene.

"Earlier this year, we formed the view that we could no longer wait for NovaCare to act, and we stepped in to rectify the cladding and undertake cleaning -- some of which has already been completed," he said.

"We also undertook a building condition report to help identify more long-term structural issues which will help guide further rectification moving forward."

The report examined 1172 assets throughout the facility, finding 305 had defects and required intervention.

Included was an audit into the Mater's dysfunctional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, which is believed to be a key cause of continuous mould and maggot infestations.

The health taskforce is set to conduct additional remediation work based on the report's findings, with a major focus on mitigating mould and moisture risks.

Discussions regarding future of Calvary Mater and the PPP are still ongoing.

Calvary Mater Hospital in Waratah. Picture: University of Newcastle.