Friday 28 February 2014

Gloucester Gas Fracking

A talk has been given in Gloucester today to highlight the risks of fracking to water supplies and public health.

The talk by American farmer, John Fenton, highlights severe impacts to water supplies and health in the U.S state of Wyoming, as gas company AGL plans to begin fracking in Gloucester in the near future.

Of public concern is whether the area is geologically sound for gas fracking with scientific officials  yet to release their reports on fracking in the area.

Fears For Community Childcare Rent Increase

Newcastle's community based childcare centres are again fearing fee hikes due to higher rental demands.

A council project is aiming to formalise lease arrangements in council owned buildings.

Rent increases will affect the quality of care the centres are able to provide whilst also being more expensive.

Families using the community service may see daily fees rise by approximately $15 per day if the project goes ahead.


Waratah Shopping Village Going Wind-Powered

Waratah Shopping Village will soon be saving money and the environment with the installation of three 14m high wind turbines.

The foundations are currently being prepared for the installation of the turbines in April.


They will become the first shopping centre in the state to use wind as a power source.

The low-impact fibreglass turbines will offset the electricity used for car park lighting and common areas.

The Village is also investigating the use of solar panels to further their environment commitment.

SES Weather

The State Emergency Service is being kept on its toes today with significant rainfall across the Hunter.

A minor flood warning has been issued by the Weather Bureau for Lake Macquarie, with more than 200mm of rain recorded at Cooranbong and Blacksmiths.

There are reports of flash flooding around Swansea and Dora Creek.

The SES has received 63 calls for assistance, mainly related to localised flooding.

Anyone requiring emergency assistance may ring 132 500.

8.30 News Fri 28.2.14 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30 News Fri 28.2.14 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30 News Fri 28.2.14 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 14 February 2014

Midday News Fri 14.2.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


Breast Cancer Breakthrough

There's new hope for survivors of breast cancer in the Hunter.

A vaccine which helps to stop recurrences of the disease could be out within years.

Trials of the drug have found it cuts the rate of cancer returning by almost half within 15 years.

The injection uses the body's own immune system to fight off the disease.

The new drug could be on the market within 5-years.

Police Raid Clubhouse

Police have raided a bikie clubhouse at Boolaroo,taking almost everything from the premises.

Officers searched the headquarters of the Life and Death Gang yesterday following an investigation into the illegal sale of alcohol.

It's alleged more than 400 bottles of beer and spirits were found in several fridges during the raid, along with 3 firearms, ammunition and $2,500 in cash.

Police expect to lay charges in the coming days







Fatal Crash Warners Bay

Crash investigators are trying determine the cause of this morning's fatal accident at Warner's Bay.

A 40-year-old woman died in a two-car collision near the Fairfax Road Roundabout just after 6.30am.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.


It follows a horror-week on the Hunter's roads with fatal accidents at Pokolbin and Whittingham.

Midday News Thurs 13.2.14 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


Thursday 13 February 2014

Child Bride Father Faces Court

Raymond Terrace Court has heard a father who allegedly allowed his 12-year-old daughter to marry a man twice her age believes he's done nothing wrong.

The 61-year-old was refused bail yesterday and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on April 9.

His solicitor says the man believes his daughter is a very mature strong-willed woman who was in love.

He also believed his daughter was marrying a man who was 18 or 19, not 26.

Speed Factor In Fatal Crash

Police say speed appears to have been a factor in a fatal crash at Pokolbin overnight.

A 20-year-old man died when his Commodore swerved off Broke Road just before midnight and hit a tree.

His work mates were following in a car behind and stopped to help, while other drivers used extinguishers to put out a fire under the engine bay.


A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

8.30 News Thurs 13.2.14 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30 News Thurs 13.2.14 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30 News Thurs 13.2.14 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 10 February 2014

"Amphibious Homes" on the Lake?

LAKE MACQUARIE will consider 'amphibious housing' as one of the ways to combat rising sea levels

Council is looking at a range of options for its property development controls including, floating houses, raising floor levels, relocating homes, and converting lower floors to parking and storage areas.

The new controls will make it easier for property owners to manage flood risk