Monday 28 April 2014

Community survey on intersection upgrade

Community feedback is being sought on the proposed 2-million dollar upgrade on Newcastle Road at Lambton to improve traffic flow and safety.

The design includes installing traffic lights with pedestrian crossings at the Lloyd Road intersection, and providing right turn access from Newcastle Road onto Morehead Street.

The call follows an alarming statistic, in the five years to June last year there were 47 crashes on the stretch of road, which resulted in 17 injuries.

E10 fears unnecessary, says NRMA

Hunter drivers are being encouraged not to abandon E10 fuel in favour of the more expensive premium unleaded petrol.

A recent report shows NSW motorists have been scared off amid concerns the ethanol-based petrol causes engine damage and is not cost-efficient.

However NRMA Hunter Director, KYLE LOADES believes people are making the switch unnecessarily, saying most modern cars are made to run on E10.

"A lot of motor mechanics give out misleading information," Mr Loades said, "I'd encourage all drivers to call NRMA get the advice that their car is E10 suitable."

Coal Dust survey shows support for covered wagons

The Coal Dust Free Streets project survey has revealed only 20-percent of residents in Islington, Mayfield, Stockton and Tighes Hill are in support of plans for a fourth uncovered coal terminal in the area.

The partnership between the Hunter Community Environment Centre and resident groups aims to strengthen networks to call for improved air quality and health.

Hunter Community Environment Centre community organiser ZANE ALCORN says the survey also showed an overwhelming support for improving dust control measures.

"It was pretty resounding results, we door-knocked 1,270 people, in Stockton, Tighes Hill, Islington and Mayfield, and we've shown that 90% of people want to see coal wagons covered and regularly washed to prevent dust pollution. They also want to see the coal stockpiled covered and all stages of loading and unloading covered," Mr Alcorn said.


Pension Concerns


HUNTER residents are concerned after indications the Federal Government could change the age pension in the upcoming May budget

The Government is prioritizing the proposed paid parental leave scheme, costing taxpayers about 5-point-5 billion dollars each year


Shortland MP Jill Hall says if there are cuts to the pension, elderly residents could suffer

"It's mean that they'll have difficulty paying their bills, they'll have trouble buying food that they need it'll mean that their life is a lot harder than it is now. Without their continued efforts, without recognizing the work that they do, Australia would be a much poorer place than it is now," Mrs Hall said.

The federal budget is due next month

Scissor Scoundrel

A 13-year-old girl will face Broadmedow Children's Court, after Shortland residents allegedly found her inside their house early this morning.

The Bardia Road residents awoke after hearing noises, and allegedly found the youth with a pair of scissors.

Acting Senior Sergeant Robert Waugh says the home-owners detained the teenager before police arrived at the scene.

Noisy Neighbours


Police have praised Groovin the Moo revellers however Maitland residents were not so impressed with the noise levels.
Acts began performing at Maitland Showground around 11am and finished up around 10.30pm.
One residents complained to 2NUR.FM  that he could hear the event from 5 kilometres away.
Inspector Brain Tracy said the event often receives complaints from nearby residents and one of the headline acts did breach the Environment Protection Authority noise levels.
“Later on in the evening, around about 9.30pm one of the headlining acts was on, and the noise was very loud compared to the other acts. So we had our licencing police check with the event organisers… for a short time they were over (the EPA) limits so the music was turned straight down,” Inspector Tracy said.
The event at Maitland show ground attracted more than 16,000 people; police reported only 27 arrests for drug possession.
“We found that the audience was generally over eighteen,” Inspector Tracy said, “for that many people to have very minimal arrests and drug possessions, we were pretty happy with it.”
Police say this year’s festival behaviour  was moderately better than previous years. 

Midday News Mon 28.4.14 Read By Cecilia Connell


8.30 News Mon 28.4.14 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30 News Mon 28.4.14 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30 News Mon 28.4.14 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 14 April 2014

Cessnock's Asian Cup goal

Cesnock and Newcaslte are engaged in friendly competition to host a team during the Asian Cup next year.

The Cup kicks off on January 9 and Newcastle has already secured four games including a semi-final and third place play offs.

Newcastle is hoping defending champions Japan will chose the city as their base camp while Cessnock has had some interest from Kuwait

Cessnock Mayor, Bob Pynsent, says the Kuwait head coach was very positive about the towns facilities

Newcastle CBD conflict of interest

Greens Councillor, Michael Osbourne, has accused the State Government of conflict of interest regarding Newcastle's CBD planning.

The NSW Government has appointed developer Urban Growth NSW to coordinate the planning in the CBD but Councillor Osbourne argues planning should be carried out by the Newcastle community.

Some community members are concerned proposed towers will obscure the Cathedral and should be moved to Newcastle West.

Newcastle Inner City Residents Alliance is meeting 7pm tonight at City Hall to discuss the matter.

Leading Australian singers band together for breast cancer (Video)

A new campaign launched today aims to remind Hunter women about DIY breast examinations

The "I Touch Myself" project, supported by Cancer Council NSW, is using Chrissy Amphlett's hit song to promote women's health

Part of the project includes a music video of the song covered by leading Australia female artists including, Sarah Blasko, Kate Ceberano, and Olivia Newton John who has had her own battle with the disease.

In the Hunter, 400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, 60 of will pass away from the disease

Shayne Connell, from the Council, says the the song will be available on iTunes

Watch the video here


8.30 News Mon 14.4.14 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30 News Mon 14.4.14 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30 News Mon 14.4.14 Read By Ian Crouch