Friday 29 July 2016

Government Plans to Undercut Newcastle Port

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The State Government has found itself in hot water after a confidential document was released, which detailed a plan to compensate two Sydney container terminals at the expense of Newcastle Port.

The arrangement came to light after a confidential document was obtained by the Newcastle Herald, which outlined how the Sydney ports would be kept in business at the expense of Newcastle Port.

Newcastle Port [Image Source: Liam Driver, via The Australian]

The agreement would see Newcastle Port compensating Port Botany and Port Kemblar for every container carrier which passed through the port.

Estimations put the cost at roughly $1 million for each carrier.

The State Opposition have been questioning the Government for years over whether or not this proposed arrangement existed, with Labor asking at least 100 questions.

Tim Crakanthorp
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp made 37 of those questions and says the answers have been “dodgy, redirections and contradicting”.

“This Government has been lying through its teeth,” he said.

“It’s only now we’ve got this secret document that we can see in black and white that a deal’s been done that snowballs Newcastle and the Hunter economy.”

Crakanthorp has been especially critical of how the plan goes against the Liberal party’s belief in “free enterprise and competition”.

“This Government’s continually refused to disclose details of anti-competitive arrangements and now this document’s released, it’s time the Government set the record straight,” he said.

Newcastle Marine Rescue Facing Uncertain Future

BY IAN CROUCH

 Marine Rescue Newcastle is pleading with council to allow them to return to their cliff-top base near King Edward Park.

The Shepherds Hill Cottage site has been off limits since it was badly damaged in the April Super Storm last year, with the base forced to operate out of Kooragang Island.

Newcastle Council has since cut short the organisation's lease and has put the entire site's future in question by commencing a re-write of policy surrounding its use.

Marine Rescue Unit Commander, Ron Calman says membership has plummeted by almost half since the forced move - down to 42 members from about 80 last year, and he believes the unit is the logical tenant for the cottage, which has expansive views of the ocean.

Fenced Off: The Newcastle Marine Rescue Base At Shepherds Hill Cottage Photo courtesy nbnnews.com

More Community Consultation Over Cessnock Gaol Expansion

BY IAN CROUCH

 Community concern over the proposed expansion of Cessnock Gaol has prompted the government to give residents more time to look at the plans and express their views.

Many residents are worried about the impact it will have on social services as families of inmates move to the area.

The government wants to more than double the number of inmates at the prison to 1800, with at least 720 to be housed in maximum security.



Thursday 28 July 2016

Streamlined Support For Hunter Victims Of Domestic Violence

BY IAN CROUCH

 There will soon be more support for victims of domestic violence in the Hunter, with the state government rolling out the Safer Pathway program.

Following a trial at six sites across the NSW, the government has committed $53-million over four years to expand the program statewide, with 21 locations being rolled out in 2016-17.


Up until now, victims of domestic violence have had to tell their story over and over again to the various support agencies trying to help them, which in turn leaves them more traumatised and more likely to give up and return to an abusive relationship.

The Safer Pathway program will bring together all government and non-government agencies such as police and local domestic and family violence services around the table at Safety Action Meetings each fortnight to coordinate support for victims on a case-by-case basis.

The program is being initially rolled out in the Newcastle and Port Stephens Police Local Area Commands from November, however it's expected the Lake Macquarie, Central Hunter and Hunter Valley Local Area Commands will soon join the program.

The service will be coordinated by the Hunter Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service who will appoint a Safety Action Meeting coordinator to set up the meetings, prepare an agenda and gather all the information required so the agency representatives can effectively discuss each case and target the support required.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Assault, Pru Goward says it's about helping victims of domestic violence break the cycle of abuse.

"We want victims to move on with their lives. We don;t want to see victims re-victimised by going back to violent relationships, and we know that Safety Action Meetings mean that all that work, all that support can be put around a victim at the same time," she said.

Pru Goward




Man Charged After Allegedly Assaulting A Child On Central Coast Train.

BY JESSICA WORBOYS

Officers have charged a 22-year-old man after allegedly assaulting a child on a train travelling northbound from Sydney yesterday.

The officers were approached at Woy Woy station by a witness who was concerned for the welfare of a 10-month-old boy on board the train.

Senior Constable Sara Burgess says “the boy appeared to have injuries and was distressed.”

“Officers were told the child was allegedly assaulted several times during the trip from Sydney, by a man believed to be travelling with the child’s mother.”

Officers arrested the man where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic violence related, at Gosford Police Station.

He was refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court today.


The child was taken by NSW Ambulance Paramedics to Gosford Hospital and is in a stable condition. He will be placed in care and police are working with the Department of Family and Community Services. 

Former Tennis Coach Charged With Child Sex Offences

BY IAN CROUCH

 A former tennis coach has been arrested near his Carrington home over historical child sex abuse allegations.

The 69-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy several times when they lived next door to each other in Port Macquarie back in 1976.

He's been charged with two counts of buggery and has been granted conditional bail to face Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday September 7.

The arrest has prompted police to encourage anyone who has been the victim of any kind of sexual violence, no matter how long ago the incident occurred, to contact police.



Truck Fire Closes New England Highway At Ravensworth

IAN CROUCH

 A semi-trailer carrying a load of paper has burst into flames after crashing into an abandoned car parked on the side of the New England Highway near Singleton.

The crash happened at Ravensworth just before 10pm  and sparked a large scrub fire.

The driver, a man in his 40's, suffered leg injuries and was flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the region's Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a serious condition.

The highway was blocked for almost 8 hours while emergency crews cleared the scene.

Newcastle Fire Command says the parked car was destroyed in the crash.


Wednesday 27 July 2016

Chateau Élan at The Vintage continues a winning streak

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Chateau Élan at The Vintage in the Hunter Valley has scooped the pool at this year's NSW Tourism Accommodation Australia Awards. 

Already holding an impressive collection of awards, this time the hotel has won the Conference Hotel Of The Year Award - Regional and the Housekeeper Of The Year Award.

Resort Operations Manager Ray Manulat says the dedication and drive of staff are the key to their success and has nothing but praise for the housekeeping staff headed by Stacey Mitchell who won the Housekeeper Of The Year Award.

"The facility and the product itself is unique and the quality of the product is very high. Most importantly I think the staff, the people that are here, they have a true passion."

This latest achievement for Chateau Élan will be just two among many of the Regional and State Awards as well as industry accolades the business has won, including Winner of Best Australian Golf Resort, TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for Excellence three years running, and the Trivago Top Hotel Award NSW, just to name a few. 

Dog and cat blood donors wanted

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's Animal Referral and Emergency Centre is appealing to Hunter pet owners to register their pets to become blood donors.

Both the Broadmeadow and East Maitland branches are looking to update their database of pets who are able to donate in emergencies.

Many patients require emergency blood transfusions as a result of trauma such as car accidents, rat bait toxicity, or any number of diseases.

With spring and summer approaching, outdoor activities with pets will be increasing, causing a rise in animal emergencies as well.

Managing Director of NAREC David Tabrett says pets must be of a certain size and age to donate and more information can be found on the AREC VET website.

"Blood transfusions are a very important part of the work we do for critically ill patients, however it is a fairly sparse resource that we can access and we rely on pet owners to make their pets available for blood collection."

Canine blood can only be stored for a short period of time, however feline blood on the other hand cannot be stored at all and therefore a database is needed to call upon in times of need.


Newcastle In The Frame To Host V8 Supercars

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle is a step closer to securing a round of the V8 Supercars.

Councillors last night formally endorsed a partnership with Destination NSW to bid for the event, which would see the V8s race around a street circuit in the C.B.D for 5 years from 2017.

It's believed Newcastle is the front runner to win the hosting rights after Gosford pulled out of the race.



Major Hotel Chain Coming To Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

 One of the world's largest hotel chains is coming to Newcastle.

An 8-storey Holiday Inn Express hotel is set to be built on the former Holden car yard site in King Street featuring 170 rooms.

The Intercontinental Hotels Group has lodged the $26-million plans with Newcastle Council.

It's expected to open in early 2018.


Police Investigate Shooting Of Wallsend Man

BY IAN CROUCH

 A Wallsend man remains under police guard in hospital after being shot in the foot.

The 26-year-old went to the Calvary Mater Hospital at Waratah yesterday morning and has since been transferred to the John Hunter.

Detectives aren't saying how he came to suffer the gunshot wound.

However, they are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000


Tuesday 26 July 2016

New Plans to Preserve Newcastle Rail Corridor

BY BRIDGET GUNN AND JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Greens Councillors are set to put forward a motion at tonight's council meeting to zone the entire railway corridor as Special Purposes Transport Infrastructure.

The proposal will include allowances for open space transport modes such as pedestrian crossings and cycleways as well as pop up installations and cafes.

Councillor Therese Doyle says the imminent council amalgamations will take the zoning decision out of elected councillors hands.

"The problem with UrbanGrowth's proposal is that it puts development right across the corridor that can be used for public transport purposes, and if we go ahead with UrbanGrowth's proposal, there will be no turning back for Newcastle to have an efficient transport system," says Doyle.

"Premier Mike Baird promised that the decision on the re-zoning of the railway corridor would be up to Council, and we want to keep him at his word, but if we are sacked the only representative of Council that will be making that decision will be an un-elected administrator."

Councillor Therese Doyle and Greens MCL David Shoebridge
discussing the rail corridor plans
Source: The Newcastle Herald

Funding for Lake Macquarie Area Could Be Economically Beneficial

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Lake Macquarie Council has announced more than $95,000 in sponsorship funding to different community events and initiatives around the Lake Macquarie area.

These events and organisations include:

  • the Fernleigh 15 ($17,500);
  • Hunter Track Classic ($5000);
  • Lake Macquarie Running Festival ($10,000);
  • Music in the Podium ($12,000);
  • the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra ($5000);
  • the Lake Macquarie Festival of Surfing ($10,000);
  • Hunter Research Foundation ($6,250);
  • Swimming NSW’s 2017 Swimming NSW Country regional Championships ($5000);
  • the Hunter Elvis Festival ($10,000);
  • the 2017 Disabled World Water Ski Championships ($10,000); and
  • the Science and Engineering Challenge Lake Macquarie Discovery Day ($5000). 

Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison says this funding will prove to be a huge economic benefit to the local community.

"A lot of them are major events, and they bring a significant number of visitors to the local government area of Lake Macquarie," says Harrison.

"There will certainly be economic benefits for the local community, there will be tourism benefits, there will be people coming into the area and that is certainly great for our local economy, which is good for the community."

'Elvis' at the Hunter Elvis Festival in 2014
Source: The Newcastle Herald




Funding Announced to Prevent Illegal Dumping

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The Environmental Protection Authority has announced more than $75,000 towards combating illegal dumping in Lake Macquarie.

This funding will be used to establish fencing, gates and signage to control access to bushland areas around the city in an attempt to protect the city's bushland and public spaces.

There will be a particular emphasis on protecting dumping hotspots around the Lake Macquarie area, including Barnsley, Edgeworth and Awaba.

Council's Acting Manager of Sustainability Dean Chapman says this funding will be very beneficial for the Council, and encourages any person who has knowledge about possible cases of illegal dumping not to remain silent.

Incidents of illegal dumping can be reported at ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au, or by phone to Council at 4921 0333.

An example of illegal dumping
Source: ABC News



MP Calls For Williamtown Election Promises To Be Delivered

BY IAN CROUCH

 Pressure is mounting on the Turnbull government to follow through with its election promises to residents and business owners impacted by the Williamtown RAAF Base contamination.

The government promised to conduct a review of drinking water standards for contaminated land around the RAAF base within 30 days of the election as well as providing blood testing and counselling services for residents.


Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson says she's written to the Defence and Health Ministers seeking an update.

"Asking them as a matter of urgency what is happening with enHealth safe drinking water levels. They promised that within 30 days they would conduct an independent review of that finding and I asked who is conducting review, how it was going and when would the findings be released within that 30 day promised period.", she said

Meryl Swanson

It comes as a community meeting is set down for tonight from 6.30pm at Hexham Bowling Club where senior advisor to the National Toxics Network, Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith with discuss the ramifications of contamination from firefighting foam chemicals on ground and surface water.

Dr Lloyd-Smith is a trained negotiator in chemical disputes and has assisted residents with their negotiations over contaminated land.

Dr Mariann Lloyd-Smith



College Closure Leave Newcastle Students In Limbo

BY IAN CROUCH

 Private training college, Careers Australia has been forced to close, putting the vocational education of dozens of Newcastle students at risk.

The state government withdrew the college's accreditation for failing to meet quality standards.

It means 115 students in Newcastle will now have to find new vocational training centres to finish their education.


Search Resumes For Missing Horse Trainer

BY IAN CROUCH

 The search for missing horse trainer Bindi Cheers is set to resume today, focusing on bush around a Beresfield service station where she parked her truck with 4 horses on board on Sunday afternoon.

It's now emerged the 44-year-old was seen having a heated discussion with stewards at the Hawkesbury Race Club about the performance of one of her runners on Sunday prior to driving to Beresfield in a distressed state.


A large air and land search search around the Enterprise Drive service station yesterday failed to find any trace of her.

Searchers Look For Bindi Cheers Photo courtesy theherald.com.au











Monday 25 July 2016

Carrington's new loaders

By Georgia-Lee Campbell

Two new coal ship-loaders arrived in the Port of Newcastle.

The coal ship loaders are to be installed at the Carrington coal terminal over the coming months, with the three existing loaders to be taken away.

The coal loader's were built in Shanghai and shipped from China.

Despite anti-coal activist's continuing to push to have the Carrington loader shut down due to its proximity to housing, the implementation of the new ship loaders shows Port Waratah Coal Service's (PWC's) intentions to keep the terminal operating.

PWCs is licensed to export 145 million tonnes of coal a year -120 million tonnes from Kooragang and 25 million tonnes from Carrington.


Picture sourced: pwcs.com.au

Hockey masters tournaments to bring in millions for Newcastle

By Georgia-Lee Campbell


Newcastle is in the ballot to win hosting rights to two national masters hockey tournaments in the next 2 years.

The official announcement is expected in August however Newcastle is expected to be the preferred venue for the 2017 women's and 2018 men's national masters championships due do its success in hosting the world grand masters event this year.

The tournaments could potentially bring more than twelve million dollars in economic benefits to the region.

National coordinator of Australian masters Hockey Peter Sweeney says Newcastle would have a better chance of hosting the world league matches from 2019 if they received funding from the government.



Picture sourced: www.newcastlestar.com.au

Updated: Fatality at Blow Hole in Port Macquarie

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The Hunter Westpac Rescue helicopter has been successful in rescuing a 15-year-old boy from the water at the Blow Hole in Port Macquarie this morning.

The boy has been taken to Port Macquarie Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Unfortunately the 14-year-old boy he was with could not be saved.

Police have been told that a group of males were seen jumping from rocks into the water.

A report is being prepared for the coroner by the police.

Further details to come as they are made available.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Source: australianvisitation.com.au


Traffic plan for Coles at Mayfield

By Georgia-Lee Campbell

A proposal for coles at Mayfield could clear a huge hurdle on Tuesday night with Newcastle Council officers recommending the council approve sectors of the development application.

If the traffic and parking amendments are approved in principle on Tuesday the project will go before the development application committee on August 16.

The report said the upgrade would necessitate a number of changes to kerbside parking, including the loss of 15 one hour parking spots on Maitland Road.


Expansions at Cessnock Jail Positive for Cessnock Community

BY BRIDGET GUNN

A proposed expansion of Cessnock jail will see the facility double in occupancy to 1800 inmates.

The expansion will provide beds for an additional 1000 inmates, and should create jobs for more than 800 workers, including about 450 construction workers and 430 permanent correctional staff.

Director of Custodial Corrections Glen Scholes says Corrective Services is keen to pursue the project that could prove very beneficial to the Cessnock community.

"The existing jail has been there for around about 40 years so far, and the jail itself has a terrific relationship with the local community" says Scholes.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to further partner with the Cessnock community, and we look forward to doing that effectively as we have done over many years."

Prison Officers Vocational Branch Chairman Steve McMahon says the expansion will be beneficial for the community of Cessnock.

"The community may have some concerns around the safety aspects of having such a large concentration of prisoners, but we can assure the community that we operate at the top end of all prisons in the world, and our facilities are very secure."

Cessnock jail
Source: The Newcastle Herald



Motorcyclist Killed at Catherine Hill Bay Named

BY IAN CROUCH

The motorbike rider killed in Saturday's crash at Catherine Hill Bay has been named as a 33-year-old Medowie man

Mick McCulloch had just stopped for lunch at the Catherine Hill Bay Hotel and had resumed his ride along Flowers Drive when he collided with a car.

Police believe he failed to negotiate a bend.

A second motorcyclist, a 47-year-old man from Singleton, suffered broken legs and ribs when he crashed into the wreckage.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The crash takes the Hunter's road toll for the year to 30.


Mick McCulloch. Photo Courtesy theherald.com.au

Motorcycle Workshop At Thornton Goes Up In Flames

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a motorcycle repair shop at Thornton this morning.

A security guard noticed smoke coming from an industrial unit on Huntingdale Drive at about 4 o'clock.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus cut their way through the front roller door of the Jason's Garage business to find a fire had broken out in the front office.

They've managed to stop the fire spreading to adjoining units.

It's taken just over an hour to douse the flames.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.


Well Known Horse Trainer Missing

IAN CROUCH

 Police will resume a search this morning for a well-known horse trainer who's gone missing from Beresfield.

It appears Bindi Cheers may have driven to a service station on Enterprise Drive before she disappeared - it's believed she wandered off on foot yesterday afternoon.

Police say the 44-year-old had been driving home to Taree from the Hawkesbury Racecourse in Sydney's northwest.


Mrs Cheers is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, with a slim build and fair complexion.

She was last seen wearing grey cargo pants, running shoes, and may be wearing a maroon jacket.

Anyone who may have seen Bindi Cheers is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Woman: Bindi Cheers

Friday 22 July 2016

Paterson MP Calls For Calm After Buchanan Mosque Approval

BY IAN CROUCH

The newly elected member for Paterson is urging the community not to do anything extreme in the wake of the Buchanan Mosque approval.

Objectors have taken to social media, furious with Cessnock Council's decision.


She says a lot of people had genuine objections to the development not because it was a mosque, but because it impacts on the rural amenity of the area and people were also concerned about safety aspects on Buchanan Road.

However, Meryl Swanson, who happens to live nearby the proposed mosque, says threats to burn it down are out of place.


"There are keyboard warriors out there who get on Facebook and say the most ridiculous things, and I would say to those people, take a deep breath , really think about what you're saying -does it pass the sensible test, and let's be respectful". she said.

Meryl Swanson

Thursday 21 July 2016

Calls to Stay Safe on Farms

BY GARY LYSAGHT

With more than 70 fatalities last year, the National Rural Health Alliance is calling on all Hunter farmers to stay safe on their properties.
One death occurred on a farm every five days in 2015 [Image Source: The Australian]
It comes during Farm Safety Week, which aims to shine a light on the ways in which farmers and farm visitors can be safer.

Half of all deaths take place when heavy machinery is involved, including quad bikes and tractors.

Children make up 20 percent of all fatalities, with the most common cause of death being drowning.

The Rural Health Alliance has called on farmers to identify the hazards and practice safe work practices, as well as take proper safety measures while working.

“However, to create real change, safety has to become embedded in the farm workplace psyche and awareness must extend to everybody on the property including children,” the Alliance said in a statement.

“Visitors to farms must also be factored into safety planning and be made aware of hazards.
“Sadly, 30 percent of child deaths on farms were from visiting children.”

Richard Chamen
Chairman of the NSW Farmers Industrial Relations Committee, Richard Chamen says quad bikes are a leading cause for concern because of the threat they pose to farmer safety.

“Quad bikes can be a very dangerous thing and people get out on quads that don’t really know what they’re doing, they just jump on and go,” he said.

“There’s been over 200 accidents on quad bikes that caused death over the past couple of years.”

Chamen praised the State Government’s rebate program for measures to make quad bikes safer, including a $300 rebate for those who install roll-bars on their bike.

“Also, there’s a $500 rebate given out to people for the side-by-sides,” Chamen said.


“Its good aspects, especially in farm safety work to have the Government promoting and doing things for the benefit of farmers to save lives.”

Push For Security Cameras In Hamilton

BY IAN CROUCH

 Hamilton shopkeepers are calling on the state government to fund CCTV cameras along Beaumont Street.

They report an increase in crime around Hamilton Railway Station since it became the end of the Newcastle rail line.

The Hamilton Business Chamber says it's held several meetings with police and state government representatives, but nothing's been done to address the problem.



Another Life Lost On The Hunter's Roads

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Hunter's road toll has risen to 28 for the year after yet another fatal crash overnight, this time at Bobs Farm.

Police say a silver Holden Commodore was travelling north on Nelson Bay Road just after midnight when ran out of control and slammed into a light pole.

The driver, a man believed to be aged in his 30's, was the only occupant and died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Police set up a crime scene as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


Controversial Mosque Approved

BY IAN CROUCH

 Cessnock City Council has given the go-ahead to a mosque at Buchanan.

Councillors voted 6-4 in favour of the controversial project at last night's meeting which was attended by several police officers, who made sure tensions didn't get out of hand.

Those against the mosque spoke of how it would create traffic problems, while some feared it would lead to increased crime, however Mayor Bob Pynsent who voted for it says it met all the planning requirements.


The Association's Diana Rah says they are looking forward becoming a part of the local community and hopes it time they can put community fears surrounding the development to rest.

Diana Rah Photo courtesy theherald.com.au

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Mosque Decison Due Tonight

BY IAN CROUCH

 Those for and against a mosque at Buchanan are set to come face to face at Cessnock Council tonight as a decision is made on whether the controversial plan is given the go ahead.

16 speakers will address the meeting in support of the mosque, while 12 will speak against it.

Council staff have recommended the project be approved as it meets planning guidelines.

Buchanan Mosque -artist's impression

Newcastle Misses Out On World Cup

BY IAN CROUCH

 There's growing anger over the decision to exclude Hunter Stadium from hosting matches at next year's Rugby League World Cup.

Games will be played across the country including Cairns, Darwin and Perth, however Rugby League heartlands such as Newcastle and Wollongong will miss out.

Organisers say it's because the state government chose not to support the event - Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Kate Washington says the decision is mind boggling.


Kate Washington

Greyhound Bombshell

BY IAN CROUCH

 Criminal charges could be laid over the mass burial of Greyhounds at the Keinbah Trial Track near Cessnock.

A year-long investigation has confirmed at least 99 dogs were brutally killed and dumped in the grave between 2009 and 2013 by the track's former owners and managers because they were too slow .

Fairfax says the report has now been handed over to police.


Photo Courtesy theherald.com.au


Tuesday 19 July 2016

Full Steam Ahead On Wickham Interchange

BY IAN CROUCH

Transport Minister, Andrew Constance has today inspected progress on the much-anticipated Wickham Transport Interchange.

Work is continuing to remove redundant infrastructure, with the two former heavy rail tracks into the proposed interchange to be replaced by three tracks which will accommodate the new fleet of longer intercity trains which will run between Wickham and Sydney.

Major utilities such as water and sewerage have also had to be moved to make way for more than 320 concrete piles which have been poured into the ground to provide the foundations for the new platforms, tracks and interchange building.

Work on the interchange itself is due to start next month and is scheduled for completion in late 2017.

The project is employing around 100 people, with site director James Kennedy saying 80 per cent of the labour force and materials have been sourced from the Hunter Valley.

Andrew Constance Inspects Progress On The Wickham Interchange

Artist's Impression of Wickham Interchange Concourse with Light Rail in Background
Video of progress on the Wickham Interchange taken from the rooftop of The Store car park in Hunter Street

Williamtown RAAF Base Recieving Report on Health Concerns

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has received a draft Human Health Risk Assessment report regarding the heath risks associated with contamination from the Williamtown RAAF Base.

The report should provide the EPA with the information necessary to review the precautionary restrictions and extent of the investigation area that has taken place over the last year.

This information will be used to develop a more effective medical health service for the Williamtown community.

Williamtown RAAF Base
Source: KOFM

Woman Found Dead in Cell at Maitland Police Station

BY BRIDGET GUNN

The discovery of a woman found dead in a cell in Maitland Police Station has sparked a critical incident investigation.

The woman was arrested last night, and was found dead before 6 this morning.

Paramedics were called to the station, and following police protocol, the investigation is now being led by Newcastle detectives.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

More information to come.

Maitland Police Station
Source: www.waymarking.com

Bulga Residents Heated Over Proposed Mine Expansions

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Two Wonnarua Aboriginal elders have been arrested in a peaceful roadside protest in Bulga.

The protest was against the proposed expansion of the coal mine in Bulga, which would destroy many sites of Aboriginal and European cultural heritage, and would have a large impact on the residents of Bulga.

Source: ABC News

Rob McLaughlin from Bulga says the proposed expansion would destroy the endangered woodland and the Wallaby Scrub Road, part of the Great North Road.

"They are going to destroy a world unique, critically endangered Warkworth Sands Woodland, along with the Wallaby Scrub Road, which is part of the Great North Road, built back in the 1820's."

According to McLaughlin, the residents of Bulga are not going down without a fight.

"Rio Tinto don't know whats hit them," he says.

"The people of Bulga are firm in our resolve, we will be there every day. It is part of our European history and we are not giving up.

"If they need to get the police out every day, they will have to."

Wackworth mine pit aerial
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
The Lock the Gate Alliance Inc Facebook page has received a huge amount of support,with over 60,000 responses.

McLaughlin believes that this is because the public is realising the full national scope of the governments control in issues such as that in Bulga.

"It's not just about this little tiny place called Bulga, it's a bigger question. It's about peoples rights in New South Wales to protect their environment and their homes."

For more information see https://www.facebook.com/Lock.The.Gate.Alliance/

Man in critical condition after falling several metres

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are launching an investigation after a 30-year old man is left fighting for his life following an incident at the Mater Hospital last night.

The man fell several metres from an elevated driveway and was escorted to the hospital just before midnight for medical assistance.

While seeking assistance, the man ran through an open security door, jumped over a railing landing on the concrete below sustaining head and internal injuries.

The man was taken to John Hunter Hospital and remains in a critical condition.



Snack Survey will Promote Consumer Awareness

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Dietetics researchers at the University of Newcastle hope to prompt changes in labelling of snacks with the results of their new online snack survey.

The results of the study will be used to inform consumers about their dietary choices and perceptions about nutrition values.

Doctor Tamara Bucher says this survey will help establish how people find out the nutritional information about snacks, and how they evaluate the nutritiousness of different snacks, which could be vital in helping consumers make healthy choices in the future.

"We aim to use the results of this study to better inform people that make nutrition labels and to improve nutrition information for consumers in the long term."

"We will also use these results to make new labels which will consider portion size to a certain extent."

Source: maven.co

Constance Accused of Snubbing Business Owners - Update

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Transport Minister has come under fire for not meeting with business owners affected by the Newcastle Light Rail project.

Andrew Constance is in town today to inspect progress on the Wickham Transport Interchange.

He'll also attend a 100-dollar-a-head lunch .

However, Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp says businesses in the CBD deserve an audience with the minister as well, with many worried about future trade with the loss of 280 parking spaces outside their businesses.

However, Andrew Constance has refuted the Mr Crackenthorp's claim while addressing the media in Newcastle this morning.

"It's an outrageous claim by him. Anna Zeike (CBD Coordinator General For Newcastle) met with the business community and Tim Crackenthorp in the last couple of months and I will continue to meet with the business community, but I'm not going to meet with a political circus...we will work to activate precincts. That's why we'll work with individual business owners over individual concerns", he said.
Andrew Constance

Earth Moves For Hunter Valley Residents

BY IAN CROUCH

 There have been two small earthquakes overnight in the Hunter Valley.

The first tremor hit Jerrys Plains near Singleton at about 9.30pm measuring 2-point-7 on the Richter scale, while the second one, a magnitude 2-point-6, struck just south of Muswellbrook about half an hour later.

Despite their small size, people across the Valley say they felt their homes shake.

Monday 18 July 2016

Wild Dogs Prove Dangerous in Merriwa

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Wild packs of dogs and wedge tailed eagles are wrecking havoc on farms around Merriwa.

The animals have been responsible for killing numerous sheep over the past few months.

Farmer Chris Kemp says numbers of dogs have risen lately as they are becoming less susceptible to previously effective culling techniques, such as the use of poisoned bait.

"The National Park needs to propose a review of the ways they control the dogs. We need major recognition of the State Government of the problem, and to allocate more funding so trapping programs can be funded.

"If they keep killing the way there are, there will be no more native animals left in the National Park."

Source: The Australian



Surgery for Victim of Sword Attack

BY BRIDGET GUNN

A man whose hand was almost severed following an alleged attack by a man wielding a sword has been taken into surgery today to reattach the hand.

The victim was allegedly hit above the wrist as he attempted to defend himself outside his home in Weston on Saturday Morning.

The man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital and stabilised over the weekend before his surgery today.

Police are still on the hunt for the attacker.

New Flight Plans Promising for Newcastle Dubbo Commute

BY BRIDGET GUNN

Hunter based airline Fly Pelican have introduced new flights between Newcastle and Dubbo today.

These flights should have a significant impact on workers in their daily commute between the cities.

CEO Paul Graham says these flights should decrease travel time for workers.

"Newcastle and Dubbo are two major cities, and there is no link currently between the two cities.

"The catchment area is education, health, etcetera, and we believe that the morning and evening service with a nineteen seat aircraft should suit the capacity."

Fly Pelican plane set for take off
Source: Mudgee Guardian

Independent Maitland councillor resigns

By Georgia-Lee Campbell

Independent Maitland councillor Steve Procter has announced he will not seek re-election and is stepping down after 17 years.

Procter's decision was based on spending more time with family and to open up opportunities to introduce new blood into council.

Procter says his proudest career moments was being re-elected as well as being part of a team.

He says Maitland council needs people who aren't focused on their own future and have the community at heart.