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. 

$2.5b Tomago Investment Saves Thousands of Jobs

 BY OLI GOELDNER

More than 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs have been secured, with a deal finally struck over the continuation of Tomago Aluminium smelter. 

In a visit to the site on Thursday, the Prime Minister spoke to hundreds of workers and local union members, confirming the federal and state government had agreed to invest $2.5 billion into the smelter over the next decade. 

Owning company Rio Tinto announced in October 2025, the smelter would likely have to close as it was unable to secure a competitive electricity contact. 

Now, the funding will continue operations beyond the facility's scheduled closure on 31 December 2028. 

As part of the deal, Tomago Aluminium agreed to invest at least $1.1 billion into the facility, including $100 million to drive further decarbonisation activities at the smelter and undertake an innovative demand-response to support the NSW grid. 

The state government's contribution is capped at $1.225 billion over 10 years from 2029. 

The smelter is the country's largest single electricity user, taking up more than 10 per cent of the NSW grid alone.

Anthony Albanese said the joint investment will underpin nearly three gigawatts of new renewable generation and firming capacity. 

"This site isn't just important for Newcastle and the Hunter, it's a critical asset for the country and our manufacturing future," he said. 

"To the workers here, what you do strengthens our country and strengthens our resilience. 

"Aluminium is an essential product and will be even more into the future."

NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed the Prime Minister's statements. 

"The Hunter has powered NSW and helped build this country for generations," said Premier Minns. 

"This agreement is about making sure it remains an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse for generations to come." 

Electrical Trades Union NSW/ACT organiser Brad McDougall said the announcement comes as an enormous relief to workers. 

"Thousands of families rely on Tomago," he said. 

"This announcement finally gives them confidence that there's a future for them in the Hunter.

"The local community has been campaigning tirelessly for the smelter to be protected, and today that hard work has finally paid off." 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with (L-R) NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, Cessnock MP Clayton Barr and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington. Picture: Ian Crouch

Hunter Councils to Receive Urgent Financial Relief

BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Hunter councils are set to benefit from a proposed federal government plan to provide financial assistance for local governments.

Labor's National Conference voted to support a Local Government Federation Compact, which would include an increase in grants, flexible road funding, and support for council workforce programs.

Upper Hunter Mayor Maurice Collison has welcomed the plan, which comes after years of campaigning from regional councils.

"It was a great relief," he said.

"All the councils, and especially the councils from the bush, have been fighting for this for a long, long time, and it will make a big difference."

Federal funding for councils has steadily decreased since the 1990s, with Commonwealth taxation revenue for grants being halved across successive governments.

The financial strain is particularly felt in large rural councils, which have massive infrastructure bills and relatively fewer ratepayers.

"We've got a big shire of 8,000 something square kilometres, with 2,000 kilometres of roads," said Cr Collison. 

"So roads, every time we do a community strategic plan or community feedback, it's all to do with roads."

The Labor Conference also proposed renewable energy projects should make payments to hosting councils and communities.

Upper Hunter Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan said renewable projects are disproportionally built in rural areas, bringing heavy traffic and increased strain on local services.

Despite the promised relief, Cr Collison argues regional councils need further assistance to stay afloat.

"We've been offered the Christmas present, but we haven't got the paper off it yet," he added. 

"So, let's just wait till it comes. 

"We've been crying out for more support.

"The bush councils just can't keep going on hitting the ratepayer." 

Upper Hunter Shire Council Building. Picture: Upper Hunter Shire Council