Nationals Concerned Over Future of High Speed Rail

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Hunter-based Nationals senator Ross Cadell is unsure whether a Coalition government would continue on the High Speed Rail project if elected. 

Earlier this week, the project's business case was released to the public, disclosing the current plans to its development. 

The High Speed Rail Authority has set the estimated cost of the Newcastle to Sydney line at nearly $90 billion, with the next two years to be spent on developing the final route plans.  

It was also announced the federal government would be investing an additional $230 million into the project, putting the current expenditure at $660 million overall. 

However, Senator Cadell is concerned the project may never come to fruition. 

"We're spending hundreds of millions of dollars on feasibility studies for a project that will cost $100 billion in today's dollars," he said. 

"We all know these budgets flow out and there is no allocation in the future.

"I don't think we'll see the start of this in two years, I don't think we'll see the finish of this in 50 years." 

Ahead of next year's state election, Senator Cadell said if the vote goes to the Coalition, it's uncertain whether the project will be continued. 

"I can't speak for everyone, but clearly I've got some concerns and I'll be voicing those concerns" he said. 

"If our party room and shadow cabinet allay those concerns that will be supportive.

"But, I have not seen anything at the moment that shows a funding source where we can come up with $100 billion - that the government doesn't have - to fund it." 

Picture: Nationals Senator Ross Cadell. 

Man Goes Missing From John Hunter Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a man who's gone missing in the Newcastle area.

37-year-old Timothy Trippier was last seen at the John Hunter Hospital last Saturday (21 February, 2026) and police hold concerns for his welfare.

Timothy's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175 to 185cm tall with a medium build and light brown hair and is believed to frequent the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Missing man Timothy Trippier

 

Details Revealed On High Speed Rail Project

BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK 

The business case for the High Speed Rail project has been released to the public today. 

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King visited Newcastle early this morning to announce the next phase of the major project. 

She said the federal government would be injecting an extra $229.6 million into the development phase, increasing its total investment to $659.6 million overall.

The High Speed Rail Authority will use the next two years to lock in the design, approval processes, scope and costs. 

Estimated to cost up to $90 billion, it's likely to be one of the most expensive pieces of infrastructure funded by the federal government so far. 

It comes as a major step forward in the development, set to revolutionise travel between Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast and Sydney. 

Minister King said the project will provide a range of benefits to local communities. 

"High-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney will change the way people live, work and travel in our country's most populous region," she explained. 

"It will connect the Newcastle and Central Coast communities to Sydney in a way that has never been done before." 

The Newcastle to Central Coast stretch is slated to be completed by 2037, followed by an extension to Sydney Central by 2039 and Western Sydney International Airport by 2042.

The project would include stations at Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Sydney Central, Parramatta and Western Sydney International Airport. 

Council Demands Answers on Newcastle Post Office

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Council has called for an urgent meeting with Newcastle Post Office owner Dr Jerry Schwartz on the progress of the historic site's restoration.

Dr Schwartz bought the building in 2018 for $3.5 million, and has received a $1 million heritage grant for its refurbishment. 

However, the long-awaited restoration must begin before April 8, before the current five-year development consent lapses. 

Councillor Clausen says if the consent lapses, they'll be back at square one. 

"Dr Schwartz needs to progress and secure a construction certificate for the site in order to enable physical works to commence," he explained. 

"If that process hasn't already commenced, that is an enormous ask and I'm very concerned that it's not going to be achievable within the timeframe. 

"Consent dates are hard and fast, they can't be moved by Council.

"If nothing happens, it will lead to unfortunately years of further decline and no clear path for the restoration and upgrade of that building.

"I think it's incumbent on him to demonstrate to the community how he intends to do that and to show that it is not just sitting there as some form of speculative land banking." 

Councillor Clausen, along with Paige Johnson, Peta Winney-Baartz, Elizabeth Adamczyk, and Deahnna Richardson will put forward a notice of motion at Tuesday night's Council meeting, noting the strong community connection to the building. 

Picture: Newcastle Post Office

UPDATE! Land and Sea Search Launch For Man Missing From Catherine Hill Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have advised the search for Paul Ellis concluded on Monday afternoon when he was found at Flowers Drive in Catherine Hill Bay. 

The 48-year-old was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for assessment.

Police have thanked the community for sharing the appeal.

EARLIER:  

 A search is under way for a man reported missing from Lake Macquarie.

48-year-old Paul Ellis was last seen on the beach at Catherine Hill Bay at about 2.30pm yesterday (Sunday 22 February 2026).

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as he lives with a number of health issues.

PolAir and Marine Rescue were involved in the search during daylight hours with local police supported by Police Rescue and the SES in a land search overnight.

Paul is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 195cm tall with a thin build, short blonde hair and a goatee beard.

He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and blue shorts.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact Belmont Police Station of Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 

 

Missing man Paul Ellis

Police Appeal For Help To Find Missing Metford Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fears are growing for the welfare of a teenage boy who's gone missing from Metford.

14-year-old Jack Taylor was last seen on Schank Drive at about 8.25am yesterday (Thursday 19 February 2026) and the alarm was raised when he failed to return home and couldn't be contacted.

He lives with a number of medical conditions which require regular medication.

Jack's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a slim build and short dark hair.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform consisting of black shorts, white shirt and black shoes.

Jack was last seen heading towards Metford Railway Station and is known to frequent the Thornton shopping centre.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Missing teen Jack Taylor

  

Councilor Condemns Proposed Cooks Hill High-Rise

BY LOUISE LIMBERS

Newcastle councillor Declan Clausen has voiced his strong disapproval of high-rise apartment blocks proposed for Cooks Hill. 

He, alongside many residents, have sent in submissions slamming the proposal, claiming they will cause parking issues, as well as overshadow the surrounding heritage infrastructure. 

Sydney company Vivacity applied to the NSW Housing Delivery Authority for development approval to build two apartment blocks, one 13 storeys and the other eight, creating 113 dwellings. 

Located in between Civic Park and the Newcastle Art Gallery, the proposed 45-metre tall build is more than triple the current permitted height limit of 14 metres. 

Cr Declan Clausen said he believes the build will significantly impact the area. 

"Putting a 45 metre residential tower in the middle of a residential conservation area where there are clear zoning rules," he said. 

"I think would be an enormous mistake." 

Set to cost more than $133 million dollars, the development will exceed the threshold of state significant development of  $30 million and 40 dwellings for a proposal in regional NSW. 

"We are a council that absolutely welcomes additional growth and new housing but it's got to be in the right locations," said Cr Clausen. 

He lodged a formal objection to the project on Tuesday. 

"I hope that they take seriously, the submissions that I've made, and the submissions that have been made by hundreds of Novocastrians, who just expect a fair outcome where the planning rules are respected for our city," he added.