Rail Under Thornton Bridge To Be Demolished

BY LOUISE LIMBERS 

Thornton Bridge Duplication plans are set to begin this weekend, coinciding with a 72-hour rail possession in the area.  

The first stages of the project will see demolition of the original rail beneath the existing Thornton bridge, on Saturday May 16. 

"The Thornton rail bridge is a critical flood-free access for people moving from the northern parts of Maitland... through the southern parts of Maitland, the west and also into Newcastle and Sydney," said Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison. 

"We're really proud and really excited to see this work finally being undertaken."

Linking locals to the M1 Pacific Motorway, Pacific Highway and Hunter Expressway, the new bridge duplication will provide two additional lanes in each direction. 

The project aims to improve traffic flow, safety and connectivity for the estimated 24,500 motorists who use the road daily. 

"It's a really critical route, and that's why we need to ensure that it's able to take that extra capacity during flood times, but also during the morning and afternoon," said Minister Aitchison. 

Early work began in April 2025, including establishment of a pedestrian detour and a temporary site compound.

Minister Aitchison said the former government removed the cap on government development north of the bridge in 2012, allowing more homes to be built without committing more funding to significant infrastructure upgrades in the area until 2022. 

"Thornton is the fastest government growing community in regional New South Wales, and has been really not getting its fair share of infrastructure under the former government," she explained. 

"We've committed to actually getting this bridge done, get the infrastructure that our growing community needs."

Transport NSW has contacted local residents and businesses about the demolition work scheduled across the weekend. 

Federal Budget Receives Mixed Reactions From Local Officials

 BY OLI GOELDNER and IAN CROUCH 

The federal budget has delivered a few highlights for the Hunter region, but the benefits are minimal when it comes to targeted spending. 

The biggest line item was the almost $660 million over three years for high-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney, which includes $230 million for the two year development phase of the project. 

For the local health industry, the federal government will invest $25 million towards six fully bulk-billed clinics across the Hunter and Central Coast. 

The Port of Newcastle will receive an $8 million installment from the $88 million five year package to help the region become hydrogen ready. 

A further $6 million will be spent on a master planning for rezoned mining sites in Lake Macquarie and Muswellbrook, including help to establish new industries and boost local renewable infrastructure. 

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said they are looking to boost the Hunter moving forward. 

"There are some really key matters in this budget that provide cost of living relief, access to affordable Medicare funded healthcare services and big support critical productivity measures, with our region undergoing transitioning seeks to benefit from enormously," she said. 

Shortland MP and Defence Industries Minister Pat Conroy has confirmed the Williamtown RAAF Base will benefit from $53 billion in defence spending over 10 years, set to benefit local industries working on maintenance of the F35 fighters, unmanned systems and missile production. 

He said the investment into a $176 partnership to build 40 new Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels will also benefit the region. 

"These Bluebottles are cutting edge technology," he said. 

"They are small boats that are uncrewed maritime vessels which are wave, wind and solar powered, and they have great sensors on them to detect potential enemies and other adversaries." 

On the down side, there was no mention of a support package for Tomago Aluminium smelter. 

Business Hunter is hoping this will be announced aside from the budget in the near future, with the federal and state governments still to reach agreement on much each will contribute.

CEO Bob Hawes said while a $2 billion fund for enabling infrastructure to boost housing supply is welcome, only $500 million is going to the regions, which will be spread too thinly to make any major difference to the supply of houses. 

"We're still a long way behind the 8-ball to make sure we've got a workforce in place, not only in the Hunter but across the nation, to be able to cope with business as usual," he explained.

"But, also the ambitions we have for future growth in areas, like renewable energy, to be able to complete that task with the right skills and the right people to do it." 

Meanwhile, Nationals Lyne MP Alison Penfold has labelled the budget as a "regional funding bloodbath", leaving regional and rural communities, like Lyne, behind. 

"Budgets can make or break the ability of a region to thrive, and this budget lets us down big time," she said. 

"It's the worst budget that I've ever seen.

"Labor has ignored our [Lyne] needs as one of the oldest electorates in the country." 

Police Investigate Armed Robbery At Hamilton Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for two men over a brazen armed robbery at Hamilton.

Around 2.00am today (Tuesday 12 May 2026) it's alleged the pair entered a service station on Tudor Street, one of them armed with a screwdriver.

Police say the armed man threatened the attendant before the pair stole money and cigarettes and left the store.

The worker wasn't injured during the incident.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

They're asking anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage of the pair to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

  

New Restrictions For Hunter Gun Owners With State Government Crackdown

 BY MARLEY RAE

New restrictions will be imposed on Hunter gun owners, as the state government announces a major investment into the NSW Firearms Registry.

It follows the introduction of the country's toughest gun laws after last December's Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 15 people.

The reforms include reducing the license period from five years to two years, strengthening background checks on people seeking to own firearms, a comprehensive audit of all existing firearm licenses and capping the number of firearms a person can own.

Police Minister and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the new reforms were greatly needed.

"This is the sort of compliance we want in place to ensure that NSW is safe and to ensure that the gun registry has a lens over all our licensed gun holders," she said.

"Licenses will now to be renewed every two years, meaning compliance checks have to be done every two years." 

The $39.9 million investment will deliver 22 extra staff for the states Firearms Registry, in a bid to effectively implement the changes. 

Recruitment for the positions will begin shortly. 

"This is a critical part of the gun reform, as it makes sure people who are applying for a gun license can assure the registry that meet all of the checks and balances," said Minister Catley. 

"This investment will strengthen checks, improve oversight, and support practical work needed to reduce risk of attacks across the state."

Appeal To Locate Girl Missing From Lake Macquarie

 BY OLI GOELDNER 

 

 Police are appealing for information to locate a girl missing from Lake Macquarie. 

 19-year-old Skye Brown was last seen at about 2pm on Friday 8 May at a medical facility in Morisset. 

Family and police hold concerns for Skye's welfare. 

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, medium build, blue eyes, brown hair and a tattoo on her right arm. 

She was last seen wearing a brown top and black pants. 

Skye is known to frequent the Morisset, Tuncurry, Croki and Taree areas. 

Missing teen Skye Brown

Truck Crash Closes Northbound Lanes Of The Pacific Highway At Karuah

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Pacific Highway has been reopened following a truck crash at Karuah.

Police say an Australia Post truck crashed and rolled about 20km north of Heatherbrae near Gates Trail at about 6.45pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Paramedics treated the driver, a 49-year old year old man before he was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The northbound lanes of the highway were closed for several hours with a contra-flow in place.

Police are asking for anyone with information about the crash, including dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers.

 

McCabe Claims New Electric Fleet Cheaper Than Stockton Ferry Repairs

 BY OLI GOELDNER

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe has taken aim at the recently announced Stockton ferry repair funding, claiming a new electric fleet would be cheaper. 

On Monday, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp announced the state government would be investing $5 million into the repair of the MV Hunter and MV Shortland. 

The 40-year-old vessels have faced a slew of technical issues in recent years, momentarily ceasing the Newcastle to Stockton route on several occasions. 

Each ferry will undergo significant technical and mechanical upgrades, as well as the installation of accessible infrastructure, set to cost around $2.5 million per vessel. 

However, Charlotte McCabe claims the investment is a misuse of government funds, with a replacement electric fleet being the more suitable option. 

"These ferries are already coming to the end of their life," said Cr McCabe. 

"I would've though the sensible thing to do is invest at this point at the end of their life, rather than funding a way to extend this old technology for another 10 years.

She noted Sydney's ferry fleet is transitioning to zero-emissions technology, with a commitment to be fully electric by 2035. 

"If Sydney's going to make a commitment to electric ferries, then why would be push that out for Newcastle for 10 years when we know that operating a diesel ferry is far more expensive," she said. 

"We know that $2.5 million is half the cost of a brand new modern electric ferry." 

Meanwhile, Tim Crakanthorp has firmly stated an electric fleet would be a far more costly option for both the state government and local council. 

"I'm certainly doing as much research as I can," he said. 

"I've talked to both the manufacturers Ampcontrol and the Sydney firm. 

"You're looking at electric ferries from $15 million to $30 million for new ferries.

"It'll take time." 

Under the current plans, Newcastle residents will have to wait until 2036 to see new electric vessels come into play.