2NURFM Hunter News: August 2012

Friday, 31 August 2012

Train fares to rise

Hunter commuters could soon have to pay more than $1000 extra for train fares annually, as the O' Farrell Government considers recommendations to recover rail costs.

Under the Schott Report, a weekly rail fare from Newcastle or Maitland to Sydney would rise from $59 to $80, costing commuters an extra $21.

Cessnock MP Clayton Barr says the potential increases already come on the back of a 5.4 per cent hike in train fares this year.

“We’ve just lost one of our ten trains that do our Newcastle Hunter Timetable.

“That means that our trains are going to be busier with more people queuing up for less seats and again we're talking about raising price of tickets by 7.8 per cent, when people's wages are going up at only 2.5 per cent."

Fire at Plastics Factory

Dust near an electrical device is believed to have ignited a plastics factory in Cardiff overnight.

The fire occurred at the MIRteq Factory in Sturt Road around 7pm.

A 100-metre exclusion zone was set up amid fears the fire could have ignited a number of gas cylinders.

Four nearby homes were evacuated and train services were suspended along the Newcastle and Central Coast line, until the fire was brought under control.

Former Toronto Priest to Face Court

Greens MP David Shoebridge has reignited the call for a Royal Commission into the Catholic church's handling of child sex abuse.

It follows the laying of charges against Former Toronto Catholic Priest Tom Brennan yesterday.

Father Brennan was charged with concealing alleged offences carried out by defrocked paedophile priest John Denholm in the 1970's.

He's also been charged with assaulting the two boys who reported Denholm and the sexual assault of a boy at a Waratah church in the 1980's.

Father Brennan was granted strict conditional bail and will face Newcastle Local Court on September 25.

Midday News Fri 31.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Fri 31.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Fri 31.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Fri 31.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Opposition to Newcastle Police cuts

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson today expressed his concern with the O’Farrell Government’s decision to cut 21 police officers from the Newcastle region.

Officers have been cut to boost transit and highway patrol police numbers, but Mr Robertson said that the government should be looking at how they can boost police resources to deal with the increase in armed robbery incidences instead.

During a meeting with local shopkeepers who have been victims of this crime, Mr Robertson said the current government is only interested in budget cuts.

“What you need to be doing is boosting the numbers not just reallocating and frankly, shuffling the deck chairs.”

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson at meeting with local shopkeepers.

Chronic Cough Cure

A University of Newcastle led study has found a possible treatment for chronic cough sufferers.

62 sufferers with a cough lasting eight or more weeks were subject to a placebo-controlled trial of Gabapentin, a drug widely used to treat pain and epileptic seizures.

Seventy-fave per cent of patients in the Gabapentin group reported improvement in cough severity, frequency and quality of life, while less than half of the placebo group reported similar effects.

Despite the promising results, Gabapentin was found to have side effects, with 10 of the patients in the drug group complaining of dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

Hunter researchers will now study another drug as a potential chronic cough treatment which has fewer side effects and is said to be more effective at a lower dose.

The results were published in The Lancet international journal.

830am News Tue 28.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 28.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 28.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Monday, 27 August 2012

Liberals to ease on paid parking

The Hunter Liberals have thrown their support behind independent candidate for lord mayor Jeff Mccloy in upcoming local government elections.

They've also announced plans to reduce the amount of paid parking in the city, with the first two hours to be free, with free parking also on weekends.

Liberal candidate Lisa Tierney says they've looked at all the independent Lord Mayoral Candidates before deciding their support.

"Jeff Mccloy will take action and is the best man for the job," she said.

Hunter residents officially recognised for brave actions

Bravery awards are being handed out today to a couple of Hunter residents.

Kersley's Clayton Gidding risked his own life to save the man who was trapped in a burning car after a crash on the Gold Coast in 2007.

He's being awarded the nation's second-highest bravery award - The Star of Courage.

And Valentine's Naomi Roskell is receiving a commendation for brave conduct for saving several people during the Pasha Bulker storm 5 years ago.

The 34-year-old tied some twine round herself and waded through chest-deep water to rescue a mother and two young children who were stranded on the roof of their car at Lambton.

She then saved three children trapped on the wrong side of the road before returning home to her own young family.

Police locate armed robbery vehicle and weapons

Police have located a burnt white Holden Commodore along with a long firearm and a shortened double barrel shot-gun in Fullerton Cove.

Police believe the vehicle and the firearms are the same ones used by two men in a armed robbery at Stockton bowling club, stealing a moderate sum of cash.

The men are described as being of medium build and were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Midday News Mon 27.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Friday, 24 August 2012

Greens Announce Preferences For Newcastle Council Election

The Newcastle Greens are throwing their support behind Labor, if they are not successful at the ballot box in the September 8 council election.

Their how-to-vote card will recommend Labor candidate Nuatali Nelmes as the second preference for Lord Mayor, behind Greens candidate John Sutton.

They will also recommend giving Labor preference in three of the four wards.

Greens Lord Mayoral candidate John Sutton says they want to ensure voters know where the party's preferences lie.

"Preferences only come into play once the first preferred candidate is not elected.

"If that happens then we'd like Greens voters to go onto preference what we think is the next best choice that they have available which in this case is the Labor candidate."

To see The Greens' full list of preference recommendations, click here.

Thursday, 23 August 2012

Gentleman Grocer Inquest

A Coronial inquest into the bashing death of popular Cooks Hill grocer, Frank Newbery has begun in Newcastle today.

The 87-year-old was found on the floor of his Franks Ham and Beef Shop in Union Street on the afternoon of March 12 2007. He later died in died in hospital.

Newcastle Coroners Court heard from two witnesses this morning who provided descriptions of two men, who may have been the same person, seen inside and outside the shop on the afternoon of Mr Newbery's death.

However, it's likely his death will remain a mystery, with Deputy State Coroner Mark Buscombe ruling that no one has been identified as a suspect.

Police believe robbery was the motive behind the bashing, which shocked the community.

A suspect has never been identified despite a $100,000 reward being posted for information leading to a conviction.

Fullerton Cove Protest Latest

Dozens of protestors remain camped out at Fullerton Cove despite police attempts to end their blockade.

The number of protestors swelled to more than 70 yesterday, with officers issuing 5 infringement notices to people who blocked access to DART Energy's coal seam gas pilot project.

Fullerton Cove residents, Lisa McDonald and Julie Wood have chained themselves to a tractor.

The NSW Greens say the police response is an over-reaction to what is a peaceful protest.

Dart Energy has received state and federal approval to drill four test holes. NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher says the company's application had been subjected to rigorous scrutiny by various governmment agencies and the project was found to be environmentally safe.

The blockade at the site is now in it's 4th day.

Wednesday, 22 August 2012

Midday News Wed 22.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Fullerton Cove Blockade Continues

By Ian Crouch with Photos by Kerrin Thomas

Protestors have defied a police direction to leave the site of Dart Energy's pilot coal seam gas project at Fullerton Cove north of Newcastle.

Dozens of protestors are blocking the entrance to the project, preventing work from starting this morning. Police arrived last night, telling residents they would be in breach of the Petroluem Act by preventing the company from accessing the mine site.

Residents want an environmental impact study undertaken amid fears the gas drilling will contaminate ground water, which supplies 80 per cent of drinking water to the Lower Hunter population. There are also concerns the project will destroy sensitive wetlands nearby.

Representatives from Dart Energy say the assessment is not necsessary because the project has already been the subject of intense environmental scrutiny and has recieved the backing of state and federal agencies.

The blockade is now into it's third day.

Protestors say they will stick it out

830am News Wed 22.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Wed 22.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Wed 22.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Road Disrepair Sparks Council Feud

Cessnock Councillor Ian Olsen has come under fire for suggesting that council sell community halls in the area to fund much needed road repairs and infrastructure.

Outraged by the idea, Cessnock Deputy Mayor, Cordelia Burcham says Cr Olsen's "quick fix" approach won't solve the problem.

"It's ridiculous. It has no vision and no foresight."

Instead, Ms Burcham suggests the roads should have been addressed earlier and council needs to find a long-term solution.

"Rather than looking inward and looking to pick off small fruit in our own backyard, we need to be looking to other solutions. We need to be finding where they are, let's not stop until we find what these solutions actually are."

Cessnock Council is responsible for about 900 kilometres of road with an annual budget of just under $3million.

TAFE Exam Resit Fee: Please Explain

There are calls for Hunter state government ministers to come forward and provide an explanation of a 370 dollar fee set to hit struggling Hunter TAFE students.

The fee is more than most apprentices' weekly wage, and will apply to those who re-sist assessments which they have failed more than once.

Believed to be the direct result of state government funding cuts across Hunter TAFE's 15 campuses, the fee will pass on supervision and administration costs to students.

NSW Teachers Federation Hunter TAFE organiser Rob Long says nothing like this has ever occurred in his 20 years as a TAFE teacher.

"I've never, ever seen students hit with a cost to resit an exam and this is a disgrace that the most disadvantaged students may be hampered from finishing their qualification due to monetary expenses."

830am News Tue 21.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 21.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 21.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Monday, 20 August 2012

Man Charged with Drug Possession

A 23 year old man has been charged with four counts of possession of prohibited drugs after being pulled over for erratic driving in East Seaham.

The Woodberry resident was reported driving a black Nissan Navara Ute erratically along East Seaham Road just after 2am this morning.

He was pulled over by police who allegedly noticed a number of small plastic bags in the vehicle's cabin.

Further investigation revealed more bags containing the drugs ice, ecstasy, LSD and heroin.

Police also discovered a KTM motorbike on the back of the Ute was reported stolen from TAREE early in July.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged there.

Fullerton Cove Protests Coal Seam Gas

Up to 40 residents of Fullerton Cove have formed a blockade to prevent access to a site where DART Energy plans to drill two pilot gas wells.

Concerned about the impact on ground water supplies and nearby RAMSAR accredited wetlands residents says they'll do whatever it takes to prevent the drilling.

The protestors are demanding DART Energy commit to developing an Environmental Impact Statement, and submit it for public discussion.

At this time DART Energy have not yet responded to the protest.

President of the Fullerton Cove Action Group, Lindsay Clout says they group's planning to stay on site for as long as it takes.

"This is a huge community issue and people are setting up roster programs so the gate can be picketed constantly, 24/7." He said.

"There are probably 150 to 200 residents in Fullerton cove and we are prepared for a protest that could last into several weeks."

McCloy Rejects Parking Restrictions

Newcastle Lord Mayoral candidate Jeff McCloy is pushing for city-wide parking reform after it was revealed council is considering restricting parking at the Number 1 Sports Ground.

Mr McCloy is dismissing Council documentation which suggests cars are damaging grass and tree root systems by parking off-street around the venue.

The developer-turned-candidate has promised reduced metre hours and reduce the number of paid parking zones if elected.

He says the current parking regime is putting an unfair burden on recreation around the city.

"I think there shouldn't be any parking metres on Saturday and Sunday in the city." He said.

"You've got people going to church getting fines parking in Hunter Street and people playing netball are being fined."

"Saturday and Sunday are not great days of commerce and parking should be free on the streets of Newcastle."

Midday News Mon 20.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Mon 20.8.2012 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Mon 20.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Mon 20.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Newcastle's Off-Street Parking Stations Sold

Newcastle is set to reap a financial windfall after exchanging sale contracts for two of it's three off-street parking stations.

The new owner has purchased the courthouse parking station in Bolton Street and the Civic West Station on King Street.

The council received a higher then expected revenue from the sale and it's expected the extra money will now be used for other council based projects and assets.

Manager of Commercial Enterprise Services Daniel Ballantyne believes the move is a financial win for both the council and the community and he explains the council can now focus on revitalising Hunter Street and providing much needed maintenance to local parks and swimming pools.

The Council is still in negotiations with an unknown contact in regards to the third parking station in Hunter Street Mall and it is not clear if a sale will be made.

Missing Mayfield Man Found

A man reported missing from a Mayfield East Aged Care facility has been found safe and well.

66-year-old former policeman, Max Moncrief wandered off from the Crebert Street facility last night after failing to return from a walk.

Staff at the retirement village were concerned for the resident's welfare because he suffers from severe Parkinson's Disease and mild dementia.

However, police this morning discovered Mr Moncrief had been found overnight and taken to hospital as a precaution.

The State Government Responds to Police Number Claims

The State Government has lashed out at opposition claims it's cut police numbers from the Newcastle Local Area Command and is accusing Labor of misrepresenting statistics.

The ALP says 21 officers have been removed from Newcastle to replace transit police and fill numbers in the new Highway Patrol Command.

But, Newcastle MP TIM OWEN has responded to the oppositions calim's explaining there have been no cuts to police numbers and the force continues to grow.

McCloy Proposes Bamboo Curtain

NEWCASTLE Lord Mayoral candidate JEFF MCCLOY has put forward a plan to beautify the city's industrial front with a 20 metre high bamboo hedge.

The proposal covers a stretch of Cormorant Road beside the KOORAGANG coal mounds, and could also offer some protection against coal dust.

However, both Port Waratah Coal Services and the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group say they already have a long term landscaping plan which will provide effective screening.

Midday News Tue 14.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Tue 14.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tue 14.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 14.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Monday, 13 August 2012

Transplant Games Coming To Newcastle

By William Gleeson

The 13^th Australian transplant games were officially launched by Lord Mayor John Tate along with many enthusiastic transplant game Athletes, at Newcastle City Hall this morning.

The games are for anyone who has ever had an organ transplant or are on the waiting list for an organ or tissue donation.

The games are designed to raise awareness and encourage families to discuss their wishes regarding organ and tissue transplant.

CEO of Transplant Australia, Chris Thomas hopes the games will increase the organ donation rate in Australia, with 1563 people still waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

The games will held at various sporting venues across Newcastle from 30th September to 6th October, 2012.

Transplant Australia C.E.O Chris Thomas

Games Organiser and Kidney Transplant Recipient Alison Brown

Lord Mayor John Tate plays Petanque with children taking part in the Games

Midday News Mon 13.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Mon 13.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Mon 13.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Mon 13.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Tate Calls It Quits

Newcastle's longest serving Lord Mayor, John Tate has stepped down after 13 years in the top job.

Councillor Tate announced this morning he won't be contesting a seat on council at next month's Local Government elections, saying he wants to spend more time on business and personal interests and feels it's time to step aside for some new blood to come in on council.

John Tate has been a councillor for 32 years and lead the city through the upheaval of the BHP Steelworks closure in 1999.

An emotional Councillor Tate this morning paid tribute to the council staff, especially his personal assistant Kristen McPherson and his wife, Cathy who've supported him through the past 13 years.

Amomg his many achievements, he names support for Honeysuckle, promoting the cruise ship industry and more recently, the new museum and Number 2 sportsground among the highlights.

Councillor Tate has assembled an independent ticket and Lord Mayoral candidate for the September poll and, although he won't be a part of it, hasn't entirely ruled out running again in the future, although he says this is unlikely.

John Tate

Midday News Wed 8.8.12 Read By Kerrin Thomas

830am News Wed 8.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Wed 8.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Wed 8.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Tuesday, 7 August 2012

Cyber Safety Website A Must For Parents

A new cyber safety website for parents and their children will be launched across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle this week.

Developed by the Catholic Schools Office's Learning Technology Team, the site will provide information, links and resources to help keep parents and their children cyber-savvy.

The site is aimed at providing a one-stop central access point for information on a range of issues including social media sites, stranger danger, cyber bullying, unwelcome websites and unlawful behaviour.

It will also feature videos and step-by-step instructions on preventative measures such as how to set up Internet filters on a home computer.

CSO Parent Liaison Officer Linda McNeil says parents should embrace the the Internet, but also be aware of the risks associated with its use.

"It's no good trying to cut your child off from social networking and just avoid it altogether because today that is their lifeblood.

"You do need to learn how to monitor it, control it and regulate it in your own home."

The website can be found here.

Teen Attacked at Jewells

Police are searching for a man who threatened a 13 year old girl in Jewells yesterday afternoon.

The teen was walking home along Ntaba Road at about 3pm when the man jumped out from behind a bush and grabbed her.

He asked where she lived and threatened to stab her when she didn't reply. The girl broke free and hid from the man before a relative helped raise the alarm.

The man is described as having a deep voice, torn blue jeans and cream hiking boots. A white van with black plastic taped over the windows was seen parked on the other side of the road.

Witnesses are being urged to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Council Votes on Childcare Centres

Newcastle Council will use tonight's final ordinary meeting to vote on a proposal to hand over 7 childcare centres to community groups.

The plan could lead to higher fees as individual centres struggle to pay transfer costs and then council rates, prompting calls to put the decision on hold until after the local government elections.

Councillor Nuatali Nelmes says there could be thousands of dollars in hidden costs if the deal is approved.

"When you change titles the Office of State Revenue takes stamp duty, and we're not sure if these properties will be exempt." She said.

"It could be $35 000. It's a really messy process and unfortunately that process has not only been closed to the community, its been closed to councillors."

An alternative in the form of long term leasing has been proposed by the dissenting Councillors, providing certainty to childcare centres while avoiding the full impact of rates and duties.

The proposal will be debated tonight.

Rental Subsidy Trial In Hunter

The NSW government has announced the Hunter has been selected for a trial of a rental subsidy program to help young people at risk of homelessness.

$1.2 million has been provided for the program which is aimed at 16 to 25-year olds who are eligible for social housing, leaving out-of-home care, leaving Juvenile Justice facilities, or who are at risk of homelessness because of domestic violence or familiy breakdown.

Family and Community Services Minister, Pru Goward made the announcement this morning at the Salvation Army's Oasis Olive Branch Cafe in Hamilton.

"To receive the subsidy, the young person must be committed to engaging in education, training and/or employment," she said.

A young person recieving the subsidy will contribute 25 per cent of their income towards their rent and Housing NSW will pay the balance directly to the landlord or real estate agent.

It's expected up to 50 young people will benefit from the scheme in the first year of the two year program.

Midday News Tues 7.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Tues 7.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News Tues 7.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Tue 7.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Monday, 6 August 2012

Revealed: Williamtown Put On Alert For UFO's Almost 30 Years Ago

Recently declassified data has shown Williamtown RAAF base has been on alert for UFOs.

The National Archive of Australia has released a file saying in June 1983, two Mirage jets were ready to engage unidentified craft flying at speeds of up to 6500 kilometres-an-hour at high altitude north of Sydney .

Subsequent analysis of radar blips determined the UFO's were generated by an interference pattern known as 'running rabbits'.

The file also shows the RAAF base has not been responsible for reporting UFO sightings since 1994, but doesn't say which agency currently undertakes the role.

Trio On The Run

Newcastle Police are investigating an early-morning armed robbery on a service station at Lambton.

The male console operator at the 7-11 outlet on Croudace Road left the store to put rubbish in a bin around 2am when he was confronted by a man wielding a gun who pushed him back into the shop.

A second man followed them armed with a machete, while a third man stood guard at the door.

Money was taken from the cash register before the 3 bandits fled on foot.

Police Want Tougher Parking Restictions In Newcastle East

There are calls for tighter parking restrictions to stop car hoons congregating on Wharf Road, Newcastle East.

Police are suggesting locking up the Foreshore to stop car enthusiasts from causing trouble.

Around 140 people gather on Thursday nights, while around 100 gather on Kooragang Island.

Police say they are powerless to act on Kooragang because the many of the roads are privately owned.

However, they want Newcastle Council to make Wharf Road between Watt Street and Nobbys Road a no-stopping zone from at least 9pm and possibly as early as 7 at night.

Midday News 6.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Rap Star Ordered To Pay Compensation

American rap artist, Flor Ridahas been ordered to pay organisers of Newcastle's Fat As Butter Festival more than $400,000 dollars in damages for his no-show last year.

He pulled out of his scheduled 1 hour appearance at the last minute despite being paid $55,000 dollars.

Organisers were seeking damages for loss of revenue along with poor ticket sales and loss of sponsorship for this year's festival.

830am News Mon 6.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

730am News 6.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Friday, 3 August 2012

More Contenders For Lake Macquarie

The battle for seats on Lake Macquarie Council has heated up.

Swansea whistleblower, Gillian Sneddon and well-known sailor, Tony Mowbray will join Lake Alliance co-founder Laurie Coghlan on an east ward ticket.

Ms Sneddon will take the number two spot behind Councillor Coghlan, while Tony Mowbray will take third spot on the ticket.

Gilian Sneddon is still waiting for a decision on her Supreme Court appeal against the NSW government over her treatment in helping to convict former Swansea MP Milton Orkopoulos on child sex and drugs charges.

Fatal Flu Virus Leads To Lockdowns

The state opposition is calling on the government to announce measures to limit the spread of a fatal flu strain which has claimed 3 lives at two disability and aged care facilities in the Hunter.

Two men in their 60's at Kanangra near Morisset Hospital have died along with a woman in her 40's from the Stockton Centre.

51 residents at both facilities are being treated for flu-like symptoms. The centres, which have 450 residents between them have been locked down to limit the spread of the virus.

Shadow Health Minister Dr Andrew McDonald fears the H3N2 flu strain could spread rapidly.

Hunter New England Health says even though the current flu vaccine is not perfectly matched to H3N2, it's still providing protection against severe disease in most people, however there is still the chance of severe disease and death among the most vulnerable in the community, particularly the elderly.

Midday News Fri 3.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

830am News Fri 3.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

630am News Fri 3.8.12 Read By Ian Crouch

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Midday News Thur 2.8.12 Read By Kerrin Thomas

Port Centre Opens To New Record

NSW Ports Minister Duncan Gay has officially opened the new operations centre for Newcastle Port Corporation today.

The $3.5 million dollar centre has been completed on time and on budget next the the Pilot Station at Newcastle East. The 3 storey centre features the latest state-of-the-art equipment to help port staff guide the hundreds of vessels which arrive in and out of the port of Newcastle each year.

The Minister also announced another record trade figure has been set by the port over the past financial year. More than 128-million tonnes of cargo has been exported, 121-million of that being coal. The total value of trade was just over $20 billion, up by 15 per cent overall on the previous year.

Friday, 31 August 2012

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Wednesday, 29 August 2012