Thursday 28 February 2013

Funds for Hunter Mines

Mining communities in the Hunter will be seeing more in the coffers after a broadening of the State Government's Resources for Regions program.

$160 million has been allocated for approved projects in the region over a four year period.

The program is seen as a recognition of the unique pressures on key infrastructure in mining areas including Singleton and Muswellbrook.
 
Singleton Mayor, John Martin welcomes the program as a boost to vital mining communities in the Hunter.
 
 

Accident Shame

A Cardiff man says he's shocked and appalled after dozens of drivers failed to stop and help following a serious accident at Buchannan.
 
Six people, including two young children were injured in the 3-car smash on John Renshaw Drive just before 10am yesterday.
 
Trevor Smith stopped to assist the injured before emergency services arrived and claims many motorists manoeuvred around the accident scene and even drove over large pieces of debris to continue on their journey, saying they should be ashamed of themselves.

Strike Force To Investigate Break-Ins

Police have formed a strike force to investigate a spate of break-ins at licensed premises in the Hunter.

Strike Force Restoration is reviewing 50 attempted or actual break-ins across the region over the past 13 months.

Detective Inspector Gary Hutchen from the State Crime Command told reporters this morning they are seeking information from the public on an attempted break-in at the West Wallsend Bowling Club at 1am on Tuesday January 15.
 
A man smashed the front window of the Carrington Street club but didn't go inside. A witness told police they saw the man leaving in a car.
 
The offender is described as being 170cm tall with a medium to solid build and a medium to dark complexion. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and a black baseball cap.
 
Anyone who assist police with their inquiries should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
 
Inspector Tony Townsend from the Northern Region Police Command says the spike in break-ins across the Hunter is having a devastating financial and emotional impact on small business owners and their employees.
 
Detective Inspector Gary Hutchen and Inspector Tony Townsend speak to reporters outside Newcastle Police Station this morning
 

8.30am News Thurs 28.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Thurs 28.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Thurs 28.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 27 February 2013

Council Budget Proposals Leaked

Despite a request to keep Newcastle City Council's budget proposal session confidential, information has today made its way into the public arena.

Controversial cost-cutting measures discussed at last night's briefing include a combination of 90 staff redundancies and several changes to service delivery in an effort to save almost 19-million dollars over the next 2 years.

Some of those measures could include the closure of The Loft Youth Venue along with shutting the Stockton and Beresfield Swimming Pools, and the sale of the Beresfield Golf Course.

Council's Acting General Manager, Martin Coates says the process to address the organisation's financial challenges is ongoing and no final decisions will be made until June.


Six Injured In Serious Crash

John Renshaw Drive has been reopened following a serious accident this morning at Buchannan.

At least eight ambulances and two helicopters were called to the three-car-accident just before 10am where a 55-year-old woman was trapped in her vehicle before being freed by the Cessnock  volunteer rescue squad. She's been flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the region's Westpac Rescue helicopter with serious leg injuries

A mother, her two children and two adults were also taken to hospital. They're all reported to be in a stable condition with non life-threatening injuries.

Hunter Defence Hub Plan

There's a major push to develop the Hunter as a national Defence Force hub with the creation of a new strategic plan.

The Hunter Defence Strategy aims to better utilise the Port of Newcastle for navy and manufacturing operations, as well as the expansion of the Williamtown RAAF and Singleton army bases.

The Hunter Business Chamber and Hunter Net are behind the push.

The ambitious plan, which has taken more than a year to develop, is being discussed today in Victoria and it's hoped it will secure NSW Government support.

Midday News Thurs 27.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


8.30am News Wed 27.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Wed 27.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Wed 27.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 26 February 2013

Draytons Trial Begins

A trial has commenced in Sydney into the fatal blast at Draytons Winery 5 years ago.

The District Court has heard Draytons Family Wines along with a smaller Drayton family company and a Hunter Valley Engineering company all failed in their duties to protect their workers before the fatal explosion in January 2008.

Winemaker, Trevor Drayton and boilermaker Eddie Orgo were killed when Mr Orgo began welding a stainless steel tank containing 9-thousand litres of ethanol.

Two Men Wanted Over Pizza Shop Armed Hold-up

A pizza shop worker has been threatened with a handgun during a terrifying armed robbery at Adamstown.

The 21-year-old was closing up the Dominos outlet on Brunker Road at about 10 last night when he was confronted by a man who demanded cash.

A small amount of money was placed in a Dominos carry bag and the man fled the shop, heading north before turning into a laneway which runs down the side of a chemist shop in the Adamstown Shopping Centre.

A witness has told police the offender met up with a second man and the pair were seen running down Jeffereson Street.

Climate Change Sceptic In Newcastle

Outspoken climate change sceptic, Lord Christopher Monckton returns to Newcastle tonight to continue the global warming debate.

He's expected to discuss the latest acknowledgement from the UN's Climate Change chief who says there's been a 17-year pause in global temperature rises.

Lord Monckton will be at South Newcastle Leagues Club at 7.30.

Midday News Tues 26.2.13 Read By Stephanie Fisher


8.30am News Tues 26.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Tues 26.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Tues 26.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 25 February 2013

Medicare Rort

Hunter New England Health believes procedures for Medicare billing in the region’s hospitals are being followed to the letter.

It's been revealed some doctors are abusing the Medicare system by claiming twice for their scheduled fees.

Incorrect Medicare billing was discovered at two of the nation's hospitals 2 years ago, but a further investigation has revealed the practice is more commonplace than first thought.

Hunter New England Health says it will comply with an audit being carried out by The Department Of Human Services.

Lake Macquarie Air Pollution Worst In NSW

Lake Macquarie City Council will use the latest pollution data to push for air quality monitors to be set up in the area.

A report to go before council tonight shows the area has recorded the highest level of nitrogen oxides in NSW and the second highest emissions of sulphur dioxide.

The report says air pollution is a major issue for the city, with health costs from disease and death due to air pollution rising almost $70 million annually.

Newcastle Murder - Man In Custody

Newcastle detectives are continuing to question a 30-year-old man over the death of a woman in a Brown Street unit early today.

A neighbour alerted police to a violent domestic dispute just after 3 this morning.

It's understood the alleged suspect also called police, who arrived a short time later to find the woman had died from multiple stab wounds.

The man and woman are both Chinese nationals.

Detective Inspector Graham Parker says they still don't have many clues as to why the incident became so violent.

Detective Inspector Graham Parker

Midday News Mon 25.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


8.30am News Mon 25.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Mon 25.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Mon 25.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 22 February 2013

Midday News Fri 22.2.13 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


Hunter Water To Continue Water-Wise Campaign

Hunter Water says it will continue to push the water-wise message despite Sydney Water's decision to abandon it's water-saving campaign.

The decision to axe the Every Drop Counts campaign comes after a decade of promoting water-wise behaviour has left consumption at historic lows.

Last year, almost a thousand million litres of drinking water, or 380 Olympic sized pools were saved through programs such as shower head exchanges and toilet replacements.

Investigations Continue Into Dog Mauling

A Mirrabooka man says he had no choice but to kill two vicious American Staffordshire Terriers which were mauling his dog to death.

Four dogs escaped from a neighbouring property on Tuesday night before entering the yard of the 36-year-old's home and killing his dog.

No-charges have been laid.

Police are considering whether it was an act of self defence.

Calls To Fix Death Trap

There are calls for the entire stretch of a notorious road at Southern Lake Macquarie to be fixed in a bid to cut the road toll.

8 people have lost their lives on Rutleys Road Mannering Park culminating in the deaths of 23-year-old Bayden Garrett and 21-year-old Shane Laffy in November last year.

Wyong Council recently completed resurfacing and widening of 400 metres of the 2.4 kilometre road, but families of crash victims say more needs to done, including reducing the speed limit in some areas from 80 to 70 kilometres per hour.

However Swansea MP, Garry Edwards says the majority of road authorities have advised the speed limit doesn't need to be reduced, nor is their a need to upgrade the enture road.

He says educating drivers is the key, while Wyong Council has also lodged an application for a $2.5 million dollar grant to go towards maintenance of the road.

In addition, Garry Edwards says shoulders of the road will be upgraded to allow police vehicles to park and carry out RBT and speed checks, which may involve removing trees near the side of the road.


8.30am News Fri 22.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Fri 22.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Fri 22.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Thursday 21 February 2013

Midday News Thurs 21.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


C.B.D Property Values Tipped To Fall If Rail Line Cut

A Transport Planner from Western Australia claims property values in the Newcastle C.B.D will fall dramatically if the rail line is removed.

James McIntosh has told a Save Our Rail forum , cutting the line would mean the city's future growth would become dependent on car travel.

He highlighted the situation in Perth, where the city's integrated public transport system has led to an increase in residential property values near the Freemantle Rail line.

Melanoma Grant

A Newcastle University Researcher has been awarded a major grant to find a cure for one of the Hunter's deadliest diseases.

Doctor Nikola Bowden will use the $200,000 dollar grant over 2 years to unlock the mysteries surrounding melanoma.

The most common chemotherapy drugs are ineffective in the treatment of this type of skin cancer.

The Hunter region has one of the highest rates of melanoma in Australia.

Ambulance Delays

The Ambulance Service has admitted culpability after two elderly Dungog women suffered long waits for treatment.

One of them, who suffers from heart trouble, was forced to wait 36 minutes for an Ambulance crew to arrive from Stroud so an off-duty officer didn't have to be called in.

The Health Services Union says the state government's attempts to save money on overtime costs is putting lives at risk and there's an urgent need to employ more paramedics.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner has been reported as saying some paramedics are pocketing $100,000 dollars a year in overtime payments.

Fraud Warrant Issued

A Newcastle Magistrate has issued a warrant for the arrest of an Eleebana woman after she failed to appear in court to answer fraud charges.

Robyn Haley is accused of defrauding the Commonwealth Bank and a woman of almost half a million dollars.

The 52-year-old is accused of obtaining a $423,000 dollar mortgage with false documents and defrauding a woman of $68,000 dollars.

She was ordered to front Newcastle Local Court yesterday, but instead sent a letter saying she couldn't attend due to other court commitments in Sydney.

8.30am News Thur 21.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Thurs 21.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Thur 21.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 20 February 2013

Midday News Wed 20.2.13 Read by Ian Crouch


Shooting at Cameron Park

A 23-year-old boarder is due to face Toronto Local Court today accused of discharging a firearm during a domestic dispute at Cameron Park.

The charges come after police were called to Finch Close around 7.30pm yesterday to reports of a shot being fired.

It is alleged the man fired two shots into a concrete floor of the house from a 22-calibre rifle before leaving the property.

He was later found and arrested in a nearby street.

Police say no one was injured and the man is facing charges of firing a gun with intent to injure persons, possession of an unauthorised firearm and a number of traffic offences.




Concerns over air quality at Stockon

There are fresh concerns about the air quality at Stockton.

The latest test results show there are significant health risks for residents, with the concentration of very fine dust particles exceeding safety standards 13 times in less than 4 months.

The Stockton Community Action Group says PM10 dust levels are only supposed to exceed the standard 5 times a year, a figure put in place to allow for natural events such as bushfires.

Stockton residents are calling for the Environment Protection Authority to set up new air quality monitoring stations at Carrington, Mayfield, Stockton and Fern Bay. 

Newcastle City Council's budget deficit growing

The Newcastle City Council's deficit has continued to grow despite implementing a freeze on hiring staff and cuts to casual jobs.

Councillors last night received budget review documents which show city finances went backwards by 815-thousand dollars in the last 3 months of 2012.

Council is on track to post a deficit of 16-point-6 million dollars this financial year.

House Fire at Argenton

A man has suffered second degree burns in an overnight house fire at Argenton.

The 61-year-old and his 64-year-old wife were woken by smoke alarms at their William Street house around 11.30 last night.

The couple tried to extinguish the fire but were driven from the home by the smoke and flames.

Fire crews arrived a short time later, but were unable to save the house.

The male resident suffered burns to 35 per cent of his body and has been taken to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment.

8.30 am News Wed 20.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30 am News Wed 20.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Wed 20.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 19 February 2013

Midday News Tues 19.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Water Bill Woes

It's been revealed many Hunter residents are struggling to pay their water bills, with almost 18,000 households deferring payment last year.

Hunter Water says the figure includes short term extensions to help residents who were having difficulty paying on time.

However, there is some good news, with Hunter households using less water.

The region used 65-point-7 billion litres last year, which is a saving of about 3-thousand Olympic-sized swimming pools from two years ago.

8.30am News Tue 19.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Tues 19.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Tues 19.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Coal Seam Gas Ban

The state government has moved to ban Coal seam gas mining within two kilometres of homes in the Hunter and across the state.

The policy has been passed by state cabinet overnight.

It also means buffer zones will be introduced around Hunter Valley horse studs and vineyards which have been identified as critical industry clusters.

However, the restrictions will only apply to new projects, not CSG activities which have already been approved.

The Hunter Valley Protection Alliance is welcoming the announcement because CSG activities proposed near the region's viticulture and equine industries have not received Development Application approval and are therefore included in the tough new restrictions.

Motorcyclist Dies During Police Pursuit

Police have launched a critical incident investigation after a fatal motorcycle crash in the Upper Hunter.

Hunter Valley Highway Patrol officers became involved in a brief pursuit of the motorbike on Queen Street, Muswellbrook just after 8 last night.

The male rider crashed into the front fence of a home a short time later, where he sustained fatal injuries.

Police from Port Stephens are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Monday 18 February 2013

Terror At Tenambit


Two men remain at large following a home invasion at Tenambit.

A 44-year-old woman awoke to the sounds of an intruder at her Blackley Avenue home early yesterday morning.

The woman shouted at the male, believed to be aged in his mid to late teens, and scoured her home to determine what had been stolen.

After discovering her car window broken, the woman chased after the man and briefly confronted him before he fled for a second time.

The man has been described as of a slight build with a dark comlexion and dressed in a grey sweater. 

Angled Parking Opposed

Plans to introduce angled parking on Hunter Street Newcastle have been met with opposition.

The Hunter Commuter Council says a similar proposal was rejected during the last term of Newcastle council because of it's impacts.

The group says angled parking would hinder buses and create traffic congestion in other parts of the city
.
They claim the proposal is contrary to the Hunter Street revitalisation plans, saying it would cut out a dedicated bus lane, while the closure of the rail line into Newcastle would create the need for an extra 200 bus movements per day.

Shot Fired Into Cessnock Unit

Police are investigating reports of a shot being fired into a home at Cessnock.

A 23-year-old man and two teenagers were inside their Alpine Avenue unit at about 8.30 on Saturday night when they heard a loud bang.

A short time later they found a hole in the windown and curtain of the kitchen and a small projectile was recovered from the unit.

No-one was hurt in the incident.

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


Greta Mum Dies In Lovedale Crash

The Newcastle Crash Investigation Squad is looking into the cause of a horror smash at Lovedale which claimed the life of a 42-year-old woman from Greta.

Police say Kim Stoker was driving along Lovedale Road in her Ford Fiesta on Saturday night when her car collided head-on with a Mazda 6.

The 42-year-old died on the way to hospital. Six others, including Ms Stoker's 13-year-old daughter were taken to the John Hunter Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

8.30am News Mon 18.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Mon 18.2.13 Read Ian Crouch


6.30am News Mon 18.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 15 February 2013

Glendale Interchange Edges Closer

Lake Macquarie Council has had its Expression of Interest shortlisted for $15 million in Federal funding for Stage One of the Glendale Interchange, with construction pending on costings.

It comes on the back of $7 million in Commonwealth support already committed, to cover the cost of building Pennant Street Bridge and additional road works.

 Design and scoping is currently underway at Council, with preliminary ideas about a true cost for Stage 1 expected over the coming months.
 
Member for Charlestown Andrew Cornwall says applications are due in April, with a decision likely before the September 14 Election.
 
"Obviously with these sort of large projects, we always wind up with some sort of political fingerprint on it.
 
I'd be very surprised if we don't hear either positive or negative news prior to the Federal Election." 
 
Commuters are then likely to see the initial stage of construction, including the road through the back of Stockland from Main Road Glendale, and the bridge over to the back of the industrial estate.  

 

Midday News Fri 15.2.13 Read by Belinda De Lasheras


State government website flop

The State Government has been slammed for its' website replacement of a Department of Education Expert Drug and Alcohol Policy Development Unit.

Yesterday's launch of the online resource by Minister for Hospitality, George Souris, came on the heels of the abolition of the expert union.

The Out Tonight? Party Right website has been criticised for its' conflicts of interests and for directing high school students to a UK site, urging them to contact their local UK council for more information.


The online source was developed by a working group which included the Australian Hotels Association, Clubs NSW and the Liquor Stores Association of NSW.

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) Chief Executive Michael Thorn says the embarrassing and potentially damaging Government gaffe is an insult to the leading alcohol research and education body.

"It is not acceptable that the Government sees fit to ignore the advice and input of independent research organisations, and allows this educational resource to be developed by the alcohol industry, an industry with an undeniable and obvious conflict of interest," Mr Thorn said.

8.30am News Fri 15.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


730 News Fri 15.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Fri 15.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Wednesday 13 February 2013

Special Commission into Sexual Abuses in the Hunter Opened Today

A Special Commission of inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuses by Hunter priests has opened in Sydney today.

The Commission, which was set up by Premier Barry O'Farrell in November will investigated alleged instances of child sexual abuse in the Maitland-Hunter Catholic diocese.

Robyn Cotterill-Jones from the Victims of Crime Assistance League says the Commission is long overdue, but a positive step forward in looking after victims of child sexual abuse.

Newcastle on the Hunt for New General Manager

Newcastle Council has begun its search for a new General Manager, but some councilors are less than enthusiastic about the selection panel.

At present, the panel consists of two liberal councilors and Lord Mayor, Jeff McCloy, who will choose two preferred candidates and present them to the entire council.

Some councilors believe the choices made filling the selection panel are not representative of the entire council.

A replacement is needed by March.

MP Joel Fitzgibbon in support of MRRT Reform

Hunter MP, Joel Fitzgibbon has voiced his support for the reform of the Mineral Resources Rent Tax.

Mr Fitzgibbon argues royalties deals with state governments are to blame for the tax failing to bring in the promised two billion dollars of revenue.

He says overhauling the tax would stop state governments abusing their power to set royalties, and ensure wealth accumulated from the Hunter region returns where it was generated.

Midday News Wed 13.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


8.30am News Wed 13.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Wed 13.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Wed 13.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Tuesday 12 February 2013

Rates for Roads

The deterioration of Cessnock roads has pushed council to consider extending a special rate variation to cover maintenance.


The special rate variation of more than 6% will expire this year but council says it may appeal to extend it.

The average increase would be $30 for rate payers, with the increase raising $1.5 million for council.

Council is calling on community feedback for the proposal.

Gallery to move into library building

Newcastle City Council is considering moving The Newcastle Library to the old post office building with proposals to extend the gallery into the premies.

Achitects have recommended the use of the library building to limit time and costs of the gallery redevelopment.


Meanwhile Newcastle Lord Mayor Jeff McCoy has promised to lead a delegation down to state government to ask for the remaining $7-million dollars needed.

Man's arm slashed in home invasion

A 40-year old man is undergoing emergency surgery at John Hunter Hospital, after he was injured during a home invasion in Pelican this morning.


The man's arm was severed during an attack by several men who entered the Pirawal Street home shortly after 1am this morning.

Police say three offenders entered the unoccupied dwelling and waited for the man to arrive home.

Meanwhile another group of five men arrived, and were held at gunpoint.

The home owner returned home a short time later and was injured by a suspected shard of glass from a broken window.

Midday News Tues 12 .2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


8.30am News Tue 12.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


730am News Tue 12.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Tue 12.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 11 February 2013

More Plans For Inconic Post Office Building

Plans have been revealed to to convert Newcastle's former Post Office building into a hub for performances, exhibitions, independent films and community events.

The Arts Health Institute and Newcastle firm, EJE Architecture have developed plans for the heritage listed sandstone building which include a cafe/restaurant and a Melbourne style laneway.

The Hunter Street landmark has fallen into disrepair since a Sydney developer purchased the building from the former Howard government in 2002 for almost $1.9 million dollars. However, the developer failed to proceed with any plans for the Post Office and it was purchased by the former NSW government in May 2010 for $4.25 million.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Jeff McCloy has previously suggested the building be used to house an annex of the city's art gallery.

However, nothing can proceed at the site until an Aboriginal land claim due to be heard in early March is finalised.

Fire Causes Extensive Damage To Hexham Caravan Business

The owners of Jayco Caravans at Hexham are countimng the cost of a large early morning fire.

Around 50 firefighters and 13 fire trucks arrived at the business just after 4.30am to find a workshop, mezzanine and storage area engulfed in flames.

About 60 per cent of the 100 metre long workshop and a number of caravans have been destroyed, although fire crews managed to save the showroom.

It took crews about 4 hours to extinguish the main part of the fire, but they've spent the morning hosing down hot spots and cooling several gas cyclinders which threatened to explode.

An investigation into how the fire started won't begin until the walls of the workshop are made safe and the area is cool enough for fire investigators to enter.

Stolen Porsche Found

A rare Porsche Cayman stolen from Tingira Heights early this morning has been found dumped at West Wallsend.

The owner watched helplessly as the silver convertable was driven away from the front driveway of his home just before 7 o'clock.

Details of the car, valued at $120,000, were broadcast on radio and there were several sightings of the vehicle around northern Lake Macquarie.

The Polair helicopter was brought in to assist with the serach and the car was found abandoned off O'Donneltown Road just before 10am.

It's believed there were several suspects in the car and the dog squad has been called in to track them down.

Police say it appears the car has not sustained any significant damage.

Midday News Mon 11.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


8.30am News Mon 11.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Mon 11.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Mon 11.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 8 February 2013

Cash splash for baths



Newcastle City Council is calling on the State Government to fund $10-million worth of urgent repairs to the City Hall Clock Tower and  Merewether's Ocean Baths.

The loan would include 7-point-5 million dollars to replace steel rods pinned to the clock tower's sandstone facade, which have concrete cancer, and 2-point-5 million to install ramps and reconstruct the promenade at the Baths.

Councillor NUATALI NELMES says it's up to the O' Farrell Government to provide the money for the Baths, as they are located on crown land. 

"The work [at Merewether Ocean Baths] needs to be done but it's unfair on ratepayers that we have to pay interest on a loan to do work on state government land," Cr Nelms said. 

Greens call for resignation

The NSW Greens are calling on Energy and Resources Minister Chris Hartcher to resign, following his treatment of Fullerton Cove residents protesting coal seam gas drilling in the area.

The Minister is believed to be fighting the community on behalf of the gas companies, as C.S.G drill rigs are escorted into farms and forests.

 It comes as the State's Riot Squad is called into the area, to break blockades and arrest residents against drilling through wetlands and aquifers to Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Greens Mining Spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham says Chris Hartcher's failure to request a comprehensive assessment, means he should be dumped from the Energy and Resources portfolio.





EPA to commission Rutherford odour sampling

Years of complaints from Rutherford residents have finally prompted a investigation into mysterious odours at the Rutherford industrial estate.

The decision follows the receipt of the finished Rutherford Odour Investigation Project, an independent report, which recommends comprehensive testing be undertaken on at least nine sites of the industrial estate.

 Minister for the Environment and Heritage Robyn Parker said the NSW government is committed to addressing residents' concerns about potential odours near the industrial estate.

The EPA has taken on the advice and will today begin the process of advertising tenders for the odour sampling and modelling work.




Midday News Fri 8.2.13 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


8.30am News Fri 8.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Fri 8.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Fri 8.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Thursday 7 February 2013

Diverted Funds for Prostate Cancer

Funds raised for prostate cancer research and campaigning in the Hunter is sparking debate between residents and the Movember organisation, over the money potentially not being used for the Hunter.

About $750,000 raised by 3,811 residents, has not yet been given to either the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance or Hunter-based researchers.

The money was set to launch a campaign which promotes blood tests for prostate cancer.

However, the Movember organisation says funds are committed to awareness, education, research and programs on a national scale.

Movember says it's funds are divided between the foundation, Beyond Blue and its own programs. 

Medowie man found guilty of growing cannabis

A man caught growing cannabis in a sophisticated hydroponic set-up at Medowie will spend at least a year behind bars.

The 36-year-old man, Corey Letherbarrow, has been found guilty of cultivating and possessing 12 cannabis plants in an old caravan.

Police say the plants were not just healthy, they were thriving, with the bumper crop having an estimated street value of half a million dollars.

Letherbarrow was sentenced to 18 months gaol with a non-parole period of 12 months.

He was fined $500 in costs for interfering with or altering an electricity meter.

Mistakes made in Hunter Hospitials


Concerns have been raised after Hunter New England Health admitted there were fifteen major mistakes made in the region's hospitals last year.

In one instance, a baby was given another mother's breast milk, while some patients were given the wrong scans and seven patients were given medication they were allergic to.

The Heath Service says while the mistakes were regrettable and distressing, there were no adverse outcomes from the incidents.

The Medical Error Action Group says it's pursuing a number of cases with the region's health authority.

Cars set on fire while owners sleep

A fire which destroyed two vehicles overnight at Murray's Beach, south of Swansea, is being treated as suspicious.

A neighbour of a house in Seagull Way alerted the residents just before 2.30 am this morning, that their Ford Fiesta and a Ford Ranger parked in their driveway were on fire.

The vehicles, valued at $60,000 were destroyed, along with $20,000 worth of industrial equipment in the Ford Ranger.

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

Midday News Thur 7.2.13 Read By Belinda De Lasheras


8.30am News Thur 7.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Thur 7.2.13 Read Ian Crouch


6.30am News Thur 7.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Monday 4 February 2013

Substation Expansion Not on the Cards: Ausgrid

Ausgrid have assured residents that there are no plans to expand its substation site at Hamilton South.

Residents had raised concerns over the potential expansion plans after four people died of cancer in the nieghbourhood in the space of five years.

Ausgrid maintain reports that they were planning on expanding the Glebe Road station are unfounded.

The company has also made moves to allay public upheaval about electromagnetic field readings it took last week.

Concerned residents are urged to contact Population Health.

Armed Robbery at Islington

A man armed with a sawn-off firearm has stormed an Islington newsagency and made away with several packets of cigarettes.

The man, described as being in his 20s or 30s, entered the business on the corner of Beaumont Street and Maitland Road before approaching a female employee and taunting her with the gun.

When the woman was unable to surrender any cash, the man demanded cigarettes before fleeing amd heading in the direction of Daniel Street.

He is described as being around 170 centimeres tall and wearing a blue sweatshirt and dark shorts.

Police say the man was spotted near the vicinity of the crime shortly before the robbery took place and are urging any witnesses or people with information to come forward.



Midday News Mon 4.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


8.30am News Mon 4.2.13 Read Ian Crouch


7.30am News Mon 4.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Mon 4.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


Friday 1 February 2013

Port Stephens residents concerned over road hazards

Port Stephens residents concerned about the proposed Nelson Bay Road access of a Macka's Sand and Soil quarry have identified the original Williamtown site as ideal for road safety.

Port Stephens residents concerned by modified access to a Macka's Sand and Soil quarry debated the safety of planned road modifications last night.

Port Councillor, Geoff Dingle presented information to the group on the history of the Stockton Bight Track, which has cost council about $500,000 in the process of acquiring and rescinding land in its vicinity.

Shadow Local Government Minister Sophie Cotsis, brought the resident's attention to a man recording the meeting without consent, later revealed to be Macka's director, Robert Mackenzie.

Nelson Bay residents says the hazard associated with increased traffic using the new site, warrants the modification be reconsidered.

Digital Media Revolution in Newcastle Libraries

Newcastle libraries are undergoing a revolution with the launch of a new digital media library and e-reading software.

The region's libraries will be using a new platform called Baker and Tyler's Axis 360 and ground-breaking e-reading software.

The new digital media library will bring easy access to books via the Internet and advanced e-reading software to approximately 3 thousand new e-books.


Library staff will be doing demonstrations on how to use different devices as well as signing people up to the new collection and starting downloads.

Manager of the Newcastle Library Service, David Jenkins, says people can now borrow books online and access them on e-readers and mobile devices.


$150,000 worth of stolen equipment returned

Investigations into equipment stolen from a Kurri Kurri business has led police to a property in the Central Coast.

A 14 tonne excavator, a 4 tonne dump truck and two shipping containers storing drilling equipment went missing from a Mitchell Avenue business in mid-January.

All of the equipment was worth $150,000 but has been returned to it's owner after police found the stolen goods at a property near West Gosford on Wednesday night.



Constable Tarryn Edwards says anyone with information should contact central Central Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers.

Lochinvar Reservoir Completed

Final testing is about to get under way on the new reservoir and associated pipelines at Lochinvar.

The 12 month construction project has wound up today, with the 10 megalitre storage facility to supply fresh water for residents living in Maitland to North Rothbury.


NSW Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce says the 4.5 million dollar reservoir will help cater for the area's growing population.

S.E.S Flood Warning for Hunter

The S.E.S is advising landowners adjacent to the Hunter, Paterson and Williams Rivers to remain vigilant, with possible minor to moderate flooding expected tonight.

Computer models indicate the heaviest rain is likely to fall in the Hunter and Manning Valleys. 

S.E.S Deputy Region Controller, Ken Speer, says people need to prepare for more heavy rainfall tonight  and tomorrow. 

Tea Gardens Fire Station Makeover

The major refurbishment of the Tea Gardens fire station will be opened in an official ceremony tomorrow.

The $800,000 extensions include a new operations room, training rooms, station commanders office, toilets and computers.

Port Stephens MP, Craig Baumann says the upgrade will compliment the work the fire fighters do for the community.

8.30am News Fri 1.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


7.30am News Fri 1.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch


6.30am News Fri 1.2.13 Read By Ian Crouch