Monday, 30 September 2013
The Health Services Union guarantees ambulance cover for Hunter
The Health Services Union wants a guarantee Hunter communities won't be left without ambulance cover.
It comes after paramedics from Murrurundi and Singleton were called to the Scone Equine Hospital on Friday to treat a woman who'd been kicked in the head by a horse.
The Scone ambulance crew had been diverted to cover a local horse racing meeting.
The union is calling for a freeze on providing crews at race meetings until it's satisfied the region's ambulance cover is not being compromised.
Armed robbery in New Lambton
A man has escaped with a sum of money following an armed robbery at a New Lambton supermarket.
Police say the man in his late 40's entered the Blackbutt Supermarket on Orchardtown Road just before 3 yesterday afternoon and threatened an 18-year-old female staff member with a knife.
He's described as being of solid build and was wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap.
Our Food Bowl needs protecting
The Hunter's food bowl is under threat as farmers struggle to make a living.
A federal report shows 20 per cent of farming land in the region could be lost.
The Herald reports increasing land values are making development more profitable than agricultural production.
Hunter MP, Joel Fitzgibbon says the region's prime agricultural land needs to be protected and should play a role in the coming Asian dining boom.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Lake Macquarie Sailor guides Oracle Team to stunning win.
Local sailor Kyle Langford is today celebrating after guiding Oracle Team USA to a stunning victory in this mornings final Americas Cup race in San Francisco.
The 24-year-old is the youngest member of the American crew, who were trailing New Zealand by 8 races to 1 last week.
However they managed to claw their way back to win 9-8 in the final race this morning.
The 24-year-old is the youngest member of the American crew, who were trailing New Zealand by 8 races to 1 last week.
However they managed to claw their way back to win 9-8 in the final race this morning.
Resistance to proposed gentlemans club building.
The new owners of the Crown and Anchor Hotel in the CBD are holding a community meeting tonight amid concerns a proposal to turn the pub into a gentlemans club featuring topless waitresses and pole dancers will attract the wrong clientele to the area.
the proposed up market gentlemans club at the Hotel is facing increased community resistance with Newcastle MP Tim Owen agreeing with disgruntled nearby business owners and residents, stating the club is "completely innapropriate" for the CBD and he will "be doing everthing he can" to stop the proposal going ahead.
Hotel Staff have said that they have spoken to council and all relevant authorities and have invited liquor licensing and licensing police to attend the meeting.
the proposed up market gentlemans club at the Hotel is facing increased community resistance with Newcastle MP Tim Owen agreeing with disgruntled nearby business owners and residents, stating the club is "completely innapropriate" for the CBD and he will "be doing everthing he can" to stop the proposal going ahead.
Hotel Staff have said that they have spoken to council and all relevant authorities and have invited liquor licensing and licensing police to attend the meeting.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Monday, 23 September 2013
Vote to remove "Jesus" from prayer
Port Stephen council might remove references to "Jesus" from a start of meeting prayer.
The prayer will still reference "God", but the phrase "in Jesus' name" might be in breach of the 1975 Racial Discrimination Act.
The term "Jesus" could be considered specific to the Christian faith whilst "God" was more inclusive of other religions
The move to remove the phrase would be a back flip on the decision to add it less than twelve months ago.
Port Stephen's Mayor, Bruce MacKenzie, says that it's all "a storm in a tea cup".
"I'm a proud Australian and I don't have a problem with it," Mr MacKenzie said, "but council will decide tomorrow night whether they drop it or not".
Mr MacKenzie acknowledged that the term may be in beech of the discrimination act but says that a lot of people still believe in Jesus.
"I'm not a practising Christian, I don't go to church... but I don't have a problem with people acknowledging Jesus either," said Mr Mackenzie.
Council will vote on the issue tomorrow evening.
The prayer will still reference "God", but the phrase "in Jesus' name" might be in breach of the 1975 Racial Discrimination Act.
The term "Jesus" could be considered specific to the Christian faith whilst "God" was more inclusive of other religions
The move to remove the phrase would be a back flip on the decision to add it less than twelve months ago.
Port Stephen's Mayor, Bruce MacKenzie, says that it's all "a storm in a tea cup".
"I'm a proud Australian and I don't have a problem with it," Mr MacKenzie said, "but council will decide tomorrow night whether they drop it or not".
Mr MacKenzie acknowledged that the term may be in beech of the discrimination act but says that a lot of people still believe in Jesus.
"I'm not a practising Christian, I don't go to church... but I don't have a problem with people acknowledging Jesus either," said Mr Mackenzie.
Council will vote on the issue tomorrow evening.
Arrests after car break-ins
Two teenagers have been arrested after allegedly stealing from cars in Maitland last night
Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command were called to Tipperary Drive in Ashtonfield at about 10pm.
A dog squad officer searched the area behind Tipperary Drive where Police allege they found a backpack containing stolen items and house breaking implements.
A 17 year old male was caught near Ballydole Drive and the police dog tracked down an 18 year old man near My Vincent Road.
Both were taken Mailtand Police Station.
The 17 year old was released after speaking to pending further enquirers.
The 18 year old was charged and is due to face Maitland Local Court later today.
Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command were called to Tipperary Drive in Ashtonfield at about 10pm.
A dog squad officer searched the area behind Tipperary Drive where Police allege they found a backpack containing stolen items and house breaking implements.
A 17 year old male was caught near Ballydole Drive and the police dog tracked down an 18 year old man near My Vincent Road.
Both were taken Mailtand Police Station.
The 17 year old was released after speaking to pending further enquirers.
The 18 year old was charged and is due to face Maitland Local Court later today.
Friday, 20 September 2013
Woman air-lifted to John Hunter Hospital after accident
An elderly woman is being air-lifted to John Hunter Hospital after a serious accident at Wollombi.
The accident occurred at around 10am this morning after the woman's car collided with a tree and trapped her in the vehicle.
Air Crewman Glen Rampling said earlier this morning that paramedics were working to free the woman before she would be air-lifted to hospital for treatment.
The accident occurred at around 10am this morning after the woman's car collided with a tree and trapped her in the vehicle.
Air Crewman Glen Rampling said earlier this morning that paramedics were working to free the woman before she would be air-lifted to hospital for treatment.
Police Seek Assistance for Hamilton South Murder Investigation
Police are asking for public assistance for information about the murder of a woman in Hamilton South yesterday afternoon.
A 43-year-old man has been charged and will face Newcastle Local Court today.
Detective Inspector Graham Parker from Newcastle police says the identity of the victim and cause of death are relatively certain.
A 43-year-old man has been charged and will face Newcastle Local Court today.
Detective Inspector Graham Parker from Newcastle police says the identity of the victim and cause of death are relatively certain.
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Swansea Channel Dredge Debate
Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor, Laurie Coghlan, says there needs to be a regulated maintenance program to ensure the Swansea Channel remains navigable.
Boat owners say previous attempts to dredge the channel have only succeeded in shifting sand from shallow to deep areas.
However, Mr. Coghlan says he'd only be prepared to support paying half the cost of such a program if ongoing maintenance is part of the deal.
Vehicle collision in Gresford
Emergency services have freed a woman from the wreckage of a car two hours after it rolled down an embankment at Gresford.
The Ambulance Service says a car and truck collided on Lostock Road just after 7.30 this morning, with the woman's car coming to rest in an unstable position.
She suffered shoulder and abdominal injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.
The truck driver escaped unharmed.
A salvage operation is currently under way to recover the car.
New findings from Royal Commission into Child Sex Abuse
A Royal Commission into child sex abuse has been told nothing was done about a Newcastle Scout Leader, despite serious concerns being raised against him.
The public hearing in Sydney has today heard evidence about Steven Larkins and his questionable behaviour.
Former Stockton-based Scout Leader, Mr. Armand Hoitink, has also told the ABC that he never felt comfortable about Larkin's behaviour.
Mr. Larkins is currently serving gaol time for aggravated indecent assault and child pornography offences.
Monday, 16 September 2013
More officers for child abuse squad
More police officers have been added to Newcastle's child abuse squad as the Hunter continues to generate the highest rate of child abuse cases in the state.
The startling figure follows the opening of a Royal Commission into the issue in Sydney today, which is expected to run for a week.
Robyn Cotterill Jones from the Victims Assistance League says authorities are doing their best to combat the statistic.
"For some reason the Central Coast and the Hunter Region seem to get a lot of reports of child sexual abuse and it's great to see the police responding by putting more people in," Ms Cotterill Jones said, "It's a tough job investigating child sexual abuse.. the job can be very traumatic for the people involved."
The startling figure follows the opening of a Royal Commission into the issue in Sydney today, which is expected to run for a week.
Robyn Cotterill Jones from the Victims Assistance League says authorities are doing their best to combat the statistic.
"For some reason the Central Coast and the Hunter Region seem to get a lot of reports of child sexual abuse and it's great to see the police responding by putting more people in," Ms Cotterill Jones said, "It's a tough job investigating child sexual abuse.. the job can be very traumatic for the people involved."
Cooks Hill Theft
Police are investigating an alleged theft at Cooks Hill last night.
The victim had just finished parking his car at about 10.30pm when approached by a man.
Newcastle Police Inspector Jared Lawson, said the offender may have had a knife and threatened the man to hand over his money
Police describe the male offender as being Caucasian, 6ft tall, of slim build and with a light brown goatee.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact Newcastle Police Station.
The victim had just finished parking his car at about 10.30pm when approached by a man.
Newcastle Police Inspector Jared Lawson, said the offender may have had a knife and threatened the man to hand over his money
Police describe the male offender as being Caucasian, 6ft tall, of slim build and with a light brown goatee.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact Newcastle Police Station.
Parliamentary committee says it will Hunter wine and horse-breeding industries
A new parliamentary land use and resources sub-committee has assured it will protect the interests of Hunter wine and horse-breeding industries in land conflicts with mining companies
The committee will meet this week to finalize the location of these critical industry clusters in regional New South Wales.
Committee head and Minister for Regional Infrastructure Andrew Stoner said the new committee will make helping regional Australia more efficient.
Mr Stoner described the committee as "bringing the bureaucrats together".
"The role is to better coordinate the various agencies and governments ... we pull it all together and we coordinate it better as a government," Mr Stoner said, "now we move on to the important issues such as finalizing those critical industry clusters".
The committee will meet this week to finalize the location of these critical industry clusters in regional New South Wales.
Committee head and Minister for Regional Infrastructure Andrew Stoner said the new committee will make helping regional Australia more efficient.
Mr Stoner described the committee as "bringing the bureaucrats together".
"The role is to better coordinate the various agencies and governments ... we pull it all together and we coordinate it better as a government," Mr Stoner said, "now we move on to the important issues such as finalizing those critical industry clusters".
Newcastle tennis courts to be leased
Newcastle City Council is seeking to lease tennis courts at National Park and Kurraka Reserve.
Council is interested in organisations capable of maintaining the sites for up to five years.
Recreation Projects Coordinator Rod Maughan says the sites have potential to be used by a variety of groups including schools and sporting clubs.
Submissions close at 2 PM on Tuesday 1st October
Council is interested in organisations capable of maintaining the sites for up to five years.
Recreation Projects Coordinator Rod Maughan says the sites have potential to be used by a variety of groups including schools and sporting clubs.
Submissions close at 2 PM on Tuesday 1st October
Royal Commission evidence will "shock" the nation
Lawyers say the full extent of child sexual abuse, including specific cases in the Hunter, will shock the nation when details are exposed at a Royal Commission.
Public hearings start in Sydney today looking at institutions such as Scouts Australia and Hunter Aboriginal Children's Services and what they knew about the activities of convicted paedophile, Steven Larkins.
Support Advocate, Leonie Sheedy says the public needs to hear the truth about what went on.
"The spot light is going to be on the sexual usage and brutally that was handed out to children in orphanages and children's homes," said Ms Sheedy.
She said the Australian public will be "totally shocked"
"They have no idea the level of criminality and the brutality that was committed on children who had no one to turn to," said Ms Sheedy.
Public hearings start in Sydney today looking at institutions such as Scouts Australia and Hunter Aboriginal Children's Services and what they knew about the activities of convicted paedophile, Steven Larkins.
Support Advocate, Leonie Sheedy says the public needs to hear the truth about what went on.
"The spot light is going to be on the sexual usage and brutally that was handed out to children in orphanages and children's homes," said Ms Sheedy.
She said the Australian public will be "totally shocked"
"They have no idea the level of criminality and the brutality that was committed on children who had no one to turn to," said Ms Sheedy.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Boat Explosion
A man has suffered burns to his face in a boat explosion at Tea Gardens.
Police say the man was working on the boat which was moored off Marine Drive just before 11 last night when an electrical fault ignited fuel vapours in the hull, causing a flash over.
He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
The boat sustained only superficial damage.
Bushfire Warning
The Rural Fire Service says several bushfires in the Hunter were the result of hazard reduction burns which got out of control..
Crews were kept busy yesterday afternoon with fires at WOLLOMBI, DUNGOG, MEDOWIE, GRESFORD and BLACK HILL.
The RFS says residents should avoid burning off during hot and windy conditions.
Police Seek Gang Over Mayfield Assault
A security guard and a member of the public who came to his aid were both taken to hospital overnight after being assaulted by a group of 6 men at Mayfield.
Police say the guard was speaking to one of the men about a shop lifting incident at chemist shop in Maitland Road just after 8.30 last night when he became violent.
A passer-by tried to intervene and was also assaulted by the group.
The two men were taken to hospital with cuts and bruises.
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Fullerton Cove Residents Group Facing Bankruptcy
The State Government will today take a Fullerton Cove community group to court, pursuing around $60,000 dollars in legal costs.
The Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group took Dart Energy and the State Government to the Land and Environment Court over plans to drill from coal seam gas in nearby aquifers and lost the case.
The O'Farrell Government has instigated legal action to recover court costs, however group president Lindsay Clout believes by Justice Pepper, who presided over the original court case, has told a government representative the state doesn't have a case.
No Paid Parking For Charlestown
Plans to introduce paid parking around Charlestown have been knocked on the head.
Lake Macquarie councillors have rejected a staff recommendation calling for community consultation on paid parking in Tallara and Smith Streets behind the Mattara Hotel and next to Charlestown Library.
Instead, they've called on staff to consider timed parking and more enforcement.
Inquiry Moves To Sydney
The inquiry into child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in the Hunter has been told bishops believed paedophile priests could be cured with spiritual forgiveness.
Monsignor John Usher has given evidence at the inquiry in Sydney and says 20 years ago the first response from senior clergy to claims of paedophilia was disbelief.
It was widely believed priests could not commit sexual abuse and where they did, it was regarded as a one-off incident which could be cured with counselling.
Toronto Figs To Stay For Now
A decision on whether to cut down a row of iconic fig trees at Toronto has been deferred.
A petition containing more than a thousand signatures convinced Lake Macquarie councillors to put the brakes on the chainsaws to allow more time for community consultation.
Council staff have recommended replacing the 9 figs in The Boulevard as part of a plan to upgrade the street.
Petitioners have accused staff of trying to rush through a decision in a bid to avoid a similar political controversy which surrounded the removal of Newcastle's Laman Street figs.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Council to vote on future of Toronto's fig trees
The future of nine fig trees along The Boulevarde, Toronto will be decided tonight as Lake Macquarie Council votes on whether to chop down the figs as part of a plan to upgrade The Boulevarde.
The idea is part of a council plan to upgrade Toronto's main street, with concerns the figs may cause damage to building foundations and infrastructure.
Council staff have recommended a staged replacement of the trees, but there are still community concerns the economic benefits of the trees have been overlooked.
The idea is part of a council plan to upgrade Toronto's main street, with concerns the figs may cause damage to building foundations and infrastructure.
Council staff have recommended a staged replacement of the trees, but there are still community concerns the economic benefits of the trees have been overlooked.
Hunter Seat Retained by Fitzgibbon
The Federal Seat of the
Hunter has been retained by incumbent Joel Fitzgibbon.
The Former Agriculture Minister experienced a swing of 8.6% against him, the largest against Labor in New South Wales.
Mr Ftizgibbon believes he will remain at the forefront of the party.
"I think it's important that I play a leadership role in the new government,” said Mr Fitzgibbon, “we’ve got a rebuilding process ahead of us.”
Mr Fitzgibbon has held the Hunter seat since 1996, and says he will fight for Hunter residents to restore the trust Labor lost while in power.
He claims his opponent used dirty tactics to try and win votes.
Mr Fitzgibbon’s opponent, Nationals candidate Michael Johnsen, refutes Mr Fitzgibbon’s claim auguring that Labor.
“Have a history of trying to blame others for their own failings,” said Mr Johnsen.
Mr Johnsen said the new government will deliver lower living costs to Hunter residents, “the promises around getting rid of the carbon tax and mining tax will have a have a significant impact when that occurs.”
The Former Agriculture Minister experienced a swing of 8.6% against him, the largest against Labor in New South Wales.
Mr Ftizgibbon believes he will remain at the forefront of the party.
"I think it's important that I play a leadership role in the new government,” said Mr Fitzgibbon, “we’ve got a rebuilding process ahead of us.”
Mr Fitzgibbon has held the Hunter seat since 1996, and says he will fight for Hunter residents to restore the trust Labor lost while in power.
He claims his opponent used dirty tactics to try and win votes.
Mr Fitzgibbon’s opponent, Nationals candidate Michael Johnsen, refutes Mr Fitzgibbon’s claim auguring that Labor.
“Have a history of trying to blame others for their own failings,” said Mr Johnsen.
Mr Johnsen said the new government will deliver lower living costs to Hunter residents, “the promises around getting rid of the carbon tax and mining tax will have a have a significant impact when that occurs.”
Maitland Residents Invited to Talk About Rates
Maitland City Council is
hoping to meet with residents to discuss future funding options.
Council is running seven drop-in sessions over the week so residents a chance to give feedback about the Council’s proposed rate increases.
General Manager, David Evans, says residents have already indicated support for rate increases to ensure current services. Mr Evans said rate revenue was council’s “largest single income stream.”
“There are two suggested increases one of 7.25% increase per year and one of 8.95% increase per year," Mr Evans said, "the two range between about at $86 a year increase for the 7.25% increase and about $106 a year increase for the higher one."
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved increases of around 3% to 3.2% a year.
“If Council does nothing but continue with the allowable increases approved by IPART each year, we would accumulate a deficit of over $92 million”, said Mr Evans.
The drop-in sessions follow on from Council’s rates survey released earlier this year.
The first session is tonight 5.30 ‘til 7.30 tonight at East Maitland Library.
More information can be found at maitlandyoursay.com
Council is running seven drop-in sessions over the week so residents a chance to give feedback about the Council’s proposed rate increases.
General Manager, David Evans, says residents have already indicated support for rate increases to ensure current services. Mr Evans said rate revenue was council’s “largest single income stream.”
“There are two suggested increases one of 7.25% increase per year and one of 8.95% increase per year," Mr Evans said, "the two range between about at $86 a year increase for the 7.25% increase and about $106 a year increase for the higher one."
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved increases of around 3% to 3.2% a year.
“If Council does nothing but continue with the allowable increases approved by IPART each year, we would accumulate a deficit of over $92 million”, said Mr Evans.
The drop-in sessions follow on from Council’s rates survey released earlier this year.
The first session is tonight 5.30 ‘til 7.30 tonight at East Maitland Library.
More information can be found at maitlandyoursay.com
Tourle Street Bridge Duplication In Doubt
The Tourle Street Bridge duplication may not go ahead under the new government.
The $52 million project was announced a month ago by former Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese.
The plan involved duplicating the current Tourle Street Bridge and upgrading a section of the bridge near Cormorant Road on Kooragang Island.
At the time the Liberal party refused to match Labor's commitment.
Newly elected Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, said she will push the Liberal government to match Labor's commitment.
"It will be my role and the role of all the other Labor MP's in the region to get Mr Abbott and his Liberal government to make sure that they honour Labor's commitment," Mrs Claydon said.
Friday, 6 September 2013
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Monday, 2 September 2013
Break and Enter at Iron Horse
Lake Macquarie Police are investigating a break in at the Iron Horse Inn at Cardiff.
Police were alerted to the Inn at 10.50pm last night.
Senior Constable Juan Mahoney said the Inn had also been broken into the night before
"On arrival police found that the rear door of the location had been forced open and a police dog unit completed a search of the location," he said.
Across the road from the Inn police arrested a man who they later released awaiting further inquiries.
Police are now investigating both break and enters on the hotel.
Police were alerted to the Inn at 10.50pm last night.
Senior Constable Juan Mahoney said the Inn had also been broken into the night before
"On arrival police found that the rear door of the location had been forced open and a police dog unit completed a search of the location," he said.
Across the road from the Inn police arrested a man who they later released awaiting further inquiries.
Police are now investigating both break and enters on the hotel.
Newcastle's Parklet Plan
Newcastle City Council has released plans today to build "parklets" along Hunter Street.
The parklets are part of the councils urban renewal strategy to improve Newcastle's CBD.
City Council Program Manager Tim Askew said the parklet plan will provide more room for people cycling and walking
"We just want to see activity," he said, "there will be some shade under temporary trees in pots, there will be seats... we're also trying to encourage outdoor dinning."
The scheme is based on similar projects in New York and San Francisco.
"If people wanted to perhaps Google parklets you'll be able to some examples form all around the world...you'll be able to see some really innovating designs for parklets," Mr Askew said.
Mr Askew also if people wanted see what a parklet looked like there will be a "demonstration parklet" outside Civic Theater.
Council is looking for feedback on the proposals and would like the community's input on the design of the parklets.
The public exhibition period will be open from today until the 30th September.
Council hopes to start the parklet trial mid next year.
Image source: Artinfo
The parklets are part of the councils urban renewal strategy to improve Newcastle's CBD.
City Council Program Manager Tim Askew said the parklet plan will provide more room for people cycling and walking
"We just want to see activity," he said, "there will be some shade under temporary trees in pots, there will be seats... we're also trying to encourage outdoor dinning."
The scheme is based on similar projects in New York and San Francisco.
"If people wanted to perhaps Google parklets you'll be able to some examples form all around the world...you'll be able to see some really innovating designs for parklets," Mr Askew said.
Mr Askew also if people wanted see what a parklet looked like there will be a "demonstration parklet" outside Civic Theater.
Council is looking for feedback on the proposals and would like the community's input on the design of the parklets.
The public exhibition period will be open from today until the 30th September.
Council hopes to start the parklet trial mid next year.
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