Tenth Day of Shark Sightings Closes Blacksmiths Beach

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A spate of shark sightings along the coast of Lake Macquarie has prompted the closure of ones of its beaches.

Blacksmiths Beach was closed for an hour yesterday after a 3 metre bull shark was sighted near the beach by a Department of Primary Industries helicopter.

An alarm was sounded before lifeguards conducted a jet ski search, put out signs and cleared swimmers from the water.

The shark moved away from the beach, which reopened around 10:40am.

At least one shark has been sighted between Redhead Beach and Blacksmiths Point every day for the last 10 days.

Two sharks were seen off Blacksmiths Beach on Tuesday.

Redhead Beach was closed on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday following great white shark sightings.

Police Recover Alleged Stolen Jewellery at Windale Property

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A man is set to face Newcastle Local Court today after police found 55 pieces of allegedly stolen jewellery following a break-in at a Charlestown store.

It's alleged the store was broken into on the night of the 27th and 28th of December this year.

Police from the Lake Macquarie Property Crime Reduction Team were investigating the break-in, leading police to execute a search warrant at a Windale property yesterday morning.

A 44-year-old man was arrested and later charged with break enter and steal, shoplifting, goods in custody, possess prohibited drug and hinder police in the execution of their duty.

He was refused bail.

A woman was also arrested at the Windale property in relation to revocation of parole warrant.

Women Spend Night on Rock Ledge Above Dudley Beach

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Two women have spent a night on a cliff ledge after becoming trapped during a walk between Merewether and Redhead Beaches.

The two 27-year-olds set off on their coastal trek at around 4:30 yesterday afternoon before they became trapped due to the terrain and fading light.

The women contacted a friend around 6:30pm, advising them of their situation.

The friend contacted emergency services at around 11pm when the women failed to return home.

Police and ambulance paramedics found the women on a rock ledge above the waterline near Dudley Beach just after 11:30pm.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter attended the scene however, it was deemed too dangerous to winch the women out.

A paramedic was winched to the women due to concerns regarding dehydration and communication.

Ground parties were expected to walk the women out of the area at first light this morning.

Missing FRENCH tourist found!

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A French tourist who was feared to be missing at a camp ground near Lake Macquarie has contacted police telling them she is safe and well.

Holiday goers raised the alarm with a National Parks and Wildlife Officer who notified police.

A tent and two sleeping bags were searched on Monday and revealed to be Sandra Longeaud's after they had been unattended for about three days.

Fingal Bay Man Charged After Damaging Trains

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A Fingal Bay man has been charged with numerous offences after damaging five light rail trains with extensive graffiti.

Three people, including the 25 year old from Fingal Bay gained entry to a Sydney Light Rail parking area in Lilyfield around 1am yesterday morning, extensively spraying graffiti onto trains.

Police attended and arrested the man while the other two evaded arrest.

A female probationary constable was knocked over as the offenders escaped; she was uninjured.

Police allegedly searched the man, locating two spray cans and an orange marker pen.

Bolt cutters and 28 spray cans were also allegedly found at the scene.

The Fingal Bay man was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with destroy/damage property, possess graffiti implement, go onto railway premises, and damage public passenger train.

He was granted conditional bail, to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on the 3rd of February.

Police are attempting to locate the other two offenders.

Double Demerits Now in Force

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Police are urging motorists across the Hunter to drive safely this festive season as double demerits begin today.

The double demerit point scheme will apply to offences such as not using a seatbelt, riding without a helmet, illegal use of mobile phones and speeding.

Double demerits are enforced until 12am on the 3rd of January as part of Operation Safe Arrival which was launched by Police last Friday.

While there are additional penalties for driving offences, the main focus of the Operation is safety.

Assistant Commissioner, Michael Corboy says by simply abiding by the law, drivers will avoid penalties and more importantly, road accidents.

"This is something we've all grown up with. To not do it is just plain stupid".

The Assistant Commissioner says it's not just up to the driver to make sure road rules are being obeyed.

"I'm also calling on all passengers in vehicles and family members to say 'if you've had a few beers please don't drink and drive' and 'mum or dad, please put that mobile phone away, I don't want you to crash while I'm in the car with you'".

New transport interchange dubbed the Newcastle Interchange

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It may not win any awards for thinking outside of the box, but the new transport interchange in Newcastle's West has been officially dubbed the Newcastle Interchange.

Upon a recommendation from the Geographical Names Board and after 65 submissions, the NSW Government settled on the name which, despite getting some heavy criticism,  Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says it reflects the role of the interchange as a gateway to the great city.

The Newcastle Interchange is being delivered as a part of the NSW Government's $510 million program to revitalise the city.

Image courtesy of the Newcastle Herald.

Missing Newcastle woman FOUND

BY JESSICA ROUSE

In a search lasting no longer than three hours, missing Newcastle woman Sandie Stapleton has been found.

The 38-year old was reported missing after wandering into bushland at Jesmond on Robinson Avenue at about 11am yesterday.

There were strong concerns for her safety as she suffers from a brain injury.

Police rescue officers coordinated a search with the help of PolAir, police on trail bikes, the Dog Unit and NSW SES.

In the end it was a tip off from a member of the community which lead police to Sandie Stapleton.

Plans to close the iconic Driver Reviver near Beresfield

BY JESSICA ROUSE and JESSICA WORBOYS

The Morisset Lions Club run Driver Reviver station beside the roundabout at the end of the M1 Pacific Motorway near Beresfield could be no more.

The station site is set to become a part of NSW Roads and Maritime Services planned upgrade of the intersection for road widening.

Morisset Lions Club have not only served hundreds of thousands of cups of tea, coffee and handed out millions of biscuits, but have also helped keep down the road toll at the same time.

The decision has saddened and disappointed many, with thousands of people even signing a petition to save the station but to no avail; and no alternative site has been found.

Refilled and replenished, this could be the last Christmas holiday the station is open with the 2017 October long weekend to be its last weekend open.

Image courtesy of NBN News.

Maitland service station October robbery investigations

Detectives are appealing for information on a series of armed robberies at Hunter service stations back in October this year.

Strike Force Bennie detectives have released images of a man they believe could assist in investigations into an armed robbery in South Maitland.

A woman armed with a knife entered the service station and she is described of being Caucasian appearance, 165cm tall with a medium build.

An image of a vehicle involved in the incident has also been released and is depicted as a white Hyundai Excel with a centre exhaust and distinct dark circles on the bumper.

Images courtesy of the NSW Police Force Facebook page.

Street racing teens caught in Lake Macquarie

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The residential streets of Lake Macquarie were a little louder than usual yesterday afternoon with police detecting two teenage drivers allegedly street racing.

Just before 2pmn, Lake Macquarie Local Area Command police were patrolling in an unmarked vehicle northbound on the Pacific Highway at Blacksmiths in a 70kph zone, when they were overtaken by two vehicles travelling at a clocked speed of 135kph.

A 17 year old from Bateau Bay driving a Toyota Corolla displaying a red P-plate and a 19 year old man from Terrigal also driving a Toyota Corolla but displaying a green P-plate, were both stopped by officers.

Both drivers had their driving privileges suspended on the spot and it is expected defect notices will also be issued for both vehicles due to their non-compliance with vehicle standards.

Inquiries will continue.

Lake Macquarie men charged with large scale drug supply

BY JESSICA ROUSE

NSW Strike Force Dunrossil with the assistance of officers from the Gangs Squad's Strike Force Raptor have arrested and charged two men as part of an investigation into large commercial drug supply in Lake Macquarie.

Seven search warrants were executed at about 11am on Tuesday for five homes in Cooranbong, Bolcolyn, Eraring, Terrigal, and Sunshine and two Morisset businesses.

A 35-year old man was arrested at Morisset and taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of commercial drug supply.

He was refused bail to appear at Toronto Local Court yesterday where he was formally refused bail to appear again today.

A 28-year old man was also arrested at another Morisset property and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with two counts of drug supply and recklessly deal in proceeds of crime.

He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear in Toronto Local Court on 24th January next year.

Police allegedly seized more than $100, 000 in cash, methylamphetamine, cocaine, steroids, various prohibited weapons, mobile phones, business documents and a BMW X5.

Police continue to investigate.

Image courtesy of NSW Police Force Facebook page.

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole open in time for Christmas

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle's iconic Bogey Hole has been officially reopened at a ceremony today after being closed for over a year for construction works.

The heritage listed site was closed last year due to fears of cliff instability posing a threat to swimmers.

The works which have been completed cost $490,000 and is the first stage to be completed, with more work expected to be undertaken during the 2017 low season on the eastern retaining wall and access road.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the safety assessment and geotechnical work has been a lengthy but a worthy process.

“Stage 1 works have focused on stabilising the overhanging cliffs and mitigating rock falls with the installation of rock-catch fencing above the viewing platform. Other safety measures include new fencing to prevent access to dangerous sections of the site and additional work on the stanchions and chains, stairs and ladders.

"This is obviously a popular spot for beachgoers and the people of Newcastle," Mr MacDonald said.

The length of time taken to complete construction has been a point of contention between local and state MP's with Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp putting pressure on the Baird Government over the length of the closure.

"I've been happy to champion this issue with nearly 6000 people signing a petition to have the Bogey Hole reopened.

"It's taken too long but it has been a real victory for people power," Mr Crakanthorp said.

Mr MacDonald rejected these claims saying the reopening had nothing to do with local MP's as it is a state issue.

"Tim would claim credit for anything, he's probably looking for credit for the sun coming up this morning.

"These are safety issues and they should remain out of the political domain.

"I'm not an expert, Tim is not an expert, we rely on the experts, the engineers to make those risk assessments, it should never be a political campaign to decide whether something is open or not," he said.

Although works have been undertaken to improve the safety of the area, swimmers are still advised to stay safe.

Mr MacDonald said the government would not let people back in unless they were satisfied that the area was safe.

"Just take care around those coastal environments, they are natural environments so they are not perfectly formed pools."

Tim Crakanthorp

Scot Macdonald

Newcastle's Bogey Hole.
Courtesy of Tripadvisor. 

UPDATE: Central Hunter LAC raids in Abermain

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Several people will front Maitland Local Court today after  numerous search warrants in the Abermain area were carried out yesterday.

48 police from the Central Hunter Local Area Command's Strike Force Oleria searched properties in Abermain, Weston and Chisholm at around 8:15 yesterday morning.

Strike Force Oleria have been investigating the supply of prohibited drugs since October this year, and carried out six search warrants and six crime scene warrants in relation to prohibited drug operations.

Among those arrested were five men aged 21, 55, 31, and two 23 year old as well as a 33 year old and 20 year old woman - all arrested with drug and firearm charges. One 51 year old woman is being questioned.

Charges included supply prohibited drug - large commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug - indictable quantity, possess shortened firearm and possess prohibited pistol. 

Police allegedly located and seized numerous items including a handgun, two 12 gauge shotguns, an air rifle, a sawn off .22 rifle, a shortened .22 calibre rifle, assorted ammunition, an extendable baton, an amount of methylamphetamine, cannabis leaf, a number of mobile phones, laptop computers, storage devices, a Honda 125cc motorcycle, and personal documentation.  

                                     Images courtesy of NSW Police Force Facebook page.

UPDATE: Newcastle City Council Chief Executive

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle City Council are still no closer to appointing a new interim chief executive.

Council were required to cancel their meeting on Monday night after a number of councillors failed to attend.

All four Liberal councillors, Brad Luke, Sharon Waterhouse, David Compton and Lisa Tierney, and two independents, Allan Robinson and Andrea Rufo were all no-shows.

Hence a decision on the new chief executive wasn't made.

The Councillors claim the taker for the top job was leaked to a member of the public before it had the chance to be reviewed by Councillors.

The meeting last night came to the decision the appointment would be handed over to the Office of Local Government. 

House Fire at Glendale

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A home has been severely damaged after a house fire in Glendale in the early hours of this morning.

Four fire units from Holmesville, Mayfield, Minmi and Cardiff attended the scene after they received the triple zero call at 3:04 this morning.

The two occupants of the house escaped the blaze without injury before fire crews arrived at 3:14am, however, five pet dogs were found deceased in the property.

The fire was extinguished at 3:25am.

Around 50% of the property is estimated to have received damage from fire, water and smoke.

Fire crews will today investigate the cause of the blaze and determine whether any suspicious circumstances surround the incident.

Petrol price hike in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With Christmas fast approaching, petrol prices in the Hunter are rising even further with an NRMA study finding Maitland has had the highest price hike in the past week, with unleaded petrol rising 11.6 cents per litre.

Prices at the bowser Goulburn isn't far behind with a 6.8 cent rise and Muswellbrook isn't much better averaging a 6.5 cent per litre price rise.

Regional areas across the state are experiencing higher than usual price rises with Buladelah paying 135.4 for unleaded and Gundagai paying not much less, 135.2.

Eight charged with drug related offenses in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A number of arrests were carried out yesterday in the areas of Abermain, Weston and Chisholm  leading to the arrest of five males and three females.

Strike Force Oleria have been investigating the supply of prohibited drugs since October this year, and carried out six search warrants and six crime scene warrants in relation to drug operations.

48 police from Central Hunter Local Area Command were deployed to carry out the arrests.

All eight people were charged with drug related offenses and refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court today.

Emergency Plus App Launches In Time for Christmas

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Fire & Rescue NSW is urging the community to download the free Emergency+ smartphone app before going on holidays during the Christmas period.

Deputy Commissioner Jim Hamilton said that many holidaymakers would be travelling through unfamiliar areas over the next few weeks.

"If an emergency occurs, the Emergency+ app provides users with their GPS reference which they can report to an emergency call taker to pinpoint physical location," he said.

Knowing the precise location of a caller makes it far easier for emergency operators to dispatch emergency services to the correct location.

Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott says the app also contains other emergency contact numbers as well as a short explanation of when to call non-emergency numbers.

"This is to help members of the public dial the correct number and reduce the number of calls to the Triple Zero (000) service that should be directed to another service," he said.

The Emergency+ app is free and available to download through the Google Play, Windows and Apple Stores.

Carrie's Place to Expand in 2017

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Maitland's anti-domestic violence service and homeless shelter Carrie's Place plans to expand into the heart of the city next year.

Coordinator Jenny Harland said the soaring statistics of domestic violence in Maitland had necessitated a drastic expansion of the service in the near future.

"We've totally outgrown the resource centre," Ms Harland said.

"We need to increase our space and expand our operations, so we're pursuing somewhere to move in Maitland."

The organisation plans to move to new headquarters which will include a car park, access to public transport and security for people fleeing violence.

CEO Jan McDonald says she hopes the expansion will make Carrie's Place more efficient and welcoming.

"We currently just have the one property, and clients sometimes have to sit out in the garden, in the children's room, in the kitchen where our groceries are - because there's just not enough room at all here," she said.

"We are looking at moving to facilities that allow our clients to feel safer and afford them a bit more dignity."

The move will be funded by money raised by the members of Carrie's Place and the community.

Newcastle City Council's Meeting Cancelled Due to No-Shows

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Newcastle City Council was required to cancel their meeting last night after a number of councillors failed to attend.

All four Liberal councillors, Brad Luke, Sharon Waterhouse, David Compton and Lisa Tierney, and two independents, Allan Robinson and Andrea Rufo were all no-shows.

Their lack of presence resulted in the council unable to make the minimum quorum.

This follows increased tensions between Newcastle councillors who are at odds over the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for the council.

Its reported a candidate was selected for the CEO position before other short-listed candidates were interviewed by the council.

The meeting has been adjourned and is expected to be re-conducted this week.

Image Courtesy: newcastle.nsw.gov.au

UberWAV to be Trialled in Newcastle

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Newcastle has been selected as the Australian trial site for ride-sharing company, Uber's new service, UberWAV.

The service will provide those with disabilities the opportunity to ride with Uber in wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Newcastle was chosen for the trial due to its large population of passengers requiring accessible transport options. 

Vehicles fitted out with wheelchair lifts can be requested by passengers on the Uber smartphone app and are available for the same fare as a regular UberX ride.

UberX rides are usually 30% cheaper than taxis outside of busy trading times.

A lucky Mayfield woman was the first to test out the UberWAV service in Australia.

Image Courtesy: uber.com

Alex McKinnon Expected to Sue NRL

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

In an unprecedented move, former Newcastle Knights player, Alex McKinnon is reportedly preparing to take out a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the NRL and Melbourne Storm prop, Jordan McLean.

The 24-year-old is believed to be seeking compensation after he was tackled by McLean during a match in 2014, leaving him with spinal injuries and rendering him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The tackle was deemed as illegal, leading to McLean serving a seven-match ban.

Alex McKinnon
Image Courtesy: nrl.com

In rugby league, individual players have been sued by other players in the past however, this is the first time the head body of the sport has been legally pursued in NRL history.

McKinnon was paid $750 000 by the Newcastle Knights for the remainder of his two-year contract.

He was promised a job in the NRL for life by the then chief executive, David Smith and is currently employed in player recruitment with the Knights.

$1 500 000 was also raised at the time of McKinnon's injury through the Rise for Alex fundraiser.

It is estimated McKinnon's medical costs for the rest of his life could come to more than $20 000 000.

20 man strong pub brawl in Sandgate

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are still after two unknown men and several other people involved in a 20 people strong brawl at a hotel in Sandgate Road over the weekend.

Shortly before midnight on Saturday, two men were escorted from the hotel by staff after a verbal altercation.

Several others followed the men outside and a brawl ensued.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command attended the scene locating 15 people still in the area.

Many of those involved suffered injuries from minor lacerations to a possible broken jaw.

An 18-year old man was arrested and charged with affray and behaving in an offensive manner.

He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on 19 January 2017.

Investigations are continuing and anyone with any information are urged to contact police or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

14-month old girl drowns in Port Stephens

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A weekend in Port Stephens has ended in tragedy with the drowning death of a 14-month old girl.

At about 4:15pm yesterday, the little girl was found in a backyard pool by a relative in Medowie.

She was pulled unconscious from the water with both family and attending police performing CPR before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.

She was taken to John Hunter Hospital, but was unable to be revived.

Lake Macquarie Overlooked in Coastal Plan

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Yasmin Catley

Lake Macquarie and the Hunter have been overlooked in the state government’s face-to-face consultations regarding its coastal management plan, Swansea MP Yasmin Catley said.

The government have been holding consultations along the NSW coast, holding three in Sydney and two on the south coast.  It’s also held one in Ballina, Port Macquarie and Erina – but none in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions.

“The government are not serious about coastal reform if they aren’t including areas like Lake Macquarie,” Ms Catley said.

She also said the government are far too “Sydney-centric” and refuse to take the regions seriously. 

“They [the government] need to wake up to themselves and understand that regions like ours in the Hunter need to be consulted with and need to be part of the conversation,” she said.

“The government just doesn’t take anywhere out of Sydney seriously.”

The Newcastle Herald reported on Friday that a member of the NSW Coastal Alliance was told the government believed it was too difficult to get to the Hunter.

“To me, it shows a complete disregard for the thousands of people here who will be affected by the [policy],” she to the Herald.

However, Ms Catley said the decision to snub the Hunter could be down to the lack of Coalition-held seats in the region.

“I think that there could be some political motivation about this.  If you look at the locations, they’re all either in National [Party] seats or in … the [Liberal-held] seat of Terrigal,” she said.

Coastal electorates in the Hunter – Swansea, Newcastle, Charlestown and Port Stephens – are all Labor-held seats.

The seat of Lake Macquarie, held by Independent MP Greg Piper, is the only waterside seat in the region not held by the Opposition.

Manhunt Under Way For Armed Bandits In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are investigating separate armed robberies at Islington and Broadmeadow overnight.

Two men entered the Metro Service Station on Maitland Road at about 10.45pm and threatened the male and female attendants with a weapon before escaping with cash and goods.

Then at 11.30pm, a man entered a hotel on Brunker Road at Broadmeadow armed with a gun and threatened two staff and two patrons before fleeing with cash.

He was last seen running down Chatham Street.

BREAKING! Fire Rips Through Belmont Unit

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has severely damaged a Housing Commission unit at Belmont.

Neighbours of the Belstone Avenue unit complex woke to the sound of glass popping just before 3.30 this morning.

Fire crews from Tingira Heights, Belmont and Charlestown arrived to find smoke issuing from the roof amid fears someone was trapped inside.

Thankfully, no-one was home at the time.

It took about 20 minutes to extinguish the fire which was contained to a bedroom - the rest of the unit was damaged by smoke.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Abermain Fire 'Watch and Act'

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

NSW Rural Fire Service have labelled the bushfire at Abermain 'Watch and Act' and continue to treat the blaze as suspicious.

Fire activity is thought to be picking up near Lake Road and Neath, and people are advised to monitor changing conditions.

Anthony Clarke from RFS says at this point in time, the fire poses no threat to properties.

"It is burning close to properties at the moment and firefighters are on scene," he said. "They're also being assisted with water bombing aircraft and that includes a very large air tank.

"It is really important that people in the area continue to monitor conditions. You may see an increase in smoke and flames and also be alert to smoke and embers throughout the afternoon."

As investigations continue, Ben Shepherd from RFS urges anyone with information about the cause of the fire to come forward.

He also warns that those who start fires, will be caught.

"Just don't do it. Society doesn't accept it, we don't accept it," he said. "We will find you and ensure that you are brought before the courts."

Fire at Abermain. [Image: Maitland Mercury]

Police hunt driver who fled fatal crash

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police are currently on the hunt for a male driver who fled the scene of a crash in Wickham resulting in the death of a 36-year-old woman.

The crash occurred just after 9am this morning when a white Ute lost control on the roundabout at Branch Street.

The vehicle crashed into the victims motorised scooter before mounting the kerb and smashing into a fence.

The woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition with a head injury and multiple fractures but died.

The male driver is described as wearing high visibility clothing with blood on his face, about 175-180cm tall with short brown hair.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the whereabouts of the man police are seeking should call Newcastle City Local Area Command or Crime Stoppers of 1800 333 000.

Update 3:30pm

Police have confirmed a 31-year-old man has handed himself into police.

Armed man arrested in Waratah

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police have arrested a 32-year-old man who was allegedly armed with a knife and mask outside a shopping centre at Coolamin Road, Waratah last night.

About 9:45 last night, police received a call from a concerned member of the public about a man acting suspiciously.

Police arrived soon after and spoke with the man before subjecting him to a search.

Senior Constable Felicity Jenkins from NSW Police said the man was placed under arrest and taken to Waratah Police Station.

"He was charged with armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, possess means of disguising face with intent to commit an indictable offence, and custody of a knife in a public place," she said.

Police inquiries are continuing.

Abermain Fire Deliberately Lit

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire authorities say a bushfire at Abermain which threatened dozens of homes and destroyed a truck appears to have been deliberately lit.

Fire crews have spent the night backburning in a bid to strengthen containment lines around the fire, which has burnt out around a thousand hectares and is currently burning in the vicinity of Hebburn Road.

Although the fire has been downgraded to the advice level, Greg Allen from the Rural Fire Service says residents need to remain vigilant ahead of another hot day today.

"High temperatures, strong winds of course are going to be of concern. Our firefighters will do all they can, but of course residents need to do all they can to assist firefighters as well by preparing their properties in case fire threatens by clearing gutters, removing items from around their properties which could burn, and having a bushfire survival plan made and discussed with families as well," he said.

Firefighter Battles Abermain Fire Picture: smh.com.au

A Truck Is Destroyed In The Blaze Picture: Cessnock Advertiser

Multi-million dollar sporting precinct in the works

BY TYLER FARDELL

A Multi-million dollar sport and recreation complex will be built to service the growing population in Newcastle's West, under a plan set to go before Newcastle Council today.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the long term vision was to create a world class sporting facility in Maryand which would rival National Park in Cooks Hill.

The selected site is 20 hectares of parcel land along Creek road which has been offered to the council by mining group Glencore free of charge.

A 12 million dollar concept design has been drawn up which includes state of the art facilities for soccer, netball, cricket and AFL, with talks about including Tennis courts and a grandstand later down the road.

A masterplan would be developed to link the complex to the sporting facilities at Callaghan, Federal Park and Wallsend through pedestrian pathways.

"This will give us enough land to create an area we can turn into a showpiece of sporting facilities for all of the Western Suburbs of Newcastle" Ms Nelmes said.

Concept plan of the sporting precinct
Photo credit- Newcastle Herald

Community brings change to Supercar circuit

By SARAH BARONOWSKI

Organisers of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 have made changes to the 2.6 kilometre Supercar circuit following community feedback.

The revised track no longer includes Pacific Park or the Fort but instead runs down WATT street and winds around the Shortland Esplanade.

Despite these changes, the circuit is still set to run through Newcastle's East which has left residents worried about the disruptions the race will bring.

Revised Circuit. [Image from Newcastle Herald]

Newcastle East resident and business owner Maria Charlton said there are more people in the area against the race than for it.

"There are 10 to 20 percent that are for it and they're not affected by the route," she said. "However 80 percent of the residents of Newcastle East are against this.

"It's a majority of residents opposing a race that is targeted at 20 percent of the population."

NSW Premier Mike Baird said those opposed to the race should consider the upside.

"Let me tell you they can rent their places out for a fortune," he said.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said council and Supercars will continue their dialogue with residents to ensure the best outcome for all.

"Newcastle City Council thanks the community for their feedback to date," she said. "Consultation will continue to minimise any disruption will ensuring the track highlights the best of Newcastle including its famous coastline."

To discuss the next stages of planning with the community, information sessions will be held at the Crown Plaza, Newcastle today between 4:30pm and 8:30pm and tomorrow between 8am and 12pm.

Urban Revitalisation of Newcastle stepping things up

BY TYLER FARDELL

In a major win for the revitalisation of the Newcastle city centre, NSW Premier Mike Baird has today announced big plans which will transform the CBD.

The University of Newcastle has secured two hectares of land at Honeysuckle and the adjoining former heavy-rail corridor and will work to expand its world-class research and industry facilities.

"This agreement is a game-changer for the Hunter. Not only will it significantly enhance Newcastle's CBD, it will greatly contribute to the massive construction jobs boom in the city-centre" Mr Baird said.

The developments, along with the new campus and innovation hub will ensure Newcastle becomes a highly developed and connected city.

Also announced by the Premier was a new and improved public transport network for the city, with a new time-tabling system that will link bus, ferry and light-rail timetables to ensure the best services for customers.

"Newcastle transport will guarantee better and more frequent transport options, giving Novacastrians the world-class transport they deserve".

Premier Mike Baird with Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and UON vice-chancellor Catherine McMillan

Port Stephens Farmer Crowned NSW 'Farmer of the Year'

 BY RACHEL STORER

Image from Port Stephens Examiner

Port Stephens Barramundi Farmer, Nick Arena has been named the 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year.

Mr Arena is the managing director of Tailor Made Fish Farms, which is the states largest producer of barramundi, generating 1000 kilograms of fish per week.

"Being tropical fish, farming them this far south has always been a difficult task. We've been able to achieve this through innovation that uses solar energy to heat the tanks," he said.

The award acknowledges the efforts of Mr Arena's sustainable farm practices and consumer education.

"From day one have tried to do this in a responsible and caring way in regards to the environment and actually use the waste water to grow hydroponic vegetables," Mr Arena said.

Mr Arena has taken this one step further and opened an onsite restaurant aptly called Cook-a-Barra for people to experience the produce from the farm and to educate them about farming and where food comes from. 

Mr Arena says the restaurant is necessary to compete with the big players in the industry, as 70% of Australia's barramundi is imported.

Mr Arena believes the award presented by the NSW Department of Primary Industries will have a flow-on effect for other Hunter businesses.

"It's a great recognition for the Hunter and already attracting interest. Hopefully that translates to additonal business for all the tourist operators and businesses within the Hunter," he said.

 Mr Arena says he is honored to have won and hopes it will help people understand the importance of local industries.

Hunter Athletes Take Out Prestigious Paralympic Awards

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Gillieston Heights swimmer, Maddison Elliott has been crowned as the 2016 Australian Female Paralympian of the Year at the Australian Paralympic Awards last night.

The 17-year-old received the accolade as recognition for her efforts at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Elliott won three gold and two silver medals at the Games, making her the tenth most successful athlete from any nation.

Maddison Elliott

Maddison set the world record for the 50 metre freestyle, contributed to the world record for the 4x100 metre freestyle relay and set a Paralympic record in the 100 metre freestyle.

Former Newcastle triathlete, Katie Kelly was also nominated for the award.

Former Lake Macquarie athlete, Liesl Tesch also had her paralympic efforts recognised at last night's event.

The Para-sailer was awarded the Uncle Kevin Coombs Medal for the Spirit of the Games.

Liesl Tesch

Newcastle Cancer Patient Wants To Die With Dignity

BY IAN CROUCH

A terminally ill Newcastle man says he'll travel to Victoria to die with dignity if the state legalises voluntary euthanasia.

John Grayson suffers from a rare type of brain tumour which has left him bedridden with terrible headaches despite having surgery and chemotherapy to stabilise his condition.

The Victorian state government is planning to introduce legislation for physician-assisted dying, with MP's to be given a conscience vote in the second half of next year.

Premier, Daniel Andrews says he's had a change of heart on the issue following the death of his father.

"Each and every member of my team will have a conscience vote and I'm confident that each and every member of parliament more broadly will search their conscience, search their personal values, search their personal experiences to make a decision that they believe is the right decision for the future," he said.

John Grayson Picture: dwdnsw

Uproar on the coming Singleton Bypass

BY: ARIANA GATTI

                                                [Image sourced: http://bustout.co.nz/Australia/NSW/singleton.htm] 

After a meeting on Tuesday, Singleton Council and the NSW Roads and Maritime Services collectively decided on the route and design of the new bypass through the Singleton area.

With the preferred option now out in the open, the Singleton council are working closely with the State Government to ensure the design incorporates and attends to the needs of the local area.

However, with all route options considered, residents are showing concern to the exact placement of the bypass allegedly crossing through some of their properties.

Mayor of Singleton, Sue Moore says “Council is extremely happy that a decision has been made on the route which will allow this much-needed project to progress”.

“However, there are implications for our residents as well as council in terms of our Local Environment Plan (LEP) and planning strategies”.

“Council will be looking to work with the NSW Government and RMS to ensure the design meets the needs of our community and provides opportunities for our businesses and the economy”, she says.

                

Finks bikie gang raids

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police have raided five Hunter properties in Thornton, Lambton, Branxton, Cameron Park and Kearsley this morning with alleged links to the Finks bikie gang.

The raids follow a brawl at the Fire Station Hotel in Wallsend last Friday where it's alleged men with links to the Finks were involved in a brawl with several other men.

The Cameron Park property is believed to be the clubhouse of the gang.

Labor Promises to Save our Koalas

BY TYLER FARDELL

Opposition Leader Luke Foley says the dwindling Koala population on the State's North coast would be protected in newly created national parks to help stop the very real prospect of the species becoming extinct in NSW.

Koala numbers in NSW represent just ten percent of the nation's Koalas, with that figure dropping lower each year.

Our beloved Koala is internationally recognisable and generates more than 2 billion dollars in tourism each year.

The opposition's plan would see Eucalyptus forests that are home to significant Koala populations, assessed for priority additions.

In addition to protecting the remaining Koala population, the proposed national parks would become major tourism hubs and attract thousands of tourists both national and international.

Luke Foley has called on the government to adopt this policy to save the national icon.

"We face the real prospect of Koalas becoming extinct in the wild in our state within the next couple of years".

"My challenge to Mr Baird is to adopt Labor's policy to save the Koalas."

Greens Question the Benefit of Light Rail

BY KIMBERLEY NICOLL

The NSW Greens have requested for Newcastle's light rail project to be investigated.

An auditor-general report found the Sydney CBD light rail heralded multiple problems.

The Sydney project cost about an extra $500 000 to construct, mainly due to incorrect pricing and omissions in the business case.

The Greens transport spokesperson Mehreen Faruqui says she believes there are similarities between the two light rails.

"The report was pretty clear saying there was poor planning, ... mismanagement, and that the community was actually misled on that project... What I suspect is that similar issues are also quite apparent in the Newcastle light rail."

Source: ABC

The Newcastle community, experts, and business owners have repeatedly made vocal their concerns for the project.

However, the government have still continued their planning without the acceptance of local citizens.

Mehreen Faruqui says that their concerns, "have fallen on deaf ears".



The Greens wish for the NSW auditor-general to assess the Newcastle light rail project so that a comprehensive assessment can be legitimised.

They believe this will then provide the Newcastle community with the actual cost and benefit of the new transportation.

BREAKING! Police Hunt For 3 Men Over Violent Armed Robbery At East Maitland

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for three men involved in a violent armed robbery at an East Maitland hotel last night.

The trio entered the back door of the Hunter River Hotel in Melbourne Street at about 10.00pm armed with a baseball bat, knife and shotgun.

They threatened staff and the three remaining patrons, hitting one with the bat and pushing him to the floor.


The men stole money from the cash registers along with two purses from female staff members before escaping via the back door.


Central Hunter Police established a crime scene which has been examined by detectives and forensic officers.

Police say all three men had their faces covered.

Anyone with information which can assist detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.