The Greens are talking up their plan to move away from the mining industry into renewable energy, saying the Hunter would be a big winner.
The party has made an election pledge of $250 million dollars which will be put aside to offer financial support to miners and mining communities to help them make the transition.
The Greens say with mines closing down, the plan needs to be put in place now.
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Former Bikie Boss Gaoled For Drug Supply
A former top-ranking bikie has been gaoled for 7-and-a-half years for his role in a Hunter drug ring.
Former Port Stephens Chapter President of the Bandidos, Ronald Leggett supplied more than 400 grams of the drug Ice over 4 months.
Three guns were also found during a police raid on his Belford property.
The 44-year-old has since left the gang.
Former Port Stephens Chapter President of the Bandidos, Ronald Leggett supplied more than 400 grams of the drug Ice over 4 months.
Three guns were also found during a police raid on his Belford property.
The 44-year-old has since left the gang.
EPA Could Have Acted Earlier on Williamtown: Report
It's claimed the Environment Protection Authority knew as far back as 2004 about the potential risk of harm from toxic chemicals spreading from the Williamtown RAAF Base to nearby properties.
A new report into the environment watchdog's handling of the contamination leak has found the agency could've acted earlier in putting together guidelines.
While the report also reveals so little was known about the chemicals within the authority, one officer had to look them up on Wikipedia.
A new report into the environment watchdog's handling of the contamination leak has found the agency could've acted earlier in putting together guidelines.
While the report also reveals so little was known about the chemicals within the authority, one officer had to look them up on Wikipedia.
Monday, 30 May 2016
Cannabis Roll-out Delay
By JAI MCALLISTER
The publication was written by Professor Jenifer Martin, Chair of Clinical pharmacology at the University of Newcastle in conjunction with Associate Professor Yvonne Bonomo, from St Vincint's Health in Melbourne.
It claims there needs to be more data collected on indications, efficacy, safety and dosage.
Other concerns ranged from; drug stability in different storage conditions, the length the product is prescribed and the possibility of supplying a potentially misusable substance.
"Clearly, medical practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals will need training so that inappropriate prescribing and drug diversion are minimised." They said.
Both Martin and Bonomo concluded by saying;
"If trial data for cannabis finds evidence that supports its use, and if this use can be regulated in a way that enables suitable provision to those who may benefit, then it appropriately becomes another agent in the armamentarium of pharmacotherapy."
Calls For Permanent Dredge at Swansea Channel
There's a fresh push for a permanent dredge at Swansea Channel.
Boat owners say so much sand has built up in the channel over recent months, some parts of the channel are now as shallow as 1.6 metres.
Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley says the recent $2.5 million dollar dredging program lasted only 8 months before the silt became a problem again.
She's calling on the Baird government to fund a permanent dredge in next month's state budget.
Boat owners say so much sand has built up in the channel over recent months, some parts of the channel are now as shallow as 1.6 metres.
Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley says the recent $2.5 million dollar dredging program lasted only 8 months before the silt became a problem again.
She's calling on the Baird government to fund a permanent dredge in next month's state budget.
 |
| Swansea Mp Yasmin Catley |
Drug Muffins Arrest
Police have now charged the man accused of giving Cannabis-laced muffins to students at Toronto High School.
The 19-year-old was arrested at a home in Milford Street, Toronto on Saturday and will face court in July on one count of supplying prohibited drugs.
Four students ate the muffins - two ended up in hospital
The 19-year-old was arrested at a home in Milford Street, Toronto on Saturday and will face court in July on one count of supplying prohibited drugs.
Four students ate the muffins - two ended up in hospital
New Morisset Police Station Opens
After 12 months of construction, the new Morisset Police Station has opened for business today.
The $2,000,000 facility will be open between 8am and 4pm daily with a police response vehicle operating out of the station 24 hours a day.
Around 35 staff will be based at the police station along with a police dog unit and the Police Transport Command.
The $2,000,000 facility will be open between 8am and 4pm daily with a police response vehicle operating out of the station 24 hours a day.
Around 35 staff will be based at the police station along with a police dog unit and the Police Transport Command.
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| Artist's Impression of The Police Station |
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| The Old Morisset Police Station |
Thursday, 26 May 2016
Community Calls to Save Mambo Wetlands
BY GARY LYSAGHT
The Port Stephens community has continued to fight the planned sale of the Mambo Wetlands by the Department of Education.
A 'for sale' sign appeared on the grounds on May 6th, with the local Mambo Wanda Wetlands Landcare committee saying the weren't given a heads up beforehand.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington has firmly opposed the Baird Government's planned sale of the property, saying it is vitally important it doesn't enter private hands.
"There's enormous cultural significance for the local Worimi. [And] ecologically, it is part of this complex ecosystem that forms [the Wetlands]," she said.
Local residents had the opportunity to have their say on Thursday 26th May with a local forum held at Horizons Golf Resort at Salamander Bay.
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli and Environment Minister Mark Speakman were both invited to attend the forum, with letters and email from Washington's office going unanswered.
A key concern for local residents is the local koala population which call the Wetlands home.
"We just simply can't afford it, for the sake of the koalas and all the other threatened species that live within that parcel of land," says Washington
"We need to, as a community, have a really strong voice and let the Government know that we do not want this land placed into private hands," she said.
The sale of the Wetlands would be another asset the Baird Government have sold off since the 2015 election, with up to $3 billion of public assets being sold as of 2016 since the Coalition victory in 2011.
Sold assets include Bligh House for $58 million and the Australian Technology Park for $263 million.
Money raised from the sale of buildings considered to be old or misused will be redirected to constructing new infrastructure and housing.
The State Opposition have been critical of the recent litany of public assets the Government have sold into private hands with Shadow Finance Minister Clayton Barr saying Premier Mike Baird was "addicted to the sugar hit" of selling off assets.
"Whether it is electricity assets or Government property, they are happy to accept the short-term gain and ignore the long-term pain," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Port Stephens community has continued to fight the planned sale of the Mambo Wetlands by the Department of Education.
A 'for sale' sign appeared on the grounds on May 6th, with the local Mambo Wanda Wetlands Landcare committee saying the weren't given a heads up beforehand.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington has firmly opposed the Baird Government's planned sale of the property, saying it is vitally important it doesn't enter private hands.
 FOR SALE: Wetlands to be sold [Photo: TRRA] |
Local residents had the opportunity to have their say on Thursday 26th May with a local forum held at Horizons Golf Resort at Salamander Bay.
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli and Environment Minister Mark Speakman were both invited to attend the forum, with letters and email from Washington's office going unanswered.
 |
| The Wetlands' sale sign [Source: Port Stephens Examiner] |
"We just simply can't afford it, for the sake of the koalas and all the other threatened species that live within that parcel of land," says Washington
"We need to, as a community, have a really strong voice and let the Government know that we do not want this land placed into private hands," she said.
The sale of the Wetlands would be another asset the Baird Government have sold off since the 2015 election, with up to $3 billion of public assets being sold as of 2016 since the Coalition victory in 2011.
Sold assets include Bligh House for $58 million and the Australian Technology Park for $263 million.
Money raised from the sale of buildings considered to be old or misused will be redirected to constructing new infrastructure and housing.
The State Opposition have been critical of the recent litany of public assets the Government have sold into private hands with Shadow Finance Minister Clayton Barr saying Premier Mike Baird was "addicted to the sugar hit" of selling off assets.
"Whether it is electricity assets or Government property, they are happy to accept the short-term gain and ignore the long-term pain," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Light Rail Threatens Civic Park
It's feared part of Civic Park will be lost when Newcastle's light rail is built.
Council says King Street will need to be widened, eating into the northern edge of the park to cater for a predicted 60 per cent increase in traffic.
It's because fewer cars are expected a block away in Hunter Street where the light rail will run.
Council says King Street will need to be widened, eating into the northern edge of the park to cater for a predicted 60 per cent increase in traffic.
It's because fewer cars are expected a block away in Hunter Street where the light rail will run.
Bat Colony Set Alight Again at East Cessnock
Firefighters have again been called to a blaze burning near the bat colony at East Cessnock.
A section of bush 10 by 20 metres went up in flames near the corner of Long Street and Old Maitland Road at about 2.30 this morning.
Police say it's the second deliberately lit fire in the area in less than a week, with firefighters putting out a blaze in the same spot last Saturday.
It's believed someone is trying to destroy the bat's habitat amid widespread community concern about the noise and smell of the protected flying foxes.
The state government last week provided $10,000 to Cessnock Council to help with moves to relocate the bat colony.
It's hoped the Hunter will get a share in a further $1,000,000 being made available statewide to deal with other flying fox colonies across the region.
A section of bush 10 by 20 metres went up in flames near the corner of Long Street and Old Maitland Road at about 2.30 this morning.
Police say it's the second deliberately lit fire in the area in less than a week, with firefighters putting out a blaze in the same spot last Saturday.
It's believed someone is trying to destroy the bat's habitat amid widespread community concern about the noise and smell of the protected flying foxes.
The state government last week provided $10,000 to Cessnock Council to help with moves to relocate the bat colony.
It's hoped the Hunter will get a share in a further $1,000,000 being made available statewide to deal with other flying fox colonies across the region.
Julie Bishop Hits The Campaign Trail In East Maitland
Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop copped a serve from an elderly woman during a walk through Greenhills Shopping Centre at East Maitland this morning.
The deputy Liberal leader is in the seat of Paterson today in a bid to boost the chances of the party's candidate, Karen Howard at the July 2 federal election.
On the whole, Julie Bishop was well received as she chatted with shoppers while introducing Karen Howard, with some asking for a photo to be taken.
However, one 82-year-old woman was less than impressed - here's what she said to Julie Bishop:
The deputy Liberal leader is in the seat of Paterson today in a bid to boost the chances of the party's candidate, Karen Howard at the July 2 federal election.
On the whole, Julie Bishop was well received as she chatted with shoppers while introducing Karen Howard, with some asking for a photo to be taken.
However, one 82-year-old woman was less than impressed - here's what she said to Julie Bishop:
 |
| Julie Bishop introduces Liberal candidate Karen Howard to a cafe customer at Greenhills this morning |
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Big Swell On The Way Out
The massive southerly swell which has been been pounding the Hunter's coastline is set to peak today.
Perfect waves between 6 and 8 feet are expected especially at Merewether Beach.
However, the ideal conditions won't last, with the swell starting to back off tomorrow.
Perfect waves between 6 and 8 feet are expected especially at Merewether Beach.
However, the ideal conditions won't last, with the swell starting to back off tomorrow.
Hunter Coast Council? No Thanks!
Newcastle councillors have voted to keep the city's name if a forced merger with Port Stephens goes ahead.
The government-appointed delegate has recommended the new council be called Hunter Coast, however the majority of councillors don't like it.
Instead they think it should be named the City of Newcastle or the City of Greater Newcastle.
Liberal Councillor, BRAD LUKE spoke against the motion, arguing councils such as Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie were not named after specific cities or towns and a name like Hunter Coast was a more collaborative approach.
The government-appointed delegate has recommended the new council be called Hunter Coast, however the majority of councillors don't like it.
Instead they think it should be named the City of Newcastle or the City of Greater Newcastle.
Liberal Councillor, BRAD LUKE spoke against the motion, arguing councils such as Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie were not named after specific cities or towns and a name like Hunter Coast was a more collaborative approach.
Domestic Violence Victims Refered to City Pub For Emergency Accomodation
It's been revealed women fleeing domestic violence were being offered emergency accommodation at a Newcastle hotel where male boarders out on parole are also staying.
It's reported one woman who rang an emergency hotline in March was referred to the Silk Hotel as a last resort because all the women's refuges in the city were full.
She instead chose to sleep in her car.
After receiving complaints from victims support groups, Family and Community Services no longer refers women and children to the hotel.
It's reported one woman who rang an emergency hotline in March was referred to the Silk Hotel as a last resort because all the women's refuges in the city were full.
She instead chose to sleep in her car.
After receiving complaints from victims support groups, Family and Community Services no longer refers women and children to the hotel.
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
The Heat Is Off - Finally!
The Hunter's Indian Summer appears to be finally coming to an end after record-breaking heat yesterday.
Top temperatures will settle back to the late teens or perhaps 20 degrees later this week thanks to a cold front heading our way.
It was a different story yesterday, with the mercury hitting record highs of 28.1 degrees at Nobbys and 28.7 at Cooranbong.
Top temperatures will settle back to the late teens or perhaps 20 degrees later this week thanks to a cold front heading our way.
It was a different story yesterday, with the mercury hitting record highs of 28.1 degrees at Nobbys and 28.7 at Cooranbong.
Outpouring Of Support For Injured Footballer
The Hunter community is digging deep for the Lake Macquarie father of three who broke his neck while playing football.
Windale Eagles backrower, Damian Jobson remains in a stable condition after suffering the spinal injury while going in for a tackle during last Saturday's match against the University of Newcastle.
A fundraising appeal for the 35-year-old has already reached more than 11-thousand dollars.
His medical bills will be covered by his playing insurance.
Windale Eagles backrower, Damian Jobson remains in a stable condition after suffering the spinal injury while going in for a tackle during last Saturday's match against the University of Newcastle.
A fundraising appeal for the 35-year-old has already reached more than 11-thousand dollars.
His medical bills will be covered by his playing insurance.
Diamond's Olympic Dream Hangs In The Balance
The head of Australia's Olympic team has confirmed shooter Michael Diamond could be ruled out of the Rio games after being charged by Port Stephens Police.
The 6-time Olympian is accused of high range drink driving, not keeping a firearm safely, and handling a firearm under the influence of alcohol.
Fellow shooter, Russell Mark says he raised concerns about the 44-year-old's heavy drinking weeks ago, fearing he was headed for trouble and needed help, but the concerns were ignored by sporting officials.
Olympic Team Boss, Kitty Chiller says it's up to Shooting Australia officials to decide if Diamond should be nominated for the Olympics.
The 6-time Olympian is accused of high range drink driving, not keeping a firearm safely, and handling a firearm under the influence of alcohol.
Fellow shooter, Russell Mark says he raised concerns about the 44-year-old's heavy drinking weeks ago, fearing he was headed for trouble and needed help, but the concerns were ignored by sporting officials.
Olympic Team Boss, Kitty Chiller says it's up to Shooting Australia officials to decide if Diamond should be nominated for the Olympics.
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| Kitty Chiller. Photo courtesy Reuters |
Monday, 23 May 2016
Lake Macquarie Rugby League Player Facing Life in Wheelchair
The Hunter's Rugby League community has been left in shock after a Windale Eagles player broke his neck in several places.
Damian Jobson is likely to become a quadriplegic after his head came into contact with the knee of a University of Newcastle player during a match on Saturday.
The 35-year-old underwent surgery and is now recovering in the spinal unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
Damian Jobson is likely to become a quadriplegic after his head came into contact with the knee of a University of Newcastle player during a match on Saturday.
The 35-year-old underwent surgery and is now recovering in the spinal unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital.
 |
| Image Courtesy Newcastle Herald |
Road Carnage Prompts Police Plea
It's been a horror weekend on the Hunter's roads with 3 men killed in separate accidents on just one day.
A car lost control on the Buckets Way at Gloucester and slid down an embankment early Saturday morning, killing the 23-year-old driver.
Later that morning, a 38-year-old motor bike rider died after colliding with a utility near Dungog when he tried to overtake another motorcycle.
Police believe speed was a factor in both these incidents.
While, on Saturday night, a 27-year-old died when his Commodore crashed into a power pole on the Golden Highway near Jerrys Plains.
It's prompted Highway Patrol Assistant Commissioner, John Hartley to urge motorists to exercise greater caution and better judgement.
13 people have lost their lives on Hunter roads in the past 3 months.
A car lost control on the Buckets Way at Gloucester and slid down an embankment early Saturday morning, killing the 23-year-old driver.
Later that morning, a 38-year-old motor bike rider died after colliding with a utility near Dungog when he tried to overtake another motorcycle.
Police believe speed was a factor in both these incidents.
While, on Saturday night, a 27-year-old died when his Commodore crashed into a power pole on the Golden Highway near Jerrys Plains.
It's prompted Highway Patrol Assistant Commissioner, John Hartley to urge motorists to exercise greater caution and better judgement.
13 people have lost their lives on Hunter roads in the past 3 months.
 |
| Assistant Commissioner John Hartley Photo courtesy Daily Telegraph |
Diamond In The Rough
Olympic shooting champion Michael Diamond is facing firearm and drink driving charges after an alcohol-fuelled meltdown at Port Stephens.
The 44-year-old is accused of getting into an altercation with his brother at a house in Nelson Bay on Saturday night.
He was later arrested at Shoal Bay after he allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.
Police say a subsequent search of his car uncovered a shotgun and 150 rounds of ammunition.
The items were seized and Diamond was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly returned a reading in the high range of 0.159, or more than 3 times the legal limit.
He's had his gun and driving licenses have been suspended and police have charged him with high range drink driving, not keep firearm safe or and handle or use firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Diamond has been granted conditional bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tues 7 June 2016.
Meanwhile, his brother has also taken out an apprehended violence order against him.
The 44-year-old is accused of getting into an altercation with his brother at a house in Nelson Bay on Saturday night.
He was later arrested at Shoal Bay after he allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.
Police say a subsequent search of his car uncovered a shotgun and 150 rounds of ammunition.
The items were seized and Diamond was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly returned a reading in the high range of 0.159, or more than 3 times the legal limit.
He's had his gun and driving licenses have been suspended and police have charged him with high range drink driving, not keep firearm safe or and handle or use firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Diamond has been granted conditional bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tues 7 June 2016.
Meanwhile, his brother has also taken out an apprehended violence order against him.
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| Michael Diamond Photo courtesy Sydney Morning Herald |
Friday, 20 May 2016
Swanson Calls for Merger Answers from Howard
BY GARY LYSAGHT
Labor candidate for Paterson Meryl Swanson has called on her Liberal counterpart, Karen Howard to clarify if she supports forced Council mergers.
Labor candidate for Paterson Meryl Swanson has called on her Liberal counterpart, Karen Howard to clarify if she supports forced Council mergers.
It comes after Port Stephens Council launched a campaign to merge with Dungog Council, opposing the Baird Government’s decision to merge them
with Newcastle.
 |
| Combatants: Meryl Swanson (Labor) & Karen Howard (Right [Source: The Newcastle Herald] |
“If she doesn't commit to the community’s right to vote, she
should explain why.
“If she does, she should make representations to the AEC
[Australian Electoral Commission] asking them to conduct a ballot of the Port
Stephens community,” Swanson said.
However, Karen Howard has played down the importance of the
merger in the upcoming Federal election, scheduled for July 2.
“This is a State issue, not a Federal issue,” she said.
But that doesn't mean the Federal Government hasn't been
involved in Councils before.
Back in 2007 during the waning days of the Howard
Government, Federal legislation was introduced to allow local communities a plebiscite
if they were being forced to merge by State Government.
It is on this that Swanson bases her criticisms of Howard as
a candidate.
“Given her patchy record on the issue – in February she was
in favour of an amalgamation [and] she’s now saying that she’s heard and
listened to the people of Port Stephens,” Swanson said.
But Karen Howard sees this as the best way to get the best
for your local community.
“A solid candidate makes sure that they listen to their
people and I think sometimes amending your view on something mean that you've
actually listened,” she said.
“I am now pleased that the [State] Government are now
considering a Port Stephens/Dungog Council option [instead of one with Port and
Newcastle].”
But while Karen Howard might say it’s not a Federal issue,
it is still playing a part in this year’s election.
Port Stephens Mayor Bruce Mackenzie has said Howard might as
well “stay at home” if a merger with Dungog doesn't go ahead, implying no one
in Port Stephens will vote for her.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has got Council
headaches of his own, as Council’s in his seat of Wentworth call on a chance to
have a say on forced mergers.
 |
| Turnbull confronts Sydnysiders before the July 2 election. [Source: The Daily Telegraph] |
John Howard introduced the law back in 2007 in reaction to
then-Labor Premier of Queensland Peter Beattie forced Council amalgamations.
Howard had accused Beattie “riding roughshod” over
Queeslanders in a State when the Coalition were expected to lose seats at the ’07
Election to Labor and Kevin Rudd.
Thursday, 19 May 2016
Environment Minister Questioned After Overlooking Hunter
BY GARY LYSAGHT
Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon has slammed Environment minister Greg Hunt for providing assistance to Eurobodalla Council on the State’s south coast with their flying fox infestation.
Minister Hunt has been accused of largely ignoring the same calls from the Hunter, with Fitzgibbon saying it’s unfair its residents have been left out.
 |
| Flying foxes have destroyed the trees of Burdekin Park. |
“The minister must extend the same consideration to Hunter Councils as he has to Eurobodalla.
“The problem goes as far up as Muswellbrook. We need assistance here too and the minister shouldn't be focussing just on those regions where he has a local sitting Liberal member.”
Fitzgibbon has been lobbying for assistance from the minister to help ease the significant problem of flying foxes facing the Hunter.
Eurobodella Council has invested $100 000 in their plan, which is said to have led to minister Hunt providing assistance.
“The inability of local Councils to invest large amounts of money in a strategy document should not be a barrier to government assistance,” Fitzgibbon said.
Fitzgibbon has called on the minister to provide “the same consideration and courtesy’s to local communities here in the Hunter”.
Singleton’s Burdekin Park is one of the hardest hit parts of the Hunter by flying foxes, with parts of Blackalls Park and Cessnock also being effected.
Eurobodella is located in the Federal Division of Eden-Monaro, which covers much of the region surrounding the ACT and the Victorian boarder.
 |
| Eden-Monaro - held by Liberal MP Peter Hendy. |
The seat has been held by the Liberal Party since 2013, and is known to flip-flop between the two parties, never having an MP that isn't in government.
Fitzgibbon is expected to speak at the Raymond Terrace Community Bat Forum on Thursday evening, in an effort to address increasing concerns over the bat infestation.
Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Elderly Woman Run Over By Husband
An 81-year-old woman is in the John Hunter Hospital with head and arm injuries after being hit by a car at Forster.
She was accidentally run over by her 77-year-old husband while waiting to be picked up in a car park yesterday.
It's believed as he attempted to collect her, his Ford Falcon accelerated, hitting her and dragging her several metres before she fell onto a concrete drain.
Police are yet to interview the driver.
The car has been seized for a mechanical inspection.
She was accidentally run over by her 77-year-old husband while waiting to be picked up in a car park yesterday.
It's believed as he attempted to collect her, his Ford Falcon accelerated, hitting her and dragging her several metres before she fell onto a concrete drain.
Police are yet to interview the driver.
The car has been seized for a mechanical inspection.
Woman Arrested Over Domestic Assault at Aberdare
An argument over money is believed to have sparked a domestic attack at Aberdare in which a man had his forearm and left leg cut with a knife and garden shears.
The alleged victim, a 38-year-old man, has been treated at Cessnock District Hospital.
A 47-year-old woman's been charged with injuring her partner in the bedroom of their Greta Street home in the early hours of yesterday morning - she's due to face Cessnock Local Court today charged with reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The alleged victim, a 38-year-old man, has been treated at Cessnock District Hospital.
A 47-year-old woman's been charged with injuring her partner in the bedroom of their Greta Street home in the early hours of yesterday morning - she's due to face Cessnock Local Court today charged with reckless wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Police have shut down a large-scale ICE syndicate operating in the Maitland area.
Seven people were arrested yesterday during raids on 18 properties at East Maitland, Chisholm, Thornton, Rutherford, Dungog, Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae and the Gold Coast.
Drugs and more than $100,000 in cash were seized.
It follows a near 12 month investigation.
Three women aged 23 to 49 and two men aged 23 and 44 were charged here, while two other men aged 29 and 45 were arrested on the GOLD COAST.
Seven people were arrested yesterday during raids on 18 properties at East Maitland, Chisholm, Thornton, Rutherford, Dungog, Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae and the Gold Coast.
Drugs and more than $100,000 in cash were seized.
It follows a near 12 month investigation.
Three women aged 23 to 49 and two men aged 23 and 44 were charged here, while two other men aged 29 and 45 were arrested on the GOLD COAST.
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Lotto Winnings Go Unclaimed
TWO Lotto players in the Hunter have become millionaires but they don't know about it yet, with another big win over the weekend.
An unregistered player who purchased a ticket at Waratah Village for Saturday's draw is now 2-million dollars richer.
Meanwhile a million dollars remains unclaimed from a ticket purchased at the Marketown Newsagency in January.
An unregistered player who purchased a ticket at Waratah Village for Saturday's draw is now 2-million dollars richer.
Meanwhile a million dollars remains unclaimed from a ticket purchased at the Marketown Newsagency in January.
Upraoar Over Glendale Interchange Sculpture
The erection of a sculpture at the site of the Glendale Transport Interchange has raised eyebrows.
There's speculation the cost of the 3 large intertwined metal rings near a planned roundabout at the Glendale Shopping Centre is almost half a million dollars.
The rings are meant to symbolize the linking of the communities of Cardiff and Glendale.
Residents have vented their ire on social media saying the money could've been better spent elsewhere.
Some comments on Lake Macquarie Council's Facebook page have described the sculpture as looking like over-sized hoola hoops, recycled Olympic rings from the Sydney 2000 games and a dog's chew toy.
There's speculation the cost of the 3 large intertwined metal rings near a planned roundabout at the Glendale Shopping Centre is almost half a million dollars.
The rings are meant to symbolize the linking of the communities of Cardiff and Glendale.
Residents have vented their ire on social media saying the money could've been better spent elsewhere.
Some comments on Lake Macquarie Council's Facebook page have described the sculpture as looking like over-sized hoola hoops, recycled Olympic rings from the Sydney 2000 games and a dog's chew toy.
Hunter Street Business Owners Air Concerns Over Light Rail
Business owners on Hunter Street have met with transport officials to discuss the impact of the light rail project in Newcastle.
Retailers are reportedly worried about what the segregated rail line will do to business, with the lack of parking likely to have a major impact on passing trade once construction gets under way.
The prospect of compensation was raised along with the potential of a class action against the government, however the business owners decided compensation for incurred losses would be the better alternative.
Meanwhile the public exhibition period for the light rail plans has been extended until May 27 to allow more time for the community to provide feedback on the project.
So far, Transport For NSW has received about 60 written submissions, while around 120 comments have been made through the interactive online Social pinpoint map.
The community survey on future transport and light rail review of environmental factors is available online at revitalisingnewcastle.com.au
Email submissions can also be made to projects@transport.nsw.gov.au
Retailers are reportedly worried about what the segregated rail line will do to business, with the lack of parking likely to have a major impact on passing trade once construction gets under way.
The prospect of compensation was raised along with the potential of a class action against the government, however the business owners decided compensation for incurred losses would be the better alternative.
Meanwhile the public exhibition period for the light rail plans has been extended until May 27 to allow more time for the community to provide feedback on the project.
So far, Transport For NSW has received about 60 written submissions, while around 120 comments have been made through the interactive online Social pinpoint map.
The community survey on future transport and light rail review of environmental factors is available online at revitalisingnewcastle.com.au
Email submissions can also be made to projects@transport.nsw.gov.au
Friday, 13 May 2016
Chlamydia On The Increase In The Hunter
The latest figures show there's been an alarming rise in the Hunter's sexually transmitted infection rate.
Just over a thousand cases of Chlamydia have been reported this year to April, which is 171 more compared to the same time last year.
Hunter New England Health says it's important people are regularly tested to stop the spread of the disease, particularly those under the age of 25 who've changed partners and are having unprotected sex.
Newcastle Uni Graduate Salaries
New figures reveal how much a Newcastle University graduate can expect to earn in their first year in the workforce.
The median starting salary is around 56-thousand dollars, which is on par with universities such as Charles Stuart, U.T.S, Macquarie and Wollongong.
While just over two thirds of Newcastle graduates will land a full time job 4 months after leaving university.
The median starting salary is around 56-thousand dollars, which is on par with universities such as Charles Stuart, U.T.S, Macquarie and Wollongong.
While just over two thirds of Newcastle graduates will land a full time job 4 months after leaving university.
Waratah Service Station Held Up
An armed robber has made of with cash after a hold-up at a Waratah service station.
The man entered the Metro outlet on Lambton Road wielding a knife just after 6.30 last night and threatened the 30-year-old male attendant.
He was handed a small amount of cash from the till before running off down Lambton Road.
He's only been described as wearing dark clothing.
The man entered the Metro outlet on Lambton Road wielding a knife just after 6.30 last night and threatened the 30-year-old male attendant.
He was handed a small amount of cash from the till before running off down Lambton Road.
He's only been described as wearing dark clothing.
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