Renewed calls to end council mergers

BY TYLER FARDELL

The government's controversial forced council amalgamations policy continues to be an issue with Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington calling for the mergers to be scrapped.

Ms Washington has stated her intentions to meet with new Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack and discuss the issue.

“As the government's Hunter representative it is vital that Ms Cusack doesn’t just meet with Councils, but also with the residents and businesses who will be negatively impacted by forced mergers.”

The mergers were proposed over a year ago, yet there is still no definitive decision over many council's futures.

The proposed amalgamation between Newcastle and Port Stephens council as well Dungog and Maitland councils are still in limbo, which is having an impact on many council decisions.

The issue was put back in the spotlight when deputy premier Barilaro stated the would be no more 'mergers in the bush', however Ms Cusack says the mergers are a good thing.

Kate Washington

Newcastle Regional Show Faces Uncertain Future

BY IAN CROUCH

There are fears this year could be the last for the iconic Newcastle Show as a cash crisis threatens to send the show association to the wall.

The show is in it's 115th year after being launched in May 1902.

However, bad weather in recent years, a fall in corporate sponsorship and the loss of the Show Day public holiday have all combined to leave the event desperately short of cash.

To make matters worse, surplus funds from previous shows which were used to help bankroll upcoming shows are now diverted to Venues NSW.

The show association has made an urgent request for emergency funding from the state government, however Venues NSW, which manages the show grounds and the entertainment centre, has reportedly advised it won't be providing any income support.

Crash Investigators Probe Fatal Smash At Aberdeen

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal smash at Aberdeen in the Upper Hunter.

A 52-year-old woman died instantly when the Mazda 323 she was a passenger in collided head-on with a Ford Falcon on the New England Highway just before 2.30pm yesterday.

The woman's 54-year-old husband who was driving the Mazda suffered serious leg injuries while the 34-year-old driver of the Falcon remains in a critical condition in the John Hunter Hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the two vehicles travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen yesterday should contact the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit on (02) 4929 0744.

The accident scene Picture courtesy Muswellbrook Chronicle

Cusack Sets Hunter Agenda

BY IAN  CROUCH

Newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack says council amalgamations will be one of her top priorities for the region.

Former Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald will retain his Central Coast responsibilities but now becomes the Parliamentary Secretary for Planning following a re-shuffle of state cabinet.

Catherine Cusack has told the Herald the yet-to-be finalised council amalgamations were a handbrake on the region's growth and has described the Williamtown contamination issue as a disgrace which needs urgent attention.

Catherine Cusack

Bashed Uber Driver Feared For His Life

BY IAN CROUCH

An Uber driver who was set upon and bashed by a gang of youths at Charlestown says he thought he was going to die.

35-year-old Gabriel Long says he was called to a job on Dudley Road at about 12.30 on Sunday  morning, only to be confronted by up to 50 youths who ran at his car.

Mr Long told reporters he was pulled from the car and bashed by four or five teenagers but somehow managed to drag himself over to a house where the occupants heard his cries for help.

Bashing Victim Gabriel Long Picture the herald.com.au

Off-Duty Police Officer Assaulted At Hamilton

BY IAN CROUCH

 A Cessnock man is due to front court next month accused of assaulting an off-duty police officer at Hamilton.

The 26-year-old officer had stopped his car at the traffic lights at the corner of Donald and Beaumont Streets  at about 3.00am on Saturday when one of three men crossing the road placed his hands and then sat on the vehicle, bouncing it up and down.

The officer got out and was speaking to one of the men when a second man approached and allegedly punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground before the trio left.


He was treated at the scene by Ambulance paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for observation.

Inquiries led police to an address at Cessnock where they arrested a 24-year-old man.

He's been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and has been granted conditional bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday February 16.

School zones get flashing updates

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

SAFE: The upgrades will finish in March [Picture: NRMA]

The school year is kicking off for most of the Hunter’s schools and safety is once again a top concern for everyone.

And that is why four Newcastle schools will be having school zone flashing lights installed to help warm motorists that learning is afoot again

Beresfield, Maryland and Wallsend public schools and St Phillips Christian College Waratah have had flashing lights greenlit for

their zones, with works expected to be completed by early March.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has welcomed the decision, saying it is a “great outcome” for the local schools.

“Some of the schools have been battling for the lights to be installed, as the roads they will be put on are major roads,” she said.

Anderson Drive, which is nearby Beresfield Public School was singled out by Ms Horenry as being a place where parents “have been pushing hard” to get flashing lights.

“There are more school zones that need flashing lights and I will continue to work hard to have those sites included,” Ms Hornery said.

As a former school teacher, Ms Hornery has used the announcement as a “timely reminder that school zones are back in place”.

“Please make sure you slow down around school zones during school zone times,” she said.

Armed Robbery at Williamtown McDonald's

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Williamtown McDonald's has been targeted in an armed robbery.

Three man entered the restaurant on Nelson Bay Road at around 10:50pm Wednesday, where they demanded money from a staff member.

The men were wielding weapons including a machete, a shot gun and a baseball bat.

The offenders fled the scene with cash and other items leaving one staff member with minor injuries.

Officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command attended the restaurant and established a crime scene.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Residents still without the NBN

BY JESSICA ROUSE and GEORGIA LUPTON

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson is calling on the NBNCo to explain why some homes in Rutherford and Aberglassyn have been left out of the NBN rollout. 

The suburb went live on the network six months ago, but 150 homes were left out, and they want to know why.

Residents were urged to contact NBNCo directly to get accurate and individualised information, however when they did, they didn't get any of the answers they wanted.

Ms Swanson's office has been flooded with residents telling her they aren't getting the answers they need and they don't understand why.

Ms Swanson says in this technological age, it is ridiculous some residents have been left behind, while those in other areas strive ahead.

"You've got people who are trying to run small businesses from home, you've got students, kids going back to school hoping they'll get the NBN so they'll be able to download their homework and upload stuff they need to send back to school and they just can't do it. it's hopeless."

Shots Fired in Mayfield

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Investigations are being conducted into an incident of shots being fired in Mayfield.

Police were called to Hanbury Street around 1:45pm yesterday where they set up a crime scene.

A man and woman were at the location but were not injured during the incident.

Newcastle City Local Area Command would like to speak to a 20 year old man who is believed to have been at the scene at the time.

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

Alleged Kurri Kurri arsonist refused bail

BY JARROD MELMETH

Accused Kurri Kurri arsonist 26-year-old Craig Lambkin has been refused bail in Maitland Local Court today after telling police he threw a lit cigarette into nearby bushland during a total fire ban on Tuesday.

Mr Lambkin was arrested in his front yard following the incident on Tuesday and taken to Maitland police station where he was charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread stemming from a blaze that burned behind the Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre. 

Mr Lambkin was refused bail by Magistrate John Chicken until March. 

Photo source: The Maitland Mercury

Investigation into high number of meningococcal cases in the Hunter

BY SARAH JAMES

NSW Health has revealed 10 people from the Hunter-New England region have died from meningococcal disease since 2010.

Local Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, is calling for an immediate investigation into why the statistics for the Hunter are three times higher than any other part of NSW.

Between 2014-15, five people from Hunter-New England died of the acute bacterial disease. During this time no other deaths were recorded elsewhere in NSW.

Ms Washington said the government should issue a "general alert" to the region.

NSW Health Communicable Disease Branch Director, Vicky Sheppeard, told The Daily Telegraph she did not the view these statistics as a local health problem due to the rarity of the disease.

Deaths from meningococcal disease occur in only roughly 10 per cent if cases.

Symptoms to watch out for include a red-purple rash, sudden fever, headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and neck stiffness.

Babies, children, young adults and people exposed to cigarette smoke are most at risk.

Local MP for Port Stephens Kate Washington

Reptile Park calling on people to catch Funnel-web spiders

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The bad news is the biggest funnel-web spiders are found in Newcastle, but the good news is The Australian Reptile Park want them.

Recent warm humid nights have the spiders scuttling, coming out of their hiding places, leading to an increase in bites around the region.

The funnel-web spider anti-venom program at the Reptile Park is saving lives, creating anti-venom vaccines, but what they need from the public are the spiders themselves.

Male funnel-webs are milked for their venom and it takes 70 spiders for one injection of the vaccine.

The venom is far more toxic than a snake, and the milking process is particularly labour intensive and a dangerous task for keepers.

Ranger Mick Tate says a large collection of 500 spiders is ideal in order to keep up supply and there are significant challenges in getting such a large amount.

"Our role at the reptile park is to amass a very large collection of male funnel web spiders - they're the ones we want, the very toxic one - and we perpetually milk them and our big issue is that the male funnel-webs only have a relatively short life span and live about four years and we can't determine their sex until they're about two and a half years old."

The Reptile Park are calling on people in the Hunter region to send them any Funnel-web spiders they come across, by safely catching them and bringing them to a drop off zone.

The park's website features a safety and capture video going through the step by step process of catching the spiders safely.

The best place to drop off captured funnel-web spiders is the John Hunter Hospital.

Image courtesy of The Australian Reptile Park:
http://reptilepark.com.au/animals/spiders/australian-spiders/sydney-funnel-web-spider/

Man charged with lighting Kurri Kurri fire

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There is a lot of anger among Kurri Kurri residents this morning after confirmation overnight the bushfire which raged through part of the area yesterday was deliberately lit.

A 26 year old man spent the night behind bars at Maitland Police Station after he was arrested at a home in Weston and charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread.

He was refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court today facing a possible maximum of 14 years behind bars.

Meanwhile, overnight rain has aided crews in containing what remains of the fire in Kurri Kurri.

The blaze ripped through 33 hectares of bush near the indoor swimming pool and crews remained on the scene until midnight mopping up what remained.

The clean up will continue today in both Kurri Kurri and Camberwell, with a cooler day on the way.

Investigations are continuing into fires in the region, including fires in the Hunter last week, and throughout the year.

Image Courtesy of MJF Productions Facebook page.

3 month old girl missing from Morisset found safe and well

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have located a three month girl who went missing from Morisset on Sunday.

She was located at a house on Valley view Crescent in Glendale and returned to her mother safe and well.

The whereabouts of the man are unknown.

EARLIER

At about 3pm on Sunday afternoon, the girl and her father were last seen at Morisset with her mother.

The father allegedly walked to a nearby shopping centre with the child and hasn't been seen since.

When the father didn't return with his daughter, police were notified and an investigation commenced.

Motorbike Rider Killed Near Stroud

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A motorcyclist has been killed in a two vehicle accident near Stroud yesterday.

The accident occurred on the Bucketts Way, where Police believe the motorbike rider was attempting to overtake a truck when it collided with an oncoming Toyota Hilux.

The 44-year-old man on the motorbike died at the scene.

The 61-year-old driver of the Hilux was taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering leg injuries.

Officers from Port Stephens Local Area Command are conducting investigations into the accident.

Forensic officers have established a crime scene; a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Kurri Kurri fire downgraded to ADVICE level

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A bush fire is continuing to burn in Kurri Kurri near Lang and Mulbring Streets and has now been downgraded to ADVICE level.

Firefighters from the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and multiple water bombing aircraft are at the scene working to contain the blaze.

The fire has burnt through 33 hectares of land and was threatening properties in the area, but at this stage there aren't any reports of any property damage. 

Conditions have significantly eased and crews are hoping to get on top of the blaze before a southerly change moves through later today.

Police have issued a statement confirming a 30 year old man has been arrested and is assisting police at Maitland police station in relation to the fire.

Meanwhile the fire out in Camberwell near Singleton is now being controlled and is at ADVICE level.

For the latest updates and information go to the Rural Fire Service website: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

Local Communities Tackle Crime

BY ALEX MURRAY

A community meeting will be held tonight at the New Hope Community Church to combat the increase in crime to areas such as Wallsend, Maryland and Fletcher who have been calling for a permanent police presence. 

The meeting aims to bring together a group to discuss the past incidents and look toward the future with ideas for a Neighbourhood Watch and guest speakers such as Senior Constable, Jeff Milton from the Waratah police and Bill Hackney, coordinator of the Hunter Region's Neighbourhood Watch.

Both will answer questions before the community who have any concerns surrounding local crime rates with an encouragement to attend for the importance of creating a safe and unified community. 

Organisation of the event was conducted by the State member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery who is eager to establish a safe presence for the community under Neighbourhood Watch as she said, "We're looking at how we can best protect one another as a community from crime and this is a wonderful way to do that".

She described, "what we're trying to prevent by setting up a neighbourhood watch is particularly petty crime or unreported crime... a good neighbourhood watch will prevent many crimes because we are looking after one another". 

Ms Hornery says she hopes this meeting and the organisation itself will bring "encouragement and knowledge to people and give them the confidence to report crimes when they see it".

The Meeting will be held at 55A Wentworth St, Wallsend at the New Hope Community church at 7pm.

BREAKING! Out Of Control Bush Fire North Of Singleton

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire crews are at the scene of an out of control bush fire at Camberwell north of Singleton.


The Rural Fire Service has just issued an Emergency Warning for residents.

The fire is burning in the vicinity of McInerney Rd, Alpha Street, Lethbridge Street, New England Highway, Glennie Street, Dyrring Street, Dawson Street and Dulwich Place.

The fire has crossed the New England Highway and is heading towards Camberwell Village.

The RFS says residents should shelter in place as the fire front arrives and take advice from firefighters in the area.


So, far it's more than 10 hectares neat the historic village and the New England Highway is closed in both directions.

The Transport Management Centre says motorists should use the Golden Highway instead and allow extra travel time.

Teen To Face Court Over High Speed Pursuit At Port Stephens

BY IAN CROUCH

A Port Stephens teenager has had his drivers licence suspended and cancelled after allegedly leading police on a high speed pursuit while under the influence.

Officers noticed a Ford Falcon travelling above the speed limit on Gan Gan Road at Anna Bay on Saturday night and tried to pull it over.

However the driver failed to stop, prompting a pursuit.

Officers terminated the chase for safety reasons when the car allegedly reached 160 kilometres per hour in an 80km/h zone.

Further inquiries led police to a nearby home on Pacific Avenue where they arrested an 18-year-old man.

He was taken to Nelson Bay Police Station where he allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.021 - as a P-Plate driver, he is prohibited from driving with any alcohol in his system.

The man's been charged with police pursuit (Skyes Law), driving with special range prescribed concentration of alcohol and exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/has a P2 Licence holder.

He's due to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 13 February 2017.

Motocross Rider Seriously Injured In Lake Macquarie Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

A motor cross rider is lucky to be alive after a sickening crash at Lake Macquarie.

The 24-year-old was taking part in competition at the Awaba Motor Cross circuit yesterday afternoon when he crashed heavily after going over a jump, with his head hitting the ground hard.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew him to the John Hunter Hospital where he's now reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

MacDonald lambastes 'anarchist' Greens

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Scot MacDonald

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has accused the NSW Greens of harbouring anarchists in the parliamentary offices.

Mr MacDonald made the comments while discussing calls made by Left Renewal, a socialist splinter-group of the Greens.

"The Left Renewal faction, or whatever they call themselves, actually operate out of the offices NSW Greens MPs," Mr MacDaonald said.

"If they wanted to distance themselves, they'd remove these people from their staff but they haven't done that.

"So we're faced with the position that the Greens are still backing these people and still believe that Australia Day is not for them."

Greens MP David Shoebridge was quick to throw away Mr MacDonald's claims, saying the party does not, in any way, support burning the Australian flag.

"It's remarkable that the jingoistic Liberal party who harbour some pretty deep racists in them to criticise other parties' membership," Mr Shoebridge said.

"The Greens are pretty clear about this, we don't support - as a state of federal party - burning the flag but we absolutely support reviewing 26th January as our national day and particularly for our First Peoples."

Australia Day has been heavily criticised for being on the same day as British colonisation 1788, with many now calling it Invasion Day.

David Shoebridge [Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Mr MacDonald said he was open to the opportunity to change the day, but didn't want it to become negative.

"I'd be very concerned if we went to an overly negative description of it like Invasion Day," he said.

"It was certainly a disruptive occasion in 1788, no question about that."

"I think most of us are working very, very hard at getting along with each other and I've got the utmost respect for our Indigenous communities."

Mr Shoebridge, on the other hand, welcomed the chance to change the day to something more accessible.

"Many people like May 8 - M8 Day.  I personally think there's a lot to be said about the day in which we successfully passed a Referendum to give our first people proper citizenship and to celebrate that as a moment of coming together," he said.

"Whatever the day is, we can certainly do a lot better than the day that marks the invasion and the dispossession
of people who'd been in this remarkable continent for 40,000 years."

Possible closure of Weston Fire Station

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There are strong concerns the fire station at Weston, near Cessnock, could close with the state government reportedly planning to join the station with Abermain.

The Abermain fire station is less than four kilometres down the road from the Weston fire station, but both have proven to be vitally important in recent bush fire emergencies in the area.

With ferocious fire ripping through Kurri Kurri and Heddon Greta this week residents, firefighters, and local politicians alike, are expressing their concern of the potentially dangerous move.

Cessnock MP Clayton Barr is particularly concerned the state government is making cuts to resources the community need, and would suffer to be without.

"As recently as this week, we've seen those incredible fires throughout that area and we saw them less than two weeks ago and then less than two months ago again. It is just absurd that these cuts would be taking place in a place surrounded by bushland like Cessnock and Kurri and Abermain, and more broadly across the Hunter."

There has reportedly been little to no consultation with the community, let alone with fire fighters in the area.

"Mike Baird has announced his retirement, but the policies of Mike Baird live on and the minister who is enacting the policies of Mike Baird. or his government, which is to cut $22 million out of fire and rescue NSW staffing and fire stations."

Two storey structure fire at Vacy

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Firefighters from the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW
are tackling a blaze at a two storey structure at Vacy, near Dungog.

There are reports more than 40 firefighters and 12 trucks are at the building on Summerhill Road.

Firies are fighting the fire from a distance because there are fears the building could collapse.

RFS are reporting the attached garage is storing firearm ammunition.

All the occupants have been accounted for.

Fires Blaze In The Hunter

BY: ARIANA GATTI

Residents around the Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Hunter areas are relieved the torrential fires from yesterday have seized.

With temperatures dropping and the possible chances of rain, bushland around the Hunter can take a break.

No reports have come through on houses being lost or damaged, although, other remnants such as sheds and open properties have been burnt or destroyed by the blaze.

At least 26 fire crews tackled the ongoing fires, with some extensive help from helicopters and other aircraft flying over, dropping water to extinguish the blaze.

Police undertook investigations today in order to figure out how these fires began and if one or more arsonists were invloved in purposely lighting the fire.

Investigations are still ongoing.

Mayor of Cessnock, Bob Pynsent says, "It was a very frightening experience for a lot of people in our local area."

"We are so happy that there's been minimal damage to surrounding properties and a big thank you to all the emergency services who worked so hard to protect our community", he says.

[Image sourced: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/evacuation-warnings-issued-as-multiple-fires-in-kurri-kurri-region-burn-out-of-control/news-story/6a4d33eb7de6ac83d5d11a0aaea8815a]

Mike Baird quits politics

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Mike Baird and Andrew Constance in Newcastle in December. [Picture: Simone De Peak/The Herald]

State Transport minister Andrew Constance has named in the running to succeed Premier Mike Baird after he announced his resignation on Thursday morning.

Mr Baird made the announcement, citing the current health of his close family members, and being content with what his government has achieved as the main reasons for retirement.

“I said many times I didn’t want to become a career politician; I wanted to go as hard as I could for as long as I could, and then step aside,” he said.

During a press conference on Thursday, Mr Baird listed what he considered were the main achievements of the Liberal party since it entered government in 2011.

Being the first state to sign up to the Gonski needs-based school funding was singled out as particularly important for “getting our kids set up” regardless of where they came from.

Particular emphasis was also put on the changes to transport, including the Newcastle light rail, which Mr Baird said would drastically change the landscape of the city.

Mr Baird became Premier in 2014, after former Premier, Barry O’Farrell was forced to resign over political gifts.

Mr Baird said he entered politics to get stuff done, and he now believes he has.

“When I set out on the journey I was frustrated on why New South Wales was behind the rest of the country,” he said.

“I was frustrated that nothing ever got built, and I wanted to make a difference.

“As I look on that now I strongly believe that we have.  We have made a difference.”

The Liberal Party will meet to elect a new Premier and deputy Liberal leader next week, with Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian and Transport minister Andrew Constance on the shortlist to succeed Mr Baird.

Mike Baird when he announced his retirement on Thursday [Picture:ABC]

Mr Constance was heavily involved in the construction of the Newcastle light rail.

In April, Mr Constance told Novocastrians they should embrace the future possibilities the light rail can bring.

“The light rail project will facilitate and open up enormous opportunities as part of the activation of the city,” he said.

“Not only is the [the Transport for Newcastle mandate] the integration of the transport modes, but it’s also bringing in the pedestrian and cycling access.”

The popularity of Mr Baird began to drop after a laundry list of policies and plans by the state government were refused by the electorates.

The Nationals Party lost their stronghold of Orange during a by-election last year, which saw a 20-point lead wiped out and a member from the Shooters and Fishers Party being elected to the lower house.

It has been widely agreed that Mr Baird's insistence on the banning of greyhound racing across the state led to the defeat.

Council amalgamations were another widely-panned decision by the Baird Government, which wreaked havoc on

Hunter councils.

Port Stephens Council is yet to know if it will be forced to merge with Newcastle Council, or if it can merge with their preferred choice of Dungog Council.

Mike Baird visited Newcastle in December. [Picture: Ian Crouch]

Mr Baird remained confident that council amalgamations were a good thing.

“Council amalgamations, I strongly believe, will deliver long-term benefits for every member of New South Wales.  It will provide huge opportunities and much more competitiveness into the long-term,” he said.

When asked on Thursday whether he will return to the private sector, Mr Baird did not rule it out.

Lack of OOSH Places as New School Year Looms

By Marissa Alexiou

Lack of Out Of School Hours (OOSH) care places is causing additional stress for families across the Hunter as the new school year looms.

Due to the Baird Government failing on its promise to deliver more spaces, parents are being forced to reduce their work hours, with casual workers most at risk.

In 2015 Premier of NSW Mike Baird promised 45,000 new before and after school places by 2019 but currently, only 5,993 places have been created. Only 10% of the allocated funding for the sector has been spent.

There are around 6,000 children enrolled to start in the area's schools at the end of the month and only 396 placed in out of school hours accredited centres, according to data from MySchool and ACECQA.

Analysis by NSW Labor shows there is only one place for every 25 students in areas such as Raymond Terrace. Shadow Minster for Early Childhood Education Kate Washington said there is alternative in the family day care space but when those options are not available parents are relying on informal arrangements that are unregulated and risky.

The lack of spaces is particularly providing another challenge for women trying to enter back into the workforce. Ms Washington said that it is mothers that are primarily looking at what they can do to make sure their children are cared for. It is also common for mothers to undertake casual work, putting them further at risk of being affected by the lack of accredited care.

Ms Washington said "the grants offered by the government to create additional OOSH places, have been a complete failure. The Baird government must consult with the sector to facilitate the expansion of services or the creation of new services."

Photo source: Facebook

Diesel Spill in Raymond Terrace harms park

BY TYLER FARDELL

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington has expressed her disappointment in Port Stephens council for their handling of a diesel leak, which has impacted the Hunter River and Boomerang Park in Raymond Terrace.

In mid-December, a diesel slick was spotted in the Hunter River at Raymond Terrace.

The leak was then traced to the Raymond Terrace council depot where the diesel had drained into Boomerang park.

The EPA then issued a clean-up order to council but a second incident at the Depot worsened the situation.

Council has since fenced off a section of Boomerang Park, two weeks after the spill was spotted.

"There are stringent regulations around the storage of diesel. It's clear that there has been a failure of systems."

However Port Stephens Council group manager for facilities and services Greg Kable has defended the decision to fence off the park, saying it was just a precaution.

He also added the situation is under control and everything should be back to normal within a fortnight.

Boomerang park
Source; Port Stephens Examiner

Soaring petrol prices in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter commuters are still paying top dollar at the bowser with prices in the region higher than the state average.

Prices shot up in the past week, jumping an average 6 cents per litre around the state, but in the Hunter prices have been up to 10 cents higher than the average.

A number of petrol stations increased their prices overnight to 144.3 cents and higher, with the wholesale price 20 cents cheaper than what we are paying.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury says there is a reprieve on its way and prices should start to fall.

"We expect prices to fall, they should've started falling and they should fall. The gap between the retail and the wholesale price is - certainly in Newcastle's case - about 20 cents per litre on average. That gives you an idea of the profit margins the major oil companies are making and we think the fall should happen to around 120 cents per litre."

NSW Government website FuelCheck and the fuel app is just one way commuters can find the cheapest fuel in the region.

Police Step Up Appeal For Help After Teen Bashed At Charlestown

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police have released photos of a man wanted over a savage assault on a teenage boy at Charlestown.

The 16-year-old was sitting with friends outside Charlestown Square at about 4.30pm on Tuesday 27 November 2016 when a man approached and grabbed him by the throat before throwing him onto some chairs.

The stranger then kicked and punched the boy in the face before leaving the area in a silver Toyorta Camry driven by a woman.

The boy spent five days in hospital and had to have two plates inserted in his jaw.

Police have pursed several lines of inquiry but have so far not been able to identify the man or woman and are appealing for information about the pair or vehicle.

Calls to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) can remain anonymous and a reward of up to $1000 is being offered for information which leads to an arrest.

CCTV Images Of A Man Wanted For Questioning Over Teen Assault

Police Investigate Suspicious Barrington Tops Retreat Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

Police say a fire which caused half a million dollars worth of damage at a Barrington Tops retreat appears to have been deliberately lit.

Emergency services were called to Salisbury Lodges just before 2.30am Sunday arriving to find a storage shed, granny flat and three cars well alight.

However, the accommodation area wasn't involved in the fire and the owners say the retreat remains open.

Salisbury Lodges Picture: holidaysonline.com.au

Man Arrested Over Violent Robbery At Jesmond

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front Newcastle Local Court today on several charges following a violent robbery at Jesmond where a woman was punched in the face.

The 24-year-old allegedly attacked the 38-year-old victim as she waited at a bus stop on Newcastle Road on Saturday morning.

He's accused of stealing her handbag and later using her credit card to buy cigarettes.


Police say witnesses chased the man down Newcastle Road but he allegedly threatened them with a brick and he ran off.

Officers later tracked him down to a house on South Street at Windale where he was found hiding under a bed.


He's been charged with aggravated robbery, threaten injury to person with intent to prevent lawful apprehension and dishonestly obtain property by deception.

Kurri Kurri looks to tourism

BY TYLER FARDELL

Kurri Kurri residents and business owners will be hoping the new free camp site aimed at tourists travelling through the Hunter Valley, will bring money into the local economy and revitalise the town.

Many of the businesses in town have been struggling since the construction of the Hunter Expressway and the mining downturn, and many local's are hoping passing tourists will stop for a night and spend money.

Cessnock Councillor and Kurri Kurri business chamber member Rod Doherty in confident the free camp site on Allworth Street, which opened last month, will attract a lot of passing tourists.

Mr Doherty says the new camp site is particularly focused on people travelling with caravans or motor-homes.

"We hope tourists will stay the night, load up on fuel, stop for coffee and see the murals."

Also in the works is a revamp of the Kurri Kurri CBD, which would further improve the town's image to visitors.

"The council has just consulted some contractors to do the design work for the CBD. We need Kurri Kurri to be more attractive than it currently is."

Strike Force Raptor - Banditos gang member arrested

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Strike Force Raptor has struck again in the Hunter, with an associate of the Banditos outlaw motorcycle gang, and his son, charged with firearm offences.

Strike force officers conducted a targeted vehicle stop on a 48 year old man yesterday in Telarah, where shortly after a house was also searched.

A loaded firearm and a magazine, as well as 12-gauge shotgun shells were found at the Brooks Street address - one of the firearms is believed to be a stolen gun from a break-in in 2011.

The 48 year old was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with multiple firearm offences.

He was refused bail and will appear at Maitland Local Court later this month.

A 24 year old man was also arrested in Barnsley, where police conducted another search of a home and found multiple firearms and drugs.

The man was charged with multiple firearm and drug offences and refused bail to appear in Toronto Local Court later today.

Hillsborough Road Swimart Fire

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Fire broke out just before 10am this morning at the Swimart Pools and Spas building in Warners Bay on Hillsborough Road.

Fire and ambulance crews attended the blaze following reports it had started when a forklift caught alight.

Fire crews successfully extinguished the fire, and are now at work ventilating smoke from the building.

Two occupants of the building were treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene.

AGL Fined For Failing Disclose Political Donations

BY IAN CROUCH

AGL and one of its subsidiaries has been fined $124,000 by the Land and Environment Court.

It comes after they failed to disclose political donations when making planning applications for a Newcastle gas storage facility.

The fines have been imposed following an investigation into complaints by community groups.

It's the largest penalty imposed since provisions were first introduced nine years ago.

Hunter Federal Pollies Questioned Over Expense Claims

BY IAN CROUCH

Questions over parliamentary entitlements have reached the Hunter, with former and serving MPs in the spotlight.

Fairfax reports, former Paterson Mp, Bob Baldwin spent almost $7,000 to meet with executives of a renewable energy company in Perth in the months before he retired from politics.

The company is now a client of his new lobbyist firm.

Bob Baldwin says the trips were all above board as they were related to his environment portfolio and were legitimate parliamentary business.

Hunter Mp, Joel Fitzgibbon was the region's biggest spender, running up $243,000 in travel costs, office expenses and electorate materials over the first 6 months of last year - he says too often people just look at the costs without taking into account the long hours spent traveling around the country on parliamentary business.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Mp, Sharon Claydon spent $174,000. Shortland Mp, Pat Conroy chalked up $169,000 and retired Shortland Mp, Jill Hall spent $105,000 over the same six month period.

Former Paterson Mp, Bob Baldwin

Hunter Mp, Joel Fitzgibbon

Scone practice "best in NSW"

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The Scone Medical Practice has been named the best general practice in NSW by the Primary Health Network.

Practice Manager Ross Higham says the practice offers a range of services for rural communities.
[Picture: Scone Advocate]

The 82-year-old facility was recognised based on its high retention rate and the wide range of services it provides to rural communities.

“The practice also arranges for visiting specialists in a variety of areas … to provide services on site at the practice’s purpose built medical facility,” PHN CEO Richard Nankervis said.

The ‘best in NSW’ Award recognises the practice’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of its patients, PHN said in a statement.

Practice Manager Ross Higham said the facility aims to give a comprehensive experience for patients.

“We try to give it widest available services we can.  We have a physiotherapist on site, we have a psychologist on site,” he said.

“We have visiting dietitians, visiting endocrinologists, and a cardio specialist as well.”

He said that while regional hospitals at Tamworth, Newcastle and Maitland all provided comprehensive services, “the closest one to us is an hour-and-a-half away”.

“We’re trying to cut down the distance that people have to travel as a priority,” he said.

The award comes as regional Australia continues to battle a shortage of doctors in regional Australia, with a bulk of GPs consolidated in metropolitan areas.

In 2015, the then-Abbott government introduced new incentives to get doctors into small regional towns, and out of larger centres like Cairns and Townsville.

Part of the plan was to increase the paid incentive from $12,000 and $23,000 for doctors working in towns of less than 5,000 people.

"It makes more sense to use that money to attract doctors to where the greatest shortages are - small rural and remote communities, not big regional cities," Rural Health minister Fiona Nash said at the time.

"This means bigger incentive payments will go to doctors who choose to work in the areas of greatest need."

However, speaking with the ABC late last year, Rural Doctors Association of Australia president Dr Ewen McPhee said incentives put in place so far haven't helped.

"Even with the best of intentions over the past 20 years, we still haven't fixed the rural workforce shortage problem," he said.

However, Mr Higham said he's often seen a link between where a training doctor has come from and where they end up practising.

"We generally find that people with rural backgrounds tend to go to rural practices because they understand the community," he said.

"We also have some doctors from Sydney who come out here as well and find the experience very rewarding, both medically as well as fitting into the local community."

The Scone medical practice opened in March 1934 by Dr W.O Pye, the great-great grandson of British convicts. 

Senior Bikie Gang Member Faces Court Over Brawl

BY IAN CROUCH

The crackdown on bikie gangs in the Hunter continues, with a high-ranking member of the Finks to face court later this month.

The Daily Telegraph reports 32-year-old Adam Gould, who's believed to be the Newcastle Chapter President of the Finks Bikie Gang, is accused of being armed with a baseball bat during a brawl outside a Wallsend Service Station last month involving Finks and Nomads gang members, which left two men in hospital.

Detectives from Strike Force Raptor arrested Gould at Newcastle Police Station yesterday.

He's been refused bail.to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Monday January 23 charged with affray, using an offensive weapon with intent to commit serious indictable offense, and custody of an offensive implement in a public place.

Loxford Bushfire Latest

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have worked through the night to extinguish a large bushfire near Kurri Kurri.

The fire broke out just before 2.00pm yesterday and jumped the Hunter Expressway, forcing the evacuation of the nearby sewerage treatment works.

At one stage, the fire threatened homes in Northcott Street and McLeod Road, while a firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.

The fire burnt through 50 hectares before being brought under control at midnight, with crews completing their mopping up work by around 4.00am.

Authorities are not ruling out arson as the cause of the blaze.

Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie firefighters have brought a 14 hectare blaze at Wyee under control.

Crews Tackle The Loxford Bushfire. Picture: MJF Productions

Smoke From The Loxford Bushfire Closes The Hunter Expressway Picture: MJF Productions

New product being developed to curb chemical run-off

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A new product is being developed by the Institute of Engineers Australia which aims to prevent PFAS chemical run-off from contaminated sites such as the Williamtown RAAF base.

The Institute of Engineers is working to combat the PFC chemical itself, which is recalcitrant and does not break down. The product, in its testing stage, is designed to create an impermeable barrier to prevent the chemicals in firefighting foams from leaking into waterways in the event of rainfall.

Institute of Engineers Australia Fellow Grant Scott explains, “The product looks to be able to spray on or put on as a paste on firefighting forecourts and encapsulate the contaminant so that it does not leech out and get into these environments; it is contained and controlled.”

It has been 18 months since the revelation of perfluorinated chemical contamination stemming from the use of firefighting foams in the Williamtown area.

A Commonwealth Department of Defence health risk assessment report was released in late 2016, however the full effects of PFAS contimation are still being studied.

The Institute hopes to complete product testing in approximately two months.






Image source: ABC Newcastle

$4.3 Million to Rebuild Stockton Boat Harbour

BY SARAH JAMES

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, today announced work will commence early this year to design and rebuild Stockton Boat Harbour, providing the Newcastle recreational and commercial boating community with safer berthing.

The NSW Government has allocated $4.3 million to improve the safety, use and accessibility of the 50-year old harbour.
 
Rebuilding the harbour will be a two stage process led by the RMS and is estimated to take a maximum of 18 months.

The first stage which is due to start in March 2017 will involve establishing a new 25 berth swing mooring and dinghy rack facility north of the existing harbour at North Stockton.

Once complete, vessels will moved to the new swing mooring facility so the second stage of rebuilding the existing Stockton Harbour infrastructure can begin.

Investigations conducted into the safety of the existing harbour last year revealed the need for harbour to undergo construction.

Extensive consultation with the local community, commercial fishers and local boat owners also influenced the decision.

Hendrik Clasie from the RMS described the rebuild as "a long time coming" and "something we're pleased to get off the ground and finally deliver".

Total Fire Ban Across the Hunter Region

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

A Total Fire Ban has been put in place across the Greater Hunter Region today as a result of hot and windy conditions.

Areas affected include Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter.

The severe fire conditions prohibit open fires being lit and the suspension of fire permits across the Hunter. Gas and electric barbeques may be used as long as they meet necessary requirements.

NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepard said that breach of the Total Fire Ban conditions will be taken very seriously.

Lighting an open fire today will result in on the spot fines of up to $2200. The fine for tossing a lit cigarette will also double.

Residents are encouraged to be prepared if a fire occurs and follow their Bush Fire Survival Plan. Inspector Ben Shepard said it is important that residents stay updated on fires and the conditions in their local area. 

Residents can use smart-phone apps such as Fires Near Me to stay updated as well as local radio and television stations. 

The community are advised to call Triple 000 if they see fire. Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas can be found at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. 

Source: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

Former Newcastle MP Pay Back Thousands In Banned Donations

BY IAN CROUCH'

Former state Liberal MP for Newcastle, Tim Owen has been forced to repay tens of thousands of dollars in the wake of the 2011 illegal donations scandal.

An electoral commission investigation found Mr Owen received nine unlawful donations, which he failed to declare.

He was last sent a letter of demand in August last year after the findings from an ICAC investigation were handed down and has now paid back $50,000 in donations on a "without admission" basis.

Tim Owen Announcing He Won't Contest the 2015 Election Picture theherald.com.au

Michael Chamberlain Dies Aged 72

BY IAN CROUCH

Michael Chamberlain, the father of baby Azaria who was taken by a dingo at Uluru in 1980, has passed away overnight in Gosford Hospital.

Dr Chamberlain, who was initially convicted and then exonerated of being an accessory to Azaria's murder, lost his battle with acute Leukemia aged 72.

He lived in Lake Macquarie and unsuccessfully challenged for the state seat in 2003 - and was last year appointed a conjoint professor at the University of Newcastle.

In 2012, Michael Chamberlain addressed the media shortly after a coroner finally ruled a dingo took Azaria.


"This battle to get to the legal truth about what caused Azaria's death has taken too long. However, I am here to tell you that  you can get justice even when you think that all is lost," he said.

Michael Chamberlain Picture echo.net.au

Bandits Hit Lake Macquarie Club

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating an armed hold-up at the Swansea Workers Club overnight.

Two men, one armed with a gun, entered the Rawson Street club just before 9.00pm and threatened 3 staff and a patron while demanding the night's takings.

They were handed an amount of cash before fleeing on foot.

Police say they were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Fire Forces Dozens To Be Evacuated From Newcastle Unit Block

BY IAN CROUCH

50 people have been evacuated from a Newcastle city unit block this morning after a fire broke out in one of the apartments.

Fire crews were called to the 6 storey building on Hunter Street just before 3 o'clock to find two men on the footpath suffering smoke inhalation and smoke coming from a 1st floor unit.

A lounge on the verandah of the unit had caught alight, causing minor fire damage to the unit.

The men were treated at the scene be paramedics and all residents were allowed to return to their units once the fire was extinguished.

Muswellbrook Council Delivery Program Draft on Exhibition

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Muswellbrook Shire Council draft Delivery Program and Special Rate Variation is now on display for community consultation.

$25 million is expected to be spent on a number of town upgrades under the new program.

Some of the projects include the addition of new recreational facilities, road upgrades and drainage renewal.

The Program is anticipated to be jointly funded by Council and residents, however, ratepayers could be expected to foot a little more of the bill.

The Delivery Program could see additional projects be undertaken which would be funded by a Special Rate Variation of 2.5% each year for 4 years.

Additional projects include a Regional Convention and Performance Centre, upgrades of Muswellbrook Aquatic Centre and the revitalisation of Denman Town Centre.

Residents are being encouraged to provide feedback through the mail, email or on Facebook.

Image Courtesy: muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au