Flying Fox Committee Reports to Parliament

BY RACHEL STORER

The flying fox crisis continues. Image: theherald.com.au

Residents in the Hunter have long suffered the severe impacts caused by colonies of flying foxes.

Yesterday the Parliamentary Committee into the impact of flying foxes on urban communities tabled its report in Federal Parliament.

The inquiry was established last year by Hunter Federal MP, Joel Fitzgibbon in response to the ongoing issue of flying foxes throughout the Hunter.

The Committee put forward a number of recommendations to government including ways to address complexities associated with multiple levels of government and the confusing web of regulations and the call for more funding to aid research.

"The Committee has recommended that a working group be set up in the COAG framework and talk about how we help councils work their way through the web of dual responsibilities between the Commonwealth and the State," said Joel Fitzgibbon.

Mr Fitzgibbon says it is a balancing act to protect the endangered species and also correct the problem faced by local communities.

"The committee has done two things; it's recognised that flying foxes do play an important in our ecology and they are in decline and need protecting but it's also recognised that communities are being adversely affected", said Mr Fitzgibbon.

Mr Fitzgibbon says he hopes the government will take on board the recommendations for funding and better communication and gives local councils the tools to respond when communities come under siege.

RAAF Base Contractor Chaos

BY RACHEL STORER

The RAAF Base at Williamtown is receiving millions worth of upgrades. Image: news.com.au

Close to 20 workers based in Tomago are owed more than five weeks pay after conflicts between infrastructure company Lend Lease and sub-contractor Copal Engineering.

The workers have been fabricating a new hangar to house F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, which is due to be delivered in late 2018 as part of the Williamtown RAAF Base upgrade. Lend Lease won the multi-million dollar contract in 2014 and has used Copal Engineering to sub-contract the fabrication.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has strongly condemned this payroll debacle saying that workers are struggling to make ends meet and support their families.

Both Lend Lease and Copal are playing the "blame game" and the AMWU says even they are unsure as to who has full responsibility.

State Organiser of the AMWU, Cory Wright says that the Department of Defence should have stepped in by now as this project is being leased out by the federal department.

"Realistically the Department of Defence needs to involve themselves in this as it's a major infrastructure project for Australia which has national significance.

[They] need to play a role in ensuring all workers are fairly paid, so we're asking them to intervene as soon as possible to make sure these workers can put food on their tables and pay their bills," Mr Wright said.

Workers and Mr Wright are today picketing the work-site until this fiasco is sorted.

"We'll be picketing the site until we are able to get an outcome and get these workers paid," said Mr Wright.

"Some of these workers are owed up to five weeks pay plus a significant amount of superannuation [from] the last 12 months.

"It's not these workers fault that there's a contractor dispute, they're just caught in the middle and someone needs to act."

Policing still a concern in Wallsend

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police presence in Wallsend has long been a concern of residents.

Today, Shadow Minister for Justice and Police, Corrections and Emergency Services Guy Zangari has come to town to hear them.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is alongside the minister at forums today in Wallsend and Beresfield, with the focus on police staffing and resources, and what has been occurring with crime in the area.

"The whole idea today was to come and listen, listen to the concerns of the community - they voiced their feelings and it's certainly great to be in an environment where you have such a hard working MP in Sonia Hornery advocating on the community's behalf," said Guy Zangari.

150 people turned out for the first forum this morning in Wallsend with the MP's currently on their way to the next forum in Beresfield.

The issue of the Beresfield Police Station opening once a week was a major concern at the forum this morning, as well as the need for a greater police presence in Wallsend.

"Certainly the fact of the police station being opened once a week in Beresfield is a concern for the community, but this is an opportunity for myself and also for Sonia, to sit down and work out how we can move forward," Guy Zangari said.

Newcastle's light rail project reaching another milestone

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's former heavy rail corridor is taking shape, and forty workers will now be calling Downer EDI's new main site office home.

The new office, located between Merewether and Argyle Streets, will act as the nerve centre for light rail construction management.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says not only is the office an accomplishment for the project, but it will be of benefit to local businesses.

"It's a good milestone for us to achieve in actually establishing the site offices and focusing the workforce; and I think the surrounding businesses will benefit also from the extra trade they'll receive through the simple things like lunches, morning tea and coffee."

With the building located right in the centre of the light rail route, the site will have its own access road off Argyle Street with parking spaces also set aside for construction workers, so existing parking spaces aren't taken up by the workers.

Michael Cassel says with workers working in various areas across the whole site, residents and visitors to the city shouldn't notice any disruption to either traffic or parking.

Image sourced from:
http://theconversation.com/will-it-be-the-end-of-the-line-for-newcastles-train-or-for-baird-38534

Dungog Residents Big Losers In Merger: Report

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed Dungog residents could've been left without a local councillor to represent them if the merger with Maitland Council had gone ahead.

A report to the former Local Government Minister last April has been made public which recommended the merger go ahead because the financial advantages outweighed the disadvantages.

However there was no guarantee Dungog councillors would've been part of the merged council, with the smaller shire to be completely absorbed by Maitland under the suggested amalgamation.

Earlier this month, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced plans to merge regional councils have been scrapped.

Help For Hunter Grandparents On The Way

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Grandparents who've been forced to take over the care of their grandchildren due to drug and alcohol-affected parents are being given some much needed support.

Shocking evidence to a Senate Inquiry has prompted the Federal Government to hold a free Connecting Carers event at the Novotel in Newcastle on March 8.

It will include information on local services, legal issues, responding to trauma and respite services available to carers.

On-site child care will also be available.

To register, call 1800 952 968.

Small Step For Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange

BY IAN CROUCH

The long-awaited Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange is about to make a small but significant step towards becoming a reality.

The $25-million stage one, section one road linking Main Road Cardiff with the Glendale retail precinct is set to open in May.

Section two of the project involves the construction of a 3-span bridge over the Sydney to Newcastle rail line at Pennant Street, Cardiff.

Lake Macquarie Council has set aside $6-million for this part of the project and hopes the state and federal governments will contribute the remaining $26-million needed to build it.

Once this stage is built the attention can turn to building the $120-million interchange at Glendale.

Former Mayor Jodie Harrison turns the first sod  on construction of new link road in July 2015. Picture: the herald.com.au

Alleged Joy Rider To Face Court

BY IAN CROUCH

A Wallsend man has allegedly been caught joy riding around Argenton in a stolen car.

Under cover Target Action Police spotted a while Kia being driven erratically around the Glendale Super Centre at about 12.30 this morning before it crashed into a garden bed at the corner of Lake Road and McLaughlin Street.

The 20-year-old driver was arrested after short foot pursuit.

Police say the car had been stolen from an Elermore Vale address at the weekend.

Dispute over funding for Legal centre

BY TYLER FARDELL

The federal government has come under fire from the opposition over funding cuts to The Hunter community legal centre which come into effect July 1st this year.

Hunter Labor MP's Joel Fitzgibbon, Meryl Swanson and Sharon Claydon have criticised the funding cuts, saying the centre, which offers free legal help to those in need, "could be forced to turn away hundreds of local residents".

In addition the centre's base in Newcastle, the centre has a variety on face-to-face clinics throughout the Hunter, including ones in Cessnock, Port Stephens, Raymond Terrace and Muswellbrook.

In the last year alone, the centre provided more than 4300 people with legal assistance, however more than 13 hundred were turned away due to lack of resources.

"It's fair to say the government's proposed funding cuts will be detrimental to the centre's operation and will equate to more people in desperate need of help being turned away" said Mr Fitzgibbon.

However, the federal government has hit back at the opposition, stating funding for the centre had risen by more than 30 percent over the past six years.

Mine rejection saves thoroughbred industry again

BY: GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The region's thoroughbred industry is praising the decision made by the Planning Assessment Commission to halt Anglo American's plan for a mine in the Upper Hunter.

It's the fourth time the Drayton South coal mine has been rejected by the PAC, with reports the state government are now making moves to cap the number of times an application can be lodged.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Friday that the submission was rejected because it posed a risk to the Coolmore and Godolphin's Darley thoroughbred studs in the Upper Hunter.

The Upper Hunter thoroughbred industry was in danger of moving interstate if the mine went ahead. [Picture: Scone Chamber].

Hunter Thoroughbred Association President Cameron Collins said the decision made by the PAC was "logical".

"The science, the economics, and common sense support this decision.  It's the fourth decision in our favour by 12 independent commissioners over the past four years," Mr Collins said.

"But, it doesn't prevent another application for a mine on this site and we think there's an opportunity now for the government to make a decision to block any further mining on this site."

Anglo American first made an application in 2011, to build a mine 500 metres from the same farms which bore runners including Black Caviar and Winx.

That application was rejected twice, and a third time when Anglo American moved the mine's border to 900 meters away.

Planning Minister Anthony Roberts has reportedly begun steps to limit the number of applications an organisation can lodge, even though the planning department recently recommended the mine be approved.

"At the moment, people can come back and appeal based on a very similar application," Mr Roberts told Macquarie Radio on Thursday.

Cameron Collins

"It would require some legislation and this is where I would hope the Labor party would support us."

Mr Collins said there needs to be an agreement between Upper Hunter industries to determine which land is for what.

"Both industries, the mining industry and the breeding industry - and agriculture in general - need an understanding of where mining can go and where it can't go," Mr Collins said.

"We would think it's time for the state government to put some buffers in the equine critical industry cluster.

"That would give us some certainty and investors certainty, and will also give the mining industry some clarity as to where they can and can't mine."

When lodging the submission, Anglo American made the assertion that the mine would generate almost 1,000 new jobs for the Upper Hunter, as well as $300 million in royalties.

That is a far cry from the $2.6 billion estimated worth of the thoroughbred industry - a number Mr Collions said was recognised by the PAC.

"They clearly came down on the side of the thoroughbred industry to say that this mine - the economic benefits of this mine - were not in the public interest at the expense of a long-term agricultural industry," he said.

Mr Collins said jobs in the agricultural industry were long-term ones, while mining jobs are short-term.

Anglo American have been especially critical of the PAC, saying it was costing hundreds of jobs in the region.

Expenses Scandal a 'non-issue': Lord Mayor

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has responded to a story in Thursday's Daily Telegraph, saying revelations she spent $270 of ratepayers' money on childcare for her daughter is a "non-issue".

The Daily Telegraph story - which did not contact Ms Nelmes for comment - said the Lord Mayor took her young daughter with her on a council trip to Singapore last year.

While in the South-East Asian country, MS Nelmes paid $270 for a single day's childcare and used public funds to pay for it, which is within the $6000 annual limit Newcastle Council staff have for career expenses.

"I'm not unique as a working mother in a leadership role and this often blends carers responsibilities with work.  At no time did I ever seek reimbursement for my daughter's travel, I paid for it all myself," Ms Nelmes said.

"The only expense I claimed was related to her childcare expenses for one day."

She said she was forced to take her daughter on the trip since Council gave her little notice of the trip.

"It was in the school holidays and the only way I could go for those three nights was to take my daughter and I paid for her and I claimed one day of childcare expenses," she said.

"In my mind, I thought that was reasonable to make sure I exercised my duty."

Ms Nelmes called the article in The Daily Telegraph a "beat-up" and said it was detracting from the exciting changes Newcastle is experiencing.

She said the story was a "relative non-issue considering all of the great things that are happening in the city and all of the important issues happening around the world".

A Newcastle Council spokesman said council introduced an expenses policy more than a decade ago, which was aimed to "increase the participation by women and underrepresented groups in local government".

"Pursuant to clause 17 of the expenses policy, the Lord Mayor was entitled to and did claim for one day of approved childcare in Singapore," the spokesman said.

The Daily Telegraph spoke with a number of Newcastle councillors - excluding the Lord Mayor herself - including Liberal councillor Brad Luke, who said he probably wouldn't pass the pub test.

"I don't think the average person ... is going to be happy that while on an overseas trip on council expenses she not only took her daughter, but claimed childcare," he told The Daily Telegraph.

New brain cancer fellowship for Hunter- based doctor

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Nationally renowned radiation oncologist Dr Mike Fay has been named the inaugural recipient of a three- year fellowship funded by the Mark Hughes Foundation.

The fellowship will allow researchers from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, spearheaded by Dr Fay, to use imaging technology in order to determine reasons why some brain tumour treatments fail.

In addition to this, Dr Fay is hoping to develop scanning markers and targeted therapies for cancer cells that resist current treatments.

Dr Fay believes a fellowship program, where doctors concentrate solely on research rather than seeing patients, will allow advances to be made. "We've been hamstrung previously as most of us [the research team] work in the public health sector and there's just not enough time for research. This fellowship will free people up to do that."

It is understood that the Mark Hughes Foundation accepted many applications for the funding before deciding on Dr Fay.

"I've been involved with the Mark Hughes Foundation for a while," Dr Fay explains, "They're an amazing organisation and it's wonderful that this is happening in brain tumours, which have been a bit of a forgotten area."

Dr Fay and his team are currently carrying out their research at Newcastle's Calvary-Mater Hospital in collaboration with associates in Brisbane.

Image sources: HMRI and Mark Hughes Foundation websites

Tourle Street bridge taking shape

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Tourle Street and Cormorant Road duplication at Koorangang is well and truly underway after a major milestone was met with the installation of all bridge piles.

The project was announced in April 2016, with work starting a month later and is being funded by both Federal and State governments aiming to improve traffic flow which often results in bottleneck conditions.

Work is expected to be completed by the second half of 2018 and will feature 3.8 kilometres of road wich will be duplicated between Industrial drive, Mayfield West and Egret Street at Kooragang, providing two lanes in each direction along with a second Tourle Street Bridge.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack said it's great news for long-suffering motorists.

"For those motorists at the moment who are having to endure all the restrictions that all the road works are placing on the roads.

I want to reassure them that significant progress has been made, and we are really looking forward to this project finishing on budget and on time next year," Ms Cusack said.

Current condition of the project on the Tourle Street Bridge.

TAFE is Key to a Strong Economy

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

TAFE's are facing a challenge in meeting the needs of the Hunter community with the government's defunding of NSW's TAFE System.

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery is calling for the government to invest in TAFE in order to keep the Hunter's economy strong.

The O'Farrell-Baird-Berejiklian Government has overseen the defunding of the NSW TAFE system and poorly managed Smart and Skilled Program.

With the rise of youth unemployment, TAFE is being seen as a way to encourage workers to seek further education and upskill our workforce.

Sonia Horney said if the government wants to build a stronger economy, they need to provide courses at TAFE that provide apprenticeships and jobs for people in NSW.

The recent cuts to TAFE have been significant and have seen a reduction in courses, apprenticeships and jobs across NSW including the Hunter.

This has further resulted in a lack of skills needed for areas such as manufacturing and aged care.

Sonia Horney said that a strong education system is necessary for a strong economy and quality workforce.

Source:www.studyinaus.com

Call To Boost Police Powers

BY IAN CROUCH

Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison is calling on the state government to boost police powers so they can properly deal with wild parties and those who organise them.

Officers were confronted by a group of around 300 young people earlier this month, with some throwing bottles at police and others vandalising shopfronts on the Pacific Highway.

Jodie Harrison says action is needed now.
 
"It's important that motorists feel safe and it's important that people feel they can walk the street in a safe way," she said.

State Member For Charlestown Jodie Harrison

Massive Illegal Dump Pile At Kurri Kurri

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed a huge pile of illegally dumped building waste at Kurri Kurri was most likely transported from Sydney.

The 50 tonne pile was found near a roundabout at the Hunter Economic Zone by workers yesterday morning.

Documents found at the scene indicate the waste came from Sydney.

Investigators from the Regional Dumping Squad want to hear from anyone who may have seen a B-Double truck in the area on Monday night.

The Illegal Dump Pile At HEZ

Government to Create New Race Liaison Office

BY RACHEL STORER

The Newcastle 500 Track. Image: supercars.com

The Berejiklian government has announced it will establish a "Newcastle 500 Coordination Office" to better manage community consultation in the lead up to the inaugural V8 Supercar race in November.

The NSW Tourism Minister, Adam Marshall says the office will be staffed by Destination NSW and will employ a full-time government liaison officer who will oversee community engagement as well as work closely with Supercars Australia and Newcastle City Council.

Mr Marshall said "their job will be to be on the ground all the time as a permanent presence in Newcastle to ensure the smooth coordination of the inaugural Newcastle 500".

"Everything must run smoothly to try and make the first event in November this year as successful as possible for Newcastle and the greater Hunter region."

The current management of the event has been hit with criticism from Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp and shadow tourism minister Penny Sharpe, who called for an independent liaison body on the same day the new office was announced.

Mr Marshall said it was disappointing to see Labor call for action that had already been discussed.

"Certainly the issues that [Labor] have raised publicly were already addressed a week or two ago and I hope Labor will support this legislation through Parliament because this is going to be a great event for Newcastle."

It is hoped that the government office will ensure that construction continues with minimal disruption to the local community.

Police Investigate Alleged Assault At Springsteen Concert

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are now investigating an incident at the Bruce Springsteen concert at Pokolbin at the weekend where a man was allegedly assaulted by another patron.

As we reported yesterday, Don Elphick from Wagga Wagga was with his wife at the event when he told a man standing nearby who appeared to be intoxicated to stop using bad language.

Footage has now emerged of the man grabbing Mr Elphick by the throat and wrestling him to the ground and punching him in the head.

Mr Elphick was taken to Maitland Hospital and treated for concussion.

The security company in charge of the incident is also investigating claims a security guard failed to help and turned and ran away.

Angela and Don Elphick Picture: Seven Network

Vigilance urged

BY TYLER FARDELL

The victim of a break-in last Friday in Newcastle East has encouraged other residents to be vigilant and no to let it happen to them.

The 21 year old awoke to the shock of her life when a stranger was standing on her bed at around 1 am.

The intruder fled the scene after the victim woke up and began screaming, taking a handbag with him.

The encounter has thrown a spotlight on community concern about security in the normally quiet beachside suburb.

Chief inspector at Waratah Police station, Gerard Patrick Lawson, has encouraged residents to take safety into their own hands.

"It's important to ensure all doors and windows are locked when you go to bed. If you have to leave one open during the warmer summer months it's at your own risk".

"You can however install a locking device which lets you open windows and doors a little bit during those hot summer nights".

Labor Calls For Central Supercars Authority In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

The state opposition is calling on the Berejiklian Government to establish a central coordination authority in Newcastle to run the V8 Supercars event in November.

The government has week introduced legislation to have the event coordinated by Destination NSW through a host of committees based in Sydney.

Labor says this is in stark contrast to the Supercars event held in Sydney, where a Homebush Motor Racing Authority was set up to be a central touch point for the community.

Shadow Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Penny Sharpe has described the arrangements for Newcastle as a recipe for confusion and buck passing.

"People are worried that Supercars have been responsible for the consultation. We believe that this is completely inappropriate - people, need an independent, government organisation that's able to coordinate all of the different stakeholders - residents, businesses, and the event organisers, to make sure that this runs smoothly, but also to give them somewhere where they can actually have their complaints heard," she said.

Labor Mps Tim Crackenthorp and Penny Sharpe call for Central Supercars Authority In Newcastle

Government failing Hunter on energy: MP

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The federal government have no idea what the Hunter's energy providers are facing, and lack the plans to move providers into the future, Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said.

During Thursday's parliamentary Question Time, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the House of Representatives that Labor had a plan to close coal-fired electricity generators across the Hunter.

However, Mr Fitzgibbon said "nothing could be further from the truth".

"The Hunter's major coal-fired power generators are reaching the end of their commercial lives, we'd known this for a long time," he said.

Mr Fitzgibbon shouting "rubbish" at Mr Turnbull in Question Time on Thursday

He has accused the federal government, especially Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, of not having a plan to transition the region away from coal-fired generators.

"It's extraordinary how Barnaby Joyce represents the upper parts of the Hunter, but doesn't seem to understand that our power generators are coming to the end of their useful life," he said.

"We need a transition plan to retain jobs and to retain our reputation as the powerhouse of New South Wales, but, sadly, he and Malcolm Turnbull have no plan."

Mr Fitzgibbon's defence came after Question Time on Thursday, where Mr Turnbull, responding to a question about negative gearing from Opposition Leader Bill Shorten made the claim that Labor wanted to close down coal-fired power stations.

"The Member for Hunter represents an electorate - the jobs in which are based on energy, on affordable energy," Mr Turnbull said.

Mr Turnbull in Question Time on Thursday

"He is a member of a party that wants to shut it all down."

Mr Fitzgibbon can be clearly heard yelling "rubbish" multiple times after Mr Turnbull made the claim, prompting him to be formally warned by House Speaker Tony Smith.

The Prime Minister's meandering tangent from negative gearing to coal-fired power generators in the Hunter Valley made Mr Smith also accept Mr Shorten's point of order on relevance.

Instead of return to negative gearing, the Prime Minister continued addressing power concerns in the Hunter, turning the attention to Paterson MP Meryl Swanson.

Ms Swanson's inaudible interjections were heard in the House.

Morpeth Bridge is closing again, prompting fears from business owners.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Morpeth Bridge is undergoing yet another round of restoration works which has forced its full closure from today until 6pm on Monday - much to the dismay of many local businesses.

The closure is required for the installation of temporary support structures which will allow remediation work to be undertaken.

However the weekend is often the busiest time of the week for trade and with one road into the town closed off, local business owners fear their profit will be at another loss.

Local business owner Andrew Mason says while the community are supportive of the bridge closure so it stays fully functioning into the future, businesses still have grave concerns.

"Typically the businesses reported at the last business closure a significant drop in revenue for that weekend and we have approached RMS [Roads and Maritime Services] to discuss with them how we might solve that problem for the businesses not for this closure but for the following closures which will occur in May and August this year."

Andrew says there wasn't enough communication between the RMS and local businesses regarding the closures, but hopes this will change in the future.

Local businesses have already had one win with the closure scheduled for Mother's Day weekend in May being moved to earlier in the week.

There will be two more bridge closures this year including May, and another in August.

Image courtesy of http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Louth Park Prayer Room Dead And Buried

BY IAN CROUCH

A controversial Muslim prayer room proposed for Louth Park appears to be off the table for good after proceedings were dropped in the Land and Environment Court.

Maitland Council unanimously rejected the proposal last year, prompting legal action from Dr Fazal Moughal, however he's now withdrawn those proceedings.

The Louth Park Residents Group has always argued the development was not appropriate for the area due to potential noise and traffic issues.

Residents Met To Discuss Prayer Room Concerns Last Year. Photo:Maitland Mercury

Newcastle CBD Business Owners Voice Fears Over Light Rail Construction

BY IAN CROUCH

It's feared Hunter Street Newcastle could be closed down block by block for up to 14 weeks at a time during construction of the city's light rail project.

The Herald reports Transport for Newcastle officials met with business representatives last week to discuss the building program.

It's estimated the light rail could take up to two years to complete.

Some shopkeepers have accepted the pending disruptions as a fact of life, while others say the government's plan is unworkable and could be the death knell for their businesses.

Artist's Impression Of Light Rail Down Hunter Street

Man Injured In Suspicious House Fire At Lambton

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has suffered serious burns to his legs during a suspicious house fire at Lambton this morning.

Fire crews from Lambton,Newcastle, Mayfield West and Merewether arrived at the single storey weatherboard home in Johnson Street at 1.40am to find the front of the house engulfed in flames.

Police arrived to find a 26-year-old male resident outside the home with burns to his legs.

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

Newcastle Fire Command says the front of the house was extensively damaged by fire, while the rest of the property was affected by heat, smoke and water.

Police have set up a crime scene and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Funding For New Facilities At Nobby's

BY ARIANA GATTI and GARY-JON LYSAGHT

A $1.5 million project plan was unveiled today to develop the iconic Nobby's Headland precinct.

The NSW Government is providing at least half a million to the project which will see viewing decks, a cafe, restaurant, conference facilities, a play area and an outdoor exercise area established.

The new developments around the Newcastle coast will be open to full use by the community, with stage three commencing soon.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack says the funding is coming from the proceeds of the long-term lease of Newcastle Port.

Cusack says, "It's Newcastle's working harbour that's produced the revenue, it's the passionate community and volunteers who have designed the project and made it happen".

The project will be administered by local business group, Newcastle Now, and director Chris Leck said corporate and community support is being sought to fund the project.

Leck says, “One of the strategies that we have is for a crowdfunding campaign,” he said, adding he couldn’t be certain when it will be launched.

“I’m not sure exactly when, but shortly, so that the community have an opportunity to get behind it as well.”

Stage three of the project will involve the internal fit-out of the catering and conference facilities in the existing buildings on the site.

Catherine Cusack Announces Funding For Nobbys Development

Newcastle Now Director Kris Leck

State government's 'million dollar waste'

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

It was the beginning of the end for the Baird government.

The announcement by then Premier Mike Baird that his government was prepping to ban the greyhound racing industry was the catalyst for the Nationals losing Orange to the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party in the 2016 by-election, as well as the gradual decline in Mr Baird's popularity.

But now he's gone, and new the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, is starting to feel the heat from the Labor Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.

Sonia Hornery

A Notice of Motion filed by the Opposition on Thursday called on the government to justify the spending $1.5 million dollars on anti-greyhound industry advertisements between Mr Baird's announcement and his eventual backflip.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has joined with her Labor colleagues to debate the Motion and said Mr Baird retired, leaving Ms Berejiklian to pick up the pieces.

"Mike Baird did run away before he could face the music, now the new Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, is wearing that, which is unfortunate for her," she said.

"But, she's the Premier, and she's going to have to justify to the community how this money was spent.

"When you think that there were almost 6,000 jobs put in jeopardy in Wallsend because of this ... they would have been out of work if this ban came through.

"That the government thought it was acceptable to spend more than $1.5 million justifying an unjustifiable decision bewilders me.  It seems they were operating under a set of alternative facts."

Ms Hornery said the potential revolt by the National Party - the Liberal Party's Coalition partner - as well as thousands of signatures on petitions, caused Mr Baird's backflip.

She has labelled the spending as a million dollar waste.

The Notice of Motion came on the same day as a panel - chaired by former Premier Morris Iemma - handed down its findings on the animal welfare of the greyhound industry.

More than 120 recommendations were handed down to the state government for consideration.

Mr Iemma said NSW is "so far behind Victoria and other states in caring for greyhounds".

Racing Minister Paul Toole has taken on board the panel's recommendations.

Palliative Care scare for Lake Macquarie

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Fears about the future of Lake Macquarie’s palliative care services have been voiced by local MPs following reports of a proposed shut-down of the Calvary Mater Hospital’s after hours home visit service.

It was revealed last week that the office of Newcastle MP Tim Crackanthorp had been contacted by concerned staff from the Mater, who warned that the hospital’s 24 hour palliative care service may be dropped in favour of an after-hours telephone hotline.

It is estimated that 300 people currently utilise the Mater’s after hours palliative care service.

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper spoke in parliament on Tuesday, expressing concerns about the inequality of palliative care services across the Lake Macquarie region.

Residents who need palliative care who live north of the Fennel Bay bridge are currently serviced under the Calvary Mater’s scheme, receiving 24 hour care. However, residents outside the Mater’s “20 kilometre radius”, in areas such as Toronto and Morisset, are serviced by Westlakes Community Health Service, which already has an after-hours telephone hotline in place of round-the-clock care.

Greg Piper explains, “What we have to the north, for most of the area, is what I would call a high quality service that gives 24/7 nursing assistance to people who need palliative care. If you live to the south [of the Fennel Bay bridge] you get a budget service that doesn’t go anywhere near providing what other people get.”

Mr Piper is urging the government to consider the economic savings made by keeping patients who wish to stay at home out of hospital beds before palliative care services are scrapped. “Many people now wish to pass away at home…and the cost of hospital beds is also very high. We should take that into consideration.”

A spokesperson for Hunter New England Health last week refused to rule out changes to the Mater’s current palliative care scheme, citing the safety of workers going on house calls late at night as a cause for concern. 

Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper.

Port Stephens Mayor Wants Voluntary Merger With Dungog Council

BY IAN CROUCH & JARROD MELMETH

There's speculation Port Stephens and Dungog councils could still merge despite the state government ruling out forced amalgamations in the Hunter.

Plans to merge Port Stephens and Newcastle Councils have now been officially dropped.

However, Port Stephens Mayor, Bruce MacKenzie says linking up with the struggling Dungog Council could still be on the cards.

"..and I know some people don't go along with that - some sort of voluntary merger between Dungog and Port Stephens - that's if both councils agree. Probably Port Stephens might agree but I think Dungog are still living in fantasy land that they can stand alone. Well, if they stand alone, they are not going to provide adequate services to the people of Dungog," he said.

Dungog Mayor, Harold Johnston has responded saying Port Stephens and Dungog are two completely different councils.

"Port Stephens is a large coastal council, we are a small rural council.

"We don't have that much really in connection with them [Port Stephens], we have much more in connection with Maitland through transport, schools, shopping, medical and education," he said.

Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie

Boat Destroyed In Early Morning Fire At Rathmines

BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is under way into the cause of a fire which destroyed a boat moored off Rathmines  early this morning.

NSW Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to Overhill Road at 1.45am to find a 35 foot catamaran ablaze about 50 metres off shore from Styles Point Park.

Firefighters used an RFS Fire Boat to reach the vessel and extinguish the flames, with the boat burning to the waterline.

Booms have been placed around the submerged vessel ahead of a salvage operation later this morning.

RFS Fire Boat Image: pittwateronlinenews.com

Three Charged After Bonnells Bay Assault

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A man and two teenage boys have been charged with robbery in company after assaulting a 15 year old boy at Bonnells Bay.

The victim was approached by the three offenders at the skate park on Fishery Point Road around 5:30 Saturday evening.

Officers allege the trio assaulted the 15 year old, causing him minor injuries.

The teenager and his mother reported the incident to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command.

The three offenders were later arrested at Tuggerah Shopping Centre on Sunday morning.

The 19-year-old man will appear in Wyong Local Court on March 8.

The 16 and 17 year old teenagers will face a children's court on March 7.

All three were granted conditional bail.

Heatwave Breaks Records Across the Hunter

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A number of highest temperature records have been broken as the Hunter sweltered through a heatwave over the weekend.

Temperatures were at record breaking heights on Saturday, before a cool change swept through the region yesterday afternoon.

The Bureau of Meterology has reported Singleton recorded Saturday's highest temperature at 47.2 degrees.

Singleton's previous high temperature record was 45.9 degrees set in 2006.

Williamtown reached 45.5 degrees, breaking their 2013 record of 44.8.

Cessnock also suffered a record breaking 46.8 degrees, surpassing the 45 degree mark reached in 2013.

Meanwhile, Maitland broke a 13 year old record of 44.5 degrees, with the mercury reaching 45.6.

Fortunately, the Hunter was spared another bush fire disaster; a number of grass fires burned around Singleton and Muswellbrook but remained controlled.

Man Dies in Wollombi Car Accident

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A man has been killed in a single vehicle accident at Wollombi yesterday.

Emergency services attended the scene around 1pm yesterday afternoon, attempting to free the trapped 23-year-old driver.

The victim later died as a result of his injuries.

Officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating the incident.

Police are urging any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Try to beat the heat: MP

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Wallsend is expected to be one of the worst hit parts of the Hunter when the heatwave hits the region over the weekend.

Sonia Hornery

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted Wallsend will reach as high as 47 degrees Celcius on Saturday and 46 degrees Celcius on Sunday.

Forecasted extreme weather conditions have prompted Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery to ask everyone in her electorate to try and beat the heat.

"With Wallsend predicted to be the hottest place in Australia on Saturday, I want everyone to be very careful and take the necessary action to stay safe," she said.

"It's very easy to dismiss these temperatures but a heatwave can be fatal to many in our community."

She said anyone who hasn't got air conditioning installed at their own home, should make their way to the local library or shopping centre and spend the day in there.

Going to the local pool was also touted by Ms Hornery as another valuable way to beat the heat.

During the heatwave over the weekend, Ms Hornery said she wanted everyone sparing a thought and looking after more vulnerable members of our community, including the elderly and pets.

"During this hot weather, it is vital that elderly, the young and our pets are protected," she said.

"Particularly with pets, I think that sometimes it's something that people overlook.  Have they got shelter?  Have they got somewhere to get a cool drink?"

The Hunter is expected to swelter through the biggest heatwave to hit the region in decades, where parts of the region will teeter dangerously close to 50 degrees Celcius mark, including Singleton, which will also push into the high 40s.

Children try to cool down in 1939.  Picture: Newcastle Herald

As awful as the weather will be over the next few days, a massive heatwave - one of the most devastating on record - passed through the Hunter in 1939, a time when it was much harder to cool down.

During that heatwave, Singleton recorded a temperature of 49.4 degrees Celcius.  The Newcastle Herald reported that during that heatwave, five people died.

"Working conditions are utterly beyond human endurance," the Herald reported at the time.

Williamtown a 'matter of urgency' for PM: taskforce

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Meryl Swanson

A PFAS taskforce – currently investigation the Williamtown contamination –  and senior advisors have told Paterson MP Meryl Swanson it is a priority of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

In a meeting on Wednesday, the taskforce briefed Ms Swanson, in which they told her the urgency of the issue to the PM.

"I was assured by his [Malcolm Turnbull's] senior advisors that the Prime Minister see this as a priority and that the taskforce has been asked to report back to the government as quickly as possible," Ms Swanson said.

During the meeting, Ms Swanson said she also took the time to tell the taskforce the human stories she has heard since the outbreak.

“I took the opportunity to really tell them the stories of our people in Williamtown and what they’re going through,” she said.

“I think they were actually surprised, I know that some of the stories that I was able to convey to them they hadn’t before.”

The issue was

elevated to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in November 2016.

Part of the taskforce’s duties is reporting back to the PM with a report on how the clean-up is progressing, and also give considerations on how to help communities.

“They impressed on me they had to balance the speed of their response with knowledge of the science and evidence around PFAS contamination,” she said.

“I impressed upon them how our community had been through the wringer and was sick and tired of waiting.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, Ms Swanson extended another invitation to the Prime Minister, asking him to visit the region and talk to people in the ‘red zone’.

“When [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten came, people really appreciated the fact that he taken the time – albeit a short amount of time – to come and sit down with some representatives from our community,” she said.

“If the Prime Minister has this as a true priority, he will come also and I extended that invitation.” 

Extra Resources On The Way For Hot Weekend

BY IAN CROUCH

With temperatures expected to rise into the mid 40's this weekend, the Rural Fire Service is on high alert.

The RFS is sending helicopters and back-up crews to Cessnock, which has borne the brunt of the fire season so far this summer.

Trail bike patrols will also be on hand to assist police, monitoring trouble spots in the area.

The situation is being made worse with grass and bush curing and drying out following recent rainfall.

Bert Pippin from the Lower Hunter RFS said residents living in bushfire-prone areas need to be prepared.

"We always recommend residents have their properties prepared early so that if a fire does start they've got a chance of  looking after their property by extinguishing the fire. They should also keep their property well maintained by raking up loose leaves and mowing lawns and grassed areas around homes", he said.

Hunter Prepares For 3 Day Heatwave

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter residents are being urged to prepare for three days of sweltering temperatures from tomorrow.

Temperatures will rise into the early 30's in Newcastle's western suburbs today, but will surge to an expected top of 47 at Wallsend on Saturday and 46 on Sunday.


The Hunter Valley will also feel the heat, with the mercury tipped to rise to 43 tomorrow, 46 on Saturday and 47 degrees predicted for Singleton on Sunday, while similar tops are expected for Maitland and Cessnock.


Weatherzone Forecaster, Brett Dutschke said the humidity will make the heatwave even more unpleasant.

"I recommend to anyone, prepare for this. It's not going to be very easy to handle. It's certainly the hottest spell we've had so far this season", he said.

One of the highest recorded temperatures in the Hunter was at Singleton during the heatwave of January 1939, where the mercury reached 49.4 degrees.

Five people died in the oppressive heat.

Record Temperatures To Hit The Hunter Image: kolotv.com