Police will be out in force at Groovin' the Moo

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police will be out in force at Maitland tomorrow with the annual Groovin' The Moo music festival on at Maitland Showground.

Alcohol and drug use is a major concern at the event and has been a serious problem in the past.

Last year a 15-year-old girl was left in a critical condition after a severe drug overdose.

Inspector David Bender from Maitland Police Station is urging music goers to behave and be alert.

"We'll have a drug dog presence there that will be screening people entering the venue at the main entrance and people with prohibited drugs on them can expect to be detected and appropriately dealt with and possibly look at criminal convictions",

 "I'd urge anyone that maybe is thinking of doing that to seriously reconsider," said Inspector David Bender.

Police will be present at the event all day as well.

"Very strong high visibility police presence at the venue and surrounding and there will also be a number of covert police in the area as well so you may think that you're not being watched but you perhaps will be," said Inspector David Bender.

There are temporary road closures in place around the showground for the event from 8am tomorrow until midnight.

For details: http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/RoadsandTraffic/EventClosures 

Image Maitland Showground

Tributes for former Hunter student

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Tributes are flowing for former Hunter School of Performing Arts student Ella Knights who tragically died in a motor scooter accident in Bali.

Balinese police say Ella lost control of her scooter she was riding on Wednesday night.

They say the speed of the scooter caused her to loose control, dragging her right around a corner and crashing into a gutter.

She was found in the early hours of Thursday morning and pronounced dead on arrival at Canggu Medical Clinic.

Lake Macquarie's Nine Mile Ocean Classic Postponed

BY DANIELLE RIES

Due to increased shark activity and sightings around the Swansea Channel, the Lake Macquarie Nine Mile Ocean Classic has been postponed until later this year.

A 314kg bull shark was caught near fishing cleaning tables at Blacksmiths earlier in the week, as well as an impending mullet, run as cause a halt to the event.

The annual swimming event was meant to be held at Blacksmiths Beach tomorrow, but organisers felt compelled to postpone it for the safety of everyone involved.

Swansea-Belmont Surf Life Saving Club president Graham Burge says the right decision has been made to protect the public.

"We've postponed it due to the recent bull shark catching in the Swansea Channel and the fact there is other large sharks down there at the moment.

"We're volunteer surf life savers and we've got to put the publics safety first. We dont want to put them in danger, we respect that and we hope everyone else respects our decision as well and we have to think of our volunteers and our sponsers at the club".

Mr Burge also says the event will hopefully run in late 2017.

"Our major concern is with the mullet run season, it'll bring a lot of large sharks through the area. 

"Our organising committee is going to sit down next Wednesday night and hopefully working with the Ocean Swims of NSW, and hopefully, have something in late October or early November".

Image- 314kg Bull Shark caught at Blacksmiths
Credit- TenPlay

V8 Supercar stars hit the Hunter tomorrow

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Some of the biggest starts of the V8 Supercars are hitting Foreshore Park tomorrow in the lead up to the Newcastle 500 in November.

The Community Fun Day being held tomorrow between 10am and 2pm will give the community the opportunity to meet drivers such as Garth Tander, the only full time female driver Simona De Silvestro, and get their hands on some of the first tickets to be sold for the event.

Tickets going on sale tomorrow are at a reduced rate for people who live in the Hunter area.

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton has made the trip as well, and believes tomorrow will give the community an idea of just what the V8's will bring to the city.

"It gives a taste of what the Supercars event will be in November, but until you've been to a major street race event its very hard to get your head around exactly what we are bringing. I think on the most part through all the research we've seen, the support levels are up in the high 80 per cent plus range."

Many East End residents are still opposing the plan to have the race held in the city, but James Warburton is keen to show just how much money the race can inject into the city's economy.

"These events are actually about making sure hotels, houses are rented out, there's full restaurants and bars and clubs and all those types of things and that's what makes or breaks these types of events and we're obviously excited to be in such an amazing city."

The race in November is expected to see more than 150, 000 spectators flock to the city from local to interstate.

"We know a lot of our interstate fans are already booking and  wanting to come here and that's the absolute focus on what's needed for the economy and people come the the race and often stay on and go to the Hunter and the vineyards and have a good time and enjoy everything the region has to offer," said James Warburton.

Central Hunter Local Area Command receive lowest Police allocation.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling upon the Police Minister to review the allocation of new police recruits after its been revealed the Central Hunter Local Area Command will receive the lowest allocation in the state.

Out of the 178 new officers graduating today, only two will join the Central Hunter Local Area Command which covers Beresfield, Tarro, Maitland and Cessnock

Ms Hornery says crime is increasing due to the lack of allocated police.

"The problem for us in the western suburbs, and always in the western suburbs of the Central Hunter Command is that people don't see a visibility of police, and the crooks know that the police is invisible.

"Thats not because of the police efforts, it's about the fact that police are under rescourced and overworked".

Crime rates in the local area command have increased dramatically in the last few months, and Ms Hornery encourages people in this local command to always report a crime.

"Please always report crimes. It goes towards statistics, it makes the police aware of where the crooks are and where the patterns of crime are as well.

"If there was an end to all of this, it's about encouraging people to always report crimes. And that can be reported of course anonymously as well".

Image- Hunter Valley News.

Death at Stockton group home

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

An investigation has been launched into the death of a disabled woman at a Stockton Group home.

Another resident is in hospital suffering serious health issues just weeks after moving into the group home.

The former centre resident and the severely disabled woman had only just moved into their new home when they experienced health complications believed to be linked to dehydration and feeding issues - the second woman is still recovering in hospital.

The quality of care is being questioned within the group homes with residents moving in from the Stockton Centre which is due to close.

The State Opposition says it highlights the concerns about transferring severely disabled residents out of the Centre, possibly into care which is not up to standard.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington says the government promised the high level of care given to Stockton Centre would continue at Group homes.

"Governments have been providing reassurances for families and advocates that the care will be what it needs to be and we just have very little confidence that government is doing that. The government instead tells us that with giving additional resources to the ombudsman as far as I'm concerned it's all far too late by the time its gone to the ombudsman," said Kate Washington.

Image Newcastle Herald.

Seaham house fire

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A couple in Seaham were awoken by their smoke alarm overnight, as fire took hold of their property.

Rural Fire Service crews were called to the property on Seaham Road just after midnight to find a fire in the roof cavity.

It took more than two hours to extinguish the blaze which caused severe damage to the home.

The couple who live there managed to escape without injury.

Wilpinjong mine expansion approved

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Wollar residents have been dealt a devastating blow after the NSW Planning Assessment Commission approved the expansion of the Wilpinjong coal mine.

Wilpinjong coal mine [Picture: The Herald].

The mine will now operate until 2033, increasing its annual production to 13 million tonnes of coal.

The state government and Department of Planning approved the expansion despite receiving 284 objections to the proposal.

Bev Smiles, from the Wollar Progress Association, slammed the Department of Planning's assertion that the decline of Wollar - in the Upper Hunter - is "inevitable even without mining".

"It's not based on any facts," she said.

"It's convenience for them not to recognise, the Department of Planning themselves, with their approval over the last 10 years of major expansions of this coal mine have caused the demise of the Wollar community.

Ms Smiles says the Peabody-controlled mine has slowly eroded the small community, with only three independent properties left in the town.

She says the rest of the town, including the churches, general store and numerous other properties are owned by Peabody.

"What we have left in our community is a number of isolated properties that are totally stranded.  The people, including myself, have been economically disadvantaged by the decision making of the NSW Government," she said.

"That economic disadvantage and the social injustice in the Wollar community has not been recognised at all in the Planning Assessment report or by the Department of Planning.

"We [the Wollar community] believe this decision ... is a very socially unjust decision."

Drugs found in car at Anna Bay

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man is due to face Raymond Terrace Local Court today after he was found to have an amount of drugs in his car.

Police stopped the car yesterday evening at Anna Bay where they commenced a search and found a large amount of methamphetamine believed to be the drug ice.

The 45 year olf was arrested at the scene and refused bail.

He was charged with possession of an indictable quantity of drugs.

Who dumped 'Hugo' in Muswellbrook?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The RSPCA are appealing for anyone with information about a dog which was dumped at a Muswellbrook pound to come forward.

A young dog was left in the overnight kennels of a Muswellbrook pound last week suffering severe emaciation and neglect.

Image www.rspcansw.org.au

The dog has been nicknamed 'Hugo' by the RSPCA who were called to take the dog by staff at the pound upon realising how serious the situation was.

The dog was rushed to the vet and now remains at the Rutherford RSPCA shelter in care.

But the question remains, who dumped 'Hugo'?

"We're looking into a few bits and pieces of information with some suggestions starting to trickle in but obviously there's a long way to yet before we have any clear cut information about who may have done this, " said NSW RSPCA Inspector Russell Jarman.

"Even if this dog was found at a legitimate stray then I would ask that the people who found the dog and took it to the pound come forward".

If the person responsible for the act of neglect is discovered, they could be up for five years imprisonment and/or a $22,000 fine.

Inspector Russell Jarman says it is difficult to find out much about the dog itself, due to its poor condition.

"A ridgeback cross is what we've put him as and again that identification is difficult to determine due to its severe neglect and severe poor body condition,. He's a young dog and appears at this moment in time to be a really nice friendly dog so its obviously very unfortunate"

He is expected to make a full recovery.

Image www.rspcansw.org.au

Pressure Mounts On Newcastle Council To Get On With Affordable Housing Project

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is urging Newcastle Council to stop delaying the construction of affordable housing units along part of the former heavy rail corridor.

A rezoning application is still in the pipeline, yet council wants more studies to be carried out on the viability and suitability of the proposal to build 30 units for key workers in the CBD.

$7-million dollars in funding has been made available, including $3-million being held on council's behalf by the Hunter Development Corporation.

The state government is contributing the land, valued at $1-million towards the project which will occupy a section of the former rail corridor from Merewether Street to the former Civic Station.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says council has had $3-million set aside for nearly two decades for a project such as this.

"So there is really now no reason for delay...here you have a project which is just about shovel-ready to go, so we need you (the Council) to get on with the planning, we need you to get on with the corridor rezoning and deliver for the people of Newcastle," he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald. Photo: Ian Crouch

Newcastle TAFE To Become Training Hub For Future High Tech Industries

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle TAFE is gearing up to start training the region's future workforce in automation and robotics.

Courses will be offered in a range of disciplines focusing on the specialist knowledge and skills required to build and maintain the next generation of high-tech automation in the digital and manufacturing sectors.

Head Teacher David Leask says it's not just about replacing the labour force with machines, but giving students new skills which complement existing jobs which will never be replaced by robots.

"We've got artisan industries, we've got industries that will never go away. For example, you will still need the ability to be able to carry a small portable welding unit up scaffolding to be able to carry out a repair on a transmitter antenna bracket for example, and you're not going to be able to get a robot to do that sort of stuff," he said.

David Leask says they've been working closely with the owner a dairy in the Upper Hunter where robots milk the cows.

"His needs are typical of the manufacturing sector right across the Hunter and in fact across the nation. So, it doesn;t really matter to us whether you're manufacturing high level circuit boards or whether you're manufacturing digital data and sending it across the airwaves or whether you're milking cows using robots, the philosophy behind the advanced manufacturing training is to cater for the training needs for the people that are employed in industries that are adopting this technology at all levels," he said.

Newcastle TAFE Head Teacher David Leask

Bike collides with parked car.

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Ambulance services have been called to a collision between a motorcycle and a parked car at Rutherford.

Emergency services were called to Bridgentine Street, Rutherford, where it was believed a man riding a motorcycle collided with a parked car.

The man, believed to be in his mid-30s, is in a suspected critical condition, with head injuries.

The Hunter Westpac Rescue Helicopter is also on the scene.

Teens missing from Raymond Terrace

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two young teenagers, Chloe Smith and Ellie Phelan, who went missing in Raymond Terrace overnight.

The 14-year-old girls were last seen at their home address at about 6:30pm and haven't been seen since.

Police and family hold concerns particularly for Chloe who has a medical condition which requires daily medication which she doesn't have with her.

Chloe is described as having an olive complexion, about 150cm tall with long brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing high-waisted black shorts with a grey singlet and pink thongs.

Ellie Phelan is also described as having an olive complexion, about 175cm with long brown hair, a nose and tongue piercing. She was last seen wearing ripped light coloured denim jeans with a black shirt, black joggers and a grey bag.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crimestoppers 1800 333 000.

Hunter mother manslaughter trial

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Hunter mother accused of the death of her 12-year-old daughter will face a manslaughter trial in Newcastle Supreme Court.

The woman, who can't be named for legal reasons, is accused of "gross criminal negligence", as she knew her daughter was being physically abused by her step-father.

The Herald reports the woman has pleaded not guilty.

The woman appeared in Newcastle Local Court yesterday, represented by solicitor Mark Ramsland, when she was committed to trial to the Sydney Supreme Court in June.

The girl's step-father, who also can't be named for legal reasons, will face trial later this year or early next year charged with murder.

Greens motion fails to stop V8's

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A motion by Newcastle Greens councillors overnight to withdraw support for the V8 Supercars event in Newcastle has been defeated.

Councillor Therese Doyle argued the sport was a "highly destructive event" at council's meeting last night, and said it would cause harm to the community.

She also argued the race would cause excessive and dangerous emissions and noise pollution.

However, the motion was slapped down by every councillor except the Greens.

The Herald reports East End residents packed the public gallery and shouted down the council when the motion was defeated.

Steer clear of the Hunter's beaches

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter residents are being urged to steer clear of the beach over the next couple of days with waves expected to reach up to five metres today and tomorrow.

It's prompted warnings from Surf Lifesaving NSW to all beachgoers and rock fishermen around the region to stay away from all our beaches.

It comes as the Hunter prepares for the coldest day of the year so far, with temperatures only set to reach 18 degrees in some areas today - four degrees below average.

Electricity prices going up, up, up

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling on the state government to step in and make sure Novocastrians don't pay through the roof to keep warm this Winter.

An increase in wholesale electricity price of 50 per cent is said to be to blame for Hunter residents reportedly going to be paying up to $400 a year more for power from July

Last year, electricity and gas prices rose after the daily supply charges increased by up to 19.5%, and there are concerns this next pay increase will be too much for consumers to handle.

Sonia Hornery is particularly concerned about consumers in her electorate where there are a number of low income earners and pensioners.

"The increase is going to be an issue all across NSW, but in particular Wallsend because we have many low income earners in the area and many pensioners and people who are on the pension are on an absolutely limited income and are watching every dollar and cent that they spend."

The cuts to pensions and benefits are already making life a struggle, and this latest price rise could mean people affected will have to make the choice about keeping warm or not this winter.

"Some people will not be able to afford to turn on their heater this winter as a result of this increase - it is too much for some to cope with," said Sonia Hornery.

BREAKING! Family Of Five Escapes House Fire At Fletcher

BY IAN CROUCH

A smoke alarm has saved a family of five from harm after their home at Fletcher went up in flames early this morning.

Newcastle Fire Command say their received several triple-oh calls to the two storey brick and tile home in Magnolia Close just after 3.00am.

They arrived to find smoke issuing from the ground level, using a thermal imaging camera to find the seat of the fire - it's believed an electrical fault in a fan under the stairs sparked the blaze.

It's caused severe damage to the lower level, while the second storey was badly damaged by smoke and water.

The family of two adults and 3 children were not injured.

Ten-year community plan released for Lake Macquarie

By LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A draft Community Strategic Plan detailing future regional projects has been placed on public exhibition by Lake Macquarie City Council.

The move comes after a council meeting on Monday night, where the decision was made to call for additional community consultation on the Delivery Program and Operational Plan which will be used to carry out the works cited in 'Our Future in Detail.'

The 'Our Future in Detail' plan includes more than $111 million worth of capital works which will be undertaken in Lake Macquarie throughout 2017 and 2018. The money spent will broken down into $30 million on road surface upgrades; $19.7 million on improvements to parks and playgrounds; $4.7 million on the upgrade of local sporting facilities and $4.6 million on traffic works.

"These plans capture our community's vision for the future of Lake Macquarie," says Mayor, Kay Fraser.

In addition to this, over the course of the next 10 years, Council are promising that Phase 2 green waste services will be rolled out to households and at least 2600 cultural programs will be brought to Lake Macquarie's art gallery and library.

Council is also promising to advocate for state and federal funding for the second stage of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange.

"What we're doing is first-off inviting community feedback on the plans," says Mayor Fraser.

"We've already gone through a detailed community engagement- we held Shape Our Future, where we were out asking the community what they wanted, what their vision and values were for the city..."

However, following the release of the draft Strategic and Operational Plans, Council is urging residents to read over the documents, available online or at Lake Macquarie libraries and get in contact with council regarding their concerns.

The NBN still giving Paterson MP a headache

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The roll out of the NBN network in the Hunter is still giving Paterson MP Meryl Swanson a headache.

The MP is calling for the Joint Standing Committee on the NBN roll out to visit Paterson and see for themselves the problems residents are experiencing.

Residents have had endless problems with not only the roll out itself, but problems connecting even after their suburb has gone live, complaint handling and blame shifting.

"Residents, businesses, people trying to just live their lives have had a terrible time. They've either been taken off the roll out list or their times have been put back considerably. it really has been substandard," said Meryl Swanson.

Meryl Swanson says the whole project has been a complete "stitch up" and the Prime Minister has completely failed to deliver.

"This government needs to understand and this prime minister needs to understand that his promise that we would have NBN by the end of last year has not been fulfilled and this whole idea that it was going to be faster and cheaper and it was just going to be better has not worked."

The call to the Joint Standing Committee to visit the region is one of six recommendations Meryl Swanson has made to the Committee.

The inefficient roll out is leaving businesses and families in the lurch, left without the technology they need for work or school, and the Paterson MP says it's contributing to the Hunter having the poorest digital literacy skills in the country because access to the necessary tools just isn't possible.

"The hunter is the worst in Australia and that's dreadful and that's not because our people aren't clever, it's because they don't have the tools to use the Internet to become more digitally literate, to become more proficient in the digital world you actually need decent service so you can get on and do things," said Meryl Swanson.

Hamilton's James Street Plaza Set for Redevelopment

BY SARAH JAMES

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce are asking the community for their ideas on how James Street Plaza can be revitalised, with a community consultation happening at Clocktower Studios on Beaumont Street from 5pm-6pm tonight.

The makeover was prompted by a warning from police, who say the area in recent years has become a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour.

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce President, Nathan Errington, said he hopes the redevelopment will transform the area and bring more families to Beaumont Street.

Newcastle councillors want to take a page out of London's book

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's Labor councillors are keen to follow in London's footsteps and introduce a high-performance electric vehicle race to the city during the Newcastle 500 event.

A motion to host a 'Supercars E' event will be put forward at tonight's Newcastle City Council meeting calling on council and Supercars to explore the idea of hosting an electric vehicle race.

The motion stems from London's move to host the Formula E (high-performance zero-emission electric Formula 1 vehicles) in the city centre with the introduction of the ePrix.

"It's a motion that's been brought because of the transition that's underway across Newcastle. The work that we're doing to establish ourselves as a smart city and an energy centre in particular and the role that electric vehicles are going to play in the future of Newcastle" said Labor Councillor Declan Clausen.

Councillors say electric cars could be the way of the future in Newcastle, with the city already a leader in scientific research and smart energy.

Declan Clausen says there are already high-performance vehicles being manufactured in the Hunter, so why not take the opportunity to show them off.

"It's an exciting opportunity and something we need to explore, plus there are some pretty impressive high-performance electric vehicles that are being manufactured here in the Hunter and I think it'd be great to see some of those highlighted and showcased as a part of an event like this."

For the first V8 supercars race in November, 150, 000 spectators are expected to converge on the city and another race making use of the track and associated spectator facilities can only be of benefit to Newcastle.

Ideally, councillors would like the event to kick off from this year, but if not, there's still time.

"We've got a five year contract with supercars and the Newcastle 500 is going to be with us for the next five years at least, so I think it's certainly something that would be great to see in future years."

Newcastle waves goodbye to namesake ship

BY JESSICA ROUSE

HMAS Newcastle will bid a fond farewell to Newcastle today.

The ship and its crew have had four busy days of Anzac Day commemorations.

HMAS Newcastle will set sail at about 2pm headed to Sydney.

Schools zones back in force as the kids head back to school

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

With the Anzac day long weekend's Operation Go Slow wrapping up overnight, police are urging drivers to continue to be vigilant as school returns around the Hunter this morning.

Thousands of students are heading back into the classroom, with the 40km/h speed limits in force from 8 til 9:30am and 2:30 til 4pm each weeekday.

Officers around the Hunter will be paying special attention to anyone seen breaking the rules.

"We hope that people are seeing the flashing school signs in school areas so please take extra care and make sure you stick the 40 km/h speed limit to ensure that our children, their parents and teachers get to school safely," said Traffic and Highway Chief Inspector Phil Brooks.

With school zones back in place, it's also an opportunity for parents to remind their children how to cross the road safely.

"Teaching your children the importance of crossing the road safely by looking right, left and right again and only using the pedestrian crossings and never assuming that a vehicle will see or stop for a child crossing the road. Many accidents have occurred at pedestrian crossings," said Ambulance Inspector Brian Lakin.

Image mynrma.com.au

Amateur jewellery heist at shopping centre

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Amateur thieves made away with thousands of dollars worth of watches and jewellery from two jewellery stores at Westfield Kotara yesterday.

Just after 2am, two unknown men forced entry to the shopping centre using hammers and smashed the front windows of Melville Jewellers and Wallace Bishop Jewellers.

The offenders fled the scene on bicycles.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

They say it doesn't appear to be the work of professionals.

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

Government backflip on legal centre funding

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Federal Government's backdown on cuts to community legal centres this week is a welcome relief in the Hunter.

The Hunter Community Legal Centre has provided thousands of people with free legal assistance, who can't access it otherwise, for 26 years.

The funding cuts would have seen the Hunter centre, as well as many centres across the country, close their doors and turn desperate clients away.

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon couldn't be happier.

"I welcome the backdown from George Brandis and the government. Too many people rely on these services particularly the outreach services that go right up throughout my electorate. It's so important to so many people."

Many people across the Hunter find themselves in need of a lawyer through no fault of their own, particularly victims of domestic violence, who can't afford legal services on their own.

"While many people without the ability to pay find themselves needing a lawyer for all sorts of reasons, it's usually no fault of their own and this is important to social support and to just pull the rug out from under so many people in the Hunter was a bad decision and I welcome the backdown," said Joel Fitzgibbon.

Tocal Field Days organisers left astounded

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The annual Tocal Field Days are fast approaching, but organisers have hit a bump in the road finding out Morpeth Bridge will be closed for maitenance during the event.

Morpeth Bridge is a popular route used by many to get to Tocal during the busy event, particularly interstate visitors to the Hunter.

The bridge will be closed between the 5th & 8th May, with motorists re-directed to a route adding nearly 10 minutes to their journey.

Tocal Field Days manager Wendy Franklin is astounded she wasn't consulted by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) about the closure.

Image tocalfielddays.com.au

"We made very strong representations that we weren't happy with them closing the bridge and they said they're not changing it. They were very adamant that it won't be changed and they weren't interested in any discussions at all," said Wendy Franklin.

RMS say there won't be a significant impact on motorists with a detour in place via Harry Boyle Bridge at Pitnacree and a sign on the highway pointing drivers to the detour.

Organisers were even more frustrated when they heard RMS moved a bridge closure which coincided with an event at Morpeth to a different date, but strangely they won't budge for Tocal.

"They told us they changed the event around to suit events that are held at Morpeth and whilst that is also important to change the time that they did it based on an event at Morpeth, and not considering such a major event with people coming from interstate, just defies logic," said Wendy Franklin.

Wendy Franklin and her fellow organisers hope in the future a consultation process can be put in place which everyone can benefit from.

Library set for major upgrade

BY TYLER FARDELL

Newcastle city library is set for a major 1.3 million dollar revamp, ahead of the 60th anniversary of the War memorial cultural centre.

As part of the digital revolution Newcastle is currently experiencing, the Library will undergo some big changes to keep up to date.

A 'digital makerspace' will be developed in the upgrades and will include a range of new technology available to visitors, while another big change will be the creation of a children's zone.

The library will be closed from today until May the 8th, when a temporary library will operate until all the work is complete, estimated to be sometime around September.

Artists impression of the new look Library
Photo source: Newcastle Herald

Cessnock Council calling for funds to fix roads

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Cessnock City Council is calling on the NSW Government to make their roads a priority and address concerns over the condition of state roads in the area.

Cessnock councillors have voted unanimously to support a motion to seek support from state government officials.

Mayor Bob Pynsent says the council are seeking urgent meetings with the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, in a bid to work towards a solution for Cessnock's ageing state road network.

Talks with other official parties haven't been as successful as the council had hoped.

'We've been talking to RMS (Roads and Maritime Services) for a number of months now, and we don't seem to be getting a final result; as in funding for our roads, and we're concerned about Main Road Heddon Greta, the entrances out of Frame Drive Bridge and Wine Country Drive at Nulkaba."

Among the roads and intersections the council say need attention include:
- Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba - intersection work
- Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba maintenance works and access to the Cessnock Correctional Centre
- Main Road, Heddon Greta - intersection issues and pedestrian issues
- Hart Road, Frame Drive, Orange Street, Cessnock Road connection to the HEX
- Wollombi Road

The Hunter Expressway is thought to be causing a lot of problems for the small town roads with a lot of extra traffic moving through the town to either get on the expressway or getting off to go elsewhere.

"The need for funding is purely on the saftey issues that have resulted from teh extra traffic on the road network around the hunter expressway," said Bob Pynsent.

Maitland Council's spending plans up for comment

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland City Council won't be going on too much of a spending spree without the community knowing about it, with their proposed spendings for the next financial year up for comment.

The draft operational plan for 2017/2018 outlines what the council intend to spend $148 million on, including $13 million set aside for road repairs.

The plan underwent an expansion after the failed merger with Dungog, meaning more money can be spent within the Maitland council area.

Mayor Peter Blackmore is calling on the community to make comment and have a look at where their ratepayer dollar is going, as well as government funding.

Image Hunter Independant

"You've got to be able to show that you are listening to your community, that you are adding value for their rate dollar, and of course the fact that we did not have to merge meant that we could then concentrate more on the city and the residents of Maitland," said Peter Blackmore.

$55 million is derived from rate revenue with the money to be spent on new and existing infrastructure, community engagement and events and environmental activities.

Mayor Peter Blackmore says almost always "if people can see it, they will form an opinion. They're either in favour of it or they're not in favour of it. But they can see that we are putting money into projects".

It's the council's largest budget to date, also incorporating crime prevention strategies affordable housing and the Council's new website.

Feedback can be provided until May 15 and the documents can be viewed at www.maitandyoursay.com.au

Motorbike rider lucky to escape high speed crash

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man is lucky to escape a high speed crash on his motorbike at Kurri Kurri yesterday.

The man was clocked travelling at 160 kilometers an hour on the Hunter Expressway yesterday afternoon by Highway Patrol officers carrying out speed enforcement.

Officers tried to catch up to the bike in the 110 kilometre an hour speed zone, but were unable to do so.

A short time later they found him seriously injured crashing into a guardrail on Barton Street.

The 28-year-old was taken to John Hunter Hospital with multiple leg fractures.

He's yet to be interviewed by police.

Man treated for burns to face and hands in Carrington

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man in his 30s is believed to be in a stable condition after suffering burns in an industrial accident this morning.

Just after 6am, paramedics were called to a business on Everett Street in Carrington where they treated a man for burns to his face and hands.

The man was reportedly splashed with acid from a 12 volt truck battery.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital.

Double demerits in place until midnight tomorrow

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

School is back in session this week, meaning school zones also come back into force.

40km/h speed zones are in action between 8am - 9:30am, and between 2:30pm and 4pm.

It means if you're caught driving over the 40 kilometre limit before or after school, you'll  lose 8 demerit points off your licence.

Double demerits are still in force for the Anzac Day long weekend as well.

Operation Go Slow wraps up at midnight tomorrow night, with police out in force targeting speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelts, and motorcycle-helmet offences.

Newcastle MP calling for replacement family Court Judge

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon is stepping up pressure on the Turnbull Government to immediately appoint a replacement for a departed Newcastle family Court Judge.

She is calling on Attorney General George Brandis to appoint a replacement after Judge Matthew Myers left the city in February.

The already long wait for families to have matters heard and resolved in court has become even longer.

Cases can often involve domestic violence and Sharon Claydon says the delay in appointing a judge is increasing the trauma families are already experiencing.

"These are cases that often need quick and prompt settlements. When you've got violence involved in family law matters they're not cases that can be mediated out and nor should they be. You don't want to put a victim of family violence out with a perpetrator against their will."

She's also worried Judge Myers will be replaced with a "fly in, fly out" panel of judges that always change and aren't consistent.

"They need some certainty about where they're going to be living, and how the rest of their lives are taking shape. that's not an unreasonable expectation. All is put in jeopardy when the attorney general sits on his hands and doesn't appoint a replacement," said Sharon Claydon. 

Man glassed at Nelson Bay pub

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face Raymond Terrace Local Court today accused of glassing another man at a Nelson Bay pub.

Police allege a fight broke out between two men shortly before 9pm on Saturday night at The Seabreeze Hotel on Stockton Street.

One of the men, a 28-year-old, allegedly struck the other in the face with a schooner glass, leaving the victim with a severe laceration to his right ear.

He is currently at John Hunter Hospital and expected to undergo surgery.

The 28-year-old man attended Raymond Terrace Police Station on Sunday where he spoke with detectives and was charged with wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was refused bail.

Image Flickr

Wallsend Flood Management Plan still hasn't commenced.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the April super storm but despite numerous studies, work on the Wallsend Flood management plan hasn't commenced.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery to call on the Newcastle Council to take action and expedite works for the plan.

The plan was adopted by the council in 2009 where it recommended the removal and replacement of bridge networks in Wallsend

Ms Hornery says the plan will help prevent flooding in Wallsend but won't stop it completely. 

"Rebuilding the bridges will not prevent flooding in Wallsend, but what rebuilding the bridges around Wallsend and the CBD means it allows the movement of the water from the canal to move faster through to the Hunter River which means that we just don't get the same impact of flooding, particularly down near the canal in Nelsons Street that we did 10 years ago". 

Ms Hornery also states that the residents of Wallsend will gladly welcome a new bridge network to help prevent flooding.

"What will happen to Wallsend if the plan isn't expedited, is that we risk losing premises, we may risk the loss of life, we certainly will lose businesses again if we don't rebuild the bridges soon.

"What we'd like to know is exactly when council will start with rebuilding the bridge and it will be well welcomed".

Wallsend flooding during the April Super Storms 2015
Credit- The Newcastle Herald

Major upgrades to the M1

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The trip to Sydney for Hunter motorists could be a whole lot easier after upgrades on the M1 are completed.

An extra lane will be added in both directions between Doyalson and Tuggerah to improve traffic flow and safety.

The first stage of the work started last month involving geotechnical investigations on the motorway in both directions at St Johns Road and Sparks Road.

Lane closures will be in place when work begins on Sunday April 30.

Motorists are being advised to follow the directions of traffic control, signs, and adhere to the reduced speed limits.

 The works are a part of a $400 million motorway projects which includes a few other upgrades as well including at the Weakelys Drive and John Renshaw Drive intersection at Beresfield and to interchanges at Kariong as well.

Image Newcastle Herald

Garbage trucks to be used as barriers on Anzac Day

BY JESSICA ROUSE

As an anti-tourism measure on Anzac Day, council garbage trucks will be used as barriers to beef up security in Newcastle during the days events and services.

Empty buses were used as barriers throughout the city on Australia Day this year, and council say the empty garbage trucks with their design, construction and weight makes them the best available security barrier for Anzac Day.

The trucks will be used to barricade streets around services in Newcastle.

It comes after the state government called on local councils to strengthen security at major events in the wake of overseas terrorist attacks.

The community are being told there will be some delays to kerbside collections throughout next week due to the trucks being out of action most of Monday and Tuesday.

How many properties do Hunter politicians own?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It seems our Hunter politicians aren't experiencing much of an affordable housing crisis themselves, with some on the the list of the most aggressive property buyers.

A report by the ABC shows just how many properties the politicans charged with tackling the thorny issue of spiralling house prices own.

With the most in the Hunter is Lyne MP David Gillespie who has 18 properties, followed by Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon who owns five.

Next on the list is Shortland MP Pat Conroy and Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon who both have two properties, as well as Paterson MP Meryl Swanson who also has two.

The data was sourced from the Parliament's registers of interests.

Local showgrounds could be under threat

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Throughout the Hunter, showgrounds are managed by volunteer trusts, but this could all change when new Crown Land Laws come into effect.

The new Crown Lands Management Act 2016 will be able to transfer a wide range of Crown Lands to local councils and other government agencies.

Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Mick Veitch sees the move as yet another example of the National Party failing rural and regional communities.

"There's a real risk under the new laws that the minister of the day can transfer crown land including showgrounds to your local council to manage. What that means is, if the councils keen to sell off and develop that land they can do so under the new regime," said Mick Veitch.

The changes to the laws would see the showgrounds most likely taken out of the trust hands and transferred to local councils and government who would be likely to sell the community assets, particularly if they are strapped for cash.

"Right across the Hunter there are showgrounds managed by hard working trusts and these trusts need support and they need support from the community as well as government. What I'm saying to the minister, is we need to make sure the communities continue to have a say in the management of these showgrounds via the trust system."

NSW Labor sought to move amendments to the Crown Lands laws which would have prevented councils reclassifying Crown Land as "operational" land that could be sold off.

Image @MickVeitchMLC

Man charged after crime spree across Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

If you've noticed you've lost a surf board or two, a bike, some tools and maybe even a tent, police might have found them for you.

A man is facing numerous charges after a crime spree throughout Newcastle and Lake Macquarie where he allegedly broke into a number of vehicles and homes stealing a number of items.

Police have been investigating the break ins which yesterday led them to a home in Kotara South, where they arrested a 30-year-old man just after 10am, and seized various items including a motorcycle which police allege is stolen.

Officers then moved on to a home in Mayfield on Havelock Street where they executed a search warrant.

At this location officers located a number of allegedly stolen items including electric tools, seven bicycles, five surf boards, large amounts of portable electronic equipment, a generator, a tent, a lawn mower and even a whipper snipper.

The 30-year-old man is accused of stealing the items from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle West, Broadmeadow, Islington, Kotara South, Redhead and Wyoming.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with 11 offenses relating to the incidences.

He was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today.

How Should Singleton Look in 2027?

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Do have a plan for the future of Singleton?

If so, Singleton Council wants your submission for its Strategic Plan, which will outline Council's priorities over the next four years, and guide plans over the next decade.

The immediate plans, over the next four years, are expected to cost Council more than $100 million.  But, despite the large sum, General Manager Jason Linnane said it's all costed.

"We expect to spend at least $100 million on managing and improving the array of assets that we manage on behalf of the community," he said.

"That includes our water and sewer assets, our roads and community facilities.

"The funding sources are many and varied; they include the rate revenue we receive, grants from state and federal governments, user fees and charges and also the other business activities of Council."

A community information drop-in session was held in April received and so far, more than 2,000 respondents, who gave feedback via surveys, social media and workshops.

"It's great to see threat level of interest continue during the public exhibition of the draft document, and I thank those people who attended the community drop-in session," Mr Linnane said.

Residents have until the Friday, April 28 to give their feedback.

The document can be viewed at Council's Administration Building, Singleton Library or on Council's website at www.singleton.nsw.gov.au.

One year on, Uber is a huge success in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Ride-sharing company Uber has now been successfully operating in Newcastle for a year.

The company says 50, 000 locals have requested rides from around 500 drivers throughout the city within the 12 months since it launched in the area.

The Sydney Junction Hotel in Hamilton is the most popular pick up spot, followed by the Honeysuckle Hotel and the Cambridge Hotel.

Uber trips in Newcastle hit their peak times at 11pm on Fridays and especially Saturdays, and drop off on Wednesday at around 10pm.

To celebrate its first year in Newcastle, the company has announced it will roll out Uber mapping cars throughout the city to collect and record data.

The data will be used to build Uber's databases for mapping out street segments best suited for pick-ups and drop-off's.

Con Artist Spotted in Newcastle

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

The man

A man accused of stealing more than $40,000 from two elderly women has been spotted leaving a Domayne furniture store in Newcastle.

Police allege the man convinced a 91-year-old woman - currently living in a nursing home on The Entrance - to hand over her personal details after he said he found her purse in a Central Coast nursing home.

He allegedly asked for the private information in what he said was an effort to verify her identity.

The woman later realised about $30,000 had been removed from her bank account.

Police released an image of the man leaving the Kotara Domayne furniture store on Thursday, he was wearing a high-visibility clothes.

The man is believed to drive a grey Toyota 4WD

The incident is believed to be related to another scam where a 93-year-old woman, also from the central coast, was conned into giving her personal details to a man wanting to verify her identity.

"The woman contacted police after she was informed of unusual account activity," said NSW Police.

"Following inquiries, the woman indicated more than $12,000 had been taken from her account, and police attached to Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command commenced an investigation."

Police believe the man is aged in his 40s, and possibly drives a grey Toyota Kulger 4WD.

A boost for the neglected old Newcastle Post Office

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The former Newcastle Post Office is getting a much needed cash injection from the state government.

Under the Heritage Grants Program, the government are giving the Awabakal Aboriginal Land Council $150,000 to go towards stabilising the building.

The building has been in a state of disrepair for some time, and without any stabilising works will continue to fall a part and crumble.

Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Rob Russell isn't even allowed into the building to assess the damage so making it safe for inspections is a top priority.

Without the funding, the building's future was up in the air with no one sure how long the building could go without any form of stabilisation before it would've fallen further into disrepair.

"Primarily what we want to do is just have a look inside and see what damage has been done. We believe that the basement is full of water, we need to find out where that water is coming from, how much structural damage its done so yes there will need to be a fair bit of work done," said Rob Russell.

"This is a very important asset to the Aboriginal community in Newcastle. You can see its been in neglect for some time. This money will be very useful for the community in being bale to repair some of the damage that's been done through that neglect," said Rob Russell.

Scot MacDonald and Rob Russel in front of the Newcastle Post Office this morning.

The Newcastle division of the land council are now looking away from private partnerships for funding, and keeping the building as a community asset.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says if nothing else the funding will ensure the building can be repaired to stop it from deteriorating any further.

"Looking at it now, and I'm not an expert I should say, you've got to worry that it's getting to a point where it's going to be dangerous for the people who are squatting here, or anybody that sees some sort of future use, so you can see the potential but you can also see if it isn't turned around soon then you will be looking at a dangerous condition," said Scot MacDonald.

"The community want to see this, if not restored to its former glory then at least functional. At least not being an eyesore and it is an eyesore at the moment and I don't know what that path will be."

Did you feel the earth move last night?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

You might have felt the earth move beneath your feet last night, with an earthquake measuring 3-point-3 on the richter scale occurring offshore from Forster.

The quake occurred at around 7pm last night.

There were reports residents in Port Stephens and Harrington noticed the movement.

The Australian Tsunami Warning Centre detected the quake, however, there's no threat to the mainland.

Alleged thief caught after break in on The Esplanade

BY JESSICA ROUSE

An alleged thief will face Newcastle Local Court today after he was charged with breaking into a shop in Warners Bay.

A shop along The Esplanade was broken into early on Sunday morning with an amount of cash and watches were stolen.

The incident was reported to police who launched an investigation leading them to a house in Boolaroo yesterday morning.

Police attached to the Lake Macquarie Property Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant at the Sixth Street address and seized a number of items.

A 47-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with break, enter and steal, goods in custody and custody of a knife in a public place.

He was refused bail and appears in court today.

Building Approvals Boom in the Hunter

BY SARAH JAMES

Building approvals in the Hunter are continuing to increase, with Maitland, Cessnock, and Singleton now making up more than one-third of all home approvals in the past year.

Previously, these areas only accounted for 25%.

Infrastructure such as the Hunter Expressway and affordability of these areas are believed to be some of the factors attracting new home buyers to the region.

HIA Executive Director for the Hunter, Craig Jennion, says this boom has been a great support for the construction industry and associated industries.

"The Hunter region has been performing at elevated levels for a number of years now. Pleasingly what the latest data shows is that the highest performing councils in the last few months have been on the fringe, so they are really starting to step up proportionally to their size," he said.

The Easter Bunny Brings Great Sales Over the Easter Long Weekend

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU AND SARAH JAMES

Hunter businesses are celebrating after healthy trade during the Easter long weekend.

An influx of visitors from across the state and the warm weather were some of the reasons trade was up from last year.

This boost to the local economy is expected to carry well across the ANZAC Day weekend and remain high for the rest of the year.

Chairman of Hunter Tourism Will Creedon said Newcastle's popularity as a tourist destination has been growing substantially in recent years, and is gaining a foothold in the international market.

The success over the long weekend is believed to be only the start the start of strong growth expected to be coming this year.

Petition Launched for Building of Intercity Rail Fleet to Stay in New South Wales

BY MARISSA ALEXIOU

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, has launched a petition today calling on the state government to build the new Intercity Rail Fleet in New South Wales with local workers.

The announcement by the government to not include any local manufacturing or materials has devastated local workers.

The $2.3 billion dollar overseas contract will result in the loss of hundreds of local jobs.

Sonia Hornery said the community's response is one of disappointment and question to why the government will not provide and support local jobs.

She also said the contract  is "not in the best interests of  Wallsend or the Hunter community."

The contract is scheduled to offshore over 1000 direct jobs to a South Korean manufacturer. There is also set to be a loss of almost 3000 indirect jobs as a result of the contract.

Sonia Horney said we have shown in the past and demonstrated we can build quality trains and carriages in Australia.

The use of manufacturing and materials in New South Wales would not only result in increased jobs and income for the region but in addition, apprenticeships and skills for the Hunter.

Sonia Hornery said the benefits and money saved by building in Hunter will outweigh any initial savings made on having "cheap quality goods" manufactured overseas.

Source: https://twitter.com/sonia_hornery

Scot MacDonald fights back affordable housing critics

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Not everyone is happy about the state government's announcement yesterday for thirty affordable housing units to be built in part of the former Newcastle rail corridor.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has hit back at critics today, who have been arguing the affordable housing will be both taking up too much space and accommodate the wrong people.

"We said right from the very beginning  that the corridor would be a mix of private and public space and I think that is exactly what is playing out now. We will have roughly 75% for what we call public use, and that will be a range of activities such as the university, now this affordable housing and then quite a lot of green space," said Scot MacDonald.

The housing will reportedly only take up 3-4 per cent of the space on the corridor between Mereweather Street and the former Civic Station adjacent to the Newcastle Museum.

"I think the secret of success for somewhere like Newcastle isn't just having units, not just retail and not just (obviously) green space, but the mix of things. It's no longer a big country town, it is the seventh largest city in Australia and I think this development that you're seeing on the old corridor very much puts it on that pathway."

Artist impression of Market Street lawn. Image Newcastle Herald

One argument against the housing is that it will attract the wrong people and not benefit the right people.

Scot MacDonald says community housing providers will be asked to submit expressions of interest with preferred housing models for the site and the project will be supported by government and council.

The city is well on its way to being a global hot spot, and the Parliamentary Secretary believes these developments in the city centre are only going to elevate the city into the future.

"I don't think anybody, except for probably Tim Crackantorp would like it to go back now - I mean there are people that want to go back to sitting at a rail crossing in their car for five minutes or so, and want that ugly, ugly corridor that was there to stay" but it's quickly being reinvented.

Temporary work visa replacement scheme could affect Hunter workers

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Temporary work visas, or 457 visas, will be a thing of the past with Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull announcing the visa would be replaced by two new visas.

Foreign workers take up a lot of work in regional areas like the Hunter, particularly in the health sector, and there are fears the new scheme will either create more jobs, or leave jobs without anyone to fill them. 

It's likely 200 fewer industries will be able to access overseas staff and there will be stricter conditions placed on those who do come to Australia to work under two new visas.

Member for the Hunter Joel FitzGibbon says the system was being wroughted, but he questions whether the new reforms will actually prove to make a difference.

"Jobs were going to foreigners which could have been filled by local people - now Malcom Turnbull has been sitting on his hands and knees for years, and whether he has now successfully really moved to fix it is a question we still don't know the answer to," said Joel FitzGibbon.

The Prime Minister says the reforms will focus on "Australian jobs and Australian values" giving Aussies the chance to get more work.

Image www.theaustralian.com.au

Current visa holders won't be affected by the changes.

"Well is this is genuine change, I welcome it. But Malcom Turnbull has given us none of the details about his new visa scheme, there is no doubt 457's were being wroughted costing Australians jobs," said Joel FitzGibbon.