Attorney-General Criticised over Newcastle Legal System

BY TYLER FARDELL

The Shadow Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus joined Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon in Newcastle today to lead a round-table discussion with senior members of Newcastle's legal community.

It's in response to new data which shows Newcastle Federal Circuit Court Judges faced a case load of 770 matters this year, compared to the national average of 376.

Attorney-General George Brandis has been blamed for the situation, which has resulted in cases sometimes taking One and a half years before they reach a trial in a Newcastle court.

Mr Brandis is being accused of negligence and failing in his position after failing to appoint a new judge to Newcastle after Judge Matthew Myers left in February this year, leaving the two remaining judges with a mountain of backlogged cases to work through.

Cracks began to show back in 2015 when Judge Giles Coakes retired, and it took the Attorney-General four months to find a replacement.

This time however, it has already been five months and there's been no word of a new replacement.

"It is inexcusable, it's utterly reckless on his behalf", Ms Claydon said. "It's his failure not to do his job which is having dreadful social consequences for the people of Newcastle".

George Brandis
Source; The Australian

NeW Space ready for staff

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With arguably the best view in Newcastle's CBD, the University of Newcastle's NeW Space is one step closer to being officially open for business with staff moving in on Monday.

Once the 320 staff are settled in, around 3,000 students will be moving into the building when Semester 2 begins from the Faculties of Business and Law as well as the Creative Industries.

The $95 million facility is embracing the renewal of Newcastle changing the skyline with a visually impressive building being a reflection of the city, the building's materials and the Indigenous culture of the site.

University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer Nat McGregor says the building looks to the future with a focus on collaboration between students and staff in a close working environment.

"We call it a vertical campus, we've got a mix of student spaces and staff spaces from the floor down so it's not designed to have the students on the ground level and the staff at the top, you'll see staff and student spaces merged throughout the whole eight floors so it's going to change the way that we educate students and it's going to change the way that the staff collaborate."

Active travel and public transport has been considered and students are being strongly advised to use it to avoid the stress of trying to get a carpark in what is a busy CBD.

"We are actively encouraging staff and students to consider a range of travel options, including more sustainable modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport," said Nat McGregor.

Staff are excited to get working in a fresh new building and Student Assistant Hannah Hill says not only is she excited to work there but when students see just how beautiful the building is inside and out when they start their studies.

"I think once you have a look inside and have a look at the views of Newcastle students will be excited to come here and learn which will be great."

Claire Patterson, a Student Hubs and Enquiries Officer agrees,

"Its a beautiful building, its like a lot of imaginative design, a lot of thoughts gone into it, I've heard the architects speak on a tour so that's a really nice perspective to hear from a staff point of view just being able to work in a space that gets lots of natural light and nice views and you're able to engage more with the staff, students and the community as well."

Young Lake Macquarie Athlete's on the Trip of a Lifetime

BY TYLER FARDELL

Early this morning, 12 young Lake Macquarie athletes boarded a bus as the first stage of an unforgettable trip.

The 12 children aged between 12 and 15 are off to the International Children's Games in Lithuania, where they'll compete against 15 hundred other athletes from around the world.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for the 5th of July, with the games running until the 9th.

Lake Macquarie Councils Manager of Community Planning John Ferguson has praised the event and says it's a once in a lifetime experience for the young athletes.

"It'll be one of those events in their life they'll never forget", he said. "It's the opportunity to meet with kids from all over the world".

The team is compromised of swimmers and track and field athletes, including Lachlan Mackay, Flynn Fardell, Dillon Siv, Abbey Proctor, Ella Cleare, Ella Bradley, Claudia Martin, Kaitlyn Klein, Samuel Jones, Bryce Webber, Skye Southam and Brew Austin.

Lake Macquarie has been a regular participant in the International Children's Games since 2008 and hosted the event in 2014.

UPDATED: Forgacs site getting a breath of new life

BY JESSICA ROUSE and DANIELLE RIES

The former Forgacs slipway at Carrington will be given a new lease of life repairing ships with French company Thales announcing their plans to join with the state government and take over the site.

The Hunter Business Chamber has today welcomed this announcement from the Deputy Premier John Barilaro as the developments planned will revitalise the region's key maritime hub.

Around 70 new jobs will be created with the company working in collaboration with the state government to invest $6 million into the rundown facility.

Initially, Thales say they'll be working on commercial ship repair and support, but the company might be looking for lucrative Navy contracts in the future.

Hunter Business Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says its great to see these facilities up and running in Newcastle again.

"The reinstatement of the former facility that ways there, which whilst it had a ship building capacity, we understand Thales intention is to use it for maintenance, but that is a big step given that we haven't had that opportunity or that operate within the port of Newcastle, now for a period of two years or more so it's fantastic to see it comeback".

He also says he's hopeful this project stays a local project.

"The investment that goes into this and this is certainly a good example of where the government has committed some funds and been able to leverage further input or further expenditure from the private to get it up and going.

"And we are really hopeful this can be very much a local production as it were, and re-engage a lot of the businesses around the Port."

Image ABC Newcastle Facebook page

A little noisy over Williamtown!

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hopefully you didn't panic this morning if you live near Williamtown!

It's been a little noisy with just over 35 aircraft taking to the skies for Exercise Dawn Strike as the newest air warfare instructors return home from Exercise Diamond Storm training exercise.

Exercise Diamond Storm involved ground and air-based activities from the Amberley, Williamtown and Tindal, near Katherine in the Northern Territory RAAF Bases.

Up to 10 aircraft also departed the base to 'defend' the base flying over water 50 kilometres off the mid-north coast.

Image defence.gov.au

Notorious black spots get funds

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Dozens of roads across the state are getting a much needed upgrade, including Maitland Vale Road in the Hunter.

Maitland Vale Road is a notorious black spot and it's been noticed by the Federal Government with a $775,000 funding injection announced to fix it.

The government is undertaking 52 black spot road projects throughout NSW under the Black Spot Project over the next 12 months. The government say the project reduces fatalities by 30 per cent and with 249 injury crashes across the 52 black spot projects, funding couldn't have come much sooner.

Federal Member for Lyne David Gillespie says the roads decided on for the black spot funding are based on risk and previous accidents and both fatality and serious injury numbers in the area.

"Road networks are so important because everyone travels them, road accidents can be fatal, the damage to individuals and families from road accidents is really distressing. The coalition government is committed to and have increased roads to recovery funding and black spot funding,"

"We would like to see better infrastructure cross Australia but we target in this program the most dangerous spots and it doesn't replace existing state government funding or council funding, its extra funds targeted at the most dangerous places," said Lyne MP David Gillespie.

Aged Care break and enter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police have released a description of a man wanted for the attempted break and enters of an aged care centre in Kurri Kurri earlier this month.

Police are investigating a break and enter at the Lang Street facility on Saturday 10 June at about 11pm when a man broke into a 78-year-old woman's room demanding cash. The man allegedly assaulted her and stole a wallet containing cash and credit cards. She suffered bruising to her face.

A second break and enter was attempted a week later on Sunday 18 June at 11:30pm - a resident says she heard a chair move on her back verandah and reported a man was attempting to break into her room.

The man didn't gain entry and left before being seen.

Police believe the two incidences are linked.


The man is described as having dark hair and wearing shorts with two stripes down the sides and a jumper and has been seen with a dog.

Labor promise to deliver to the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The State Opposition have today called out the Berejiklian Government accusing it of failing to support the Hunter region in the State Budget.

Labor doesn't believe the region is getting its fair share from the government considering the huge amount it gives to the state as a region through tourism, economy, produce and products.

Among the projects, the opposition says we've been failed on are the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange, the new Maitland Hospital and the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project. Labor says the projects were either explicitly excluded from the budget or received only token funding.

To make up for it, Labor have promised long-awaited Hunter projects like these, will be fully funded from a Regional Infrastructure Fund if Labor wins government in 2019. Labor Leader Luke Foley says the funds would come from the sale of the Snowy Hydro Scheme putting 100 per cent of the $4-5 billion sale to regional NSW.

"100 per cent of those funds will go to regional NSW, regional cities like here in the Newcastle area and the broader Hunter region. That means places like the Illawarra, the Hunter, the Central Coast, will be separated from the CBD and Sydney and we will be able to have our own regional funds," said Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park.

He adds,

"I've got to be honest with you, I'm a bit sick of hearing about it because I think it should've been resolved a long time ago. I think governments of all persuasions have let the community down and what I want to make sure we do going forward as the shadow treasurer is getting this issue off the table, get this issue sorted, and get this issue delivered for out community."

Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park Image lithgowmercury.com.au

Exceptional Hunter research rewarded

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter's exceptional medical research was today recognised by Federal Assistant Minister for Health David Gillespie who visited the Hunter Medical Research Institute this morning.

The visit came with some gifts including the Hunter Institute of Mental health receiving $5 million in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute and $225,000 in seed funding will be used to help turn pure scientific research being conducted by the Hunter Medical Research Institute into practical treatment outcomes for patients.

NSW Regional Health Partners has also been accredited by the National Health and Medical Research Council as one of Austrlaia's first Centre's for Innovation in Regional Health.

David Gillespie believes the funding will help turn pure research into real medical outcomes for patients.

Federal Assistant Health Minister
David Gillespie

"Well the scientists do pure research and develop really new things but then you've got to translate it into a practical application and that's what we're focusing on with this funding. It's translating pure research into applied treatments."

He also says there are often gaps in treatment options for patients struggling with anxiety and depression, so it's just another area the funding will greatly help.

"Mental health is a big issue in the community, it's been hidden behind closed doors for many years but now people are aware of how common it is, people are speaking up but we need to translate all this research into anxiety and depression and into practical treatments," said David Gillespie.

Plan to boost apprenticeship numbers in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Shadow Minister for Skills Prue Car was joined by Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park today to announce the Labor Party's policy for apprenticeships in the Hunter.

The policy will see every construction project, such as Newcastle's light rail project, require 15 per cent of workers to be local apprentices.

Minister Car believes apprenticeships are in "free fall" under this government and that this new policy will see apprenticeship numbers jump right back.

"Employers are looking for apprentices and our young people are needing ways to get their feet onto the skills ladder and this will create opportunities right here in the Hunter for local apprentices, local young apprentices to get that start in the job market,"

"The jobs of tomorrow are definitely changing but one thing we do know is that youth unemployment is a growing problem and the stupidest thing to be doing is to make training less accessible for young people which is what this government is doing. Labor's plan will make TAFE more affordable and accessible and give our predecessors a start through infrastructure projects," said Minister Car.

Price of Petrol set to drop in Newcastle

By JAMES WARD

Petrol prices are set to drop below a $1 dollar per litre in coming weeks across Newcastle according to the NRMA

Service stations around Newcastle could be seen selling e10 petrol for around 101 cents per litre on Wednesday but prices are set to drop even further due to a decrease in crude oil prices and a rise in the Australian dollar.

NRMA chairman, Kyle Loades, says motorists can be the beneficiaries of cheaper fuel in the coming weeks due to a number of factors.

"Petrol pricing over the last week has dropped by about 15 cents per litre on the back of international crude oil pricing coming down and the Aussie dollar rising meaning the pump price has reduced which is great news for motorists," Loades stated.

If the prices were to drop lower than a dollar per litre it would be the first time since early 2016.

NRMA also predict the more competition of service stations in an area, odds are that you will find cheaper fuel.

"Good examples are Charlestown and Islington where there are two or three service stations, other areas where there are also two or three is where you should shop if you simply go to one location which is isolated odds are it will be more expensive."

The price of fuel will go lower than the dollar value but won't go much lower than that so motorists should take advantage of the lower prices now.

Photo courtesy Equal Access Pty Ltd

Keolis Downer to take over Newcastle Transport

BY JOSH SIM

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's buses and ferries will be operated by Keolis Downer for the next ten years from the beginning of July.

The company secured the decade-long contract to operate the service and will run under the name Newcastle Transport.

Beginning on Saturday, staff will be given brand new uniforms and buses and ferries will be re-branded around the area.

CEO of Keolis Downer Hunter, Campbell Mason says the company will have a strong focus on customer service and delivering a world class service to the community.

'There's no magic solution to improve services on day one, the first of July will be the start of the journey where we build confidence in Newcastle's public transport system,' Mr Mason said.

The Newcastle and Lake Macquarie local community will have an opportunity to have their say about the future of public transport in the area, with a new network to be rolled out in 2018.

The views of the community and local leaders will be taken into account as well as that of current drivers, who are seen as understanding the customer needs.

'It's important that we take the time to listen to the community views and get the network right,'

'Immediately there wont be changes to the timetable or the network and we will be using the next six months or so to consult with the community,' Mr Mason said.

Anyone wishing to put forward their feedback to Newcastle Transport are urged to do so via Facebook.

Inmate assaulted at Muswellbrook

BY JESSICA ROUSE

An inmate from St Helliers Correctional Centre near Muswellbrook is in hospital after allegedly being assaulted in his room by other inmates last night.

The 44-year-old was serving 10 years gaol for causing severe brain damage to a child, but is now eligible for parole after serving just six years.

The story went to air on A Current Affair last night, and police say after other inmates at the correctional centre saw the story they bashed the 44-year-old.

He's now recovering in Muswellbrook hospital with non life threatening facial injuries.

Image foreignprisons.com

Ladies you can't eat for two!

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A new study at the University of Newcastle is aiming to prove simply knowing the right sized servings of food can hugely impact your health, particularly if you're pregnant.

The study is helping women understand, and lift the confusion, on how big a serving size of carbohydrates is because having too much can be bad for both mother and baby's health. When too much carbohydrate is converted to blood sugar, high levels can adversely affect their health.

PhD candidate and dietician Hannah Brown says knowing about portion size plays a vital role in protecting the health of both mother and baby.

"We're focusing on carbohydrate knowledge, food label use and food intake to develop new ways to support women and help improve nutrition in pregnancy," said Hannah.

The study will test an app which visually shows the right portion size of food you should be eating, because despite popular belief, you can't use the excuse of eating for two while you're pregnant!

"The app uses augmented reality and what it does is it overlays one standard serve of a carbohydrate food onto a plate so the participate can actually see what one standard serve looks like and then they can put this into the context of their overall diets for the day," said Hannah.

Women who participate in the study can either come to the labs at the University to get access the app to take home on their phones, or alternatively there's an online survey women can complete at home.

The study is open to women over 18 years of age and from 12 to 22 weeks' gestation, with no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you'd like to participate contact Hannah on 4985 4255 or hannah.m.brown@uon.edu.au . The survey is available at http://tinyurl.com/uonpregnancy 

Image HMRI Twitter

NSW Government is still Fixing Country Roads

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The state government is still Fixing Country Roads throughout the Hunter region with the third round of funding under the program now open.

A further $100 million is now available for eligible councils to share in for upgrades to roads, bridges and truck washes.

The funding is aimed to go towards projects which local councils believe will deliver significant benefits to local communities. The funding is a part of a $543 million commitment for Fixing Country Roads from Rebuilding NSW.

Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens Councils are all being encouraged to apply for a share in the funding with applications open until 1 September 2017.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says country roads need to be streamlined for efficiency to ensure the easy movement of freight in and out of regional areas well into the future.

"From the conversations I've had with council it's always a case of money and proritising and for me it's looking at where the trucks are running at the moment, where we need to have better connectivity for our freight network and where we can get more efficiency around that," said Scot MacDonald.

Man threatens couple with screwdriver

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face Toronto Local Court in July after allegedly intimidating a man and woman and verbally abusing others near his house in Lake Macquarie.

Police have been told that at about 2:30pm, a man began approaching and verbally abusing a number of people who were walking or in their cars at Terrigal Street, Morisset.

It's alleged he threatened a man and woman who were sitting in their car with a screwdriver. It's also claimed he verbally abused other people.

Officers were called to the location and a nearby school was placed into lockdown as a precaution.

Police arrested the 30-year-old man and he was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with two counts of intimidation as well as malicious damage and granted conditional bail.

BREAKING! Two Horses Killed In Road Accident At Toronto

BY IAN CROUCH

Two horses have been tragically killed and another has been injured in a road accident at Toronto overnight.

At about 7.00pm, three horses escaped from a property on Wangi Road and were running along the road when two of them were hit by a Toyota Rav Four.

They died at the scene before police arrived.

A third horse was hit by a second car moments later but survived and is being treated for non life-threatening injuries.

An 83-year-old man driving the Toyota suffered minor cuts to his hands and arms, however the vehicle was badly damaged.

The man's wife, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was not injured.

Police will speak to the owner of the horses and may consider laying charges.

Cambridge Hotel for sale

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Newcastle's iconic live music venue, The Cambridge Hotel, is for sale.

After two decades, the owners are seeking expressions of interest from developers.

A concept plan, designed by architect Jon Webber, has been drawn up for a high-rise apartment complex which could eventually be built on the Hunter Street site. The concept plan was created in order to show developers one potential use of the site, which has a height limit of 60 metres.

"It's time for the site to fall in line with what's happening in Newcastle West," says Cambridge co-owner John Palmieri.

"It's a prime gateway site to Newcastle West and with what's happening with The Store across the road. So it's an ideal opportunity for the site to fulfil its true potential."

Mr Palmieri says he would be happy to see the site transformed for residential use as in the concept plan, however, would like the buyers to consider incorporating a hotel within the precinct. He believes a live music venue could co-exist with residential use.

"It's the way you configure it that's most important...it's how you put the architecture in place to soundproof it. It certainly can be done; it's happening in Sydney all the time so I don't see why it couldn't happen in Newcastle."

Regardless of what developers eventually do with The Cambridge site, it seems as though last drinks are a long way off. In a statement on social media, hotel management explained there is still six years remaining on their lease, and they "have no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon," saying "it is clear to us that Newcastle loves live music, or any music for that matter. We love music too, and have no intention of shutting this party down."

As well as boasting performances from headline acts such as The Screaming Jets, Powderfinger and Silverchair, The Cambridge has also played an important role in the fostering of new talent, with many local bands playing at the venue, prompting concerns that emerging musicians may suffer from the Hotel's eventual closure.

Will St Claire, a member of local band, Split Feed, says there is a unique atmosphere at the Cambridge which makes playing there so enjoyable.

"It's just a lot different to many of the other venues in Newcastle where you're just playing for your mates in a smaller pub scene," Will says, "And now, in the past year or two [since renovations took place] the side bar has become the go-to place for local bands. The Cambridge is the centrepiece of the local scene.

"There's The Lass, Small Ballroom and Hamilton Station aswell, but The Cambridge is always the premiere venue."

John Palmieri hopes that in the years to come, developers will have time to think about their plans for the site, and if necessary, local musicians will find an alternative venue to play at.

Artist's impression of a potential residential high-rise on The Cambridge site. Image source: Newcastle Herald. 

Maitland Private Hospital extensions opened today

BY PARIS WRIGHT

New state-of-the-art extensions at Maitland Private Hospital are something of the future. Modern medicine has been working with advanced technology to create 'Stryker theatres', surgeries that no longer don floor rolling and movable trays but rather now a fully integrated pendant system. Along with voice activation technology, all equipment and camera needs are contained in a roof mounted cavity to improve surgeons productivity and access. 

The extensions will include two of these new theatres along with additional day surgery beds to compensate for the ever-increasing number of patients desperately requiring procedures. CEO at Maitland Private, Sue Ellen Bloomfield is excited for the opening and says the facility will entice a broader range of specialist surgeons to practice in the new space. She also says the development will provide patients in the Hunter Region with an alternative to travelling down into Sydney to receive adequate treatment.

Surgeries will begin to take place next week after the Department of Healths official approvement for the new building. 

Stryker Theatre- image found at iSuite 

Newcastle council's rate rise not as bad as first thought

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The rate increase confirmed for residents at last night's Newcastle City Council meeting may not be as bad as it seems.

What was initially said to be a 8 per cent rate rise, will actually be more like 7.2 per cent because council say they haven't increased the waste domestic surcharge which pays for weekly garbage collection for residents.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes says it really shouldn't come as a surprise to ratepayers as it had already been approved by iPart.

"The amounts of rates on people's rates notice won't seem as much because at the city of Newcastle we're keeping our costs and our overheads low in regards to our domestic waste service that people obviously rely on. We're keeping that charge fixed s we did last year as well, so we haven't increased our domestic waste service charge."

The increase will work out to be around $100 per annum per household over five years.

"This is the same decision that council made back in 2014 and that was approved by iPart. We are doing the special rate variation over five years at the City of Newcastle as is neighbouring councils. This isn't a new decision, this is a decision that was made by iPart back several years go and is part of our normal budget," said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

Newcastle Council also confirmed at last night's meeting that they will be putting money towards the revamp of Newcastle Art Gallery after a plea for funds from the state government was knocked back.

Some funds will likely come from proceeds of the 2012 special rate variation.

"The most significant investment in arts and culture in this city year on, year out, is Newcastle City Council and we'll be continuing to press the state government to pay their fair share of an art gallery redevelopment considering the hundred of millions of dollars they're putting into cultural projects in Sydney," said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

Hunter Valley population is booming: Census 2016

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Data from last year's Census has been released and shows that the Hunter's population, excluding Newcastle, is booming.

The Hunter Valley is home to just over 263,000 people and nearly 360,000 people in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and across both regions, there are more women than men.

We found out just who the average Australian is too - a 38 year old woman who speaks English, is married and lives in a captital city. Our ancestry is predominately Australian with 33 per cent of our residents identifying as Aussie, closely followed by British.

Maitland was identified as a high growth area being the fastest growing outside of the Sydney metropolitan area.

Director of Data Processing Tracey Chester says not only are we growing, but we have the biggest ageing population as well.

"The 2016 Census also found that the population of the Hunter region is older when compared with NSW and Australia so the median age in the Hunter region is 39 years whereas for NSW it was 38 years."

In terms of religion, Tracey says we don't appear to be losing it here in the Hunter compared to the rest of the nation, with a great number of residents following Christian beliefs.

"While nationally around half our population said that they followed a Christian religion, in your area it's actually up at 71 per cent. You're also less likely to report no religion than nationally so 24 per cent of you reported that you didn't have a religion compared with 30 per cent nationally."

Looking at income in the Hunter the median weekly income is around $1280 dollars, but in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie it's around $1330 dollars.

For a full roundup of how we look in the 2016 Census head to  http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/Home/Census

Game changer for cancer patients

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A new study at the Calvary Mater Hospital is being described as a game changer for cancer patients.

Prescribing treatment dosage for prostate cancer patients today involves the patient having an MRI scan which is used to define the body's anatomy and targets, then a second scan - a CT scan - is used to work out how much dosage and what kind of treatment plan is necessary for the anatomy and targets found in the initial scan.

The new study is looking at the use of MRI scanning technology alone to find the anatomy and targets and work out dosage and treatment plans.

Leading the study is Professor Peter Greer who believes the benefits will be well worth it because in just using one scan the results are more accurate, and it's also cost effective.

"We're hoping that this will make the treatments slightly a little bit more accurate for the patients and then in the future possibly we can even reduce the side effects of the treatments by giving less dose to the normal tissues because we're able to deliver the treatments a little bit more accurately," said Professor Peter Greer. 

25 prostate cancer patients are currently undergoing the study which is set to wrap up at the end of the year, and researchers are confident the technique could be used for all patients as early as next year.

"We're starting with prostate because we have large numbers of patients who use MRI, but we're also working on developing this technique for other sites such as other pelvic cancers, brain cancer, head and neck cancer as well," said Professor Peter Greer.

Image www.healthdirect.gov.au

Big infrastructure spend for Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Councillors voted last night against giving themselves a pay rise and decided to instead put the money into infrastructure projects.

Council voted to adopt a $90 million works program including $54 million to renew aging assets and $26 million towards new footpaths and street upgrades, as well as storm water management in Wallsend.

In Wallsend Tyrell, Boscawen and Nelson Street Bridges will be replaced as a part of the flood mitigation program but there's no time frame yet on when the work will start.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is welcoming the commitment to fixing the long-running flood issues in the town centre which will ensure the town is prepared for the next flood.

"There has been over a million dollars worth of funding for Newcastle City Council for flood mitigation from the state government but I'll continue to lobby the state government on behalf of the council and the people of Wallsend to make sure that we can get some funding as well. If there's $90 million in infrastructure money obviously I'll be looking to council to use some of that to building bridges," said Sonia Hornery.

Council also approved their budget for the next financial year last night which will include an 8 per cent rate rise as approved by iPart in 2015, but they say it will feel more like a 7 per cent rise.

Advance Australia Fair no longer young and free?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free... 

We have all sung and all heard Australia's National Anthem, and many Aussies are proud of their song but at the same time, there are many who want to see it changed or even replaced.

A Lake Macquarie Councillor could be one step closer to changing just one word after council moved a motion to write a letter to Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull asking for the worked "young" to be replaced instead by "strong".

Cr Brain Adamthwaite who is also a school principal, sais it was a conversation with an Indigenous student which prompted him to put the motion to council. An Indigenous student asked him if he really had to stand and sing a song which doesn't represent him, or his people.

"So I think that just looking at the words that we have to make them more relevant, relevant to our first Australians, relevant to our new Australians and relevant to our future Australians. We need to look at the word young and recognise we are not a young nation, we are a nation with a long rich cultural heritage," which started with the Indigenous communities of Australia said Cr Adamthwaite.

Cr Adamthwaite said it wouldn't be the first time the anthem would be changed, more than thirty years ago a different word was changed to better include each and every Australian.

"Since 1984 these words have been the words that we've sung as our National Anthem and a lot of people have sung that with pride over time and remembering of course that when it was accepted in 1984, one word was changed then to change the word from "sons" to "all" to encompass all of our citizens not just the males in society."

Party Politics has no place in Port Stephens: Cr Ken Jordan

BY JAMES WARD and JESSICA ROUSE

The Labor Party has been slammed for the announcement of their intention to bring party politics to the floor of Port Stephens Council.

Councillor Ken Jordan, a former Liberal candidate for Port Stephens, believes party politics has no place in local government because whether they're Labor, Liberal or Greens they'd only answer to their political superiors.

Over the weekend nine people were selected by local Labor Party members to contest the 2017 Port Stephens Council election including Desmond Maslen for mayor.

Cr Ken Jordan claims the Labor Party doesn't have the betterment of the community at heart and believes they will only have negative impacts on the community.

"The negative impacts are having people that are not there for the people, they're there for the party - they don't answer to the community, they don't answer to people, they're not there for the people, they answer to what the party tells them to do."

He adds if Port Stephens is to maintain its image as one of the best councils in the state, party politics can't come to pass within the council.

"Local government is grassroots, it's about the people and you know the parties in there, you wan't people to answer to the community. Port Stephens Council is one of the best councils in the state on just about every measurement you can measure, why do you want to ruin it?" said Cr Ken Jordan.

Professor of Politics at the University of Newcastle Jim Jose says there is merit in the argument that when you're a member of a political party you follow the political ideology.

"There's some merit in that argument that when you're a member of a political party and there is a party platform on a given issue then given that issue comes up in council and is up for debate there is a significant amount of pressure from the particular party to ensure that as a member for that party you tow that line."

"However there have been occasions when members of parties have stood up and basically followed the issues to do with their local constituency and sometimes they pay the penalty for this and sometimes they're applauded," said Professor Jim Jose.

UPDATE: One of Australia's most wanted men arrested in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE and IAN CROUCH

After more than two years on the run, one of the Australia's most wanted men will face Raymond Terrace Local Court today.

Police say 42-year-old Darren Rispen disappeared after being granted bail in 2014 over his involvement in a drug syndicate.

He'd assumed a new identity in that time growing a Ned Kelly-style beard and was dating a woman who had no idea of his past life. He was taken by surprise when police arrested him in Nelson Bay yesterday.


EARLIER

One of Australia's most wanted men has been arrested in Nelson Bay this morning.

The 42-year-old was arrested by police from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad at about 11:30am.

He was placed on Crime Stoppers most wanted list in 2016 after he was granted bail in 2014 charged with alleged drug-related offences and allegedly directing a criminal group, but failed to comply with the bail conditions. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Following extensive inquiries since 2014, he was arrested this morning and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he's expected to be charged with the arrest warrant and will most likely appear at court later today.

The man is one of 19 people on Crime Stoppers most wanted list throughout Australia which was compiled in 2016.

In response, the NSW Police Force teamed up with Crime Stoppers Australia for Operation Roam, a nationwide campaign that promotes the exchange of information, regarding wanted people, between policing jurisdictions across the country.

Huge meteor spotted in the Hunter last night

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Hundreds of Hunter residents have reported seeing a huge meteor stream across the night sky.

More than 500 people took to social media to describe what they thought was a shooting star or a giant fireball at around 9pm which lasted for several seconds before burning out.

Geoscience Australia also received reports of a loud bang and windows rattling at around the same time.

There were another three tremors just south of Muswellbrook last night - the largest measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale. This adds to the 5 other tremors recorded in the area since Sunday morning.

There are also reports of a tremor at Port Macquarie yesterday afternoon measuring a magnitude of less than 3.

Image www.ga.gov.au

One of Australia's most wanted arrested in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

One of Australia's most wanted men has been arrested in Nelson Bay this morning.

The 42-year-old was arrested by police from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad at about 11:30am.

He was placed on Crime Stoppers most wanted list in 2016 after he was granted bail in 2014 charged with alleged drug-related offences and allegedly directing a criminal group, but failed to comply with the bail conditions. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Following extensive inquiries since 2014, he was arrested this morning and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he's expected to be charged with the arrest warrant and will most likely appear at court later today.

The man is one of 19 people on Crime Stoppers most wanted list throughout Australia which was compiled in 2016.

In response, the NSW Police Force teamed up with Crime Stoppers Australia for Operation Roam, a nationwide campaign that promotes the exchange of information, regarding wanted people, between policing jurisdictions across the country.

Amnesty Granted for Gun Owners

BY TYLER FARDELL

Following the NSW Police Force's decision today to join the National Firearms Amnesty, residents across the State and the Hunter will be able to legally dispose or register their unlicensed firearms starting next month.

The Police are hoping this amnesty will result in a reduced number of unregistered firearms throughout the State, as they often end up in the hands of criminals.

Deputy Police Commissioner for Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy made the announcement today, along with the Regional Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys.

"NSW Police is committed to stopping firearms falling into the hands of criminals", Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

"Too many firearms are not stored securely, making them an easy target for thieves to steal multiple firearms during break-and-enters, particularly at rural properties".

The Police are expecting a significant number of residents to take full advantage of the Amnesty, as it provides them with an opportunity to register or dispose of an unregistered firearm without a penalty.

Firearms and other related items can be surrendered under amnesty arrangements at approved drop-off points, which include licensed firearm dealers and Police stations.

However, residents who are intending to dispose of or register of their weapons have been reminded to ensure all firearms are NOT loaded when taking them into public places.

For more information visit www.firearmsamnesty.ag.gov.au

Source; Loop PNG

The closer light rail construction comes, the more worried businesses get.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

There are renewed concerns for Hunter Street businesses as light rail construction looms in the Newcastle CBD.

Sections of Hunter Street will start to be closed off in September when work begins which is when most businesses say they're worried they'll feel the pinch.

Newcastle isn't the first city to go through the business upset with the plight mirroring some retailers on George Street in Sydney which has been a construction zone for around two years.

The government say they're prepared to adapt their plans if things go awry, but MP Tim Crakanthorp says even then a lot of small businesses just won't be able to survive.

Image www.newcastlenow.org.au

With up to 1,000 car parks disappearing and essentially one lane of traffic being taken away as well, Tim Crakanthorp just can't see it working for everyone.

"I think if you can stick it out for that period of time and only perhaps the bigger businesses can do that, there will be benefits at the end of it but then again they're also deeply concerned about the parking."

On the other hand, Program Director of Revitalising Newcastle Michael Cassel says they're doing as much as they can to ensure businesses don't lose out.

"We're doing a lot with businesses, we've employed precinct managers, we're working very hard to make sure businesses thrive through this period. We've got lots of activities, we're bringing more people back to the city during that period of disruption and we will pop out the other end with a much-improved transport system."

Speeding fines rack up to $70 million in the Hunter

BY JAMES WARD

Hunter motorists have racked up over $70 million in speeding fines in the last three years according to recent police statistics.

More than 240 speeding fines are issued out every day by police or by speed cameras pouring around $60,000 a day on average into the state government.

With over 42% of fatalities on our roads due to speeding, authorities are concerned about the growing number of people still speeding.

NRMA Chairman, Kyle Loades, states young male drivers are the highest-risk drivers on our roads and take up a large proportion of speeding offences.

"Young males are the ones doing most of the speeding and it is quite simple they need to slow down and save lives," Loades said.

The state government spends all revenue raised from speeding fines back into road safety initiatives aimed at younger people which Loades strongly supports.

"100% of the fines that are raised go back into road safety initiatives and they are including Black Spot programs and include the Flashy Light program which is now in every school in the Hunter and New South Wales."

Other statistics include over 2600 serious injury crashes occurred during 2011 to 2015 or on average 10 a week costing the economy around $500 million a year.

Image: Steven Georgiadis & Associates

Fire safety standards motion for Lake Macquarie

BY JESSICA ROUSE

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London, a Lake Macquarie Councillor is putting forward a motion tonight for the review of fire safety standards in buildings throughout the region.

On June 14 the Grenfell Tower in West London become a towering inferno killing an estimated 79 people. Combustible cladding used to insulate the tower and improve its appearance is being blamed for the rapid spread of the blaze and now there are concerns for other buildings built using the same material.

Upon reflection, it was found the tower would've failed fire safety standards.

Back home in Lake Macquarie, Councillor Kevin Baker says he's confident a vast majority of buildings are compliant, but every precaution must be taken to avoid a tragedy like that in London.

"As I've said in my motion it's something that needs to be considered across all levels of government and I think it's an issue that is sitting there at the forefront of everybody's minds and now is the time to act to make sure everybody is conforming to the highest levels of safety standards."

He wants to ensure nobody has to live through a horrifying fire and making sure everyone has their standards in line so everyone is safe, is the best possible way to ensure it never happens.

"Generally speaking I'm confident that 99 per cent of the people do do the right thing and I'd really love to hear that any review comes back and finds that everything is perfect. That would be the best case scenario but I think it is important that we do a review," said Kevin Baker.

Quad Bike roundtable today in a bid to end fatalities

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI and JESSICA ROUSE

With more than thirty quad bike deaths in the state since 2011 including the death of a 60-year-old man in the Upper Hunter earlier this year, NSW Labor has decided to convene a roundtable on quad bike safety.

The roundtable taking place today will see stakeholders get together to look at a range of strategies including age restrictions, to try and prevent further quad bike deaths. It also comes after a recent examination of reforms in Queensland.

 Representatives at the roundtable include The Royal Australian College of Surgeons, NSW Farmers Association, Country Women's Association, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and Quad Safe Australia.

Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Yasmin Catley says we've already seen too many quad bike deaths this year alone. 

"It's time that we bring together all of the stakeholders to address the problems of accidents and then with the use of quad bikes so we're bringing all of the stakeholders together to have that discussion so that we can talk about coming up with some resolutions that will address the issues of death and safety on quad bikes."

She also said the government had been invited to attend, but they declined. She believes the best and only way to come to a solution is a joint effort, but it won't work if only one side comes to the party.

"The government have been invited but unfortunately they have declined to come and it's really quite disappointing I have to say. This is something that the Labor Party want to have a bipartisan approach on and of course, that should be the case because when we're addressing any tragedy like this you need to have a bipartisan approach," said Yasmin Catley.

Did you feel the earth move under your feet?

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

You're not imagining it if you did, the Hunter Valley has been hit by two small earthquakes in less than 24 hours.

A 2.7 magnitude quake hit the Muswellbrook area at 1:19am yesterday.

This was followed by a 2.8 magnitude tremor in the same area at about 8:45pm.

Geoscience Australia says both tremors were felt by local residents, but there are no reports of damage.

Image www.ga.gov.au

UPDATED: Man turns up to a Hunter hospital nursing a gunshot wound

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Kurri Kurri man turned up at Maitland Hospital late yesterday afternoon suffering a gunshot wound, and police are still trying to work out how he got it.

Just before 5pm, the man was dropped off at the hospital by his girlfriend nursing a single gunshot wound to his left hand.

Police searched a home in Kurri Kurri and have spoken to his father and the girlfriend, but the circumstances surrounding the incident are still not known.

The 22-year-old has now been released from the hospital.

Investigations are continuing and anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man dies after being found unconscious on Central Coast

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A 21-year-old man who was left to die on a Central Coast road has tragically passed away in the John Hunter Hospital overnight.

Jayden Mason's family made the heartbreaking decision to switch off his life support last night after being told of the extent of his brain damage.

Police are investigating the events which lead up to Jayden being left lying on Lake Haven Road at Lake Haven on Saturday night. Police say they suspect he was either bashed or hit by a car.

He'd suffered severe head injuries.

Police want to speak to a woman in her 50's who was driving a dark blue Ford Falcon who stopped to help Jayden.

Facelift for Broadmeadow Station

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Broadmeadow Train Station has undergone a massive facelift worth $18.5 million.

As part of the Transport Access Program, the station now has three new lifts, improved access from Brown and Graham Roads, more protection from the weather and upgraded security features.

This is the first upgrade to the station in more than 40 years and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says it's a great, and much needed, improvement.

"If you were here a year ago it was dark, it was gloomy, there wasn't much weather protection, it didn't feel friendly but look all credit to these guys its bright, it's airy, there's a lot more CCTV, the signage is so much better, it's a 100 per improvement and I think they should be really proud and the community will really take a lot of heart in these upgrades."

The underpass has also undergone a lively transformation with a bright new piece of public art which celebrates local history with the quote 'We've built many things along the way, the path we're on now leads to even more'.

The upgraded security is of particular interest and has made for a much safer train station for the public.

"There wouldn't be many blindspots I can imagine, I think they've done a terrific job and if that gives people confidence and deters a little bit of antisocial behaviour that's wonderful but this is the standard that you see now and it is getting higher and higher all the time," said Scot MacDonald.

Outrage over Telegraph Point Preschool closure

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI and JESSICA ROUSE

Parents at the Telegraph Point Children's Centre are outraged government ministers haven't stepped in to stop the closure of their preschool.

When questioned in parliament this week, the Minister for Early Education said due to contractual and compliance issues the current provider simply wasn't able to continue operating it.

Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Kate Washington says it's ridiculous the government couldn't step in.

"The Department and the Minister keeps pointing to commercial complexities but this is a government that can enter into contracts to build...a light rail down George Street but they can't navigate a solution to keep a small childcare service open. It just beggars belief," she said.

According to Kate Washington, it's an outrage the government didn't take action and stop the small preschool from closing, especially when alternative arrangement plans were offered to them.

"The operator and the community have put lots of alternative options to the Minister and the Department to keep the doors open but then they have all been rejected and the Department has instead only told the families that they need to find services elsewhere."

She says because of the Department's inaction, local families and their children are put at a disadvantage.

"[The school] provides vocation care, outside of hours care, pre-schooling and childcare to that small community and surrounding areas.

"Children will now miss out on the all-important transition to the local school. Families will struggle to juggle their work and family commitments. It's a sad day for Telegraph Point."

Kate Washington [Image: North Arm Cove]

National Rural Health Alliance welcomes new Commissioner.

BY DANIELLE RIES

The National Rural Health Alliance welcomes the new role of a Rural Health Commissioner after the passing of a legislation to establish the role.

The new commissioner is seen by the alliance as a potential game changer for health in rural areas, including the Hunter region.

The alliance supports the initial establishment of general practices in rural communities with the commissioner working with the alliance to ensure rural communities receive proper health care, such as making sure the Rural Generalist Pathway runs smoothly.

The alliance is looking forward to working with the commissioner as they'll bring a new perspective on rural health.

National Rural Health Alliance CEO David Butt says the commissioner won't be the sole answer to all rural health issues.

"We think this is a great initiative, however, we do just want to be clear that the commissioner is not going to be able to do all things for rural and remote Australia.

"One person will be tremendously and strategically placed in advising the minister directly. All governments need to work together to develop solutions for rural and remote Australia, as we can't rely on one person to be all things to all people in rural Australia".

He also states the commissioner will have a broader review due to amendments to the legislation.

"The minister had said that he wanted the commissioner to have a broader view but this establishes that in the legislation. So to look more broadly at other issues within rural health.

"It also enables a review of the timeframe for the legislation. In the current legislation, it expires at the end of June 2020 and of course, issues in rural and remote Australia won't have been resolved by then".

Credit- National Rural Health Alliance Website

M1 Pacific Motorway extension in the pipeline

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The NSW Government has committed to further planning of the M1 Pacific Highway extension to aid traffic flow to Raymond Terrace but without a completion date in sight, the missing link could be years away.

The budget revealed a $5 million funding injection for planning adding to the $7 million already given last year for planning a possible exit ramp off the motorway south of Heatherbrae and a free flowing interchange a Tomago in place of the roundabout already there.

After community consultation, last August and September, the plan for a 15 kilometre bypass of Hexham and Heatherbrae linking two of the state's busiest highways, with interchanges at Tarro, Tomago, Black Hill and Raymond Terrace and a 2.6 kilometre bridge over Woodlands Close, the New England Highway and the Hunter River.

Overview of M1 extension Image www.rms.nsw.gov.au

NRMA Hunter Chairman Kyle Loades says once planning is completed money will start to be poured into the project.

"So it's important to understand that the process is there for good reason - you have to get the planning right, you've got to get the project shovel-ready and then you can attract the funds. The planning hasn't been completed yet so we're hoping that this will be the last year of planning."

"We're very confident that this won't be just left idol for a decade. This will be committed to in the next year or so and let's get on with it because it's a massive bottleneck for Hunter motorists today and/or when people head north on holidays," said Kyle Loades.

Traffic troubles on Newcastle Road

BY IAN CROUCH

There are major delays for city-bound traffic on Newcastle Road at Lambton.

Workers undertaking roadworks overnight accidentally hit a water main.

A repair crew from Hunter Water is carrying out emergency work, which has closed one eastbound lane on Newcastle Road.

If all goes according to plan, they hope to have the problem fixed by around 9:30am.

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson deputy chair of new government committee

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI and JESSICA ROUSE

Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson now has a place as deputy chair of a new Federal Government committee which will look at the benefits and necessity of regional development and decentralisation.

A key focus will be looking at the pros and cons of moving government departments from Canberra to regional areas like the Hunter and putting them in the best possible position for jobs and growth.

Meryl Swanson says it's pivotal regional areas don't miss out and she will ensure her electorate and the whole Hunter region aren't forgotten.

"We do need to have good services from government, we need to look at government departments moving to the regions and that's what this committee will be doing. Are they a good thing, are they not a good thing, we'll be making those inquiries and trying to figure out just what role the regions play."

She also says there's more to decentralisation than just moving government departments from Canberra to regions like the Hunter.

"Decentralisation is also about governments providing enough support and enough staff for the departments that are already in existence in those areas. So rather than sacking all the Centrelink staff, ensuring that staff are there is a very important thing. It is about how we ensure that we've got enough staff to make sure the people in the regions are well serviced," said Meryl Swanson.

Hunter Sports High redevelopment pushed back. Again.

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

Staff and students at Hunter Sports High at Gateshead will have to wait another two years for a promised major upgrade of their school.

In 2014, $20 million was allocated to the school in the state budget to demolish ageing and dilapidated classrooms with the government promising to have the work completed by January this year.

Demolition work did begin this year but in February, with the project's completion date blowing out to 2019.

Back in June 2014, the then Education Minister Adrian Picolli proudly boasted the government was getting on with the job of fixing the school.

"Now we're investing in this highschool, it's about getting on with the job making sure that we've got world-class facilities, budgets are always tight but we've made sure we've found the money to do this well overdue project"

But now three years later, Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison is extremely disappointed at just another demonstration of the government's disinterest in the region.

"This is another demonstration of this government's disinterest in the Hunter and in a school that is educating students from one of the most socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs in the State."

Hunter Sports High Image metrobc.com.au