Toxic Postcode Welcomes Sharp Drop in Air Pollution

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

New data has revealed air pollution levels in some of Newcastle's most toxic suburbs has fallen dramatically.

Suburbs in the 2304 postcode including Kooragang, Mayfield, Warabrook and Sandgate have seen a sharp reduction in major air pollutants such as Benzene and Sulphur Dioxide over the past five years.

It's believed tighter pollution controls recommended by the NSW Environment Protection Authority and other agencies have contributed to the rapid decline.

The drop in levels has been welcomed by most residents, but many still hold major concerns about coal dust pollution in the area.

Convener of the Correct Planning and Consultation for Mayfield Group, John Hayes, says it's been a slow process to get to this point.

"It's been a very slow process, and an expensive process for industries to put scrubbers on chimneys and all that sort of thing, " Mr Hayes said.

"But all of those things lead to lower emissions, and that's got to be good for everybody."

Residents remain concerned over coal dust. Image: Newcastle Herald

PFAS Inquiry to Examine Financial Impacts

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL AND LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A parliamentary inquiry into the government's handling of PFAS contamination will review the financial impacts contamination has had on people affected by the substances.

The Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will inquire into the extent of PFAS contamination in and around defence bases across the country and will examine the response of government agencies.

Labor ordered the inquiry in December last year and following a referral from the Senate, the inquiry will be conducted by the PFAS Sub-Comittee.

Following a recommendation from Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, the terms of reference for the inquiry also include a review of the consideration given to understanding and assessing the financial impacts of PFAS contamination.

Meryl Swanson is now encouraging locals to make submissions to the inquiry, emphasising the opportunity to bring the inquiry to Williamtown and have local stories heard.

"Even if it is a handwritten, one or two sentence letter, please submit to the inquiry," said Meryl Swanson.

"It is absolutely vital that we get as many submissions as we can to this inquiry, in the hope that we may be able to have a hearing in Williamtown."

The inquiry is open for submissions until July 6th and information on how to lodge a submission can be found here.

A federal parliamentary inquiry into PFAS contamination management has begun. Image: ABC

Meanwhile,

The EPA has released precautionary advice for those residents living near the Hunter Valley's Stony, Fishery and Wallis creeks.

It comes after PFAS chemicals were discovered in the water following heavy rainfall early this year.

Those near Stony Creek should avoid eating eggs and refrain from drinking milk, while residents near Fishery Creek are advised not to eat home-slaughtered livestock.

Current government health findings conclude there is no evidence to suggest exposure to PFAS leads to an increase in overall health risk, however it hasn't been ruled out.

Family law reform not certain to address Newcastle backlog

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Following the announcement of a new judicial appointment at Newcastle's Federal Circuit Court, Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon says she welcomes the move but is dubious whether a backload of family law cases will now be improved.

Mr Terry Betts will take the reigns of the Court, following Judge Steven Middleton's transfer to Queensland in April. 

Ms Claydon wrote to Attorney General Christian Porter at the time, fearful there would be a long lapse before a replacement was announced - as the process has taken as long as seven months in the past.

Newcastle forms one of the nation's biggest registries, with just three judges to carry out hearings, and is a microcosm of an Australia-wide crisis gripping the underresourced family law system.

Terry Betts' appointment came on the same day the Attorney General announced the amalgamation of the Australian Family Court and Federal Circuit Court, in a bid to cut through red tape and stop cases being heard across the different jurisdictions.

It will create a single point of entry for all family law and general Commonwealth law matters through the new combined tribunal, and appeals will be held by a single judge of the Federal Court.

The Law Council of Australia is yet to give their response to the merger, with President Morry Bailes saying they'll need to comb through the finer details of the plan - however agree something needs to be done to shake-up the current system.

"Decades of chronic underfunding of the court system and legal aid has largely contributed to the lengthy delays and backlogs experienced today," Mr Bailes said.

He believes an increasing number of self-represented plaintiffs and defendants due to high legal fees is also chewing up vital time and leading to unjust outcomes.

"Further investment in the courts and legal aid is still required to deliver the best outcomes for children and Australian families," Mr Bailes concluded.

Sharon Claydon is echoing that sentiment and believes more consultation is needed within the Newcastle legal fraternity to assess the merger.

"My Labor colleagues and I are very keen to see the detail of this legislation, because we don't have any of that before us at the moment," she said.

"There's been no mention of any extra funding or resources in the government materials that have been released to date...

"We also know there's been no consultation with practitioners or family law support groups about this merger - had that taken place and there was some funding, we might've been in a position to bring about some relief."

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon addresses a judge shortage at the Newcastle Circuit Court in June 2017. Image: The Herald. 

Man Bashed As He Slept During Early Morning Break-In At Woodberry

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been assaulted during a break-in at Woodberry this morning.

Police say a man entered a home on Segenhoe Street at about 4.00am and confronted the 25-year-old victim as he slept.

The intruder bashed the occupant with a piece of wood before running off.

The victim was treated at the scene and did not need to be taken to hospital.

It's believed the incident is linked to a home invasion two weeks ago when a 37-year-old man and his 40-year-old partner were allegedly assaulted by a group of people who forced their way into a house on Segenhoe Street.

Lake Macquarie One Nation Senator Set To Defy Hanson

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie One Nation senator, Brian Burston is set to defy party leader, Pauline Hanson by supporting the federal government's $35.6 billion company tax cuts.

Brian Burston believes the business sector needs the extra tax relief, saying he's not getting any flak from NSW voters on the issue.

He's told The Australian, he was blindsided by Senator Hanson's decision to withdraw support for the tax package, saying  he was "a very principled person" who intended to honour a deal struck with Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann in March to pass the tax cuts.

Senator Brian Burston

Newcastle's 2304 Now A Nicer Place To Live

BY IAN CROUCH.

It's been regarded as one of Newcastle's most polluted postcodes for years, but new data shows that's all changed.

The National Pollution Inventory shows there's been a marked decline in air pollution in suburbs within the 2304 postcode over the past 5 years.

2304 takes in Kooragang, Mayfield, Mayfield West, Warabrook and Sandgate.

An analysis of air quality data shows levels of 16 major airborne pollutants like ammonia, fluoride, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide had fallen dramatically.

The reductions are being attributed to tougher pollution controls placed on major industry in the area.

However, residents say dust pollution continues to be a big issue - especially coal dust from the coal loaders, coal trains and coal trucks.

Although dust pollution has also dropped significantly in the postcode, the data shows fine particulate pollution from Port Waratah Coal Services coal loading facilities increased by 77 percent over the past five years.

It's thought the switch from vehicles which use unleaded petrol to those which use diesel at the PWCS sites is the reason behind the rise - diesel fueled vehicles produce more PM2.5 particulate emissions than unleaded vehicles.

The installation of automated dust management systems at Mayfield has resulted in better air quality. A requirement to improve dust management from coal wagons has also been introduced.

Port Waratah Coal Services Kooragang Coal Terminal Picture: pwcs.com.au

Extension Granted for Lake Macquarie Arts Facilities

BY XANTHE GREGORY

Over $2 million in funding for arts and cultural projects has been approved for Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper has announced the first round of grants made under the NSW Government's $100m Regional Cultural Fund.

The funding is allocated for an extension of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery and the development of a Multi-Arts Space at Speers Point.

Greg Piper said "This is a fabulous outcome for the council and I know these projects will bring a great deal of joy to the people of Lake Macquarie."

"This is a fantastic boost to arts and culture, not just for Lake Macquarie but the entire Hunter Region and reflects a real local vision to establish a strong cultural identity," he said.

Image sourced from Mayor Kay Fraser

Man Arrested At Raymond Terrace Over Major Drug Ring

BY IAN CROUCH

Strike Force police have arrested a man at Raymond Terrace as investigations continue into a major drug ring operating on the state's north coast.

Strike Force Trevalsa was formed in January to investigate the ongoing supply of large commercial quantities of illicit drugs.

Detectives arrested a 26-year-old man yesterday and took him to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

He's been charged with recklessly deal with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group and has been granted conditional bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on June 18.

Heavy Metals Found in Hunter Homes

BY GRACE LANCASTER

An ongoing study conducted by Macquarie University Researchers is discovering substantial levels of dangerous heavy metals in a number of homes around inner Newcastle.

Dust samples from homes in Carrington, Tighes Hill and Waratah uncovered harmful amounts of lead, manganese, zinc and chromium, reportedly due to their proximity to Newcastle's historic steel industry.

Researchers are yet to provide conclusive evidence as to the extent of possible health risks involved. 

For more information and to participate in the study visit: http://www.360dustanalysis.com/. 

The Former BHP Steel Works. Image: The Land

Cessnock Combats Bat Crisis

BY NAKITA JAGER

Cessnock City Council has secured a $50,000 from Local Government NSW which will go towards a $100,000 project to reduce the impact of flying foxes in the East Cessnock area.

The funding will assist residents with subsidy funding to cover the cost of car and pool covers and high pressure hoses for families.

Cessnock City Mayor, Bob Pynsent, says it is about offering residents practical solutions.

"Council is committed to the management of flying-foxes across the region," Mayor Pynsent said.

Residents will also benefit from a new education program, aiming to improve community awareness about grey-headed flying foxes in the area.

PICTURED:  Flying-foxes in Cessnock. (Cessnock Advertiser)

Shark Nets - More Harm Than Good?

BY XANTHE GREGORY

Hunter and Central Coast shark nets are sparking concern for marine life along the coastline.

The latest report from the state government shows almost half of the 141 marine animals caught in nets between Stockton and Shelly Beach were killed.

The netting program has been criticised for harming untargeted creatures including 71 rays, three turtles and two dolphins which are endangered.

University of Newcastle Marine Biologist David Powter says "Only about 6% of the total catch consists of those target species and the other 94% consists of a whole range of other marine organisms that pose either an incredibly small or absolutely no risk whatsoever to bathers."

As well as by-catch issues, the nets have been criticised because they are only 150 metres wide and do not reach the top of the water.

David Powter says "What you have is a net that has hundreds of metres either side of it and four to six metres of water open above it."

He says the nets have a high mortality rate for marine life whilst providing little other than an illusion of safety for the public.

"I believe that they create a false sense of security," said David Powter.

The Greens have also called for an end to the netting program.

Newcastle Now Launch Real-Time Updates

BY XANTHE GREGORY

The launch of a Newcastle Now initiative is hoped to make navigating light rail construction and inner-city road closures easier.

Subscribers to the service will receive information on road closures, the most effective routes into the city, parking, changes to bus timetables and pedestrian access.

People can also register for real-time updates on the Newcastle Now website and also opt to receive information via email, text or Facebook Messenger.

Newcastle Now executive manager Richard Christian said "It is important to get the information out to people as soon as possible in the most timely and targeted way we can."

The initiative also aims to work with local businesses affected by light rail construction after making information sharing a priority. 

"The information will help businesses respond and enable people to plan their trips into Newcastle," said Richard Christian.

To register visit www.newcastlenow.org.au/lightrail 

Police Report Pleasing Drop in Wallsend Crime

BY NAKITA JAGER


The crime rate for assaults and break and enters in Wallsend has decreased by 50 per cent since January this year.

Following an increased presence of police on the streets, officers say they are able to combat crime better than ever before.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is commending the effort of the local police and says in order to keep this figure low, we must report crime in the area.

"We need to make sure that whenever there’s a crime in the area we report it, as it all goes down to building a better case for more police resources in the local area," said Hornery.

The MP met with Superintendent Brett Greentree on Monday and was told assaults are down 50% and stealing from motor vehicles is down by 61%.

Hornery believes the Newcastle Area Command are doing their best with limited resources, and if granted more, would be able to keep reducing crime in the Hunter region.

"That will be able to increase police visibility in areas like Wallsend, and keep reducing crime," she finished.

PICTURED: Nelson Street, Wallsend. (Google Maps Image)

Knights Centre of Excellence Vision Revealed

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Concept plans have today been unveiled for the $20 million Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence.

NSW Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald and Venues NSW boss Paul Doorn in Broadmeadow today to announce the designs and project funding, which comes from both the state government and the Wests Group.

A four storey building will be constructed at the southern end of McDonald Jones Stadium, as well as some accommodation for country kids getting started in NRL.

"There'll be across the board support for everyone trying to get involved in the game [through collaboration with the University of Newcastle]," Scot MacDonald said, "whether that be through nutrition and how to recover from injuries..."

Three new fields will also be built on the park side adjacent to the Centre of Excellence.

Knights CEO Philip Gardner said the Centre will serve more purposes than just supporting the team.

"The focus is on speed, agility and strength; those things that are common to all sports," Mr Gardner said.

"It will be an opportunity for all talented kids to be able to access that facility...It’s a fantastic opportunity for rugby league and indeed for all sports who want to have elite pathways..."

Philip Gardner believes construction is hoped to begin by the end of this year, with a completion date around late 2019 or early 2020.

"If the Knights want to compete at the highest level in their sport they need a Centre of Excellence," the CEO asserted, "If you want to compete at that level and attract talent, you need to have these facilities."

Image: Newcastle Knights

Participants Voice NDIS Concerns

BY GRACE LANCASTER

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is still causing debate in the Hunter, with a number of parliamentary representatives voicing concerns yesterday.

The briefing session hosted by the Assistant Minister for Disability Services at Parliment House, came in the wake of the latest quarterly report indicating a significant jump in complaints about the scheme.

Paterson MP, Meryl Swanson, was an attendee yesterday, voicing concern for the scheme's staffing cap.

"We need more people providing planning. We need more people as providers themselves of services and we need better training of everyone involved in the NDIS, and we just need more streamlining."

Despite the prevalence of complaints, Ms Swanson is confident of the scheme's importance.

"The NDIS has helped a lot of people and it is a positive thing and that's why we need to get it right", she said.

"We can't allow it to falter the way it is at the moment."

Paterson MP, Meryl Swanson

Thieves Target Lake Macquarie Service Station For Second Time This Week

BY IAN CROUCH

A Lake Macquarie service station has been the target of a break-in for the second night in a row.

Thieves forced their way into the Shell outlet on Oxford Street just before 2.30am on Wednesday and stole a large amount of cigarettes.

No staff were there at the time.

Cigarettes were also taken from the service station on Tuesday night during another after-hours break-in.

The service station was the target of a similar break-in last month.

Car Accident at Callaghan Campus

BY JARROD MELMETH

A woman has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital after crashing her car into a water pump facility on the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus.

The accident occurred around midday, with police and firefighters in attendance.

Hunter Water have been called to cleanup the scene, while police say the name or age of the woman is not yet known.

Man To Face Court Over High Speed Pursuit Through Newcastle And Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested a Gateshead man over a lengthy pursuit through Newcastle's western suburbs and Lake Macquarie.

Officers attempted to pull over a maroon Holden Commodore Station Wagon on Mordue Parade at Jesmond for an RBT at about 12.45 this morning, but the driver took off.

Police lost sight of the car before it was noticed by the Dog Squad on the Inner City Bypass and the chase resumed at speeds reaching 160 kilometres per hour, before the pursuit was eventually called off at Hillsborough Road.

Officers later went to a unit in Wickham Road at New Lambton where the 41-year-old driver was arrested.

It's alleged he was also in possession of ICE and cannabis.

He's been charged with several offences including police pursuit, disqualified driving and drug possession, and has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.

Pay And Portfolios Decided At Lake Macquarie Council

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie councillors have followed the recommendation of an independent regulator, voting to give themselves a pay rise.

The 2.5% increase will see councillors take home just under $29,700, while the mayor will pocket $116,110.

Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie councillors voted last night to introduce portfolios of responsibility for elected representatives - in a similar fashion to state and federal politicians.

The 7 portfolios include areas such as lifestyle and wellbeing, connected communities and shared decision making, allowing councillors with particular skills in these areas to make a more effective contribution to the running of the city.

Newcastle Set To Be Hub For Renewable Energy

BY IAN CROUCH

A Newcastle company is set to be at the forefront of renewable energy thanks to a massive investment from overseas.

A Swiss firm is injecting $700 million into C.W.P Renewables based Hunter Street to build large-scale wind, solar and battery projects in NSW.

The company says it will produce enough energy to help replace the Liddell coal-fired power station at Muswellbrook when it closes in 2022.

The plan, known as the Grassroots Energy Platform, will be built over the next four years.

Group Homes on the Backburner: Labor Asks Why

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

State Labor is pressuring the Berejiklian government to reveal why it has failed to deliver 78 promised group homes to residents in Stockton, Tomaree and Morisset.

In 2015, the government sought a private provider to build the new facilities, which were set to be complete by April this year.

However, construction hasn't even begun yet, and the government is now seeking new tenders, but won't reveal why.

Acting Shadow Minister for Disability Services, Kate Washington claims sources reveal the original contractual terms were impossible to fulfil as the government never provided any funding for the project, instead relying on "vague ongoing funding proposals" to make the build viable.

Whatever the reason, disabled people have been told there's no date known for when they'll move into new residential centres, and Kate Washington says family members are growing increasingly concerned about their loved ones' futures.

"The residents and their families continue to live with deep uncertainty about their futures, and that is just so upsetting and disturbing for them," she said.

"The government's mismanagement of this whole process has been heartless and cruel."

The Stockton Centre. 

State government urged to bring ferry to Wickham

BY TARA LOUIS

Pressure is mounting on the state government to commit to building a ferry terminal at Wickham to create an increase in public transport.

Members of the Stockton Community Action Group, Great Life of Wickham and Fern Bay and Fullerton Cove Progress Association, today joined Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp in issuing the plea.

It follows reports that the Hunter Development Corporation is due to sell its last stretch of land at Honeysuckle.

Mr Crakanthorp says "they're the last blocks of land so whoever buys them needs to make a contribution... so we can actually get that ferry wharf locked in."

Mr Crakanthorp first floated the idea in 2015 and says the Government needs to take action with the "centre of Newcastle moving to Wickham."

"More and more commuters are coming off the interchange there (Wickham) and also so many apartments going in, we need another ferry stop."

Stockton Ferry. Image: ABC

Emergency Services Called To Single Car Crash Near Karuah

BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been called to a bad crash just north of Karuah.

It's understood a car crashed into a barrier and overturned on the Pacific Highway at the Tarean Road off-ramp just after 8 o'clock.

NSW Ambulance says two people have been injured - one has head and neck injuries.

Southbound traffic on the highway is affected.

Pair To Face Court Over Lengthy Pursuit Through The Hunter Valley

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged a man and woman over a 16 kilometre pursuit through the Hunter Valley.

Officers were patrolling Aberdare Road at Cessnock at about 2 o'clock on Sunday morning when they tried to pull over a stolen Yamaha motorbike.

The couple took off, with the pursuit ending in Campbell Street at  Ellalong where the 24-year-old driver fled, leaving behind his 20-year-old female passenger.

He was found hiding on a rural property about an hour later.

It's alleged the pair had a large amount of cash and drugs on them.

They were both taken to Cessnock Police Station where the man was charged with drive stolen conveyance, police pursuit - second offence, disqualified driver/rider, deal with proceeds of crime, supply and possess prohibited drug and enter enclosed lands.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today.

The woman was charged with supply and possess prohibited drug, deal with proceeds of crime, and carry cutting weapon on apprehension.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 27 June 2018.

Swimmers Rescued From Sea Cave At Caves Beach

BY IAN CROUCH

Four young men have been rescued from a sea cave near Caves Beach.

The group entered the water at Pinnys Beach at about midday on Sunday and swam to the cave but got stuck.

As high tide and darkness approached around 4pm, a 5th member of the group, a 30-year-old man, used a boogie board to make it out of the cave.

He climbed to the top of a cliff and called emergency services.

Surf lifesavers used a jet ski and an inflatable boat to rescue the group, who were treated by paramedics on Caves Beach.

Police Investigate Attempted Abduction At Adamstown

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage girl has managed to escape an attempted abduction at Adamstown overnight.

The 17-year-old girl was walking to a house on Glebe Road at about 7.30pm on Sunday when a man in a dark grey Holden Commodore stopped next to her.

He spoke to her briefly before grabbing her arm and attempted to pull her into the car, but she broke free and ran to a nearby home.

The vehicle was last seen travelling east along Glebe Road.

The man has been described as being of Caucasian in appearance, about 183cm tall, with a thin build, and wearing a light blue hooded jumper.

Inquiries into the matter are continuing and police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have been driving along Glebe Road Street at the time of the incident.

Cessnock Hope to Land the QANTAS Pilot Academy

BY XANTHE GREGORY

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon is calling on the NSW Government to back Cessnock City Council's bid to host the proposed Qantas Pilot Academy.

He wants to bring additional infrastructure to the area and gain government support for Cessnock in securing the placement.

"We'd be talking about literally hundreds of trainees each year going through the school...that would be a significant economic boost for any township or local community," Mr Fitzgibbon said in Federal Parliament.

He told Parliament Cessnock meets the criteria for Qantas, including being close to Sydney and having appropriate infrastructure for the project.

After speaking with airline CEO, Alan Joyce yesterday, the MP said, "it is clear we are in the running but what I learned is that NSW Government support for our bid will be crucial."

The pilot academy will have the capacity to train up to 500 pilots a year within one of the most rapidly growing industries.

In order to help meet the increasing need for skilled aviators Qantas want the Pilot Academy to be in action by 2019.

$25 Million Neonatal Care Upgrade Finished for John Hunter Children's Hospital

BY XANTHE GREGORY

Today Premier Gladys Berejiklian opened the NSW Government's $25 million upgrade of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at John Hunter Children's Hospital.

The NICU is now double in size and with more than 1100 premature and sick newborns requiring care at the unit each year, the upgrade provides state-of-the-art healthcare for newborns.

"This world-class facility...will enable our wonderful NICU staff to continue care for the region's youngest patients well into the future," Ms Berejiklian said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said the completion of the unit, along with last year's $14 million upgrade of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, the region has wholesome critical care services for babies and young people.

"Staff have told me today how wonderful it is to work in such a well-planned and fitted out unit, while parents have talked about how the comfortable, supportive environment has made a harrowing experience just that bit easier," said Scot MacDonald.

The NICU now has the capacity for 32 special care spaces and 22 intensive care spaces as well as a palliative care room.

The expansion is a part of the NSW Government's $7.7 billion commitment to upgrading and building hospitals and health services over four years in NSW.

Constance Grilled Over Bus Dealings

BY OLIVIA WILSON-WHEELER

Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison is accusing Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, of concealing incentive payments to Keolis Downer.

Ms Harrison found the per-passenger payment deep in the 10-year contract between the privately owned Keolis Downer and the state government and says the incentive may be encouraging bad bus routes.

"It’s actually a per-passenger incentive payment so if there is an increase in passengers - which can be created by chopping the routes up into multiple routes - then there are increased payments to Keolis Downer," said Ms Harrison. 

"I’m not saying it’s the direct catalyst for Keolis Downer to have done that, however I want the government to come clean on whether that is the case, whether there have been increased payments made to Keolis Downer because the bus routes have been chopped up."

This is not the first controversy over the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport; since the new network's implementation in January, there have been two public rallies and a multitude of complaints to the state government because of unreliable and indirect bus routes.

More direct services have been promised in the coming month following public outcry, however, Keolis Downer have said the changes will have a minor knock-on effect on other services.

Mr Constance has responded, stating the intentions of the incentive were innocent and just to attract people to public transport. 

The MP has not accepted his response.

"The minister displayed his arrogance for the people of the Hunter by making no apology for incentivising chopping up Newcastle’s bus routes." 

"The patronage incentive payment is hidden on page 239 of the contract with Keolis Downer and that contract has been heavily redacted so the general public don’t know the details of the contract," said Ms Harrison,

"Where is the openness and transparency in that?"

Transport Minister Andrew Constance. Image: Courier Mail. 

EPA Questioned Over Truegain Transparency

By XANTHE GREGORY


Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has responded to the state government's announcement they're helping with cleanup of the contaminated waste oil facility at Rutherford.

Following the facility's closure in 2016, it has remained a storage site for waste oils and chemicals known to contain PFAS, and Jenny Aitchison is concerned locals haven't been properly notified of contamination risks.

The MP is worried the Environment Protection Authority hasn't made their actions clear, and wants assurance the Environment Minister has clearly warned residents of the contamination risks related to the facility.

Jenny Aitchison says "We are seeking assurances from the Minister about exactly what action she's taken to inform those residents of any risks."

"If they're not being clear and open with the local member how can we be sure they're being clear and open with the local residents," she continued.

Labor Slam Spending on 'Port Rort' Deal

BY XANTHE GREGORY

State Labor is criticising the amount of money spent by the Liberal government during negotiations to block a container terminal in Newcastle.

The opposition says $75,000 of public money was given to bankers, lawyers, accountants and PR experts working on the privatisation of Port Botany and Newcastle Port in 2013.

The ACCC are investigating whether the so-called secret deal deliberately prevents the Port from building a container terminal in Newcastle for 98 years.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Kate Washington says "The ACCC is investigating this dodgy deal to investigate restrictive trade practices."

"Millions are spent on projects but this money was spent stifling our economy. Essentially, tax-payer money has been spent to put a hand-brake on our economy and stifle the opportunity that we know is in the Hunter," she said.

Family Of Belmont Paramedic Go Public About His Tragic Death

BY IAN CROUCH.

The family of a Belmont paramedic who took his own life last month is calling for answers from the NSW Ambulance Service.

It's emerged Tony Jenkins was already struggling with work-related stress and had documented numerous incidents to management about paramedics being sent to dangerous jobs without proper information or support - all to no avail.

Tony's family believe the tipping point came when he was summoned to a meeting with senior management on the day he died to discuss his alleged use of the powerful painkiller, Fentanyl, which they claim had been taken from Hunter ambulance stations.

He was then dropped off alone by a senior Ambulance officer and died a short time later.

Toxicology results showed the 54-year-old had no traces of Fentanyl in his system when he died.

There were no notes or recordings of his meeting with Ambulance management, raising questions as to what was said at the time.

Tony's daughter, Cidney told the ABC, he didn't receive the support he needed from management.

"I think after 28 years of helping everybody else, when it came down to it, he did ask for help and he didn't receive it and  he deserved to receive it," she said.

If you need to speak to someone, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Tony Jenkins Picture: theherald.com.au

Four Arrested After Pursuit On Stockton Beach

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested four men after a wild pursuit on the Stockton sand dunes.

Officers spotted a Hyundai which they believed had been stolen on Dunbar Street on Thursday morning, but the car took off when they tried to pull it over.

The car was then driven onto Stockton Beach via Lavis Lane and the officers commandeered a quad bike, chasing the car for one-and-a-half kilometres along the sand before catching the men.


It's alleged one of the offenders spat in the face of one of the officers

The four, all aged in their 20's  are facing 12 charges including robbery and assault police - it's also alleged they were in possession of counterfeit cash.

Police Search For P-Plater Caught Red Handed Using Her Mobile At Callaghan

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help to identify a young p-plate driver seen on video footage using her mobile phone while behind the wheel.

The incident was captured as the woman was driving her red Holden Commodore along University Drive at Callaghan at about 2.50pm on Wednesday.

The young driver is seen chatting on the phone and then smiling, laughing and waving with mobile in hand to people in a car driving beside her.

The person who shot the video is heard telling the woman that there is a police car behind her before attending Waratah Police Station to hand over the footage and report the incident.

The video has since gone viral on social media.

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

Video Capture Of The Alleged Incident On University Drive