World Oceans Ceremony

BY ARIANA GATTI

In honour and celebration of World Oceans Week, a ceremony open to the public will be held tonight along Merewether Beach.

The ceremony and in conjunction with World Oceans Day aims to bring awareness and support against the continual seismic testing and offshore drilling planned off Newcastle and the Central Coast.

With oil and gas companies still trying to test off the coastline of Newcastle, marine life such as whales and dolphins passing through are being affected by the constant stream of chemicals.

Countless amounts of peer-reviewed research articles have shown that underwater blasting is partly the cause of injury and death to surrounding marine life, while also impairing communicative abilities between dolphins and whales in particular.

The World Oceans Day get-together will be held between 5:00pm and 6:30pm, outlining the event as a twilight lantern ceremony, bringing the community together in support of the peaceful future of our marine life and that physical state of the coast.

All attendees have the chance to make their own lanterns by decorating their own paper bag, which will become available with a candle following a gold coin donation.

Earlier on in the evening, face-painting will be on offer for the kids, ocean-themed of course, and the opportunity to wander through eucalyptus-scented smoke following a traditional fire ceremony.

Image Sourced: 2NURFM News Director - Ian Crouch - 2017 Protest

HMAS Newcastle Arrives In Port

BY ARIANA GATTI

The HMAS Newcastle will cruise into port this afternoon, gracing us with her presence just after 1:00pm.

As per tradition and to honour the occasion, the number 2 gun at Fort Scratchley will fire a 7-round salute as the Royal Australian Navy Vessel passes the Fort.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the arrival of the ship from the Fort's grounds, with gates set to open in the morning.

This will be HMAS Newcastle's second-last visit to the her home city before she is decommissioned  late next year.

HMAS Newcastle

National Trampoline Centre Proposed for Glendale

BY OLIVIA WILSON-WHEELER

A proposal for a $10 million dedicated Trampoline Centre of Excellence at Glendale was announced this morning.

The project has received support from Lake Macquarie City Council, the Hunter Region Sports Centre and Gymnastics NSW as Australia's first dedicated trampoline centre.

According to Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser the state-of-the-art facility will "encourage people not only from the state but also from throughout Australia to come and use this high-performance area."

However, Council needs the state government's support.

"Council is prepared to put in $3 million," Mayor Fraser said, "and we've applied for a $7 million grant through the state government."

The facility will have a 12-metre ceiling height, seating for 450 spectators, audiovisual equipment and a 1500-square-metre arena with nine trampolines, two double mini trampolines, two tumbling strips, a foam pit and a warm-up area.

The Trampoline Centre of Excellence is proposed as part of a $30 million initiative to expand the Hunter Region Sports Centre and is predicted to generate $2.5 per year in visitor expenditure.

"It'll be a fun place to be, it'll be safe and it'll have trampolining for all abilities and all ages."

Watching the amazing Ty Swadling in action at today’s launch of our plan to build a $10m Trampoline Centre of Excellence at the Hunter Sports Centre. @lakemac pic.twitter.com/wwIRhBKwhE

— Mayor Kay Fraser (@MayorKayFraser) June 29, 2018

Knifepoint Robbery at Merewether Service Station

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Police are asking for our help to identify an armed robber who held up the United Service Station on Patrick Street, Merewether this morning.

The incident occurred just after 7:30 as the man entered the store, armed with a knife.

He threatened staff before fleeing with cash and cigarettes.

Senior Constable Sue Thompson said the man is described as caucasian, around 180 centimetres tall, and was wearing a hooded jumper and dark coloured pants.

Anyone who sees him should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Bad Crash Near Scone Leaves Three Injured

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man in his early 30s has been airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter following a two-vehicle crash on the New England Highway at Parkville.

The incident occured just after 7am, as two cars collided and one rolled over, leaving the man trapped for over an hour in the flipped vehicle.

Emergency crews eventually freed him, flying him to hospital with lacerations on his head.

He's currently in a stable condition and has escaped major injury.

Meanwhile, a man and woman in their 50s in the other car have been taken via ambulance to Scone Hospital with minor injuries.

Traffic is now back to normal after earlier delays in both directions.

Man Arrested Over Early Morning Break-In At Hunter Valley Gardens

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has gone to a lot of trouble to get his hands on a couple of bottles of soft drink at Pokolbin this morning.

Cessnock Police responded to an intruder alarm at Hunter Valley Gardens on Broke Road just after 4 o'clock, where they intercepted a car leaving the area.

They arrested a 34-year-old man - he's accused of breaking into a cafe at the Gardens and stealing two bottles of Coke.

Police say the man is known to them - it's likely he'll be refused bail to face court later this morning charged with break, enter and steal.

Crews Battle House Fire At Muswellbrook

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a vacant home at Muswellbrook this morning.

Fire & Rescue Crews from Muswellbrook and Aberdeen were called to the single storey brick and tile home in Rose Way at 4.45am on Friday to find the house fully involved in fire.

They've since called for assistance from the RFS, with the roof of the home collapsing.

Police have also been called to the scene.

Man Dies In Caravan Fire Near Port Stephens

BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man died in a caravan fire north of Port Stephens.

Firefighters were called to a property on Booral Road at Girvan, about 20 kilometres southwest of Stroud around 7.00pm on Thursday to reports of a caravan on fire.

They quickly extinguished the blaze, however the body of a man was found inside - he is yet to be formally identified.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations into the cause of the fire continue, but it's not thought to be suspicious.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Push-Back On Hunter Street Mall Changes

BY ARIANA GATTI

Not all Newcastle City Councillors are impressed by the approved changes set for the Hunter Street Mall redevelopment, costing a rather sizeable amount of $700 million to employ.

Proposed changes to traffic conditions, including the increase of speed zones in the area to rise from 10km/h to 40km/h is being considered as a consequence, rather than an improvement.

Other planned changes set for the mall include updated kerb and guttering, wider footpaths to accommodate for more outdoor dining and street furniture, as well as a two-way cycle path.

The mall will, however, maintain a single motorist lane for westbound traffic to move through and parallel parking along the street.

Concerns hang in the air of the future success for businesses, cafes and other stores along the pedestrian-filled street if the speed of cars travelling through is too fast.

Newcastle Greens Councillor, John McKenzie, says the mall is one of the most popular areas in the Newcastle CBD and should be looked after appropriately.

"It's providing a vibrant business culture and it's actually bringing life to the city, which we know how precious that is at the moment with all the work happening around us", he says.

"I am very much in favour of all the fantastic changes going on in our city right now, but that doesn't mean we have to open the flood-gates to just any development. We really need to be careful when looking at what should be re-developed".

Image Sourced: http://www.colliers.com.au/28157/

Partnership Established To Save Koalas

BY ARIANA GATTI

A new partnership has been brought to light between aviation centre, Newcastle Airport and animal conservationist association - Port Stephens Koalas.

The two businesses are joining together to reduce koala motor vehicle injuries and fatalities within the Port Stephen's and surrounding areas.

Newcastle Airport has so far provided the necessary funds to install a mobile warning road sign, which will bring drivers' attention to keep an eye out for any koalas that may be wandering about.

With active and numerous populations of native koalas around the Williamtown, Tilligerry Peninsula and Nelson Bay regions, the sign will encourage drivers to slow their speed to at least 40km/h.

The mobile sign will have the ability to be moved across the Port Stephen's area, becoming operational from tomorrow, the 29th of June.

Port Stephens Koalas Secretary, Ron Land, says the mammals have been caught up in many accidents so far around these areas, with the number of fatalities looking considerable high over the past few years.

"We lost at least 32 koalas around 2016 and 2017, which is a worry considering we are trying to protect the species", he says.

"There has already been some fatalities so far this year, even one just two days ago; which is not a good sign as they are meant to be in hibernation around this time of the season".

Image Sourced: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/your-council/news/unanimous-support-for-$3m-koala-hospital-at-one-mile

State Government Announces Retirement Home Reform

BY SAM ISAAC

The NSW Government has proposed a series of reforms to the retirement village industry to provide for and protect senior citizens.

The reforms follow the recent release of the Greiner Report, which analysed the retirement home industry from August to December 2017, pinpointing issues and potential resolutions.

The Greiner Report was conducted after a disturbing Four Corners exposé on predatory financial practices in the retirement home industry was published last year. 

The key factors in improving the sector were identified as:
1. Increasing the transparency of exit fees and contracts;
2. Clarifying the funding arrangements for ongoing maintenance costs which are shared between residents and operators;
3. Providing more support for residents to pursue disputes with operators (in addition to reducing the potential for disputes to arise).

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said, "Hunter residents heading into retirement will benefit significantly from these reforms, which put the power back in their hands."

The changes are especially important given Australia's growing elderly population. 

NSW Retirement villages currently house 55,000 people, with that number expected to reach 325,000 by 2025.

"There will be a code of conduct that'll be standard for every retirement village," Mr MacDonald said, "there will be demand and requirement for greater transparency so you will have to disclose to village residents things such as contract terms, exit fees... 

"All those things that you would think would be obvious but sometimes are a bit hard to access," he explained. 

"There will also be a dispute resolution service for residents and this can be quite a difficult thing for residents there to take on a manager, so we're hoping that will be easier for both sides," Mr MacDonald continued. 

"We want disputes resolved quickly, and the other thing we're going to put in is a retirement village ambassador so that'll be a voice for residents."

Both Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies and NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean believe increasing confidence in the retirement village sector is important for the future.

SOURCE: kensingtonretirementvillage.com

Local Police to Receive Body Cameras Following NSW Trial

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Hunter Police will soon be fitted with body cameras on their person, as the technology is rolled out across the state next month.

It follows a trial involving 310 body cams at 21 sites across NSW, where the devices were found to reduce complaints against police by 17% and cut down the detail of court evidence briefs by 25%.

Maitland's Chief Inspector, Glen Blaine, said not only will it help the courts, it will improve officer safety by 38%.

"We're looking forward to having them," he said, "it assists our police with regards to their brief preparation and reduces complaints against them while improving officer safety - so we welcome anything that can keep our officers and the community safe."

Inspector Blaine explained that where possible, offenders and other people will be advised when they are being recorded, while the cameras will be attached to the front of officers' uniforms.

"In urgent circumstances, sometimes officers won't have time to tell them because of the urgent nature of the situation they're responding to," he said, "but where it's possible, calm and safe to do so, they definitely will [inform people]."

While Inspector Blaine believes there are many advantages to using the cameras, the technology will not tell the full story behind an offender's action which could mitigate or aggravate their sentence in court.

The cameras will, as such, be used as a complement to traditional crime-fighting strategies.

They will be used by general duties police and highway patrol squads.

Captured: Police cameras will sit on officers' lapels. Image: Triple J. 

Tenambit Bottle Shop Owner Foils Armed Robbery.

BY IAN CROUCH

The owner of a Tenambit bottle shop has taken matters into his own hands to stop a would-be armed robber.

A man walked into the Tenambit Cellars on Maize Street at about 7.30pm on Wednesday and threatened the owner with a knife while demanding cash.

However the owner, who was alone in the shop, was having none of it and produced a wooden bat, telling the bandit to get out.

The man fled on foot with the owner in hot pursuit, chasing him along Maize Street then into Tyrell Street and Clarence Street before he lost sight of him.

He's described as being Caucasian, about 180 centimetres tall with an athletic build and was wearing a white hooded jacket, red bandana, black pants and black Nike running shoes.

Anyone who can assist police with identifying the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Liquor Authority Decides Last Drinks For "Most Violent" Hamilton Pub

BY IAN CROUCH

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has decided to impose tighter trading restrictions on The Sydney Junction Hotel at Hamilton.

It follows a request from Newcastle Police amid concerns about several assaults at or near the venue.

The board of the authority has decided the hotel will stop serving drinks at 1.30am between Monday and Saturday instead of 3am.

The changes come into force from July 1 - it comes after the authority named the Junction Hotel as the most violent venue in NSW.

The owner of the hotel is appealing the authority's decision.

Sydney Junction Hotel Named Most Violent Venue In NSW

Uni Staff To Take Industrial Action

BY IAN CROUCH

Staff at the University of Newcastle have voted to take industrial action after negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement stalled.

The National Tertiary Education Union fears management want to wind back protections which would make it easier to sack staff.

The union is also calling for a range of improvements including improved job security, equal superannuation for all staff and paid domestic violence leave.

From July 4, staff will no longer take calls from management outside business hours or take part in the staff appraisal process.

The university says the industrial action won't have an impact on students.

New Apartment Block On The 'High-Rise' For Charlestown

BY: ARIANA GATTI

Land has been cleared ready for construction to begin on a new high-rise apartment and commercial building in the Lake Macquarie area.

The 16 storey Highpoint tower is set to be the largest building in Charlestown, with work to begin as early as next week.

With its completion dated for 2020, the construction will feature an extensive three-level basement, reserving the ground floor for commercial space, with one-to-three bedroom apartments on the levels above.

It's believed the building will attract considerable interest from buyers of all age demographics and will be suitable for those who seek to be close to larger shopping precincts.

Mayor for Lake Macquarie, Kay Fraser, says location is everything when it comes developing apartment blocks and seeing success.

"Council has always had a view that we need to intensify our town centres, so being situated near parks and shopping centres will do that for us", she says.

"With the number of apartments going in, it will be providing that necessary housing for the Charlestown area".

A design impression of the new Charlestown apartment building:

Image Sourced: Newcastle Herald - https://www.theherald.com.au/story/4902293/new-highpoint-at-the-lake-pictures/

Hopeful Donations For Hunter Farmers

BY: ARIANA GATTI

Following a Maitland Council meeting held last night, members have agreed to allocate around $5,000 left-over from the end-of-financial-year budget toward deserving Hunter farmers.

Image Sourced: https://crackler.com.au/portfolio/maitland-city-council-branding/

The notice of motion which was proposed by Maitland Councillor, Philip Penfold, sat well with the rest of council and voted for the allocation of exactly where the funds will be distributed, up to the decision of the general manager.

Funding will be split up and allocated fairly to the farmers in areas still suffering from the results of drought.

Areas in the northern Hunter region, in particular, Merriwa and Muswellbrook, are being kept in mind firstly to receive some of the financial aid. 

Image Sourced: Simon McCarthy, Newcastle Herald - https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5218638/everybodys-looking-for-rain-drought-dries-out-the-hunter/

Cr Philip Penfold says more funding can be found elsewhere to help the suffering farmers.

"While $5,000 is only a modest contribution, I'd like to think that other Councils in the region would be able to contribute as well", he says.

The allocated money would be put to good use, as it would go towards providing enough food for livestock to survive and flourish, as well as maintain healthy living conditions for regional farmers.

Penfold says there have already been organisations getting behind causes like this and are willing to help out.

"We expect organisations, like Lions who have already done some great work to support our farmers, will receive some funding of their own to provide even more aid", he says.

Downer employees accept pay deal, cease industrial action

BY GRACE LANCASTER

Downer employees working on the Hunter's light rail construction have agreed to return to work and withdraw from any industrial action after being promised reinstatement of cut conditions and wages.

Ongoing strikes and protests have accompanied the company's previous decision to cut conditions and a minimal pay rise despite reporting a surge in profits, pushing workers into action.

The negotiations resulted in a restoration of penalty rates for weekends, an increase in wages from 2.25 per to 2.5 per cent and wage parity between Illawarra and Newcastle. 

Electrical Trades Union Secretary, Dave McKinley said, "it is a win, but it's only a win in so far as the fact that we have basically got back what should have been there to start with and we have shaved off some major attacks by Downer.

"This negotiation was not about gouging huge wage increases out of Downer, it was about getting Downer to pay a reasonable wage increase. 

Certainly, as the profits increase from Downer over the next few years, these guys will expect their share to come back down to them and I'm certain at the next agreement they'll be asking for a lot more," Dave McKinley said. 

Image: Watt Electrical News 

Wallsend Flood Mitigation Works Receive Crucial Funding

BY GRACE LANCASTER

Over ten years on, and Wallsend is finally receiving funding for the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge following substantial flood damage in the 2007 June floods.

The $2.2 million dollars of funding included in the latest Newcastle Council budget is the first stage of a long-term plan to address regular flooding in the Wallsend CBD.

It's one of three planned bridges that will be raised to allow for water to move through the suburb to the canals to better reduce flooding.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery is pleased with the news.

"The first step is what the Council is doing which is wonderful but that step is really only going to work if Hunter Water comes on board and build all of the canals in the area around Wallsend in order for the water to move through faster," she said.

Work is set to commence in the upcoming financial year.

Image Source: LaTrobe Valley Express

Salamander Bay land sale put on backburner

BY JARROD MELMETH

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer has formally withdrawn a notice of motion which sought to sell a parcel of land at 109 Foreshore drive, Salamander Bay.

The decision follows significant community interest where a survey on the plan received 172 responses against and 94 in support. Council also received a 366-signature from the Mambo-Wanda Wetlands Conservation group as well as 226 copies of a pro forma letter.

Mayor Palmer put forward the notice of motion at a council meeting last month to sell the parcel of land with proceeds of the sale going towards upgrading the Tomaree Sporting Complex.

In a submission to council Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association raised concerns due to the land currently used as a koala corridor from the adjacent Mambo Wetlands as well as being used as a recreational space. The association also believes proceeds from the lands sale "would not contribute a viable amount towards the Tomaree Sporting Complex."

East Ward Councillor John Nell who also put forward a notice of motion to reclassify the land from operational to community still holds concerns for the future of the site.

"The Mayor could raise this issue of the sale again at some point in the future. That is why I'm standing by my notice of motion to reclassify the land as it would inadvertently lock the site up for good.

"I think the community has spoken quite clearly. They do not want the council to sell anymore waterfront land," Cr Nell said.

109 Foreshore Drive highlighted in white.

10 People Evacuated In Take Away Store Fire At Bonnells Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Quick work by firefighters has prevented a fire spreading from a take away shop to other stores at a Bonnells Bay shopping centre.

Fire crews from 4 stations were called to the Bay Shopping Centrte in Fishery Point Road at about 7.30pm on Tuesday after receiving several reports of flames coming from a flue in the roof of the complex.

They arrived to find a fire in an oil cooker at a take away store and quickly contained the blaze.

10 people were evacuated as a precaution.

The Bay Shopping Centre

Pedestrian Killed At Stockton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a pedestrian at Stockton.

A man in his 50's was crossing Fullerton Street at about 6.15 on Tuesday night when he was struck by a southbound Holden utility - he died at the scene.

It's understood the man was a resident of the nearby Stockton Hospital and may have been intellectually disabled.

He's yet to be formally identified, however police are attempting to contact the man's relatives who live in Bundaberg.

The 29-year-old driver has undergone mandatory testing as investigations continue.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Girls Approached At Maitland.

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for help from the public after two girls were approached at Maitland.

Around 7.45 on Monday morning, a 14-year-old girl was walking to school on Victoria Street when a man pulled up beside her in a purple car near Guide Lane and asked her several times to get in.

The girl declined and the man drove off.

About 5 minutes later, a man driving a blue Hyundai stopped next to an 11-year-old girl who was waiting at a bus stop on High Street East Maitland.

He wound down the window but drove off when another girl arrived at the bus stop.

In both incidents, the man is described as being Caucasian, about 30-40 years old, with brown hair and a beard.

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

Multi-Million Dollar Class Action Launched Against BHP, Mt Arthur

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The experience of an ex-employee from Muswellbrook's Mount Arthur Coalmine will form the cornerstone of an estimated $40 million lawsuit launched today against BHP.

Lead Claimant, 47-year-old Simon Turner was injured during a workplace accident in the middle of December 2015 where the truck he was operating was hit by a coal excavator.

"There was very dusty, fine coal and the coal dust impaired the vision of the digger operator, who couldn't see me," Mr Turner said, "and he hit me with the bucket... it nearly put me through the window."

Because Mr Turner was appointed as a casual employee by labour-hire company, Chandler Macleod, he's not being offered fair compensation despite being left totally incapacitated.

Canberra firm, Adero Law will lead the class action involving 800 Mount Arthur Coal workers, who claim they've worked a predictable roster, like permanent staff, but aren't getting the same leave and entitlements.

Lawyer, Rory Markham visited Beresfield to launch the action today and said the case is based on claimed breaches over six years to the Black Coal Industry Mining Award 2010 and the Fair Work Act 2009. 

"This is an historic moment for us as a firm and for the people of Newcastle, to be able to get the resources for a class action to say 'this casualisation is causing harm to our workers and communities,'" Mr Markham said.

Simon Turner said mining companies mislead workers by claiming they'll gain permanent employment one day.

"You're always dangled a carrot that you'll get a permanent job, whether it be BHP or Glencore, whoever," Mr Turner said, "that's the magical carrot which gets dangled in front of everyone...'turn up to all your shifts, don't have any time off...you might have a permanent job sometime.'"

Casualisation appears to be increasing nationwide, with latest statistics revealing 40% of employees at mining companies are now classified as casual.

It's unsurprising then, that at least 800 Mount Arthur workers will be represented in the class action, to be heard in the Federal Court of Australia against BHP, Chandler Macleod and TESA.

Lead Claimant, Simon Turner. Image: AAP. 

Future Undecided For Maitland Historical Crown Office

BY: ARIANA GATTI

The old Lands Office building, located on the corner of the New England Highway and Banks Street in East Maitland has fallen under the claim of Property NSW.

New Crown Lands Laws, which will come into effect on the 1st of July, will make it easier for the State Government to transfer all the deeds to the property to their in-house real estate agency, saving both time and money.

Since 2011, Maitland has seen the loss of over a dozen Lands jobs, with the staff operating from the historic Banks Street office becoming a part of that list.

Representatives from a handful of history-focused community groups around the Maitland area are outraged with the possible permanent closure and eradication of the building and is looking for support to keep the property standing for cultural purposes.

Image sourced: 2NURFM Reporter - Ariana Gatti - East Maitland

Many community members are advocating for the building to be turned into a public museum and with the right fit-out and designs, could become a positive learning and historical hub for all.

Shadow Minister for Lands, Mick Veitch, is still in shock and disagreement with the way historical sights are being treated by the NSW representatives.

Image sourced: 2NURFM Reporter - Ariana Gatti - East Maitland

"This is an example of the management of our Crown Lands estate under the current government. They will sell anything, and unfortunately this beautiful building is slated for sale", he says.

With very limited areas offered to the preservation and dedication of the historical remembrance for Maitland's past, the building offers a large enough space which has already come under inspections for adaptability to be open for business opportunity.

Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison says the precinct is being neglected by the State Government.

"This is just a number of vacant properties of land left sitting unused and neglected that could be utilised to greatly enhance our community", she says.

However, while bringing back the control of the building to those who represent the community, the costs to buy the building is a little on the pricey side.

President of the Maitland Regional Museum, Janece MacDonald, believes affordability is definitely one of the main obstacles standing in the way of making the office a historic exhibition centre.

"An investigator and property appraiser came in to look at the property, and they said the asking price to buy the building would probably sit at $1.7 million", Ms MacDonald says.

Image sourced: 2NURFM Reporter - Ariana Gatti - East Maitland

          

 

New Honeysuckle Hotel Gains DA Approval

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A $41 million hotel is set to undergo construction on Honeysuckle Drive, following the approval of Doma Group's development application.

The Little National Hotel on 42 Honeysuckle Drive will have a capacity of 140 rooms, with 50 residential apartments attached and 250 parking spaces.

It's hoped to create 60 ongoing jobs and others during the building process.

The Hunter Development Corporation is welcoming the milestone as proof of growing confidence in a revitalised Newcastle CBD.

Chief Operating Officer, Valentina Misevska said the city is in need of more accommodation options.

"Newcastle does need more hotel rooms, and if HDC can create these development opportunities, we're helping the city attract more visitors and business," Ms Misevska said, "ultimately that means we're supporting more jobs."

The hotel comes alongside public domain works near Cottage Creek and the western Honeysuckle area.

Not bare for long: 42 Honeysuckle Drive will be home to an impressive hotel. 

Lake Macquarie Council's record $280 million spend

BY JARROD MELMETH

A record $280 million will be spent next financial year under a 2018/19 Operational Plan, Lake Macquarie Council has decided.

Roads and recreational facilities will benefit most from the strategy, which will see $31 million spent on road works and $4 million funnelled into parks and playgrounds.

Construction of Belmont Baths; Charlestown Skate Park; Pelican Boat Ramp and the completion of the Pasterfield Sports Complex at Cameron Park will all be achieved with a $100 million commitment.

Mayor Kay Fraser said the size of the budget reflects growth in the region, with 205,000 people now living in the LGA.

"We've had a large number of development applications in the city, " Mayor Fraser said, "we can see building works going everywhere...so with the developer contributions (our Section 94 money coming in) and Council contributing to that, it's giving us the capacity to deliver these important projects."

Kay Fraser believes the community will be pleased with the spending, given extensive consultation has been carried out.

"A budget was put out on public exhibition for people to have a look at and comment on it - so it's very much a community budget plan," she said. 

Charlestown Skate Park is one of the projects identified in the Operational Plan. 

Newcastle Light Rail Construction Claims Another Victim

BY IAN CROUCH

The Light Rail construction in the CBD is being blamed for the closure of another Newcastle business.

The owners of the Tuff N Up Boxing Gym in Beresford Street, Newcastle West have posted a photo of a notice of Facebook advising customers they've been forced to close after 20 years.

Owner, Peter Hallett has told NBN News the loss of parking has caused a 70 percent drop in business.

"We've decided we've had to call it a day because it's just no longer financially viable due to the parking and the construction that's going on," he said.

Salt Ash Residents Connected to Town Water.

BY KYLE CARROLL

Salt Ash residents will be connected to town water, with Hunter Water commencing Stage 2 of the water reticulation scheme in the PFAS management zone, with another 165 residents to be connected over the next nine months.

It comes after years of concerns that the Williamtown RAAF base PFAS contamination into Port Stephens' waterways would lead to health implications for residents in the affected zones.

Parliamentary Secretary, Scot MacDonald says the Berejik Governmentement are directly assitising the Port Stephens community through this scheme.

"This is the best thing that the NSW Government can do, in collaboration with the Federal Government as a precaution to support the community around Salt Ash," he said.

The weekend marked the beginning of stage 2, with managing director of Hunter Water, Jim Bentley travelling to Salt Ash to announce the plans personally to local residents.

The scheme includes the installation of over 14 km of new water mains in the Salt Ash area and Fullerton Cove area, as well as domestic plumbing work to directly connect individual homes and businesses to the reticulated water supply.

"This is at no cost to them, it comes right up to their house and they get support including inside their houses," Mr MacDonald said.

"This is our most direct, material, practical way we can help our community."

Salt Ash Water. Image: Newcastle Herald. 

Sydney-Based Police Strike Force Bound For Newcastle

BY ARIANA GATTI

A new team, of some 23-strong was announced today to hit the ground running within the Hunter region over the coming weeks.

The Strike Force originally based in Sydney, called 'Strike Force Raptor', are setting up specialised units permanentently within the Newcastle Police precinct in order to combat and dismantle locally-organised crime within the area.

The State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad officially launched the new squad initiative yesterday, which now has its own name as an extension of the original force, now referred to as 'Raptor North'.

The force, which has the potential to operate across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, will consist of intelligence and analytical investigators, highway patrol and operations support group (OSG) operatives, to meet any specialised activity.

This, however, is not the first taste of crime relief in the Northern NSW area as Raptor North operations have been up and running since the 1st of April.

Since then, arson attacks and broader criminal activity has significantly decreased.

With the rollout of the new strike force, criminal justice systems around the Hunter now have the ability to tap into the National anti-gang squad members, including the taxation department, Austrac and other Commonwealth partners in the pursuit of dismantling gangs and criminal groups.

Northern Regional Commander of Police, Max Mitchell, says the Strike Force introduction is essential in exacting change within Hunter communities.

"Over recent months we have seen a dramatic reduction in serious crime occurring, particularly and thankfully of public place shootings", he says.

"Whilst we have that fire power available, I think this will be a positive step for our communities".

Image sourced: 2NURFM Reporter - Ariana Gatti - Newcastle Police Precinct.

UPDATE! House Erupts In Flames At Cooranbong

BY IAN CROUCH

Update 1pm:

Passers by have rescued a man and his carer from a burning home at Cooranbong this morning.

Belmont Police say the 30-year-old man and his male carer were inside the building as it caught alight just after 6.30 this morning on Freemans Drive.

Fire crews from Wangi, Morriset and the Rural Fire Service attended to find the house fully engulfed as a woman, a passer-by, tried to give the pair first aid.

She suffered minor smoke inhalation as the 30-year-old man was dragged out of the home unconscious.

He was assessed by Westpac Rescue Helicopter paramedics but taken to the John Hunter Hospital via ambulance with major smoke inhalation.

He's in a serious but stable condition.

Fire crews have now left the scene after being hampered by asbestos in the house.

Police have established a crime scene around the home and are yet to determine the cause of the fire or whether it is suspicious.

EARLIER:

Emergency services have been called to a house fire at Cooranbong.

Several fire crews were called to the home on Freemans Drive at 6.30, to find the house well alight.

Newcastle Fire Command is advising motorists of a significant amount of smoke in the area from the blaze


More to come.

Do Light Festivals Float Your Boat? Head To Lake Macquarie!

BY OLIVIA WILSON-WHEELER

Tonight and tomorrow, a parade of LED decorated boats will be cruising along the Lake Macquarie coast for the Float Your Boat festival.

According to Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser, it's a "great way for us to showcase our beautiful lake, and the weather's turned out to be beautiful, so we're chuffed."

Mayor's choice awards of $1000 are up for grabs for the best-dressed boat, as well as a $2000 People's Choice Award, and a $1500 cruise for the best photo of the event posted to social media by an attendee.

Make sure you say hello to Mayor Fraser at the launch!

Tonight, the launch event begins at 5pm at the Marmong Point Marina, and the boats will take off at 6pm towards Wangi.

Live viewing sites with music, food and kid's activities will be set up at Toronto foreshore from 5.30-8.30pm and Wangi Wangi from 7-9pm.

Mayor Fraser said, "you can have a vantage point anywhere around the lake and you'll be able to see those beautiful boats all lit up."

The best viewing spots include Marmong Point, Toronto, Coal Point, Fishing Point and the Arcadia Reserve playground.

Friday's parade route. Source: Lake Macquarie City Council

Tomorrow night, the boats will depart from the same time and place but will head towards Belmont.

A live site with food music, food, hula-hooping workshops and fireworks will be at Warners Bay from 5-8pm for the conclusion of the festival.

Good vantage points include Five Islands Road, Speers Point, the Red Bluff walkway Warners Bay and Eleebana.

Saturday's parade route. Source: Lake Macquarie City Council

According to Mayor Fraser both nights "...what you'll see is a spectacular parade of illuminated vessels that'll be all lit up with different designs."

Registering your boat is free, as is watching the event.

Registration and more info can be found on the Lake Mac website
You can vote for People's Choice on the Facebook page

Community Rallies for Stockton With 10,000 Signatures

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Stockton residents are today marking the collection of 10,000 signatures on a petition campaigning for an end to the coastal suburb's erosion crisis.

The milestone means Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp will have the opportunity to debate with the Environment Minister in state parliament for the second time.

It comes after $1 million in emergency money was granted by the NSW Government for Crown Lands to clean up the recently re-exposed former Stockton Tip site, however, the residents want to see a long-term solution.

Tim Crakanthorp says this issue has been dragging on for years and it's crucial the government acts now.

"It's so important now because this community is being threatened," he said, "we've got the Surf Club here in danger from storms and east coast lows, we've got Lexi's, we've got the Caravan Park, the Childcare Centre, a rubbish tip that's been unearthed...

"Crown Lands are finally coming to the party there - well they've missed the party," Mr Crakanthorp asserted, "this coast is under threat and people's houses will soon be under threat."

Cathy from the Stockton Community Action Group said everyone wants to see the beach saved, as many families have generations of history there.

"The whole community has been united in expressing their concern about the erosion and the damage to the beach, and there's quite a sense of urgency that something needs to be done soon before it disappears," she said.

"We're looking to the government to know what our concerns are and to commit funding, urgently, to save the beach," Cathy said.

Making Progress: Stockton activists Barbara, Simon and Cathy. 

Someone who understands that personal connection to Stockton is local activist Simon Jones.

"I grew up surfing here my whole life, and it hurts to see the beach the way it is now," he said.

Chair of the Stockton Community Liasion group, Barbara, said she's witnessed the beach's drastic decline.

"People like myself who've lived here for more than 60 years remember when we would come to the beach and walk way out," she said.

"We would walk through all kinds of scrub to get to the beach, which seemed to stretch endlessly - now it's disappearing."

Barbara said the Liaison group wants to see millions of tonnes of sand replenishment, possibly with a headland to be constructed in the future.

Tim Crakanthorp receives the final signatures to reach a 10,000 person milestone. 

Tourle Street Bridge Duplication Unveiled

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

After two years and $100 million of spending, the Tourle Street Bridge duplication is now officially open.

Regional Director for the RMS, Anna Zycki joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald in welcoming the project's completion today, 6 months ahead of schedule.

"From a project management point of view, this has been fantastic," Ms Zycki said, "we've delivered six months early and I'm really pleased with the result...

"There's environmental concerns we have to work through and special measures we have to take but we've done a great job and we're happy with our contractor," she said.

Ms Zycki said while bottlenecks are usually merely pushed further up the road following duplication projects, we're experiencing an unprecedented improvement to traffic at Kooragang.

Scot MacDonald agreed, saying motorists are reporting improved travel times by 20 minutes.

"It's more efficient, it's saving people time," he said, "it's one of our busiest roads, with 33,000 motorists making the commute here a day and that includes about 3000 heavy vehicles so it's going to help commuters, it's going to help people getting to the airport and getting into town."

The new infrastructure follows the controversial 2008 Labor decision to build a new single-lane bridge in replacement of the old one.

"If it was done properly 10 years ago, we wouldn't have had to spend $70 million," Mr MacDonald said, "so the taxpayers had to stump up all that extra money and wait a decade for this bridge and the duplication which should've been done in the first place."

Anna Zycki confirmed progress is on track for the connection to Industrial Drive, with some minor works to take place along the stretch "in the not too distant future."

Scot MacDonald, Anna Zycki and the Project Construction Team at Kooragang today. 

Man Injured in Two Car Crash at Hexham

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A man's been taken to the John Hunter Hospital following a crash on Maitland Road near Sandgate Road this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the two-vehicle smash just before 8 o'clock, where they treated a man for suspected neck and head injuries.

He was still conscious and breathing, while traffic on Maitland Road is now returning to normal after a northbound lane closure.

Motorists are being advised to drive carefully this morning as a thick fog blankets the Hunter.

Police Investigate Bad Crash At Heddon Greta

BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations are continuing into a serious crash at Heddon Greta last night which has left two people in hospital.

Police say an 18-year-old female P-plate driver was travelling east along Main Road just after 6.00pm in a White Nissan Navara Twin Cab ute when she crashed into the back of a stationary White Toyota Corolla.

A 62-year-old man driving the Corolla and a 15-year-old female front seat passenger were trapped for about an hour before being freed by the Cessnock Volunteer Rescue Association and taken to hospital with cuts and suspected spinal injuries.

Accused Jesmond Bag-Snatcher To Face Children's Court

BY IAN CROUCH

A teenage boy is due to face children's court today over an alleged bag snatching incident at Jesmond.

Police say the 17-year-old approached a woman from behind as she was getting into her car at the Stockland shopping centre on Blue Gum Road on Wednesday night and pulled the bag from her shoulder before running off.

The woman suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Police arrested the teenager at Wallsend yesterday - it's alleged he was involved in a number of other offences around the shopping centre.

He's been charged with trespass, armed robbery, 4 counts of stealing and breaching bail.

Glendale Interchange Shakeup a "Surprise" to Piper, Hornery

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Pennant Street Bridge at Cardiff will no longer go ahead after the NSW government announced it's back to square one for Lake Macquarie Interchange designs.

In this week's state budget, $360,000 was allocated to the planning of the Interchange, despite previous talks dating back 20 years.

Lake Macquarie Council has predicted the benefits of the current designs exceeded the costs by four to one.

However Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald said Transport NSW is disputing those projections.

"Transport and Infrastructure for NSW didn't agree that it was suitable, didn't agree it represents value for money for the tax payer...we're at the stage of preparing another business case," Mr MacDonald said.

"We didn't feel that [The Pennant Street Bridge] was the best design," he said, "it didn't achieve what we wanted to see in terms of activation of that area or protection for pedestrians...on a number of levels it just wasn't suitable."

However, the Parliamentary Secretary hasn't declared the project dead in the water.

"It's an ongoing process," he said, "and we're certainly not walking away from the idea that area would benefit from activation and better transport linkages."

The announcement has come as a shock to Lake Macquarie Council and the two MPs whose electorates border the Interchange.

Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery listed the project as number 1 on her state budget wish list and says she wants to know where the justification for this design shake-up is coming from.

"It comes as a big surprise that all of a sudden the government have a different position on the Glendale Interchange," she said.

"All of us have been working very hard on this project which will ease some of the gridlock which is increasing between Glendale and Newcastle," she continued, "it's a project that 11 Hunter Mayors unanimously support as a top priority."

Sonia Hornery said she's "really disappointed" and believes the Hunter is being ignored by the Liberal National Government due to our high number of Labor-held seats.

Lake Macquarie Independent MP, Greg Piper is a little more optimistic.

He's still confident the Interchange will go ahead in years to come, citing the government's $360,000 investment into planning and a brief conversation with the Transport Minister this morning as reason to believe it'll be built one day.

"As Mayor at Lake Macquarie City Council, I saw the modelling for the work, I saw the opportunities this would bring about," Mr Piper said, "I would imagine if this government doesn't proceed with it at this stage, they may well proceed with something similar to it."

However, the MP can't confirm anything due to the "unusual" process by which he and Council found out about Scot MacDonald's comments.

"The Council and local members have become aware of some apparent change in thinking not through any formal channels but through a discussion between the Parliamentary Secretary and a Newcastle Herald journalist.

"It's a very unusual way to find out about change on a project that so many have been in involved in for so many years," he concluded.

Image: LakeMac Today. 

Dodgy asbestos remover at large in the Hunter

BY GRACE LANCASTER

SafeWork New South Wales is issuing a warning to Hunter residents to avoid unlicensed asbestos removalists operating in the region.

The warning comes after reports an unlicensed trader is targeting Newcastle and the Hunter Valley for quick and cheap asbestos removal for cash.

Authorities are threatening fines of up to $3600 for unlicensed individuals and $18,000 for businesses found removing asbestos.

Minister for Better Regulation, Matt Kean, is sending a strong warning against this unlicensed trade.

"You can't mess around with asbestos. We want to make sure people are safe out there across New South Wales...(so) make sure that you are using an appropriately qualified asbestos removal expert."

You can check the qualifications of licensed professional here: http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/information-searches/asbestos-and-demolition-licence-holders 

Image: SafeWork New South Wales

CEOs Sleeping Rough at McDonald Jones Stadium

BY OLIVIA WILSON-WHEELER

Tonight 59 business, community and government leaders from the Hunter will be sleeping out at the McDonald Jones Stadium to help combat homelessness.

The CEO Sleepout is organised by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to raise money and awareness for the epidemic.

Denise Lucas, Vinnies Executive Officer, says the sleepout is "a great way for us to be able to educate people about the problems of homelessness, which is a growing crisis in the community."

Since its conception in 2006, the sleepout has raised over $43 million to actively combat homelessness Australia-wide.

"It provides an awareness for the people that come along of just what it is to be homeless, the discomfort of sleeping out, the cold..."

The unique experience is designed to enable business leaders to actively combat the issue of homelessness.

"...So it's really about creating awareness for people who are in positions of influence."

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 116,427 people in Australia are homeless, and this includes 1747 in the Hunter alone.

Newcastle's team has already raised $100,000 to fund Vinnies homeless services, which include:

• Case management and support to homeless individuals
• Outreach programmes to people sleeping rough
• Financial assistance for people struggling with normal household costs

You can read more, nominate a CEO and donate at https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/.

Last year's CEO Sleepout in Sydney. Photo: ABC News

Update: Cyclist Critical After Hit-And-Run At Seaham

BY IAN CROUCH

The teenage cyclist knocked down in a hit and run at Seaham last weekend is now listed in a stable condition.

The 17-year-old was hit from behind by a 4-wheel-drive while riding along Cross Street at about 1.00am on Saturday, leaving him with serious head injuries.

Police have now issued a more detailed description of the vehicle involved.

They're looking for a 2007 to 2012 dark coloured Mistubishi Outlander which may have front-end damage.

EARLIER:

Police are trying to track down the driver of a dark-coloured four-wheel-drive involved in a hit-and-run at Seaham.

A 17-year-old cyclist was riding with two others on Cross Street at about 1.00am last Saturday morning when he was hit from behind by the vehicle.

He was taken to Maitland Hospital with serious head injuries and was transferred to the John Hunter Hospital remains in a critical condition.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Fire Destroys The Edwards Bar In Newcastle West

BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has destroyed a popular bar and eatery in Newcastle West.

Firefighters from across the city were called to The Edwards on Parry Street just after midnight to find the building well alight with flames through the roof.

Staff had only just closed up for the night about half an hour before the fire started.

Around 30 firefighters and two aerial appliances were called to the fire - crews initially tried to attack the blaze internally but had to withdraw when the roof collapsed.

Newcastle Fire Command says 70 percent of the building was damaged by fire, the rest of the structure was damaged by heat, smoke and water

An adjoining laundromat also sustained minor fire damage.

Fire investigators will arrive this morning to pinpoint the cause of the blaze, which is believed to have started in the kitchen.

The Edwards has only been open for four years and is owned by Silverchair bassist, Chris Joannou and his business partner, Chris Johnston.

The Edwards Bar Ablaze in Newcastle West Picture: theherald.com.au

Labor Members: The State Budget Forgot Newcastle

BY OLIVIA WILSON-WHEELER

Labor members across the Hunter have criticised the state budget for overlooking Newcastle's wishlist and redefining it as metropolitan.

Many of the Hunter's requests have been overlooked, including funds for the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange at Glendale, a new regional art gallery, and a ferry terminal for Wickham.

Port Stephens MP and Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington is frustrated the Glendale Interchange has been ignored entirely, despite all councils across the Hunter identifying it as a priority project for the region.

"This government just is not listening to those councils on the ground that know what would make a difference," she said.

"The government is certainly Sydney-centric. When we are going to be seeing stadiums built in Sydney, instead of basic infrastructure like schools and hospitals in the Hunter, it's really frustrating."

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison has criticised the $23.5 million commitment to Maitland hospital as only a drop in the ocean of what is needed to finish the project, which so far has only completed roadworks.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison says it's disappointing the government isn't listening to community demand and despite $87.2 billion dedicated to infrastructure investments, Hillsborough Road has been placed on the backburner for upgrades.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the $110 million dedicated to finishing the light rail on Hunter Street is nothing new, but rather old funding rebranded.

"They've recycled the light rail funding for the fifth year in a row."

Newcastle has been excluded from the Hunter as a region and is now considered metropolitan, meaning the city may not be eligible for regional funding programs.

Mr Crakanthorp says the government is full of contradictions, "we just got regional funding for the skatepark and Newcastle beach redo and yet we're considered metropolitan and missing out... on many other types on funding."

Ms Washigton expands, "The government just is not acknowledging the importance of the Hunter, we are the largest regional economy in Australia and we contribute enormously to the budget and to the NSW economy."

"Newcastle as the heart of the Hunter, to have been excluded from the area as a region, makes it difficult to understand exactly what funding it might be able to attract."

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. Photo: Richard Dobson