Coal Ship Fire At Kooragang Island

BY IAN CROUCH

The crew of a coal ship docked at the Kooragang Island coal loader has been evacuated after a fire broke out on Sunday night.

6 fire trucks were called to the ship at about a quarter to six to find a fire in a store room on board.

Newcastle Fire Command says the fire spread to adjoining areas before it was contained.

Crews carried out a search of the entire ship before declaring it safe several hours later.

15 crew were evacuated from the ship - a number were treated for smoke inhalation.

BREAKING: Myuna Bay to Receive New Recreation Centre

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Acting Sport Minister Geoff Lee has announced a brand new waterfront sport and recreation centre will be built at Myuna Bay.

The original Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre was closed unexpectedly in March following a safety report from Origin Energy warning the nearby Eraring Power Station ash dam posed a risk to those using the site.

The sudden closure sparked community outcry and prompted a petition for the site to be reopened, as questions surfaced about the legitimacy of Origin's report.

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper fought hard to see the matter addressed, tabling the petition in parliament and calling for an apology from Origin over the sudden closure which left staff in the lurch and forced schools and other organisations to cancel events scheduled to go ahead at the facility.

“I stand by the view that this closure was handled appallingly and I believe that the risk posed to the Sport and Recreation Centre by the ash dam wall is so infinitely small that it didn’t warrant the panicked response and immediate closure,” Mr Piper said.

“That said, the action was taken and we need to now move forward with what I believe will provide a good long-term outcome.

“I appreciate that Origin Energy and the Office of Sport have agreed to this deal and I appreciate the State Government’s efforts, particularly from John Sidoti and the Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee who drove these negotiations on behalf of myself and the local community."

The announcement of a new centre follows two independent reports undertaken in the wake of the facility's closure, the most recent of which recommends the original facility remain closed.

A deal has been struck between the Office of Sport and Origin Energy which will see construction of the new centre fast tracked at a nearby waterfront site owned by the energy operator.

Origin Energy will pay for the construction of the new facility and will be required to urgently repair its Eraring ash dam wall, which currently poses a risk to Myuna Bay, the lake, and anyone travelling on Wangi Road.

The Office of Sport will be given a 99-year lease on the new site and will retain ownership of the original Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre, which will be rehabilitated and re-vegetated at Origin's cost and protected from future development.

Current staff will be offered redundancy or redeployment to other sport centres across the state and will be given priority re-employment when the new centre is opened.

The local water ski club and Morisset Rotary Club will both be compensated by Origin for losses.

Acting Sport Minister Geoff Lee and Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper address residents and stakeholders. Image: James Forgacs/2NURFM

UPDATE! Police Launch Appeal To Find Missing East Maitland Man

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have advised that Mr Maskell is safe and well after presenting himself to Maitland Police Station at about 5.00pm on Thursday.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for help to find a man who's gone missing from East Maitland.

Jason Maskell was last seen leaving his home at about 10 o'clock on Tuesday night.

Police and his family hold concerns for the 43-year-old as he hasn't been heard from since.

Jason is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 centimetres tall with an average build, short brown spiky hair, hazel/green eyes and is clean shaven.

He was last seen wearing a lime green t-shirt with a palm tree pattern on the front, navy shorts with a red and white stripe on the side, a full brimmed navy hat and white sneakers with an orange stripe.

Anyone with information about Jason's whereabouts is to contact police immediately.

Missing Man Jason Maskell

Man Saved By Smoke Alarm As Muswellbrook Home Erupts In Flames

BY IAN CROUCH

A smoke alarm has saved the life of a man after his Muswellbrook home went up in flames overnight.

Newcastle Fire Command says they received 9 triple zero calls just before midnight on Tuesday, with crews from Muswellbrook, Aberdeen and Denman arriving to find the vinyl clad single level home on Shaw Street well alight.

A 53-year-old man, who was the sole occupant of the home, was woken by a smoke alarm and managed to escape as the fire took hold.

He was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for observation.

It took about an hour to extinguish the fire which also melted the cladding and eves of the home next door.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Crews fighting the blaze on Shaw Street Muswellbrook Picture Muswellbrook Fire & Rescue

Level 2 Water Restrictions On The Way for Lower Hunter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Level 2 water restrictions will be introduced across the Lower Hunter as dam levels continue to fall.

Under Level 2 restrictions, showers are limited to 4 minutes in length, outdoor watering is limited to 15 minutes every second day and vehicles and buildings can only be washed with a bucket.

The region has reduced its water usage by 17% since Level 1 restrictions came into force in September but it's not enough to compete with hot and dry conditions forecast to continue until the end of summer.

According to State Water Minister Melinda Pavey the Lower Hunter's dams are declining at a rate of roughly one per cent each week.

Hunter Water reports water storage levels have now reached 57.9%, the lowest they've been since July 1980.

The corporation's Executive Drought Lead Darren Cleary said he's hopeful further restrictions would build on the significant savings made since September.

“We’ve been working closely with our large business customers who use more than 10 million litres of water a year to develop Water Efficiency Management Plans. This will soon be expanded to our smaller business customers as they start preparing their own plans," Mr Cleary said.

“Thank you to everyone in our community for playing their part to save water, because your efforts are helping make a difference.”

Level 2 water restrictions will commence across the Lower Hunter from January 20, 2020.

More information on Level 2 water restrictions can be found at Hunter Water's website.

Image: Hunter Water

Fires Force Cancellation of Cessnock, Singleton Christmas Celebrations

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Cessnock and Singleton Shire Councils have advised their Christmas events due to go ahead on Friday night (December 6th) have now been cancelled.

There are a number of significant bushfires burning across both Local Government Areas and heavy smoke is blanketing the region, forcing the cancellation of Cessnock's Carols in the Park event and Singleton's Christmas on John Street.

Cessnock City Council’s General Manager, Lotta Jackson said it’s difficult to cancel such a wonderful community event at such late notice but Council must put community health and safety first.

“The bush fire rating for today is severe, so conditions in the Cessnock Local Government Area are not expected to ease. We have a number of large fires burning in Yango National Park which is impacting on residents in Paynes Crossing, Wollombi, Laguna and surrounds. There is also a blaze continuing to burn in Pelaw Main.”

Singleton Council General Manager Jason Linnane echoed the statement, advising the hot, windy and smoky conditions are not conducive to a fun, family friendly event and the event's cancellation was the only appropriate decision.

Residents with heart and lung conditions are advised to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the thick smoke and ash fall currently being experienced across the entire Hunter region.

At this stage, the events have not been rescheduled.

Heavy smoke hangs over the University of Newcastle's Callaghan Campus

Five-megawatt Solar Farm and Resource Recovery Center opens at Summer Hill

BY ISABEL EVERETT

An $8 million dollar, five-megawatt solar farm and $6 million dollar resource recovery center has opened at Summer Hill Waste Management center.

The solar farm spans the length of 5 football fields, sitting on a previous land fill site, and is expected to save rate payers around $9 million dollars over its 25-year life span. 

The farm will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 1,300 households, significantly cutting councils electricity costs. 

"Its an impressive site to see whats on the surface, but to also understand that this is on a prior landfill site that wasn't capable of any agricultural purpose, so to give it such a good environmental purpose is really clever," Port Stephens MP and Shadow Minister for the Environment Kate Washington said. 

A recent purchase-power agreement to source electricity from the state's largest wind farm, moves Newcastle city council to become the first local government in NSW to move to 100 percent renewable's as of next year. 

"Newcastle city council is the first council to have created and built a solar farm and as of January first, all of councils operations will be sourced from renewable energy and that's a remarkable outcome," Kate Washington said.  

Newcastle residents can drop off pre-sorted recyclables such as scrap metals, sorted yellow bin recyclables, paper and cardboard, clean untreated wood and soft plastic at the Resource Recovery Center free of charge, diverting around 5,700 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. 

"Newcastle city council is doing exactly what we need to see happening, they are giving people the opportunity to be more environmentally conscious," Kate Washington said. 

"Communities across the state are already there, they want to know what they can do to achieve better environmental outcomes, to reduce land fill and improve our sustainability." 

State MP for Port Stephens Kate Washington, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Peta Winney-Baartz 

State MP for Port Stephens Kate Washington, City of Newcastle Business Development Manager Mark Johnson,Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Hon Taylor Martin MLC and Cr Peta Winney-Baartz 

BREAKING! One House Destroyed And Two Others Damaged In Major Fire Emergency At Kilaben Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

One house has been destroyed and two others have been damaged by fire at Kilaben Bay.

Firefighters were called to a double storey home in Ridge Road at about 6.00pm on Tuesday, arriving to find the house engulfed in flames.

The intense fire spread to the adjoining homes either side of the property, prompting a major response from emergency services

12 fire trucks were sent to the incident, with the first home collapsing as the fire spread.

It's taken crews almost 5 hours to extinguish and mop up the fires.

No-one was injured.

One home was destroyed, a second sustained 50 percent fire damage and the 3rd suffered minor damage.

The cause of the initial fire is not known at this stage.

UPDATE! Fatal Crash Sparks Bushfire at Pelaw Main Emergency Warning Issued

BY IAN CROUCH

8PM UPDATE:

The fire at Pelaw Main has been downgraded to Watch and Act Level.

Conditions have eased allowing firefighters to gain the upper hand on the blaze.

RFS Crews have stopped the fire at Richmond Vale Road, which still remains closed. Several other roads have now re-opened in the area.

Residents in and around the Averys Lane are urged to stay vigilant, as conditions could change. The fire remains at Watch and Act Level and residents should enact their bushfire survival plan.

Crews are hoping to keep the fire contained and reduce it to advice level. Firefighters are preparing for warm windy weather tomorrow.

There are no reports of loss or damage to property in the area.

7PM UPDATE:

The fire at Pelaw Main remains burning at an Emergency Level.

Fire is burning East from Leggets Drive and has burnt through around 200 hectares and is likely to keep growing.

Around 30 homes are potentially under threat around Averys Lane at Buchanan.

Residents are being advised to take shelter in a sold structure as the fire approaches.

The latest advice from the Rural Fire Service is that the fire has spotted to the east of Leggats Drive in an area known as The Dam on the western side of Richmond Vale Road.

Crews have managed to stop the fire at Richmond Vale Road however there are still fires burning to the north and south of the main fire front.

There are no reports of any property loss or damage at this stage. Around 30 homes are potentially under threat.

There are several road closures including Richmond Vale Road, Leggetts Drive, George Booth Drive  and Sheppeard Drive.

One of the Large Air Tankers at the Pelaw Main bush providing valuable support to firefighters on the ground who are working to slow the spread of the fire. Image: Rural Fire Service

6PM UPDATE:

An Emergency Warning has been issued for a fire burning at Pelaw Main.

The fire is burning in the area of Leggettts Drive and is heading in an easterly direction towards Avery Lane at Stanford Merthyr.

Residents are being advised that it is too late to leave and to seek shelter as the fire approaches and to protect yourself from the heat of the fire.

The advice also applies for residents at Richmond Vale.

The RFS says around 25 homes are under threat around Averys Lane

Earlier:

Firefighters are battling a bushfire at Pelaw Main.

NSW Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to reports of a car on fire due to a crash on Leggetts Drive at about 10.30am on Tuesday.

It's believed one person has died in the crash

The fire has since jumped Leggetts Drive and is burning on both sides of the road with the fire heading in an easterly direction.

It's understood the fire has burnt through 6 hectares and is being fanned by gusty westerly winds.

Leggetts Drive has been closed in both directions south of Neath Street.

Extra resources are on the way and the RFS has requested a helitanker to assist ground crews.

There are no reports of properties under threat at this stage.

Image: Kel Hanson via RFS

Cessnock Man Charged over Attempted Child Sex Assault

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Detectives have charged a Cessnock man with the attempted sexual assault of a young girl.

Investigations began in June following reports a man attempted to sexually assault a young girl known to him at a home in the Hunter.

Following extensive inquiries assisted by the Australian Federal Police the 34-year-old was arrested on Saturday afternoon.

Police also conducted searches of two homes in the Hunter, seizing a number of electronic storage devices.

The man briefly faced Newcastle Bail Court on Saturday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Cessnock Local Court on Monday.

He is accused of attempting to sexually assault a girl under the age of 10 on a number of occasions between December 2018 and June 2019.

Police also allege the man produced, sent and received child abuse material online.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

Former Police Minister's Father Under Investigation Over Fatal Hit And Run Near Maitland

BY IAN CROUCH

The father of former Police Minister, Troy Grant has been charged with drink driving and is under investigation over a fatal hit and run near Maitland.

News Limited reports Ken Grant was pulled over following a short low-speed pursuit at Lorn on Saturday night.

It's alleged the 72-year-old was seen driving erratically and returned a blood alcohol reading of point 108.

He's been charged with mid-range drink driving and is also being questioned over the death of a 62-year-old man who was knocked down and killed at nearby Bolwarra a short time earlier.

$150,000 Worth of Cannabis Seized near Karuah

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Port Stephens Hunter Police have uncovered more than $150,000 dollars worth of cannabis and multiple hydroponic setups at a property north of Karuah.

Officers searched a property on Warraba Road at The Branch on Wednesday morning, where they allegedly located and seized more than 11 kilograms of cannabis, several cannabis plants, 2 hydroponic setups and drug paraphernalia.

Police spoke with a 36-year-old man at the property and issued him a court attendance notice for drug possession and supply and cultivating and possessing a prohibited plant.

He's due to face court on January 15.

BREAKING! Teen Girl To Face Court Over Alleged Armed Robbery On Charlestown Pizza Store

BY IAN CROUCH

A 15-year-old girl is due to face a children's court today accused of an armed robbery on a pizza store at Charlestown overnight.

Police say the girl entered the Crust outlet on the Pacific Highway just on closing time at 9.00pm on Wednesday and threatened a female worker with a broken bottle.

The worker fled the store as the girl allegedly helped herself to 5 bottles of spirits, cash and the victim's mobile phone.

No customers were in the store at the time.

The girl was arrested as she left the Charlestown McDonalds outlet at 11.30pm - police say she was intoxicated at the time.

Police say most of the alcohol and cash was found in her backpack.

Girl Found Unconscious In Family Car At Tanilba Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a 5-year-old girl found unresponsive in a car at Tanilba Bay.

Ambulance crews were called to a family home at about 4.00pm on Tuesday to find the little girl inside a car parked in the driveway.

It's understood paramedics treated her at the scene and placed in an induced coma before she was flown to the John Hunter Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a critical condition.

Breakthrough In Investigation Into Disappearance Of Lake Macquarie Teens 40 Years Ago

BY IAN CROUCH

Strike force detectives investigating the abduction and suspected murder of two teenage girls 40 years ago have made a major breakthrough.

18-year-old Robyn Hickie and 14-year-old Amanda Robinson were abducted at or near bus stops on the Pacific Highway at Belmont North and Swansea within two weeks of each other in 1979

News Limited reports police are now looking into the movements of a 58-year-old successful businessman who currently lives on the Gold Coast.

The former Hunter Valley man was recently granted bail in Queensland over a separate rape and sexual assault offences.

Detectives say a unique, green Holden Torana could also hold the key to proving the identity of the person responsible.

Backpacker killer, Ivan Milat had been a suspect in the girl's disappearance but denied any involvement during an inquest in 2002.

Robyn Hickie

Amanda Robinson

Police believe a unique, green Torana could hold a vital clue

45 Additional Assault Charges Laid Against Newcastle Man

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A Newcastle man already before the courts is now facing 45 additional sexual assault charges.

The 32-year-old was first arrested in August and charged with 10 offences, following investigations into reported indecent assaults alleged to have occurred between 2005 and 2014.

Following further inquiries, officers on Wednesday arrested the man for a second time.

The new charges include 26 counts of aggravated sexual assault and 7 counts of inciting an underage person to commit an indecent act.

He remains bail refused and will face the new charges at Newcastle Local Court on December 19.

Driver Killed on New England Highway

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have confirmed a woman has been killed in a serious crash in the Upper Hunter.

A car and truck collided at the intersection of the New England Highway and Glennies Creek Road at  Camberwell, north of Singleton about 10:40am.

The driver of the car died at the scene.

The male truck driver has been taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory testing.

The New England Highway is expected to be closed for several hours as police conduct investigations.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

EXCLUSIVE! Off-Duty Detective Assaulted By Alleged Speeding Driver At East Maitland

BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today accused of assaulting an off-duty police officer at East Maitland on Tuesday night.

The Detective Senior Constable was walking his dog along Park Street just before 8.00pm when it's alleged he saw a car being driven at high speed for 100 metres down the road. It's claimed the car then skidded sideways into a corner and took off before returning and stopping in the street.

The officer yelled out to the 32-year-old man who was driving the car, saying there were children in the street.

Police say the man then crossed the road and threatened the detective, challenging him to a fight.  The officer tried to walk away but it's alleged the man threw a punch which missed, with the man grabbing the detective.

The pair became involved in a violent struggle as the detective's partner called for help.

Police arrived a short time later and arrested the man - he's been refused bail on 7 charges including assault police, negligent driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and is due to face Maitland Local Court today.

The detective suffered minor injuries to his chest, hand, elbow and lip and is expected to return to work today.

UPDATE! Missing Woman Located

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have confirmed Doris Wheeler has been found safe and well.

EARLIER:

Police are seeking assistance to find an elderly woman missing from Lakelands since Tuesday morning.

Doris Wheeler was last seen at Gosforth Grove at around 11 o'clock.

The 99-year-old lives with dementia and there are concerns for her welfare due to her age and condition.

Doris is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 154cm tall with a slim build and grey hair.

Anyone who may have seen Doris or has information about her whereabouts is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Charged over String of Newcastle Assaults

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man is due to face court accused of robbing and assaulting a number of people, including a police officer, across Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The 25-year-old is accused of threatening and demanding cash from a man on Brown Road, Broadmeadow around 1pm, before forcing him to the ground and stealing a mobile phone, a pair of glasses, headphones and a powerbank.

About five minutes later, police say the same man entered a store on nearby Belford Street, where he allegedly grabbed a 44-year-old woman and forced her to the ground.

A struggle ensured and the man fled the scene.

Police allege the man approached a car on Church Street, Mayfield, an hour later and assaulted a man sitting in the passenger seat while demanding cash and the keys to the car.

Officers were called to the scene and managed to arrest the man after a short foot chase, during which a male constable was spat at.

The man has been charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, aggravated assault with intent to rob and assaulting a police officer.

Four Cars Destroyed In Early Morning Fire At Windale

BY IAN CROUCH

Four cars have been destroyed in an an early-morning fire at Windale.

Fire crews from Charlestown and Tingira Heights were called to a villa complex in James Street at 5.15am on Friday.

First reports suggested one of the villas was also on fire - crews managed to douse the flames before they could spread.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue and are appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity near the villas to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Meanwhile, a Total Fire Ban is again in force until midnight on Friday with a Severe Fire Danger expected in the Greater Hunter.

Police Investigate Late Night Theft On Campus At Newcastle University

BY IAN  CROUCH

Police are searching for two young men involved in a robbery overnight at the Newcastle University's Callaghan campus.

A 20-year-old woman was walking along the Ring Road towards Warabrook Railway Station at about 10.50pm on Wednesday listening to music through headphones.

She didn't notice two males who approached her from either side.

Police say the pair, who had their faces covered with hooded jumpers, demanded her handbag.

She complied and the pair ran off towards the Bar on the Hill.

The young woman gave chase but the bandits managed to escape.

Supermarket Manager Threatened During Armed Robbery At Jewells

BY IAN CROUCH

A supermarket manager has had a knife pulled on him during a brazen robbery at Jewells.

He was closing up the Coles store on Ntaba Road at about 8.30pm on Wednesday when two people pushing a trolley full of goods approached and threatened him with a knife before escaping with items.

Police later found the goods dumped nearby.

The manager wasn't injured and police are checking CCTV footage in a bid to identify the culprits.

Fire Forces Evacuation Of Disabled Residents At Edgeworth

BY IAN CROUCH

10 people have been evacuated after a fire engulfed a two cars and a carport at Edgeworth early Thursday morning.

Newcastle Fire Command says 7 fire trucks and a duty commander were called to a block of flats on Charles Street at 1.30am to find the cars and the carport under the unit block well alight.

They managed to stop the fire spreading to the units.

10 people with disabilities were safely evacuated and no-one was injured.

It's taken crews more than 3 hours to fully extinguish and mop up the blaze.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

Firefighters Say Morisset Grass Fire Deliberately Lit

BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters say a large grass fire at Morisset which broke out during Tuesday's catastrophic conditions was deliberately lit.

The fire started in a large area of grass just to the west of Gibson Oval off Kahibah and Newcastle Streets at about 5.00pm

A group of youths on motorbikes were seen leaving the area at the time.

A large strike team comprising firefighters from Budgewoi, Wangi, Morisset and the RFS took about an hour to douse the flames.

Firefighters say there were 3 ignitions points, indicating the fire was deliberately lit. 

House Destroyed By Fire At East Branxton

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are treating a fire which destroyed a house at East Branxton early Wednesday as suspicious.

18 fire trucks were called to the single level timber and iron house on Vineyard Haven Parade just after 1.30am to find the home well alight.

4 occupants managed to escape unharmed.

It's believed the fire started in the rear of the building.

It's taken crews 2 hours to extinguish and mop up the fire

University of Newcastle to Reopen Closed Campuses

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The University of Newcastle has confirmed it will reopen its Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses tomorrow following today's shutdown due to catastrophic bushfire risk in the Hunter.

The campuses (excluding Port Macquarie and Taree) will return to normal operations at 12:01am Wednesday, with staff expected to attend work as usual. The University is still making decisions about its Coffs Harbour site, amid a spate of serious bushfires on the north coast.

Exams scheduled for Wednesday will go ahead as planned, while The Forum and other campus retail and childcare centres will reopen for normal business.

Those exams set for Port Macquarie and Taree will be rescheduled soon; students can expect to be emailed directly with details.

Callaghan and Ourimbah students who had exams scheduled for today will sit them on Saturday.

The University is advising staff and students to avoid travelling to campus if it is unsafe to do so; staff should notify their supervisor and students should submit an Adverse Circumstances claim if they are unable to attend exams in current conditions.

Properties At Threat From Greta Fire

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

UPDATE 5:45PM: The Harper Street, Greta fire has been downgraded to Watch and Act status.

An Emergency Warning has been issued for a grass fire burning at Greta.

We are hearing reports the fire is 3 hectares in size and moving fast in the vicinity of Harper Street and York Street, threatening properties on the north side of York Street.

Crews are on scene. Smoke and embers are emanating from the fire.

Two houses on Harper Street have sustained some fire damage to the backyard.

.

DOWNGRADED: North Rothbury Residents Urged to Seek Shelter

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

UPDATE 6PM:

All fires at North Rothbury are now burning at Advice level.

UPDATE 5PM:

A house fire at North Rothbury has been extinguished and the fire downgraded to Watch and Act.

UPDATE 4PM: Wine Country Drive between the Hunter Expressway and Tuckers Lane is CLOSED in both directions.

The Rural Fire Service has issued an Emergency warning for North Rothbury, near Cessnock, where a small grass fire is burning rapidly towards the township.

A single-story residential structure on the corner of Rothbury Road and Wine Country Drive is currently ablaze.

Properties are under threat and residents are being told to seek shelter as it is too late to leave.

The blaze is burning in a north-westerly direction, and though it is only small the RFS warns catastrophic conditions could see the situation worsen.

7 fire trucks and a strike team comprising 5 more trucks have been tasked to the scene.

Motorists are urged to stay alert and keep clear of emergency vehicles responding to incidents across the region.

Catastrophic Fire Conditions: Reserve, School and University Campus Closures

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The Hunter is bracing for catastrophic fire conditions on Tuesday amid an unprecedented bush fire crisis.

The Rural Fire Service is urging residents living close to the bush to prepare their homes now ahead of worsening conditions expected over the next 48 hours.

The RFS says homes are not designed to withstand these conditions and lives and property will be at risk if a fire starts and takes hold.

A Total Fire Ban is in force for the next two days.

Lake Macquarie Council has advised Doyalson RSL, Toronto Workers Club, Club Macquarie at Argenton and Wests Cardiff will serve as evacuation centres should severe bushfires take hold.


The University of Newcastle has announced it will close its Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses and the Hunter Medical Research Institute to ensure staff and student safety.

The University's Newcastle city and Sydney campuses will remain open.

Students with exams scheduled for closed campuses on Tuesday will now sit them on Saturday.

The NSW Department of Education has advised a number of Hunter schools, both government and non-government, will be closed on Tuesday. The full list can be found on the Department website.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has also advised the St Joseph's Aberdeen bus from Merriwa will not run on Tuesday.

A number of reserves have also been closed across the region as local councils react to predicted conditions.

In Lake Macquarie, Mount Sugarloaf and the Sugarloaf State Conservation Area, Fernleigh Track and Green Point Foreshore Reserve at Valentine are closed until Wednesday afternoon.

City of Newcastle has announced the closure of Blackbutt Reserve and says an emergency plan of management has been coordinated to ensure the welfare of staff and wildlife.

All Landcare sites and National Parks across the region, including Glenrock State Conservation Area, have also been closed with a reassessment scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Residents are urged to stay up to date with the situation via the Rural Fire Service website or the Fires Near Me App available on Android and Apple devices.

Image: ABC

Submissions Open On Farley Crematorium Proposal

BY ALICE PEART

Public submissions on the proposed Farley crematorium have reopened for a second round after continued push back from the community.

Residents have been calling on Maitland City Council to reject the proposal since it was revealed in January this year.

The 'Say No To Farley Crematorium' community group say they don't want another PFAS or Pasminco situation on their hands, in reference to the expected mercury and dioxin emissions from the site.

"With the contamination that is in the air, it will end up in water tanks. A lot of young families are moving into the area. With mercury, it effects young children especially, even pregnant mums can be effected as well so that is a real serious issue",  said resident Barbra Bright.

Ms Bright is encouraging the public to call the council to find out more about the proposal, saying submission information online is difficult to access.

Submissions close November 26.

An artist interpretation of the proposed crematorium. Image: SHAC Architects

Major Delays Following Fatal Crashes at Morisset, Cooranbong

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

There are major delays following two fatal crashes on Lake Macquarie's roads.

At Morisset, a man has died after being struck by a car on Fishery Point Road around 12:30 Thursday afternoon.

He is yet to be formally identified.

The car's male driver has been taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.

Fishery Point Road is closed in both directions and Police advise it will remain so for several hours as investigations continue.

At Cooranbong, Martinsville Road and Freemans Drive are closed following a fatal collision involving a car and motorcycle.

A man died after his motorbike collided with a car near the intersection of Martinsville Road and Freemans Drive at around 1:30 Thursday afternoon.

Both roads will remain closed for some time and police are advising motorists with non-essential travel plans to avoid the area completely.

Parents should be advised Police and schools are working to establish alternative pick up points for students on school buses, with schools expected to advise guardians of the situation.

Built-up traffic is expected to remain heavy at both scenes for several hours as the roads remain closed.

UPDATE: Search for Woman Missing from Singleton

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police say Carissa Starr has been located safe and well.

The 30-year-old attended Port Macquarie Police Station around 10 o'clock Wednesday night, having been reported missing on Tuesday evening.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for help to locate a woman missing from Singleton.

Carissa Starr was last seen leaving a home between 2:30 and 4:30 on Tuesday afternoon and was reported missing later that night.

The 30-year-old is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 165-170cm tall, with an average build, black hair and brown eyes.

Carissa may be travelling in a white Mazda 3 with NSW registration plates ECW 10Z and has connections in Singleton, Tamworth and Gosford.

There are concerns for Carissa's welfare and anyone who sees her or knows of her whereabouts is urged to make contact with police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Carissa Starr. Image: NSW Police Force

Image: NSW Police Force

Female Employee charged with stealing almost $40,000 from Port Stephens business

By Isabel Everett

A 42 year-old-woman has been charged with stealing almost $40,000 from a Port Stephens business over a two-year period.

Police officers from the Port Stephens Police district began an investigation after the owner of the restaurant on Soldiers Point Road noticed discrepancies in the business' takings. 

Police arrested the woman at approximately 8:15 am on Tuesday in her Nelson Bay home, following their extensive inquires. 

The woman has been charged with 16 counts of steal property and was granted conditional bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday the 9th of December 2019.

BREAKING! Shot Fired During Domestic Dispute At Fingal Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been charged after he allegedly discharged a firearm during a domestic dispute at Fingal Bay.

Police say the 40-year-old became involved in an argument with his 38-year-old ex-partner at his Bombora Close home on Tuesday afternoon which quickly escalated.

It's alleged the man produced a pistol and fired a shot inside the home which penetrated a fly screen and a neighbour's garage before becoming lodged in an external in a brick wall on Shoreline Drive 

More than a dozen police cars then converged on the Salamander Bay shopping centre just after 5.00pm where the man was arrested.

He was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station where he was charged with the following offences:

• Fire firearm into building or onto enclosed lands
• Possess loaded firearm endanger life non-public place
• Handle/use firearm under the influence of alcohol
• Stalk/intimidation intend physical harm (Domestic) and possession ammunition without a licence
• Possess unregistered firearm
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit

He was refused bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 6 November 2019).