Final Stage of Inner City Bypass Could Start Late 2019

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

More than four years after former Premier Mike Baird announced funding for the fifth and final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, it's been revealed today the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project has been approved.

The Department of Planning and Environment received 173 submissions after the EIS was exhibited in late 2016, with residents highlighting issues with the Jesmond Park shared path, noise and vibration during construction, the hospital interchange and pedestrian access.

The Department's final assessment means construction will be subject to a few conditions including the preparation of a Construction Environmental Management Plan, but Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald said the approval means construction planning can finally get underway.

"One of the very, very important things was that we got confirmation of the dual access ramps in and out of John Hunter Hospital, going north and south,"

"So it's an important step and the NSW Liberal government will be announcing in the not too distant future the next steps of construction."

According to Scot Macdonald, Roads and Maritime Services has advised work could begin on the project by the end of this year.

The 3.4km bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond is expected to help motorists avoid up to 11 sets of traffic lights on the existing route and will help speed up travel during morning and afternoon peaks.

Maitland residents will also be set to benefit from another announcement made today, with $1.5 million dollars to be invested in traffic management improvements for the Cessnock Road and Church Street roundabout.

Work will begin in April to install traffic lights on the eastbound entrance and widen Cessnock Road.

During peak hours the lights will be triggered by traffic queue detectors which will be installed on the New England Highway westbound approach.

Local roads were high on the agenda today, with Scot Macdonald also joined at Beresfield by Wallsend Liberal candidate Nick Trappett for an inspection of the newly upgraded intersection of Weakleys Drive and John Renshaw Drive.

Work started just over a year ago to replace the roundabout with a new set of traffic lights which are already operating as the final touches are made to the site.

Blake Keating, Scot Macdonald and Nick Trappett

Nelson Bay High-Tech TAFE Plan Criticised

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

The proposed new TAFE Campus at Nelson Bay will be a 'Connected Learning Centre', according to the NSW Teachers' Federation who have slammed the idea saying teachers are "outraged and disgusted".

Similar to the newly opened campus at Singleton, Connected Learning Centres (CLC) offer courses through new technologies such as virtual reality.

Duty MLC for Port Stephens, Catherine Cusack confirmed the Nelson Bay TAFE would be a CLC campus, saying it was a "brilliant" way of offering TAFE.

However, MP Kate Washington has hit out at the proposal with continued concerns over TAFE funding in the Hunter, saying the new campus is little more than a "shopfront" or "Internet cafe".

Catherine Cusack rebutted these claims saying the new campus will benefit TAFE students in Nelson Bay.

"What shopfront or Internet cafe is equipped with classrooms, practical learning spaces, and virtual reality? What Internet cafe offers students 43 TAFE qualifications?"

The NSW Teachers' Federation has also criticised the plan, saying Port Stephens does not need a new TAFE campus. Robert Long from the Federation says the idea is too little too late.

"Fundamentally, the problem with this funding is that the Premier who's been absolutely attacking TAFE students for eight years is now rocking up two minutes before the election saying that she's going to spend money on TAFE,

"Well it's not good enough, it's way too late and we need guaranteed funding for students right now," he said.

Kate Washington says it was a "fake announcement" and that the government can't be trusted with TAFE.

"To now believe the Premier that she suddenly cares about TAFE, and is going to build a campus in Nelson Bay, is just unbelievable."

But, Catherine Cusack says the new style of campus will be good TAFE in the Hunter.

"This is a really exciting model of service delivery for those communities where there aren't sufficient students for a full-on apprenticeship course," she said.

"This offers an opportunity to deliver these courses locally, whether it be hairdressing, all of these apprentices who otherwise have to travel into Newcastle, and therefore we're not getting the TAFE participation rates we'd like."

Despite the claims the party has a poor track-record with TAFE, both Port Stephens Liberal Candidate, Jaimie Abbott, and Ms. Cusack supported the plan, saying they're set to deliver.

Kate Washington dismissed the praises for the new style of campus, saying these courses should be offered through the practical TAFE college in Tomaree, not in a second campus.

"This proposal is little more than a shopfront with computers where students can learn online.

"This could include courses like childcare, aged care, and hairdressing. To learn those courses online I do not think is what the community expects of TAFE," she said.

Kate Washington also raised concerns that the new campus would have "no teachers on site", and these concernswere echoed by the NSW Teachers Federation.

Catherine Cusack responded saying while there would be no staff who work solely at a CLC campus, there would certainly be plenty of staff working online or on a temporary basis at the campus, as following the "online" model.

She also said that she was confident in her party's commitments towards TAFE, saying, "The NSW Liberals will offer 700,000 free TAFE courses over four years, while Labor only delivers 600,000."

Labor will likely cancel the plan if elected in March, meaning the future of the proposed new TAFE campus at Nelson Bay will be a pressing issue for voters at the election.

Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington, and Robert Long from the NSW Teachers' Federation have come out against the proposal for the Nelson Bay TAFE campus.

Stage 5 Of Newcastle Inner City Bypass Approved

BY IAN CROUCH

More than four years after former Premier, Mike Baird announced funding to complete the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass between Rankin Park and Jesmond, an announcement is expected this afternoon just over three weeks out from the state election.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot Macdonald has called a media conference at Jesmond at 2pm with Liberal candidates for Wallsend and Newcastle, Nick Trappett and Blake Keating to announce the Environmental Impact Statement for the long-awaited missing link has been approved.

The announcement should clear the way for the final approval of the project.

The so-called missing link has been dogged with delays since Mike Baird announced a further $150 million in June 2014 towards the $280 million final stage, with work to have started in 2017.

One of the biggest issues has been the design of the interchange linking the bypass to John Hunter Hospital. Initial designs and recommendations from Roads and Maritime Services suggested only a half interchange was needed due to projected traffic flows, however Hunter New England Health and members of the community successfully lobbied for a full interchange to be built. This prompted the need for a new Environmental Impact Statement

It's hoped the approval of the EIS will fast-track a construction date.

The Half Interchange Originally Proposed For The Newcastle Inner City Bypass

Man Robbed At Knifepoint At Jesmond

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been the victim of a terrifying street robbery at Jesmond.

The 24-year-old was walking along Mordue Parade at about 10.30pm on Wednesday when he was approached by a man who pulled a knife on him.

The man ordered the victim to hand over his mobile phone, cash and other personal property before running off.

The offender's described as being in his early 20's, about 185 centimetres tall and was wearing a dark baseball cap and a dark jumper.

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

The victim was not injured during the incident.

Awaba Waste Expansion Unveiled

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Recycling could become much simpler for Lake Macquarie residents, with Council today unveiling an expansion of Awaba Waste Management Facility.

The $30 million dollar project has seen the addition of a new Community Recycling Centre at the facility's entrance, meaning residents no longer have to cross the weighbridge and enter the site to drop off recyclables and problem waste.

Two giant landfill cells were also included in the expansion and are expected to come into use by October.

The cells have a combined capacity of almost 38,500 garbage truck-loads of waste.

Lake Macquarie City Council Deputy CEO, Tony Farrell, said the cells would significantly extend the life of the facility.

“Looking at these enormous cells provides a very tangible indication of how much waste a city the size of Lake Macquarie produces,” Mr Farrell said.

Council's alternative bin system has faced criticism since it's introduction last year, but Tony Farrell says the new system will have a notable impact on the amount of waste going into landfill.

“We’re expecting they will be full in 12 years’ time. It’s important to note that without our new three-bin system, with food waste going into the green bin each week, they would reach capacity in just eight-and-a-half years.”

The expansion also features a new weighbridge, a separate wheel wash for heavy vehicles, and a waste transfer system that's set to open at the site later this year.

Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from local charities to operate a 'tip shop' which would resell unwanted furniture in good condition.

Deputy CEO Tony Farrell, Mayor Kay Fraser and Vanessa Gebhard

$650 Million Announced For Two Upper Hunter Bypasses

BY JARROD MELMETH

Federal and State Labor has announced $350 million in joint funding for the Singleton Bypass on the New England Highway if both levels form government.

The federal opposition has committed $250 million to the project, while the NSW opposition has allocated $100 million.

Singleton town centre is considered one of the states worst traffic chokeholds where the New England Highway runs through the town.

Labor says more than 3,700 trucks travel through Singleton per day which impacts on the existing road network, road safety and on public amenity in the local community

Federal Member for the Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon said it is no secret that Singleton is a traffic nightmare.

“In my years as the local member I’ve had to fight for four big New England Highway projects: the Belford Bends Deviation, the Scone Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass and the Singleton Bypass.

“The first two are complete and with Federal Labor’s announcement and Michael Daley’s commitments today, we hope to start building the other two soon,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

NSW Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay said NSW Labor will still commit $100 million in the event both tiers do not form government.

Meanwhile, NSW Labor has also committed $266 million to the Muswellbrook bypass, matching the Liberal Governments announcement last week.

Ms McKay said only Labor can be trusted to deliver the projects.

"John Barilaro said just a couple of weeks ago, before the Liberal/National announcement of $266 million, that he did not see the project as a priority. 

"He has suddenly acted when he realised his job is on the line, and that is the only reason that he made that announcement," Ms McKay said.

The current situation at Muswellbrook where the New England
Highway runs through the town.

The current situation at Singleton where the New England
Highway runs through the town.

Driver Arrested Over Pursuit at Singleton

BY IAN CROUCH

A 21-year-old man has been charged with drink driving following a pursuit at Singleton.

Police say patrolling officers noticed a Holden Commodore utility being driven erratically on the New England Highway just after 11.30pm on Tuesday, but the driver failed to stop for a random breath test.

They began following the car, with the driver from Hunterview pulling over a short time later.

He allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.142, almost 3 times the legal limit and has been charged with mid range PCA.

Garage Destroyed In Overnight Fire

BY IAN CROUCH

It's believed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding a fire which destroyed a garage at Tarro.

Fire crews from Maitland, Thornton, Mayfield West and Minmi were called to a home on Anderson Drive just after 11.30pm on Monday to find an adjacent garage well alight.

They took about 90 minutes to extinguish and mop up the fire.

No-one was injured - the cause of the fire is not clear at this stage.

Police Investigate Hold Up At Valentine Service Station

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating a hold up at a Valentine service station.

Police say three males wearing face coverings pulled up in the driveway of the BP outlet on Macquarie Drive just after 2am on Tuesday and forced entry to the front locked doors, threatening the male console operator with a knife.

One of the offenders was also armed with a metal bar

It's understood they escaped with a small amount of cash and cigarettes.

The console operator wasn't injured during the incident.

Police later recovered the getaway vehicle which was found dumped nearby.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage as investigations continue.

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Man Charged Over Single Car Crash At Bobs Farm

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has been charged with mid range drink driving after crashing his car at Bobs Farm overnight.

Police say the 43-year-old from Toronto was driving a silver Holden Commodore sedan along Nelson Bay Road just after 10.00pm on Thursday when he lost control and crashed into the bush.

He suffered seat belt burns and lacerations but refused treatment at the scene.

The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was treated by paramedics.

Police say he returned a blood alcohol reading of point 139 and is due to face Raymond Terrace Court on March 11 charged with mid range PCA.

University of Newcastle Unveils New Honeysuckle Campus Design

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

The University of Newcastle will be a "stage within a city" with the first building of its new Honeysuckle City Campus Development unveiled this week.

The four-storey design will feature a 'smart-glass' glazing system which can regulate temperature and also have the potential to display images on the building's exterior.

University Infrastructure and Facilities Services Director, Brian Jones, said the 5-star green design will show the city what the University has to offer.

"The design is set to be really a very open design with lots of glass, lots of ability to see what's going on inside and really be a stage for the Univerisity in the city to promote all the interesting work that goes on through the Innovation Hub and theCreative Industries school," he said.

The cost will be around $25 million, and construction is set to begin this year with completion expected by the end of 2020.

The building will house the Innovation Hub and the School of Creative Industries. The Innovation Hub is a collaboration between the University and other partners to allow small start-ups to develop.

"In the Innovation Hub, it provides office space for small start-ups, and scale-ups as they call them as the businesses grow," Brian Jones said.

"There's opportunities to start small businesses there, to engage with the community, to engage with the academics, and to drive innovation."

Architecture Director, Anthony Furniss, said there will be a range of flexible spaces for staff, students, and visitors to use.

"The design creates a clean, crisp space for creators and innovators to interrupt the city as they choose,

"Much like a gallery - the building will use transparent glass and landscaping to draw people in to discover the vibrant activity inside," he said.

The building design includes a number of features to contribute to its 5 Green Star rating, including being the first building in Newcastle to use a cross-laminated timber frame. The design also features a solar system, rainwater capture, and vegetation planting.

The high thermal performance double glazed 'smart glass' system will maximise daylight while keeping air conditioner use to a minimum.

One Nation Leader Visits Hunter to Talk Policy and Launch Candidate

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham is in the Hunter today to talk policy ahead of next month's state election.

Mark Latham will meet with farmers in Singleton this morning to discuss the restoration of property rights before heading to Maitland to launch Neil Turner's campaign as the party's state election candidate.

Neil Turner has lived in the Hunter for nine years working as a fitter machinist in the mining industry and says he sees things in the local neighbourhood which can and should be done better.

Mr Turner believes there isn't enough money being spent on the Hunter, which he says is a "powerhouse" of the state, and wants to see better ways of dealing with family breakups and getting youth more engaged in community activities.

Mark Latham's visit coincides with One Nation's announcement it plans to "revive" TAFE by going back to basics and correcting imbalances caused by both state and federal governments in recent years.

The former Labor leader says the state government has under-invested in TAFE, leading to poor conditions for teachers and a "marketisation" which encourages teachers to prioritise student completion rates over quality instruction and sophisticated workforce skills.

"All the emphasis is on competing in the competitive market," said Mr Latham.

"They call it tick-and-flick, just trying to get the students through, everyone passes and throughput is the emphasis rather than quality."

TAFE funding has become a hot election issue for the Hunter in recent weeks, and like a number of local candidates, Mark Latham has also drawn attention to reports funding cuts have seen local TAFE teachers bringing their own supplies to work.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Independent candidate for Port Stephens Bill Doran have also raised concerns recently about the state of local TAFE campuses.

Mark Latham has also revealed a One Nation NSW government will seek to abolish the state's Electricity Tax and tender out a contract for reliable baseload power to replace Muswellbrook's Liddel power station, which is set to close in 2022.

"We need to diversify the power base and the Hunter needs to have viable coal, aluminium and manufacturing industries into the future," he said.

"It's a region that needs those traditional areas of employment otherwise things will really struggle."

The announcements form part of One Nation's 8-point Hunter Plan, which also includes plans for local schools, hospitals and the racing industry.

One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham. Image: 2GB

Newcastle Tram Back In Service After Breakdown

BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle's light rail has run into trouble just 4 days after trams began running on the network.

A tram broke down at the Newcastle Beach stop yesterday afternoon, forcing Keolis Downer to deploy a back-up vehicle.

It's understood the tram experienced a technical hitch with its pantograph, which raises up and down to draw power from an overhead charge bar.

Repairs were carried out on site with tram back in service last night.

Keolis Downer says there were no delays to services as a result of the breakdown.

The Broken Down Tram Yesterday  Picture theherald.com.au

BREAKING! One Person Evacuated From Unit Fire At Salamander Bay

BY IAN CROUCH

One person has been evacuated after a fire broke out in their Salamander Bay unit this morning.

Emergency services were called to the apartment in Mast Close just after 5 o'clock to find a fire in the bathroom.

Police were first to arrive and managed to knock the fire down using a garden hose before firefighters wearing breathing apparatus took over and extinguished the blaze before it could spread.

It's believed the fire was caused by a candle.

Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash Near Singleton

BY IAN CROUCH


A man has died following a motorcycle crash near Singleton early this morning.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Belford around 1.30 on Thursday morning following reports a motorcycle had crashed.

The rider, a 46-year-old man, died at the scene.

Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The New England Highway southbound remains closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Light vehicles can use Bell Road and Standen Drive as an alternative route.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition after crashing his car into a power pole at on the New England Highway  Rutherford just before 4 o'clock this morning.

Lake Macquarie Police Recover Suspected Stolen Power Tools

BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie Police say they've recovered a number of power tools and are looking to reunite them with their owners.

It's suspected the tools were stolen around the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas in October and November last year.

The power tools include an array of drills, bench saws, a hammer drill and a Davey Sump Pump.

Tradesmen or homeowners who had tools stolen late last year and can provide some proof of ownership are being urged to contact Belmont Police Station on (02) 4922 8899.

Some Of The Power Tools Recovered By Police

Hunter Families Pay Millions To Public Schools

BY IAN CROUCH

It's been revealed Hunter parents have forked out more than $4million to send their children to public schools.

Many government schools ask families to make contributions towards a range of school needs like sports programs and resources for elective subjects beyond the minimum curriculum requirements.

Merewether High tops the list for family contributions to Hunter schools with $355,000 collected, followed by the Hunter School of Performing Arts with more than $326,000.

Some schools issue what appears to be an invoice suggesting these payments are compulsory.

However, the P & C Association says parents and guardians are not obliged to make these payments and is urging the government to change the way schools ask for contributions to ensure families are aware they are voluntary.

The Association says ultimately public schools should stop asking for voluntary contributions entirely, saying it's up to the government and not parents to ensure children have access to proper school facilities and services.

Cause Of Minmi Bushfire Being Investigated

BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of firefighters have taken around 6 hours to put out a bushfire at Minmi.

Fire and Rescue and RFS crews were called to Reservoir Road just after 11 yesterday morning.

The fire burnt through 5 hectares before being extinguished.

No property was under threat at any stage.

It's not clear how the fire started with investigations continuing.

Man Killed in Morisset Crash

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A report will be prepared for the coroner following a fatal single-car crash at Morisset this morning.

Emergency services attended the scene on Wyee Road just after 10:30am, where a Volkswagen Amarok had come to a halt in bushland after leaving the road and hitting trees.

The 36-year-old male driver was pulled from the vehicle but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he died at the scene.

The man was the sole occupant of the car.

Investigations are continuing and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District are working to determine whether the man may have suffered a medical episode.



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

Hunter MP Slams Government Over Unpaid Super

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Morrison government are being urged to crack down on Superannuation theft after a report revealed that Newcastle-Hunter workers are losing out on almost $150 million in super payments each year.

The report by Industry Super Australia has found unpaid super is getting worse, not better, with 2.98 million Australians being shortchanged $5.9 billion in super entitlements in 2015-16.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said too often she gets calls from concerned residents at their wit's end.

"The Australian Tax Office has officially confirmed the money is owed, workers can't chase this money as the debt isn't technically owed to them.

"I do not think that we should sugar coat this in any way, shape or form. This is not a matter of, as some have argued, some kind of oversight. I think we have to call this out for what it is, unpaid super is theft pure and simple. It is against the law," Ms Claydon said.

The report offers four key points to fix the problem which includes mandating payment of super with payment of salary, better monitoring and stronger enforcement from the ATO, utilising currently underutilised penalties and, extending the safety net for unpaid entitlements.

Ms Claydon said the Morrison Government's failure to get tough on unpaid superannuation was yet another betrayal of Australian workers.

“Under Labor, employers who underpay superannuation to their staff because of a false or misleading statement will be fined an amount equal to 100 per cent of the unpaid super. Employers who fail to tell the ATO about unpaid superannuation when asked will face fines equal to 300 per cent of the unpaid super.

“Labor will also enshrine a right to superannuation within the National Employment Standards, giving workers the power to pursue their unpaid superannuation through the Fair Work Commission or Federal Court," Ms Claydon said.

Hunter Dairy Farmers To Receive A Boost From Woolworths

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley dairy farmers struggling through one of the worst droughts on record are set to benefit from a decision by Woolworths to boost its $1.00 a litre milk prices, with profits to go to farmers.

The supermarket giant will increase the price of its own brand milk by 10 cents per litre from today.

Dairy Connect Farmers Group President and Gloucester Dairy Farmer, Graham Forbes says the move is re-building confidence within the industry.

"I think it's a real morale booster for farmers. They've seen their product devalued in stores and from a mental position it's a tremendous move as well it's a first starting time to sort out some of the problems we've had with the industry," he said.

Dairy Connect President Graham Forbes Picture: smh.co.au

Federal Member for Lyne, David Gillespie is urging Coles and Aldi to follow suit, however Coles says it wants to look at other ways to support farmers.

More Nurses Promised in Latest Election Pledge

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

The Hunter New England Health District could receive almost 1000 new staff members under a new commitment from the state government, which the state opposition says it will match.

The Berejiklian government has announced a $2.8 billion dollar funding injection to the health workforce if re-elected, which could see at least 979 new staff members allocated to the local region.

As many as 613 nurses and midwives could be allocated locally along with 113 doctors, 105 allied health staff and 148 hospital support workers.

Port Stephens Liberal candidate Jaimie Abbott said communities across the Hunter will benefit from the workforce boost.

"This is an unprecedented workforce boost by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government," said Ms Abbott.

"This includes an extra 5,000 nurses and midwives to help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it."

Shadow Health Minister Walt Secord said in a statement Labor will match that commitment, and will make further announcements in the coming weeks.

Mr Secord also labelled the state government's announcement "scant on detail" and said it leaves some unanswered questions.

New Report: Newcastle Container Terminal "Makes No Sense"

BY IAN CROUCH

A report due out today is expected to shoot holes in Newcastle's push for a container terminal.

Fairfax says the report, prepared for Ports NSW by consultants KPMG, claims building container capacity in Newcastle makes no sense. Port NSW operates Port Botany and Port Kembla.

The report says compared to Botany and Port Kembla, between now and 2046, a Newcastle terminal would cost the most to maintain and would bring in the least amount of container trade. It goes on to say that Port Kembla would be the obvious choice should a second container terminal be needed in NSW.

Although Newcastle Port CEO Craig Carmody maintains the project wouldn't need public funding, the report suggests it would need massive taxpayer investment in road and rail projects to be successful.

New Report Says Newcastle Container Terminal "Makes No Sense"

Washington Slams Nelson Bay TAFE Promise

BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington has cast doubt on a Coalition promise to deliver a TAFE campus at Nelson Bay.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Friday, saying the government wants to give Port Stephens residents better access to education.

But Kate Washington says the promise has been made on the eve of an election with no land, no site identified, no planning work done and no timeline for completion.

The Port Stephens MP and Shadow Minister for The Hunter says the Liberal National government can't be trusted to deliver on the promise, given their track record when it comes to supporting TAFE.

Kate Washington says the Tomaree Education Centre was purpose-built to include a primary and secondary school as well as a TAFE and, while the facilities are still there, the government has refused to provide the resources to run the TAFE courses needed.

Kate Washington

Crash Claims Woman's Life At Lochinvar

BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a woman was killed in a single car crash at Lochinvar.

Police say the 47-year-old lost control of her car on Windermere Road at about 7.30pm on Sunday and hit a tree and the died at the scene.

It's believed the woman lived in nearby Windermere.

Investigations in the crash continue and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Maiden Tram Trip Marks New Era for Newcastle

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Politicians and lucky locals took the first trip on the Newcastle Light Rail this morning.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian was joined by Transport Minister Andrew Constance, Newcastle Liberal Candidate Blake Keating and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald for the ride from Newcastle Beach to Newcastle Interchange.

It was the first complete trip for the tram while carrying a load of passengers, which included a host of excited schoolchildren.

Concerns were raised about the expected efficiency of the service last week after it was revealed one tram was yet to finish testing and another was still yet to arrive from Spain, but Andrew Constance dismissed these, saying it won't make any difference.

"There will be a tram every ten minutes and then they'll get the final vehicle in place and that will then deliver the optimum seven and a half minute frequency over the next couple of weeks," said Mr Constance.

The premier said the project's completion comes after years of hard work.

"I remember when I first became the transport minister nobody used public transport in the CBD of Newcastle, the buses ran around empty, the services didn't connect," said Gladys Berejiklian.

"This frequency and the value for money is going to attract people like never before."

Residents will be able to ride the tram for free on Sunday as part of a community event to launch the service before paid services begin on Monday morning.

Andrew Constance, Gladys Berejiklian and Blake Keating. Image: Gemma Ferguson/2nurfm News

Police Investigate Chainsaw Attack At Islington

BY IAN CROUCH

 A man is recovering in hospital after he was allegedly threatened by another man wielding a chainsaw at Islington.

Police say the pair had been out drinking and returned home at about 1.45am on Friday and became involved in a scuffle.

It's alleged one of the men picked up a chainsaw, which wasn't operating and began threatening the victim.

He suffered lacerations when he kicked at the machine, with his leg getting caught up in the chain.

Police expect to lay charges against a 28-year-old man over the incident.

Catch and Release Could Be Doing Serious Harm

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A study from the University of Newcastle shows catch-and-release fishing may be having a seriously damaging effect on sharks.

During the study, one group of sharks were exposed to the air for up to fifteen minutes in controlled conditions to represent being left on deck, and a second group were released immediately after being pulled from the water.

Underwater drones were used to capture footage of how the animals behaved in their regular habitat following the exposure, and the results show the ability to swim away does not reflect a shark's health.

Sharks captured and exposed to a boat deck for fifteen minutes swam for a maximum of thirty seconds after release before becoming largely immobile for five minutes, a worrying trend linked to high stress, oxygen starvation and thermal shock.

Marine Ecologist Dr Vincent Raoult said the key message he wants fishermen to understand is that if they intend to keep a shark alive, they must release it as soon as physically possible.

"This often means actually cutting the line as close as you possibly can to the hook and releasing the shark immediately," said Dr Raoult.

"It's better to leave the hook in, in many cases, than to take a long time fighting the shark trying to get the hook out and getting to that level where the animals are very stressed and are potentially going to have long-term impacts on their health."

Dr Raoult stressed that fishermen need to stop taking a shark's ability to swim off as an indicator they've treated it appropriately.

"They need to listen to the research, not just my research, but a growing body of research that suggests sharks are very threatened by a lot of these fishing practices."

Image: ABC

Elderly Woman Treated After House Fire At Birmingham Gardens

BY IAN CROUCH

An elderly woman has been taken to hospital after a house fire at Birmingham Gardens.

30 firefighters from Wallsend, Lambton and Mayfield West were called to the single level weatherboard home on Sandgate Road at about 10pm on Thursday to find the house well alight.

They took about 20 minutes to put out the blaze which has left the home in ruins.

Police say an elderly resident was taken to hospital where she's been treated for shock and chest pains - she's reported to be in a stable condition.

The fire is being treated as suspcious and a crime scene has been established as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.