Construction Underway on Cycleway Connecting City Centre with Merewether Beach

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle Council has started construction on the first stage of a cycleway linking the City Centre to Merewether Beach. 

The first stage is the Merewether to The Junction project, which is a 2.5m-wide, bi-directional path along the eastern side of Watkins Street and northern side of Coane Street, between Watkins and John Parade

The first section will include new and upgraded raised-crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and associated intersection improvements.     

This 1.1-kilometre, $3.1 million project is also set to improve stormwater drainage systems and capture water for re-use in new garden beds. 

City of Newcastle received $600,000 from the NSW Government’s 2020/21 Walking and Cycling Program to assist with the construction of this stage of the project. 

A 30-kilometre per hour speed limit could be implemented for motorists driving alongside the path. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investment in cycleway infrastructure would enable cycling to play an even larger role within Newcastle’s transport mix in the future. 

 

“We are committed to promoting cycling as a safe and attractive transport option for residents, families, commuters and recreational users, which is why expansion and improvement of the cycleway network is one of the City’s priority projects,” she said. 

 

“The start of construction is an important step towards the completion of the overall City Centre to Merewether Beach cycleway project, which will provide a first-class route between the inner city and one of our most popular beaches” 

 

 Councillor Carol Duncan and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes celebrate the start of the cycleway’s construction with workers at the site.

Central Coast Man Fined $48k Over Near Fatal Poisoning of Autistic Man

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

A Central Coast man has been convicted and fined $48,000 after an autistic man drank a highly toxic weedkiller stored in a Coca-Cola bottle, which was left in a disabled toilet.  Mr Warwick Ronald McInnes was prosecuted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after the 22-year-old autistic man accidently drank the poison, Paraquat, and spent 18 days in hospital critically ill.   Mr McInnes left the poison in a disabled toilet at a sports field at Mangrove Mountain, in August 2017. Her Honour Justice Duggan said the manner of storage of the poison in a drink bottle was a “gravely serious breach” of the Pesticides Act undertaken “without any real regard for the obligations” of safe poison storage, and that the injury to the victim was significant.   EPA Director Regulatory Operations Adam Gilligan said the case highlighted the vital importance of vigilance and care, when dealing with dangerous chemicals.   “A young man very nearly died. Rules for the safe storage and use of pesticides and other poisons are in place to protect the community and the environment. Any disregard for the regulations can have very serious consequences, as we saw in this terrible case.   “It is absolutely vital that dangerous chemicals are stored safely and securely, well out of harm’s way.”   Mr McInnes has been fined $48,000 (out of a maximum available penalty of $60,000) and ordered to pay the EPA’s legal costs and the Victim’s Support Levy. Image: ABC News

The Hunter Welcomes 23 New Firefighters Graduating from the Academy

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Hunter will welcome 23 new firefighters to the region after they graduated on Friday from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy.

Some of the states 264 new firefighters include a former professional rally car co-driver, a martial arts instructor, a former dairy farm manager, youth worker and a number of teachers.

Those who graduated as permanent firefighters include;

• Kane Jennings - Cessnock
• Ashley Gordon - Rutherford

Those who graduated as on-call (Retained) firefighters include; 

• Jessica Edwards - Aberdeen
• Simon Geerin - Aberdeen
• Ben Orlowsky - Aberdeen
• Riley Graves - Abermain
• John Cullen - Branxton
• Adrian Robinson - Branxton
• Jereme Worth - Kurri Kurri
• Ryan Turton - Maitland Retained
• Isabella Circosta - Merriwa
• Sam Tinsey - Minmi
• Christopher Burke - Morpeth
• Megan Mcloughlin - Murrurundi
• Nathan Holz - Rutherford Retained
• Alister Truett - Salamander Bay Retained
• Beau Merrick - Singleton
• John Robb - Singleton
• Lewis Weber - Singleton
• Kristen Frize - Stockton
• Noah Hailstone - Stockton
• Travis Redding - Stockton
• Bradley Bauerhuit - Tarro

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter congratulated the new recruits at today’s ceremony.

“Becoming a firefighter is no easy feat. We attract 6-8,000 applications each year, yet of these thousands, only an elite few are chosen,” he said.

“It is also pleasing to see that many graduates are joining family members already in service, with some being second generation firefighters.

Commissioner Baxter said the graduates have trained with passion and dedication to become part of the FRNSW family.

“These recruits have shown they have the diverse skills, capabilities and talents required to undertake the varied work that our firefighters do – from educating the community about fire safety and providing emergency medical care to responding to fires, natural disasters and hazmat incidents,” he said.

“They’ve been trained to be prepared for anything and I know they will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter.”

Image: NSW Government

UPDATE: Man Drowns While Swimming at Nobbys Beach

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A report will be prepared for the Coroner after 57-year-old Dale Laverty, drowned while swimming at Nobbys beach in Newcastle on Friday morning. 

Emergency services were called to reports Mr Laverty, a lifeguard, was missing just before 8am, after being found unconscious in the water.

He reportedly got into trouble during an exercise test and was brought to shore by his colleagues.

Lifeguards commenced CPR until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital. 

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“When the call comes in stating a man is missing in the water, you can’t help but think the worst," says Deputy Director of Operations at NSW Ambulance, Jordan Emery. 

“When we arrived on Nobbys Beach we were faced with a difficult scene this morning.”

“Lifeguards and bystanders did an amazing job, providing resuscitation until paramedics arrived. They should be commended.”  

“As we become more active in and around water during the summer months, it’s so important that we remain vigilant to the potential dangers - It only takes a moment for anyone to get themselves into trouble.

Man Charged Allegedly Sexually Touching Two Women at Lake Macquarie Service Station Without Consent

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will face court after allegedly sexually touching two women without their consent while they were working at a service station near Lake Macquarie.

On October 24 and 25, two 22-year-old women were working at a service station in Cooranbong, when they were allegedly sexually touched by a man who is known to them.

The incident was reported to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District on October 26. 

Following inquiries, police arrested a 62-year-old man at Cooranbong about 9am on Thursday. 

He was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with five counts of sexually touching another person without consent.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on December 15. 

Man Pulled from Water at Nobbys Beach and Taken to John Hunter Hospital in Critical Condition

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A mans been taken to John hunter Hospital in a critical condition, after being pulled from the surf at Nobbys Beach in Newcastle, after reportedly getting into trouble during an exercise test. 

Around 7.50am on Friday, three NSW ambulance crews and a specialist medical team were dispatched responded to reports of a missing man, finding him unconscious in the water.

Upon arrival, paramedics commenced CPR and provided ongoing treatment for a man believed to be in his 50's or 60's. 

 He was transported to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

“When the call comes in stating a man is missing in the water, you can’t help but think the worst," says Deputy Director of Operations at NSW Ambulance, Jordan Emery. 

“When we arrived on Nobbys Beach we were faced with a difficult scene this morning.”

“Lifeguards and bystanders did an amazing job, providing resuscitation until paramedics arrived. They should be commended.”  

“As we become more active in and around water during the summer months, it’s so important that we remain vigilant to the potential dangers - It only takes a moment for anyone to get themselves into trouble.”

Officers from Newcastle City Police District have commenced an investigation into the incident.

Image: Nobbys Beach Surf Life Saving Club 

Emergency Services Called To Single Vehicle Crash South Of Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Emergency services have been called to a single car crash near Muswellbrook.
 

A while Toyota Hi Ace Van towing a trailer hit the Armco guard rail and ran off the New England Highway at Pikes Gully, about 3 kilometres south of the Bayswater Power Station just after 4.30am on Friday, with the vehicle ending up in a ditch.

Police say the driver took off and his male passenger remained at the scene and is assisting with inquiries. He suffered only minor injuries in the crash.

Traffic is affected in both directions and motorists are advised to reduce speed and exercise caution.

Man Facing Manslaughter Charges Over Double Fatal Crash At Salamander Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A man has been charged with manslaughter over the deaths of an elderly couple in a crash at Salamander Bay two months ago.

Police say the 44-year-old was driving a Holden Commodore which collided with a Toyota Aurion at the roundabout on Salamander Way at about 2pm on August 26.

The couple in the Toyota, 77-year-old Robyn Thompson and her 80-year-old husband, Ron were treated by paramedics but sadly died at the scene.

The Holden driver from Tanilba Bay was taken to the John Hunter Hospital with a non-life threatening head injury.

He's now been charged with 11 offences including two counts each of manslaughter and dangerous driving occasioning death and has been refused bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on January 18. 

 

The crash scene on Salamander Way in August Picture: NBN News

Swansea Heads Little Beach Receives 'Poor' Rating in Water Quality Report

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Swimmers across the Hunter can can paddle with peace of mind this summer, with 96% of beaches and waterways registering graded as Good or Very Good in the 2019-2020 State of the Beaches report.

The results were largely consistent with last years results, with water quality improving at sites including Redhead Beach, however water quality declined at Swansea Heads Little Beach.

Three ocean beaches were graded as Poor in the 2019–2020 survey, including Swansea Heads Little Beach in the Hunter, Malabar Beach in Sydney and Surf Beach on the South Coast.

Little Beach was graded as Poor, downgraded from Good in the previous year as microbial water quality declined over recent years.

The decline in water quality reflects a slightly higher proportion of samples collected during wet weather compared to the 2018–2019 assessment period. 

Enterococci levels occasionally exceeded the safe swimming limit in dry weather conditions and often following light rainfall. 

Enterococcus is a type of bacteria that is typically present in the gut and bowel.

However over all Environment Minister Matt Kean said 89 per cent of the 228 swimming sites monitored across the State were graded as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’ in the latest report.

“We haven’t had beaches this clean since the Beachwatch program started in 1989,” Mr Kean said.

“While water quality results can vary year-on-year, based largely on the amount of rainfall we receive, this is great news for locals and visitors alike.

Open ocean beaches across the State recorded excellent results with 98 per cent of the 126 monitored.

Improvements were also recorded at estuarine beaches, lakes and lagoons across the state with 85 per cent of estuarine swimming sites and 42 per cent of lakes and lagoons graded as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’.

 

Hunter Beaches and Waterways: NSW State of the Beaches Report

600 Hackers Work to Find New Leads in Missing Persons Case of Zac Barnes and 11 Other Australians

BY ISABEL EVERETT

600 members of the public are on Thursday working to crack 12 real missing persons case, including that of Zac Barnes, who went missing in 2016 at 18-years-old, after he was last seen getting out of a car in Thornton. 

As part of Australian Cyber Week, members of the public will be given six hours to source intelligence and potential leads that could help solve their cases.

The Hackathon is run by AustCyber, in partnership with the Australian Federal Police, National Missing Persons Coordination Centre and Trace Labs.

It is just the second year the event has run, with last years participants submitting 3,912 leads. 

"The feedback we received from police over the last 12 months is that 40 pieces of information they submitted was absolutely brand new, that they hadn't uncovered during their investigations," says Australian cyber national network lead, Linda Cavanagh. 

"But also the quality of the information and uniqueness of the submissions, such as drone footage, online revenue that was received by one of the missing persons, internet accounts and social media accounts that police were not aware of."

"We've had people spending an hour just looking frame by frame through a youtube clip, to see if there was any information they could use to be able to send to police, so its a dedicated resource just scraping the internet." 

The ethical hackers consist of professionals working in the field of intelligence, students studying cyber security, law, arts, and members of cyber security teams at corporate organizations, aged from 18 years of age, to 83. 

"Ten years ago we wouldn't of had the digital footprint that we do nowadays." 

Ms Cavanagh says the program not only supports Australian Police, but the families of those who have gone missing. 

"It's what they call ambiguous loss, they don't know what's happened and they actually say its one of the hardest grief and pain to go through."

"So the fact we're actually trying to bring together the community together to try and help resolve this is one of the benefits of today."

Eight of the 12 National missing persons
Clockwise: Katherine Ackling-Bryen; Gerardus Bakkenhoven; Renee Aitken; Elizabeth Barlow; Rhianna Barreau; Fredrick Bamboo; Zac Barnes; and Stephen Angel

Image: Australian Federal Police

Man Charged After Police Seize Three Kilograms of Cannabis From Lake Macquarie Home

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been charged after large amounts of drugs and cash were seized at a Bonnells Bay home on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers with the Lake Macquarie Proactive Crime Team executed a search warrant at the Thornbill Drive home at 1pm.

Police recovered 3.5kg of cannabis, 62.4g of amphetamine, 3g of LSD, 16g of tablets believed to be ecstasy and $6631 in cash.

The 40-year-old man was refused bail and will appear in Toronto Local Court on Thursday, charged supplying prohibited drugs and goods in custody.

Man Charged with Exposing Himself at Charlestown Shopping Centre and Conducting Sexual Act with Child

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man will face court on Thursday, after allegedly trespassing on two properties at Hamilton South, and committing a sexual act at a shopping centre in Newcastle. 

Officers commenced an investigation after reports of a man  allegedly entering two properties at Hamilton South on October 24, with inquiries revealing he allegedly committed a sexual act at a Newcastle shopping centre later the same day.

Police also allege the man intimidated a woman and exposed himself at a Charlestown shopping centre in August.

The 45-year-old man was arrested on Scott Street, Newcastle, about 11.30am on Wednesday. 

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with;

• stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal)
• wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school
• enter enclosed land without lawful excuse
• enter prescribed premises of any person without lawful excuse
• behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school
• intentionally do sexual act with child between 10 and 16-years-old

The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. 

Concerns For Missing Teenage Girl At Maitand

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for help to locate a missing teenage girl in the Hunter.

15-year-old Indyanna was last seen in the Maitland area at about 8.30pm on Monday.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140 centimetres tall with a fair complexion, blonde hair and blue eyes.

Indyanna also has a nose ring.

Police say Indyanna is not wanted for any offences and they just need to speak to her to confirm she's ok.  

Missing girl Indyanna

Woman Seriously Injured After Car Crashes Into Edgeworth Tavern

 BY IAN CROUCH

  A woman is in a serious condition in hospital after a high speed crash at Edgeworth overnight.

Police say the 46-year-old was driving a Holden Commodore Sportwagon which ploughed into the front of the Edgeworth Tavern on Main Road at about 9.00pm on Wednesday

She suffered serious internal injuries and has undergone surgery at the John Hunter Hospital.

Police say despite the impact, the tavern sustained only minor damage to a sign, while the chassis of the car was twisted in the crash.

No-one at the tavern was injured.

Investigations are continuing.

 

Newcastle Councillor Faces Code of Conduct Investigation After Allegedly "Leaking" Information to the Press

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

An Independent Newcastle Councillor faced a censure motion at Tuesday nights Council meeting after being subjected to a independent Code of Conduct investigation.

The Council received the report on Tuesday night, which allegedly found Councillor Kath Elliott leaked "inflated" and confidential information about an office space at 12 Stewart Avenue leased by Newcastle Council, during a media interview in 2019. 

The investigator reportedly found Cr Elliott had “quoted a figure higher than the actual amount”, when speaking about the cost of the lease, inflating it by 45 per cent, knowing that it “had the potential to cause harm to Council’s reputation and mislead the constituency”.

It also reportedly found Cr Elliot had a “knowing disregarding of her obligations as a Councillor with respect to the protection, use and maintenance of confidential information”.

 Councillor Elliot says claims she inflated the figure are false. 

"The new premises on Stewart Avenue are the largest liability we have on our books, and I believe people had a right to know where their money was being spent and what the amount was."

"I have not inflated the figures, I have a copy of the lease. I said it was about $3 million per year, the lease is slightly less than $3 million per year, in black and white, and with C.P.I (consumer price index) I was not wrong, and I did not lie." 

"The 45% percent inflation of the figure, I do not know where they got this figure from." 

The full details of the lease were made public in October 2019, after the Lord Mayor sought permission from the building’s landlord to waive their commercial confidentiality, and correct the public record.

A statement on Newcastle Council's website says the Council pays the following amounts to lease the office space per annum; 

• Rent - $2.080 million
• Outgoings - $482,509
• 99 car spaces - $272,250
• Forecast rental income from the sublease of one floor with 20 car spaces - $500,000.
• Net expense - $2.335m

Labor Councillor Matt Bryne says leaking the confidential and "infalted" information could of had serious implications for Council. 

"It could affect our commercial operations, if Councillor Elliot isn't prepared to comply with our code of conduct it makes it very hard for Council to run an organisation, when it's having to constantly look over its shoulder at the conduct and behavior of one Councillor." 

“The advice of the independent investigator was that a censure is the only mechanism available to address Cr Elliott’s continued poor conduct."

“In short, the independent investigation found Cr Elliott to be a leaker and a liar and she can't be trusted by journalists because she makes up figures as she goes in order to score cheap political points."

 Cr Elliot is calling on Cr Bryne to retract the statement she is a liar.

"If he doesn't I will be consulting my lawyers, and I will continue to work for the people of Newcastle and be open and transparent, and unlike Labor when I say open and transparent I mean it." 

Stewart Avenue Building, Image: Core Project Group

Two Men Facing Drug Supply Charges - Police find Prohibited and Prescription Drugs and Cash at Minmi Home

 BY KEELY JOHNSON

Two men are facing drug supply charges after police found prohibited and prescription drugs as well as cash at Minmi. 

The High-Visibility police unit were brought to a home on Woodford Street around 10.30 on Tuesday morning, as part of an ongoing investigation.

A 39-year-old man was spotted in a car before he fled on foot and was arrested a short time later.

A short foot pursuit ensued before the man was arrested.

Officers conducted a subsequent search of the man’s backpack and located an amount of methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cash, buprenorphine and prescription medication.

Police then arrested another 30-year-old man inside the home on an outstanding warrant.

The younger man was charged with an outstanding arrest warrant for a driving offence and 46 other unrelated drugs offences.

He was formally refused bail and is set to reappear at the same court on December 9. 

The 39-year-old was also refused bail and is due to face Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday. 

Port Stephens Residents Shocked And Dismayed Over Quarry Expansion Approval

 BY IAN CROUCH

  Port Stephens residents opposed to the expansion of the Brandy Hill Quarry say they're shocked and dismayed after Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley approved the development.

It clears the way for 52 hectares of prime koala habitat to be cleared to make way for the expansion.

In announcing her decision, Sussan Ley stipulated the expansion can proceed as long as it includes a 74 hectare koala habitat corridor.

However, opponents say this doesn't exist because it's already cleared land which needs to be planted out and will take years to establish.

Chantal Parslow Redman from Save Port Stephens Koalas has told the ABC the quarry expansion is 'incredibly frustrating, given the groundswell of our campaign'.

"I really thought we would have won this one, because we really need to start winning these campaigns, because we don't have time left to play with anymore," she said.

The decision comes despite high-profile opposition from celebrities such as Olivia Newton-John, Jimmy Barnes and Magda Szubanski and a parliamentary inquiry which found koalas will become extinct in NSW before 2050 unless urgent action is taken to protect their habitat.

Port Stephens MP and NSW Shadow Environment Minister, Kate Washington says the approval is a reckless decision.

"This is a shameful decision that our children and grandchildren will live to regret. We are robbing them of this iconic Australian species, and we are doing it knowingly," she said.

The quarry expansion will see the creation of 20 jobs and will double production to 1.5 million tonnes of rock per year to meet growing demand for construction materials in Sydney.

Sussan Ley says the Brandy Hill expansion, to be staged over 25 years, "will not rob the are of critical koala habitat" and the 74 hectare koala corridor will play a critical role in nurturing the local koala population. 

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley has approved the controversial expansion of the Brandy Hill rock quarry Picture: theherald.com.au

Plans Put Forward to Introduce Shark Netting on Western Side of Lake at Toronto Baths

BY ISABEL EVERTT

A Lake Macquarie Councillor has put forward a plan to introduce shark netting at the Toronto Baths.

Councillor Jason Pauling says it would ease the minds of swimmers, with many community members  saying they and their children would use the baths more if they felt safer from shark attacks. 

"So right or wrong there is a fear of shark attacks in the lake. I think that everyone understands the risk is very very low, but the fear of shark attack is very very real," Cr Pauling says. 

The initiative would following the netting of the Belmont Baths, which were officially re-opened to the public in December 2018.

A community feedback report on netting there is due to be reviewed by Council in November. 

There are often concerns that shark nets act as a "death trap" for other marine life, however Cr Pauling that's not as true as it has been in the past. 

"The nets we used at Belmont Baths are substantially kinder to the environment. That's not to say they're fool proof but they are vastly improved." 

The nets introduced at Belmont are a generic type of netting used at ocean baths across the country made of nylon.

The holes are designed to be wide enough for marine life such as seals and fish to swim through, while protecting swimmers from sharks.  

"It's a fairly small area that is netted relative to the Lake, and I'm not aware of any significant environmental impacts in terms of the Belmont Baths in their nearly two years of operation. That's not to say it hasn't happened, by no one has raised any issues with me," Cr Pauling says. 

University of Newcastle Professor, and Marine Ecologist, Dr Vincent Raoult says fixed and permanent shark nets often used at ocean baths, are designed to keep animals out rather than catching and killing them like nets more commonly found at beaches. 

"In general these nets have a lower environmental impact because they're too stiff to catch things, and quite often over time they become what we call enfouled, so stuff ends up growing on them and they become habitats for species like sea horses," Professor Raoult says. 

Cr Pauling said the proposal to introduce the netting at Toronto sparked some of the fiercest debate among Councillors he had ever seen, particularly around when to proceed with the project. 

"A big issue was around delay, and that was one of my primary objections with the Belmont Baths." 

"No where else in the Lake could get the protection of a shark barrier. It took a year to work up the plans, a year to build, and two years of evaluation, so I say its time to look at other a baths and look at netting on the Western side of the lake." 

"The Toronto Baths is an obvious location for an additional netted bathing area given the existing infrastructure. Certainly Council has learnt lessons in relation to consultation, particularly with the Toronto Community, so that's why I've moved this now, and it can be tied in with the Toronto Foreshore development." 

Council agreed to progress with a decision following further community consultation and the review of  a community feedback report on the use of shark netting at the Belmont Baths. 

Toronto Baths 

Lake Macquarie Councillor Jason Pauling

Police Searching for Man as Part of Investigations into Stabbing at Jesmond Unit

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for public assistance as as part of investigations into a stabbing during a home invasion in Jesmond earlier this year.

About 10.30pm on July 15, emergency services were called to a unit on Blue Gum Road to find a 29-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. 

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment and has since been released.

As investigations continue, detectives are hoping to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He’s described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170cm and 175cm tall, with a stocky build, wearing dark clothing and had his face covered.

It’s believed the man left in a vehicle, described only as a light coloured four-door sedan which was waiting nearby.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday 15 July, or who may have nearby dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers.

Police Searching for Wanted Man Known to Frequent Swansea, Marks Point, Windale

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie Police are searching for a man wanted on a number of outstanding warrants. 

Matthew Betts is wanted over break and enter and domestic violence offences.

He's known to frequent the Swansea, Marks Point and Windale areas. 

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

Image: Lake Macquarie Police District 

Severe Weather Warning in Place for the Hunter, Flash Flooding and Harsh Winds

BY ISABEL EVERET

Hunter motorists are being urged to take care on the roads with a severe weather warning in place for the Hunter.

A trough of low pressure off the coast is bringing heavy rain and vigorous southeasterly winds, which may lead to flash flooding in the morning.

Williamtown recorded 48.4 millimeters of rain in just one hour to 8 am on Monday morning, and a massive 129 millimeters over the past 24 hours.  

Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible on the coastal fringe.

The heavy rain and damaging winds are expected to ease during the afternoon, locations which may be affected include, Newcastle, Gosford and Maitland. 

Medowie Rd between Nelson Bay & Richardson Roads is currently closed due to flooding.

Meanwhile, the SES has issued a livestock and Equipment Warning for the Hunter River downstream of Aberdeen. 

Due to heavy rain falling across the Upper Hunter Catchment above Aberdeen over the last three days, there have been rises in the Pages & Dartbrook River Systems. 

River flow is expected to cause rises 2.0 metres above normal flows at Muswellbrook late Monday evening, increased flows may occur at Denman early Tuesday morning.

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, in life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately/

Image: The Telegraph

More than 55 Firefighters Called to Battle Blaze at Car Dealership in Gateshead

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

More than 55 firefighters worked to contain a blaze at the MG Motor dealership in Gateshead on Sunday night. 

Just after 7:30pm, 14 Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to the single-storey building on Oakdale Road, after receiving numerous Triple Zero Zero calls with reports of a building fire.

Multiple crews from fire stations across the Hunter and Newcastle regions arrived shortly after to find black smoke and flames issuing from a large single level commercial building, believed to be motor vehicle dealership. 

Over 55 fire fighters worked to control the fire and prevent further spread, bringing the blaze under control by 9pm. 

NSW Ambulance and NSW Police also attended. 

Image: NSW Incident Alerts

Dust off the Brollies! Hunter Residents Urged to Prepare for Severe Storms this Weekend

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Bureau of Meteorology have forecast widespread thunderstorm activity over the next few days and into the weekend across the Hunter. 

The storms are expected to be more severe on Saturday and Sunday, and may include hail, strong winds and heavy local rain with flash flooding. 

With the influence of La Nina, the SES says we can expect to see an increase in thunderstorm and severe weather activity in the local area over the next few months. 

NSW SES Zone Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Patterson said, “Severe thunderstorms can cause heavy local rain which may lead to flash flooding on our local roads and low-lying causeways.”

“If you are travelling in our area over the weekend, please slow down and drive to the conditions. If you come across a flooded road, pull over and turn around. It’s just not worth the risk!” 

NSW SES encourages residents and visitors to our area to stay alert over the next few days, listen to any updates and advice and to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website on www.bom.gov.au. 

Before a storm, the NSW SES advise people to: 

• Move your car under cover or away from trees 
•  Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony 
• Stay indoors away from windows and keep children and pets indoors as well 
• Keep away from fallen power lines 
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains 
•  Never enter floodwater 
• If trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 if you need rescue 

Image, Herald Sun

Appeal for Information After Reports a Child was Approached by Man at Medowie

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Police are appealing for information after reports of a child was approached by a man at Medowie. 

About 5.40pm on Thursday, a seven-year-old boy was walking in Willow Close, Medowie, when a man riding an orange and black motorbike pulled up beside him.

Police have been told the male rider asked the boy to get on the bike. He refused and walked away. The man then conducted a U-turn and drove out of Willow Close in an unknown direction.

The incident was reported to officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District who commenced an investigation.

As inquiries continue, police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The man is only described as having greyish coloured hair and wearing a khaki-coloured back-pack.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have been in the Medowie area yesterday and either saw the motorbike or has dash-cam footage, to come forward.

Inquiries are continuing.

Rutherford Man Arrested, As Part of Operation to Dismantle International Paedophile Ring

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Rutherford man has been arrested as part of a Federal Police operation to dismantle an international paedophile ring. 

Forty-four Australian men are facing 350 charges of possessing child exploitation material following a nationwide criminal investigation.

Operation Molto has removed 16 children from harm after identifying alleged offenders in every Australian state, plus the ACT.

The year-long operation started when authorities were notified about thousands of offenders using a cloud storage platform to share abhorrent child material abuse online.

Some of the alleged offenders, who are also accused of producing their own child abuse material online, were allegedly in possession of material that was produced by a man arrested by the AFP in 2015.

The material was classified as the most abhorrent produced.

The alleged offenders are aged between 19 and 57 years old. 

In NSW, one child has been removed from harm, and eight alleged offenders have been arrested facing 49 charges. Arrests were made at homes in Rutherford, Blacktown, Eagle Vale, and Fairfield Heights. 

Federal Police Arrest man at a Rutherford Home 

The alleged offenders were also employed in range of occupations, including construction, transport, law enforcement and hospitality.

Image: Australian Federal Police 

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said while the hard-work, diligence and co-operation of police should be recognised, victims remained front of mind for law enforcement agencies.

“Arresting offenders and putting them before the court is only half the battle,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.

“Identifying victims is a race against time and the ACCCE’s victim identification team is relentless in rescuing children from sexual abuse.

“Pixel by pixel, our investigators painstakingly look for clues and never give up and the tools they use give Australian police access to world leading expertise.

“Viewing, distributing or producing child exploitation material is a crime. Children are not commodities and the AFP and its partner agencies work around-the-clock to identify and prosecute offenders.”

BREAKING! Police Break Up Large Group Of Rioting Youths At Charlestown

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been threatened by rioting teenagers at Charlestown overnight.

Two officers issued a move on direction to a juvenile at the skate park on Pearson Street just before 7.30pm on Thursday but were soon surrounded by a large group of up to 50 youths who began spitting at the police vehicle and jostling the officers while filming on their mobile phones.

The officers called for back-up, with 11 police cars attending including two police dogs.

It's taken a couple of hours to disperse the group.

Four teens were arrested - three will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act and one will face the Children's Court at a later date charged with disobeying a move along directive, offensive behaviour and resisting arrest. 

Police are not ruling out more arrests and are reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.

Unemployment Up Again In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

  Unemployment is on the rise again in the Hunter after encouraging signs in July and August.

The jobless rate for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rose from 7 per cent in August to 9 per cent last month, while the Hunter Valley rate soared from 4.7 per cent in August to 8.1 per cent in September.

The number of people in work fell by 3,000 in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, and 7,000 in the Valley.

The Hunter Business Chamber says more people re-entering the job market and apprehension among employers over cuts to the JobKeeper subsidy are likely factors in the increase.

Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes is calling on the state government to provide payroll tax relief to the region's employers who are hiring staff.

 

 

 

 

Funding Announced For Shared Pathway Network In Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Cessnock residents will soon be able to get around the CBD and surrounding areas a little easier with state funding announced for a network of shared pathways.

Council has secured a $1.5 million dollar state grant to be used to construct more than 3 kilometres of shared path linking the CBD with two public schools, sporting complexes and community centres.

Mayor Bob Pynsent says it's fantastic news which will improve connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians. 

 

New Direct Flights Connecting Newcastle with Lord Howe Island

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Newcastle airport will soon be offering direct flights between the Hunter region and World Heritage site, Lord Howe Island. 

From November 14, Port Macquarie based airline, Eastern Air Services will be operating direct services on a 10-seat Beechcraft B200 aircraft providing the region with what Newcastle Airport says is "an ideal opportunity to experience an ‘overseas’ holiday whilst staying within the jurisdiction of NSW."

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said he was buoyed by the growing optimism in the aviation industry and excited about the ability of the airport to help connect its region with one of the most beautiful places on earth.

“With domestic borders starting to open, I think we’ll see strong demand for leisure travel within Australia in the coming weeks,” he said.

“We know our customers are keen to fly and with international travel still some way off, we feel the people of our region deserve a range of exciting and unique holiday options. The eco-tourism experience at this World Heritage island certainly fits that category.”

“Importantly, an opportunity also exists for our region to provide direct support to Lord Howe Island residents, acting as the key service centre for the Island providing medical, retail, and other services to the population,” said Dr Cock. 

Also speaking today, CEO of Eastern Air Services Christian Corse said he was very excited about the new opportunity.  

“Lord Howe Island is incredibly popular with the people of the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast, so we expect this service to grow quickly,” he said.

With a flight time of just under 2-hours, the schedule will commence on Saturday, 14 November with one service a week, initially, on a Saturday.

Frequency will increase with demand over the peak summer months and as awareness of the service increases. People can book now on the Eastern Air Services website or via their local travel agent.

Image: Lord Howe Island Info

New Report Predicts Homelessness To Rise by 40 percent in Newcastle, over Next 12 months

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Equity Economics report ‘A Wave of Disadvantage Across NSW: Impact of COVID-19’ released today by NCOSS predicts in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie homelessness is set to increase by 40.5% within a year.

Homelessness in the Hunter is set to have proportionally higher increases than other parts of NSW, reflecting already high levels of homelessness and higher local increases in unemployment.

More than 10,000 people are now on the waiting list for social housing in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, with concerns this number could increase by 40 percent over the next six months.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says at the current rate of construction, it would take 37 years to build enough public housing properties to clear the backlog in her electorate alone.

"There's been a long time since Government has really built specifically public housing," Ms Hornery said. "It's a priority, and the Government, all levels of Government, need to make sure funding public housing and building public housing, which is a great way to employ people as well, is a priority for them." 

Ms Hornery says the current waiting times for public housing are "unacceptable" and will put thousands of vulnerable Australians at further risk.

"If you don't have a home over your head, then you have nothing really," Ms Hornery said. "Not only does homelessness in itself create a great deal of difficulties and problems for people, it's terrible for children, and it also means it's very hard for people to get jobs."

Mark Degotardi, CEO of the Community Housing Industry Association NSW, says the housing crisis is a "looming catastrophe" which may put 88,000 families in housing stress over the next 12 months.

"Before COVID-19 community organisations and the property sector were calling for 5,000 new social housing properties a year over the next decade," Mr Degotardi said. "That need is even more pressing now - this report shows when this recession reaches its peak, thousands of struggling families may have nowhere to go."

Hunter Residents Urged to Watch Out for Funnel Webs This Spring

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter residents are being warned to watch out for funnel-web spiders this Spring, with wet weather and humid days bringing about the perfect conditions for the venomous critters.

Male funnel-webs spend the breeding season out of their burrows and looking for a mate - however, the spiders frequently end up inside the home or in the backyard.

Funnel-web spiders will often look for a home in cool, damp, and shady spots like the laundry or garage, and are likely to turn piles of clothes or pairs of shoes left sitting around into makeshift burrows.

Jake Meney, reptile supervisor at the Australian Reptile Park, says it is important Australians living on the east coast are aware about how to safely deal with the deadly spiders.

"They are one of the world's most dangerous spiders and they are a reasonably common spider within the Sydney region, from down south toward Nowra, all the way up to Newcastle," Mr Meney said. 

Mr Meney says people most often run into trouble with funnel-webs when they put on their shoes without checking them beforehand.

"If you are bitten, the best thing you can do is immediately apply a firm pressure bandage - exactly the same as you may have seen for first aid for Australian snake bites," Mr Meney said. "Once you've got your bandage on, you need to get to hospital as quickly as you possibly can."

The Australian Reptile Park is the only supplier of funnel-web spider venom for antivenom programs - since the program's inception in the 1980s, not a single death has been attributed to the arachnids.

"What we're actually advising, only of course, the adults to do, is attempt to try and catch the funnel-web, which might sound like an odd thing, but we actually rely on the public's support and their donations of funnel-web spiders for our venom program," Mr Meney said. 

"If you're a responsible adult, and you feel comfortable to do so, that's what we're actually advising people to do." 

Members of the public who have safely caught a funnel-web can bring collected spiders straight to the Reptile Park or to one of many drop-off points such as the John Hunter Hospital or the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre in Broadmeadow.

Image credit: Australian Reptile Park

Belmont and Singleton Hospitals Topping the State In Public Patient Survey

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

Singleton and Belmont Hospitals have stood out as top performers in NSW, according to the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Adult Admitted Patient Survey. 

The survey looked at the experience of over 4,165 people admitted to a hospital in the Hunter New England region in 2019 and the experiences of 21,900 admitted across 75 public hospitals in NSW.

Both hospitals excelled in areas such as offering patients opportunity to talk with their doctor or nurse and having things explained to them in a way that is easy to understand.

Cleanliness, interactions with staff and experience upon discharge were also key areas in which Singleton and Belmont provided excellence.

The district introduced Patient Experience Officers at 10 Emergency Departments, including Belmont, as part of the $8.6 million state-wide expansion.

Overall, Hunter New England Health Performed very strongly compared to other local districts, in line or above the state average of all but one of 87 measures included in the survey.

There was a slight downfall across the region in patient wait times when it came to seeing a specialist.

An average of 67% of patients in the Hunter New England Health District were seen by a specialist within 4 weeks compared to 70% across NSW. Less than half of patients in the HNEHD believed the wait time was justified. 

Nurses and Midwives from Belmont Hospital protested on Wednesday afternoon in opposition of the NSW Governments public sector wage freeze.

Two Men Charged, Accused of Physically and Sexually Assaulting Teenage Girls on Glendale Street

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Detectives have charged two men over the alleged sexual assaults of two teenage girls at Glendale earlier this month.

The two girls, aged 14 and 17, were allegedly assaulted by two unknown men on October 2nd. 

Investigators were told the girls were walking along Frederick Street with two other friends when they were approached by the men, who made threats toward the group before allegedly sexually touching the girls and then allegedly sexually assaulting them.

The girl’s friends went to get help before the 17-year-old girl was able to run to a nearby shop and returned with staff members who assisted the younger girl.

Emergency services were contacted, and the men fled the scene.

Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Argenton and Williamtown about 6am on Tuesday.

During the searches, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation, as well as cannabis and a cannabis plant, which was located at the Williamtown property.

Two men – aged 19 and 24 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

The 24-year-old Williamtown man was charged with;

• Sexual intercourse without consent
• Aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years
• Aggravated sexual intercourse child aged 14-16 years
• Assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence
• Intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16
• Aggravated intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16
• Two counts of incite another to sexually touch them without consent
• Cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug

The 19-year-old Argenton man was charged with;

• Aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years
• Assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence
• Three counts of intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.