Lock Out Laws to be Scrapped Across Newcastle for 12 Months

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lockout laws are set to be lifted across the board in Newcastle under a 12 month trial.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello made the announcement at Newcastle Bar, Blue Kahuans on Wednesday. 

It comes after restrictions were lifted in Sydney's Kings Cross earlier in March. 

The trial which kicks of in May, will see patrons able to enter licensed premises right until closing time, with restrictions on liquor trading hours to be extended from 3.00am to 3.30am.

The sale of certain types of drinks, such as high strength cocktails and spirits will be lifted as well. 

Upper House Member Mark Latham says the trial is a chance to rebuild Newcastle's night time economy.

"Like Sydney and Kings Cross have had their lockout conditions lifted, Newcastle will be able to have a successful, high employment night time economy." 

The trial follows a one in October 2020 which saw more than two dozen small bars and restaurants in Newcastle able to extend their trading hours, and serve drinks which have more than 30ml of alcohol. 

Mr Latham, who recently re-located to Newcastle, says the trial will gather evidence. 

"Obviously we don't want any public safety problems."

"What I don't like about the advocates of lockdown, they're basically saying unlike the rest of the State, these lockdowns  have to be here based on the basis that Novacastrians are thugs. They're not." 

Mr Latham says the trial would build up tourism jobs. 

"The city is on the launching pad of huge success and economic boom and it's got to have mature and successful tourism and night time economy." 

"And the lifting of provisions for twelve months, it's not permanent but for twelve months we'll see how it goes, it's got to be the start of a whole new economic environment and jobs boom for Newcastle."

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the trial would set the scene for the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to consider a permanent relaxation of restrictions on a case-by-case basis.

“Newcastle is an engine room of our state’s economy and it’s not fair to leave the city’s night life stuck in 2008,” Mr Dominello said.

“Where there are incidents of alcohol-related violence arising from late trading hotels, we need to respond with targeted interventions.

“Gone are the days of blanket bans across an entire city - what’s good enough for Sydney is good enough for Newcastle.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said it is important to balance public safety with the needs of businesses.

“This is not by any means a green light for the criminal element to return to Newcastle.”

“We will closely monitor changes in the area and will not accept a return to any sort of violence.”

“Special licence conditions, including late-night lockouts, were imposed on 14 high-risk pubs 13 years ago to curb alcohol related violence. Many of the conditions were later extended to more pubs in Hamilton,” Mr Dominello said.

“The proposed stage two trial will again need to be a joint effort by the government, NSW Police, council and industry.

Relaxed conditions for small bars and restaurants will remain in place until January next year giving venues enough time to apply for permanent modifications.

A comprehensive evaluation of Stage 2 of the trial to examine the impacts on Newcastle’s night-time economy and the community will be completed by September 2022.

Michael Johnsen Quits Parliament Over Rape and Lewd Text Allegations

BY ISABEL EVERETT 

Former Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen has resigned from Parliament. 

Mr Johnsen was under pressure from both sides of politics to quit, after he was suspended from the Nationals Party following allegations he raped a sex worker in the Blue Mountains in 2019, which he strongly denies 

Fresh allegations emerged on Tuesday he offered to pay $1 thousand to woman to have sex with him in parliament.

The government threatened to expel him if he didn't quit voluntarily. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro says he welcomes Mr. Johnsen's resignation.

"My message to the people of the Upper Hunter is I will always put integrity before politics, which is why I called for Mr. Johnsen’s resignation."

"I want to say to the communities of the Upper Hunter that I am sorry, but please be assured the NSW Nationals’ focus has always been, and will always be, on delivering for the Upper Hunter and keeping our communities safe and secure."

The State Government is unlikely to lose it's majority vote in parliament, even if Mr. Johnsen's former Upper Hunter seat falls to another party. 

Labor or the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party could take the seat in the upcoming by-election. 

Mr. Johnsen's resignation leaves the government in minority with only 46 of the 93 seats in the Legislative Assembly. 

But Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper, says he'll continue to vote with the Berejiklian government.

"As far as I've concerned nothing has changed, obviously the Government has got some pretty serious problems that they're dealing with at the moment, but that doesn't directly reflect on the ability of the current government to maintain running the State."

"My support is primarily with for Gladys Berejiklian, not for the Government per se."

World Surf League Kicks Off in Newcastle

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

The World Surf League's 2021 Championship Tour has officially launched in Newcastle.

Local and international champions took to the sands at Merewether to kick off the Tour, with competition for the Newcastle Cup starting tomorrow.

Reigning World Champion, Italo Ferreira was joined by the League's Asian Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes this morning.

The World Championship Tour makes it's first Australian stop in Newcastle thanks to Newcastle Council's partnership with the State Government through Destination New South Wales.

Merewether surfer Ryan Callinan says it's a different feeling when the world champions are the ones doing the travel.

"As much as I feel at home here, having everyone here makes it feel a lot different," he said.

"Normally when you go away to events, I find it a lot easier to lock in and set your routine for that event.

"So being at home it's really different because I'm just waking up every morning and it feels like another day and I'm like, 'Oh yeah, it's actually here'," Mr Callinan said.

For those who can't make it beachside, a big-screen projection of the action will be shown at a special event precinct at the former Newcastle Railway Station.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the live site precinct will allow locals to enjoy the festival atmosphere brought by the Championship Tour event. 

“WSL has had a huge response to its free ticket ballot being run through Ticketek, and it’s looking like each surfing day will be at capacity at the Merewether Beach event precinct," Lord Mayor Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s live site will be the place to catch the action for anyone who missed out on tickets or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to watch the surfing while having a drink and a bite to eat."

The Tour starts with the Newcastle Cup on Thursday, and will run in Newcastle until 11 April.

Merewether surfer Ryan Callinan

 

Dozens Of Jobs To Go In University Restructure

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's been confirmed 75 jobs are set to go at the University of Newcastle as part of an organisational restructure.

The merging of 5 faculties into 3 schools was made to address financial concerns from the loss of revenue during the COVID pandemic last year.

It's expected the changes will deliver savings of $33 million a year.

The university says the changes won't affect current students, however certain degrees which have seen declining interest are likely to affect future student intakes.

Impacted staff were briefed yesterday.

 

 

BREAKING! Firefighters Called To Honeysuckle Restaurant

 BY IAN CROUCH

A dozen residents have been evacuated after a fire broke out at a Honeysuckle restaurant early Wednesday morning.

Fire crews from Newcastle and Carrington responded to an automatic fire alarm on Honeysuckle Drive just before 4.00am, arriving to find smoke inside The Kingfish restaurant on the ground floor.

Crews located the source of the fire in a fridge and quickly extinguished the flames with a CO2 extinguisher.

Residents living in apartments above the restaurant were evacuated as a precaution while crews ventilated the restaurant with a high pressure fan. 

No-one's been injured and the residents have been allowed to return to their apartments.

Decision to Sell Scone TAFE Campus Made Same Day Minister Met with Racing NSW

BY LAURA WILLIAMS

The NSW Government has announced Scone's TAFE campus has been purchased by Racing NSW for $4 million. 

TAFE NSW will continue to deliver courses onsite at 2 Flemington Drive, for up to three years before it's transformed into an equine training centre. 

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the revenue secured from the sale will be invested in facilities across the Hunter. 

These include a new multi-trade workshop for the Scone's Connected Learning Centre, a welding workshop upgrade at TAFE's Newcastle campus, the construction of new hair, beauty and business delivery spaces at Muswellbrook's campus and the expansion of carpentry delivery at Belmont.

Minister Lee revealed during a response to parliamentary questions the decision to sell the campus was made on August 6 2020, the same day he met with Racing NSW, after it had expressed interest in buying the site.

Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE Jahid Dib says assets shouldn't need to be sold  for the Government to invest in education. 

"With such high youth unemployment across the Hunter, we shouldn't be selling off assets to pay for higher education. The Government has to make a commitment that they want to believe in the value of education." 

He suggested developing partnerships with local industry to protect the Scone TAFE campus would have been a better option than selling the site. 

Mans Body Discovered on Hawks Nest Beach

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Members of the public have discovered the body of a man on a beach at Hawks Nest this morning. 

Just before 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning, emergency services were called to the southern end of Bennetts Beach to find a 66-year-old man deceased near the water. 

Police believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and he likely suffered a medical episode. 

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

John Barilaro Calls for Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen's Immediate Resignation Over Fresh Allegations

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen is accused of offering a woman $1 thousand dollars to travel to State Parliament for sex. 

The ABC has revealed a series of lude text messages reportedly sent to the sex worker by the MP, including during question time. 

Mr Johnsen is denying allegations he sexually assaulted the woman at a look out in the Blue Mountains in 2019. 

He's been suspended from the Nationals Party.  

Nationals leader, John Barilaro says he's now told Mr Johnsen his position as a member of parliament is untenable and is calling for his resignation. 

"There is currently a police investigation underway which we must let proceed without prejudice."

"In light of this investigation, last week Michael Johnsen was removed from the Nationals and Coalition Party Rooms and suspended from the National Party."

"Following reports this morning I contacted Mr Johnsen to express the view that his position as a Member of Parliament is untenable."

"This is disgusting behaviour and will never be acceptable, nor should it be, and I’m calling for Mr Johnsen to resign from Parliament immediately."

"It is now up to Mr Johnsen to reconsider his position as an independent Member of Parliament."

Hunter Drug Court Celebrates 10 Years Of Turning Lives Around

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's been 10 years since the Hunter Drug Court was officially opened at Toronto.

The court was established to provide a rehabilitation  program for drug offenders as an alternative to a full-time custodial sentence.

Since 2011, the court has helped 660 drug-addicted offenders to address the causes of their criminal behaviour through a comprehensive treatment plan.

Last year, 68 per cent of Hunter Drug Court participants were able to turn their lives around and were not returned to custody. 

Judge Paul Cloran paid tribute to the Drug Court counsellors, caseworkers, Police, Health, Legal Aid and Corrections staff for helping to make the Hunter Drug Court a success.

"The team deserves applause for the wonderful effort they make to support often hardened offenders who've never had any support in their life, Every success story is remarkable given the lasting positive impacts of the program can have on individuals, their families and the community," Judge Cloran said.

One graduate said if it wasn't for the Drug Court he would be still using, in gaol or dead.

"I has started life anew. I have a family, I have progressed with my career, there is stability in our household, the children are happy," the man said.

"Coal Industry Needs Growth Plan Not Transition Plan" - Nationals MP's Continuing Tour of the Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Federal Nationals MP'S are continuing their three day tour of the Hunter, after arriving in the region on Monday. 

Senator Matt Canavan is being joined by Senators Bridget McKenzie and and Perin Davey, touring the Port of Newcastle on Monday followed by a meat works and the Rix's Creek Coal Mine in the Hunter Valley on Tuesday.

Senator Canavan says the Hunter's coal industry needs a 'growth' plan not a 'transition' plan.

"Any credible political representative for this region has to have a growth plan for coal jobs in the Hunter. We've got a plan for the Hunter for more jobs, not just different jobs, and that's the big difference between us and the Labor party here."

"Just a report out today from the office of the chief economist in the Australian Government shows in the next five years they're predicting growth in thermal coal exports from Australia, about a ten percent growth." 

"There is a hungry demand for our coal and we should try to meet that, because the more we mine the best quality coal here in the Hunter the better it'll be for the world."

Senator Davey denied the Nationals Party had previously failed to take much notice of the Hunter electorate. 

"Win or lose the seat of Hunter, our Government believes in the industries and the economy of the Hunter. We're not Johnny-come-lately in this region at all, we've always had a crack, hopefully next time the voters will actually give us a chance to represent you." 

Senator Canavan said they'd like to see an office of regional manufacturing set up in Newcastle as part of their National Manufacturing Plan. 

"This is one of the prime centres of manufacturing in this country," Senator Canavan said. 

"We should retain what we've got up at Tomago at the Aluminum Smelter, and build more manufacturing because we cannot rely on the rest of the world to make everything in this country especially as conflict and difficulties look like they're on the horizon in our region." 

Senators Matt Canavan, Perin Davey and Bridget McKenzie

Police Launch Appeal After Woman Assaulted In Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted in Newcastle West.

The 22-year-old left a Hunter Street hotel just after one o'clock on Sunday morning when she was approached by a man who assaulted her on Wood Street before running off.

He's only described as being in his early 20's.

Newcastle detectives want to hear from anyone with information, or who may have seen the man loitering around Wood Street, to come forward.

'Dangerous' Bulk Container Washes Ashore On Newcastle Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Beach was closed for several hours on Sunday after a bulk container marked as being dangerous materials washed ashore.

Firefighters set up a 200 metre exclusion zone amid concerns the contents, which first appeared to be hydrochloric acid, could leak into the water.

Further inspection revealed the container was most likely filled with waste oil.

Crews safely decanted the contents into HAZMAT drums which were taken to a Newcastle Council depot for collection by a contractor.

A similar container washed ashore on Sydney's Northern Beaches several days ago - it's believed the containers may have fallen from a passing ship.

Firefighters in protective clothing decanted the contents of the bulk container into HAZMAT drums. Picture: Merewether Fire & Rescue

102 Year Old Veteran Walks 360 Kilometres for Mental Health Awareness

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Anglican Care and Samaritans staff are supporting the efforts of a 102-year-old resident with an organisation-wide mufti day and fundraising drive on Friday.

Bert Le-Merton, a World War II veteran, has walked more than 360 kilometres and raised over $110,000 as part of the Soldier On organisation's efforts in raising awareness and preventing veteran suicide.

Bert spent five and a half years as part of the Australian Infantry Force, serving in North Africa and the Pacific Theatre with the 2/13th Battalion, 9th Division.

Anglican Care Marketing Manager Kylie Jacques said Bert is "full of positivity" and that they were proud to be following in his footsteps.

"To meet Bert is one of life's privileges," Ms Jacques said. "He's just the most amazing, beautiful gentleman, and he's been through so much in his life and has so many amazing stories to tell." 

Bert said it was important to lend a helping hand to those former personnel who were struggling to get back into the swing of civilian life.

"My longevity, I put it down to keeping on walking around the block," Mr Le-Merton said. 

"Look at it in this life, mate, if you don't use them, you lose them." 

Bert walked 96 kilometres in March alone, the length of the Kokoda trail - team members at Anglican Care’s C A Brown Lodge at Booragul are expected to match Bert's efforts. 

Ms Jacques said Bert's commitment is fantastic motivation.

"He is such an inspirational man and beyond the fantastic work he is doing for the Soldier On organisation, at the age of 102 he is an amazing example of positive and healthy ageing," Ms Jacques said.

Bert and Anglican Care staff member Irene Balkema.

BREAKING! Paramedics Called To Industrial Accident At Warkworth

 BY IAN CROUCH

Paramedics have been called to reports on an industrial accident at a Hunter Valley coal mine.

Three ambulance crews were dispatched to the Wambo Mine at Warkworth at about 4.30am on Friday to reports a number of people had inhaled poisonous fumes from a fire.

Paramedics are currently assessing seven patients for smoke inhalation - two were eventually transported to Singleton Hospital for further treatment and later released to return to work.

Asbestos Discovered at Glendale Technology High School Yet to be Cleaned Up 14 Months After Discovery

BY LAURA RUMBEL 

Questions are being raised as to why asbestos has not been cleaned up at Glendale Technology High School, 14 months after being discovered. 

On February 28 2020, in-ground asbestos material was discovered in the school's basketball courts and retaining walls. 

The area was immediately restricted and secured from students and staff.

The School's P&C and Department of Education Asset Management Unit have reportedly both raised concerns about the ongoing degradation of the asbestos.

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery says the closure of the school's basketball courts has notably reduced the available outdoor sport and recreation areas for more than 850 students. 

"I just wonder why given this is such a huge safety issue and a promise by the Education Minister that this would be fixed by the end of last year that we're still waiting after 14 months for the removal of dangerous asbestos at a local high school," Ms Hornery said. 

In a statement the Department of Education said wellbeing and safety is of the highest priority and the management of asbestos is always taken seriously.

"When the asbestos was found, the Department took immediate action to protect public health, including isolating the area, making it safe and implementing air monitoring."

"In line with an independent hygienist’s recommendations, all exposed ACM fragments at the site were removed. The area has remained enclosed with fencing and access restricted, and will remain so until the area is remediated."

"An engineer was engaged to determine a method of encapsulation and the independent hygienist has provided a report to support the remediation strategy of encapsulating the walls with a method called shotcrete."

"Until the encapsulation works are undertaken the two basketball courts remain inaccessible."

Appeal to Locate Man Missing from Newcastle

BY ISABEL EVERETT Newcastle City Police are appealing for public information to find a man missing from the Newcastle area. Jesse Wallman, aged 28, was last seen visiting a family member in Hamilton South during the morning on March 18. He's described as being of Aboriginal appearance, about 170cm tall, of a large build with brown hair. Police have concerns for Jesse’s welfare. He's known to frequent the Jesmond, Hamilton South and Newcastle areas. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Otherwise, please call Newcastle City Police District on 49266599 or 49290999 and quote event number E 79823854.

Hunter Seafarers Push Back Against Plan to Bring in Overseas Workers

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Hunter seafarers have hit out against a plan to add the sector to a priority list for skilled migrant workers.

The Federal Government is proposing to include seafarers as a priority occupation for skilled migration, opening the door to the recruitment of seafarers from overseas rather than employing or training local workers.

The Maritime Union of Australia says Australian workers are already struggling for employment due to economic downturn and travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Union's Newcastle Branch Secretary, Glenn Williams, says workers in the Hunter are being replaced by cheap foreign labour.

He says it would be a major blow for an already struggling workforce.

"In the the Hunter region alone, we would have close to sixty unemployed seafarers that have been devastated by COVID and also the Government's policies  in decimating Australia's shipping.

"So at a time when seafarers are already struggling for employment, this would just absolutely decimate their opportunity to get employment," he said.

Mr. Williams says allowing foreign ships off the coast will replace Australian maritime jobs. 

"It's cheap foreign labour. I think this government doesn't like Australian workers. They want to find the lowest common denominator," he said.

The Union says it's also concerned about the conditions and pay of migrant workers in some circumstances.

"We see examples every day of seafarers being exploited on the Australian coast at the expense of Australian workers," Mr Williams said.

"These people are paid as little as $2 an hour. They're severely exploited, they live in harsh conditions, and it's just terrible treatment."

The Maritime Union's National Secretary, Paddy Crumlin, says Australian fleets are a vital aspect of the nation's infrastructure.

“A smart island nation needs a self-sufficient maritime industry, which is why the Federal Government should be investing in the development of a strategic fleet of local vessels, rather than further weakening our critically-important maritime supply chains.”

Glenn Williams says Australia's coast should be treated like a "blue highway" for Australian fleets to deliver resources during times of crisis.

"If we don't have Australian ships and we don't have Australian crewed vessels, then there's no opportunity for those things to happen in the future," he said.

"It's just crazy at this time when people are struggling and people want to work that they'd be replaced by cheap foreign labour."

Image: Port of Newcastle

Woman Accused Of Assaulting Several People At Merewether Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 29-year-old woman is due to face court today accused assaulting several people at Merewether Beach on Wednesday night.

Police say at about 6.30pm, up to 10 people were accosted by the woman, who allegedly pulled a girl's hair and attempted to steal a bike from another person during her rampage.

She was arrested a short time later at Bar Beach and has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court charged with affray.

Police are urging any alleged victims or witnesses who have yet to speak to them to contact Newcastle Police Station.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen Denies Raping Sex Worker

 BY IAN CROUCH

Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen has denied raping a sex worker in the Blue Mountains after the allegation was raised in state parliament overnight.

Labor MP, Trish Doyle used parliamentary privilege to reveal a sex worker told her she gave consent for a specific sex act before being raped in September 2019.

Ms Doyle didn't name the accused, but Michael Johnsen has released a statement saying he has voluntarily spoken with police and is confident an investigation will find he is innocent.

Mr Johnsen has stepped aside from his Parliamentary Secretary role and will not sit in the Nationals Party Room nor the Joint Party Room.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she was absolutely shocked over the allegations. 

She says her focus is on ensuring justice is served. 

"All of use want to make sure that justice is served well and properly. I'm grateful the police are investigating the matter and all of us want to get to the bottom of it." 

Upper MP Michael Johnsen has denied raping a sex worker

Farley Residents Taking Maitland Council to Court Over Crematorium Approval

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A group of residents living in Farley will challenge the approval of a crematorium in the Land and Environment Court. 

The development to be built on Old North Road was approved by Maitland Council in December 2020. 

The five member group, which includes three neighbors of the proposed development site, have formed an incorporated association, approved by Fair Trading on February 26.

A representative from the association says the crematorium was approved without proper consideration.

Residents where the $3.2 million dollar facility would be located, last year raised concerns about the level of mercury and other substances which will be produced by two unabated gas-fired cremator units and emitted into the air.

The Council, the applicant Hilltop Planners, and the owners of the site Fry Bros Funerals, were served with court summons on March 19. 

A Sydney Barrister has been employed to represent the community association in the Court, with assistance from the University of Newcastle's Legal centre.

Council is reportedly on notice to produce all of the documents relating to the approval of the development by March 25. 

The matter was listed for a hearing on April 30, however was postponed until May 14. 

In a statement Maitland Council said, "Residents have commenced procedures in the NSW Land and Environment Court against Council’s approval of the development applications for the lot known as 48 Old North Road Farley that involve the development of a crematorium, chapel, memorial gardens and other associated works."

Police Numbers Failing to Keep Up With The Hunter's Growing Population

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Concerns have been raised the number of police officers in the Hunter is failing to keep with the region's growing population.

From 2006 to 2020, the local population covered by the Northern Region Command increased by 20 percent while the number of police declined by five percent.

NSW Police Association Executive for Northern 1, Ian Allwood, says police numbers are at the forefront of the community's mind.

"More people are moving here, we know that, and what we're trying to do is keep pace with that population trend that moves up to our beautiful part of the world," Mr Allwood said.

"Sadly, when more people come, they also bring their issues, and that means that your local cops sadly get stretched."

The Newcastle LGA is currently listed in the top ten across 8 crime categories by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

Mr Allwood says the continued support from the community was helping make the case to get police numbers up.

"What people probably don't understand is that the budgetary allocation to have a police officer at a police station is obviously quite high, and it is a competitive process,"  Mr Allwood said.

Waste Levy Waived for Hunter LGA'S Affected by Flooding

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The NSW Government has waived the waste levy fee for residents disposing of flood generated waste in areas across the Hunter that have been declared Natural Disaster Areas.

“As flood waters in some parts of the State start to recede, residents will face a hard and painful clean-up process.

“We have waived the waste levy in flood affected areas to help move the mess quickly and safely," Environment Minister Matt Kean says. 

Residents in Cessnock City, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland City, Newcastle City, and Port Stephens will be able to dispose of all building materials, furniture and any other flood generated waste on both private and public land. 

The exemption applies from 10 March 2021 through to 30 June 2021 on debris and waste created by local flooding. Extensions will be granted upon request to 30 September 2021. 

The list of exempt local government areas will be updated as further natural disaster areas are declared.

Residents can check with their local council for the name, location and opening times of local facilities, as well as for any specific requirements to dispose of flood damaged waste. For more information visit: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/waste/waste-levy.

BREAKING! Brunker Road Adamstown Closed: Tree Down

 BY IAN CROUCH

Emergency services were called to Brunker Road at Adamstown where a tree fell across power lines.

Newcastle Fire Command said the tree has come down outside number 416 Brunker Road between Burn and South Streets.

A crane had to brought in to remove the tree.

A gas leak also complicated the operation, with residents in the vicinity warned to close their windows and avoid open flames.

The gas leak has since been repaired. 

Police closed the road in both directions with Ausgrid emergency crews working to restore power to around 70 homes. 

Ausgrid expect the power to be restored by 1.00pm on Wednesday afternoon. 

Boys Arrested Over Alleged Robbery At Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three boys are in custody accused a robbing a juvenile at Wallsend overnight.

Police say the trio approached the boy in  Kokera Street at about 10.30pm on Tuesday and demanded his mobile phone.

The boy complied and the trio fled.

All three were arrested about two hours later at a home in Maryland.

They were taken to Newcastle Police Station and are expected to face the Children's Court at a later date charged with robbery.

It's believed the alleged victim and the offenders are known to each other.

Unions Says Under-resourcing is Making it Harder to Conduct Flood Rescues in the Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Fire Brigade Employees Union says under-resourcing across the Hunter is making it harder to conduct flood rescues. 

The FBEU is calling on the NSW government for increased resources in response to climate change related disasters, including bushfires and floods. 

The Union's NSW Secretary Leighton Drury says cuts to funding, and training programs over the past decade are making it harder to keep the community safe.  

“Over the last week Fire Rescue NSW has completed hundreds of flood related rescues and call-outs across the state, around eight times our normal workload." 

"What we're seeing specifically across the Hunter, we've only got very few swift in water technicians. We have to wait for equipment to come up from Sydney, which obviously puts a time delay on putting our technicians in the water, the very few that we do have." 

The FBEU says there's not enough professional fire fighters across the region, and they are too heavily reliant on volunteers to fill in the gap the Government has created by not having funded professionals. 

"Certainly we need more resources at Port Stephens, Cessnock and Rutherford. We need more retained brigades moving into these growing areas around Medowie, Fletcher and Huntley."

“FBEU members give a guarantee of service with 90% of calls responded to within 10 minutes, but we haven't seen an increase in professional fire fighters in the last decade, we need at least another 100 around the Hunter region."

 

Flood Update Monday 22/03/2021 1.00pm

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the Hunter, with damaging winds, heavy rainfall and abnormally high tides, and damaging surf expected on Monday. 

The BOM is forecasting up to 50 millimeters of rain to fall throughout the region today, with the SES predicting between 150 and 200 millimeters could fall in parts of the Hunter Valley. 

There is still a major flood warning in place for the Wollombi Brook at Bulga, with minor flooding at Wollombi and along the Hunter River at Maitland. 

The Golden Highway remains closed between Range Road and the New England Highway, as does Main Road between Avery Lane and Russell Street, between Cliftleigh and Gillieston Heights. 

There are a number of roads closed throughout Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

Singleton Council has implemented their Local Emergency Management Procedure. 

Council crews have been working around the clock to respond to incidents, including land slips on Carrowbrook Road, water over roads, and two vehicles lost in causeways.

 

Crews are today double checking road closures as well as inspecting critical assets such as bridges and causeways for damage. Staff are providing twice daily briefs and will prioritise road defects on major roads.

Fort Scratchley will remain closed until Saturday, with the tunnels currently under water and the grounds waterlogged.

 An inspection will be made on Friday and advice on opening for the weekend will be made on the Fort Scratchley website and Facebook.

The Newcastle Airport runway has been closed due to flooding, with the closure remaining in place until midday on Wednesday.

Trains will remain suspended today between the Newcastle interchange, and Fassifern, Maitland, Dungog and Scone. 

A number of Hunter region schools are closed today due to flooding.

These are:
Booral Public School
Bulahdelah Central School
Dungog Public School
Hinton Public School
Laguna Public School
Millers Forest Public School
St Joseph’s Primary School, Bulahdelah
St Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester

Flood Update Monday 22/3/2021 at 5.20am

 BY IAN CROUCH

Several areas across the Hunter have been declared Natural Disaster areas as the east coast continues to feel the impact of the most significant storm and flood event in decades.

Newcastle City, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock and Dungog Local Government Areas have been included in 34 Natural Disaster Declarations across NSW.

The Weather Bureau says more rain with possible heavy falls is likely again today and tomorrow and many locals roads in these areas are under water.

Minor flooding is continuing along the Williams and Paterson Rivers, however the area of most concern this morning is the Wollombi Brook at Bulga, where major flooding is occurring.

This is likely to impact on areas further downstream of the Hunter River, with the Melville Ford Bridge at Aberglasslyn likely to close, while low lying areas in Raymond Terrace could be inundated.

The Newcastle Airport runway has been closed due to flooding, with the closure remaining in place until midday on Wednesday.

Trains will remain suspended today between Newcastle,and Fassifern.

A number of Hunter region schools are closed today due to flooding.

These are:

Booral Public School
Bulahdelah Central School
Dungog Public School
Hinton Public School
Laguna Public School
Millers Forest Public School
St Joseph’s Primary School, Bulahdelah
St Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester

Main Road At Testers Hollow is one of several local roads in the Hunter affected by flooding

Violent Incidents on the Rise in Hunter Schools

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The number of violent incidents in schools across the Hunter and NSW has almost doubled in the space of 12 months prompting concern from parents and community groups.

While there were 1281 violent incidents in 2018, this number leapt to 2146 throughout 2019, despite incidents of drug use remaining stable.

Almost 60 incidents involving assault were recorded at schools across Lake Macquarie in 2019.

One incident in Lake Macquarie East saw police contacted after a student ran across the playground and hit another student during an unprovoked attack, causing bruising. 

More than 30 incidents of assault were also reported at Maitland schools in a single year, 26 in Port Stephens schools, and another 17 in the Newcastle school network.

The Department of Education said the majority of weapon incidents involved children who did not know that an item was prohibited, and that data showed schools were still among the safest places in the community.

Crews Work for Six Hours to Clear Underground Car Park at Nelson Bay Inundated by Water

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Fire and Rescue crews from Port Stephens worked for over six hours on Thursday to clear over one metre of stormwater from an underground car park at Nelson Bay.

Crews were were called to the scene on Victoria Road around 10.20am after the integrated pump system in the car park failed.

They worked for a number of hours to render the area safe, finishing up just after 4.30pm.

Following significant rainfall across NSW, Nelson Bay is one of many communities being impacted by flash flooding, stormwater and severe weather, which is predicted to continue over the coming days.

With Fire and Rescue NSW crews attending multiple flooding events this week, Superintendent Scott Dodson said it was imperative for people to remain vigilant, to stay out of floodwaters, and not to attempt to cross flooded waterways.

"Now is the time for residents to monitor weather conditions, and to immediately call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency," he said.

Ausgrid Working to Restore Power to Over A Thousand Residents Around Cessnock

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Ausgrid are working to restore power to over 1000 homes and businesses around Cessnock.

Currently around 1300 residents are without power around Cessnock, Nulkaba, Sawyers Gully, North Rothbury, Neath and Lovedale areas. 

They're hoping to have the power switched back on by 2.00pm on Friday afternoon. 

RFS Crews were called to Neath Road at Kearsley around 11.00am to reports a tree had fallen down onto power lines. 

It has since been cleared. 

Draft Strategy Released to Clean Up Air Across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Government has proposed a new draft plan which hopes to turn air pollution in the Hunter around for good.

The Draft Clean Air Strategy, released on Thursday, addresses a number of key areas in air quality policy, including cleaning up industry, making fuel and transport greener, and being better prepared for pollution events.

Environment Minister Matt Kean says last year's bushfires highlighted the fact there was work to be done in the area.

“Our Draft Clean Air Strategy sets out five key action areas to mitigate community exposure to poor air quality, both during extreme events and on a day-to-day basis," Mr Kean said.

“We’re asking everyone with an interest in air quality in NSW to help us shape the final Strategy by sharing your knowledge and providing your feedback."

The draft plan draws on previous public consultation and a number of other Government policies.

But while Singleton GP Dr Robert Vickers says the Government's new proposal is exciting, there were fatal flaws still not addressed by the current version of the plan.

"We know the problem with the load-based licensing scheme is that mines are exempt," Dr Vickers said.

"The idea of load-based licensing is that your license fees, that you pay to the EPA, are dependent on how much total pollution you emit. When you're responsible for 90% of the coarse pollution in your area, it's a bit ineffective to be exempt from that scheme."

Community groups are also calling for stricter regulations on local power stations to bring emissions in line with global standards.

Dr Vickers says he's hoping the Government takes this community consultation on board. 

"We've done the work for them," Dr Vickers said. "It goes into the detail of what needs to be done, it's evidence-based."

"It's great to see Minister Kean commit to releasing this plan, I have no doubt that he's probably going to cop a lot of flak from it from some of the industry, and we fully support him implementing a plan, but we want to make sure that it's evidence-based and it's going to be effective."

Members of the public can provide feedback on the plan at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/clean-air-strategy.

SES Warning Bulahdelah Residents to Prepare for Evacuation Orders

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicting possible flooding along the Myall River for the Bulahdelah areas.

Residents and visitors to these areas are being urged to take action now to prepare for possible flood impacts.

NSW SES is advising residents in low lying areas of the following locations they may need to evacuate due to rising flood water.

These areas include:

• Low lying properties in River Street

• Myall Street

• Richmond Street (West of Alexandra Street)

• Stuart Street (West of Alexandra Street)

• Stroud Street (South of Stuart Street)

• Blanch Street (West of Crawford Street)

• Prince Street (South of Richmond Street)

• Jackson Street

• Alexandra Street (South of Stuart Street)

• Rotary Park on the banks of Myall River

• Bulahdelah Showground

Low lying properties may experience impacts due to flash flooding and/or riverine flooding.

Storm and flood impacts may interrupt essential services such as electricity, phones, internet, water and sewerage.

People in these areas need to closely monitor weather and road closures and make informed decisions early based on individual circumstances.

Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.

A Flood Evacuation Order will be issued by the NSW SES if and when evacuations are required.

Simple things you can do now:

• Lift possessions and important items above the predicted flood height.

• Take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables

with you.

• Leave as early as possible to avoid restricted roads.

• Share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible

For more information on:

• Follow us on Facebook at /NSWSES or our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

• Latest Weather, Warnings, Rainfall and River heights: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/

• Road Closures: www.livetraffic.com.au or http://www.myroadinfo.com.au

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.

Two Men Charged over Alleged Stabbing at Cliftleigh

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Two men will face court today charged over the alleged stabbing of a man at Cliftleigh. 

About 1.50am on March 5, emergency services were called to a home on Shalistan Street following reports two men had been stabbed during a physical altercation.

On arrival, police found a 23-year-old man with stab wounds to his chest and head.

A short time later, police were notified after a 27-year-old man attended Maitland Hospital suffering stab wounds to his chest and neck.

Around 1.30pm on Thursday, strike force detectives attended a home on Shalistan Street and arrested two men – aged 23 and 66.

Both men were taken to Cessnock Police Station, where the younger man was charged with attempted murder and wound with intent to murder.

The older man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and accessory after the fact to attempted murder.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Friday. 

Two Men Face Court Accused Of Dealing Drugs From Kotara Barber Shop

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men will face court again in May after being arrested on serious drugs charges.

The 38 and 51-year-olds are accused of supplying the drug ICE from a Barber Shop at Westfield Kotara.

Police also found $5,000 in cash in a drawer inside the store and later recovered methylamphetamine at a unit on Newcastle Beach.

Both men have been charged drug-related offences including supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and dealing in the proceeds of crime.

They've been remanded in custody until their next court appearance in May.

A 38-year-old man was arrested at Westfield Kotara

 

Hunter Braces For Flash Flooding

 BY IAN  CROUCH

The State Emergency Service is bracing for a busy 48 hours in the Hunter as a low pressure system moves south from the Mid North Coast, bringing heavy rain and possible thunderstorms.

The Weather Bureau says we can expect up to 80 millimetres today and 100 millimetres tomorrow, with isolated falls topping 200 millimetres.

A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for the region with intense rainfall which could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds with gusts reaching in excess of 90 kilometres per hour.

The region has already been lashed with rainfall, and the weather bureau says things will only get worse before conditions improve on Sunday.

Blacksmiths has recorded 187 millimetres since 9.00am on Thursday, Merewether 140 and Adamstown 120.

At Grahamstown Dam, water is flowing over the spillway for the first time since January 2016.

Several roads were flooded while buses are replacing trains between Maitland and Scone today due to flooding on the tracks.

The SES says moderate to major flooding is expected on the Patterson and Williams Rivers; minor to moderate flooding is likely at Wollombi Brook and on the Lower Hunter River while local and minor flooding is expected in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

The Williams River at Dungog is likely to exceed 4.90 metres by 3:00 pm Friday, with minor flooding.

 The river level may reach the moderate flood level (7.60 m) late Friday into Saturday.

The severe weather has prompted the University of Newcastle to close the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses until Sunday night when the weather situation will be reviewed. 

Hunter Residents Warned to be on Flood Watch with Parts of Lake Macquarie Already Copping a Drenching

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning Hunter residents to be on flood watch. 

The Bureau has advised that heavy rainfall and damaging winds are expected on Thursday into the weekend, with between 50 and 100 millimetres forecast to fall across the region from today until Saturday.

68 millimetres of rain had already fallen at Blacksmiths in Lake Macquarie since 9am on Thursday as of 1.00pm, and 50 millimetres at Mereweather. 

Minor to moderate flooding is expected in the Wollombi Brook & Lower Hunter River. 

Locals are being reminded not to drive through flood waters, after a driver was rescued by the State Emergency Service after getting stuck in floodwaters on Oakdale Road at Gateshead. 

SES Deputy Commissioner, Daniel Austin says everyone needs to be careful. 

"It doesn't take much water to float a car, about 15 centimeters is all it takes. You see images all the time of people trying to drive through well over the wheel arches."

A number of roads are affected by flood waters including;

• The Pacific Highway at Ferodale
• The Newcastle Inner City Bypass near University Drive
• Warners Bay on King Street between Hillsborough Road/Medcalf Street and Myles Avenue 
• One of two northbound lanes closed on the Pacific Highway at Gateshead near the inner city bypass. 

Hunter Water says heavy rain events lead to storm water and debris infiltrating the wastewater system and can cause overflows.

Marine Rescue NSW is also warning boaters to stay off the water. 

Foreshore Drive, Corlette, Port Stephens  Image: Port Stephens Council