Entangled humpback whale spotted off Port Stephens

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Boaters and coastal residents are being encouraged to be on the lookout, after an entangled humpback whale was spotted off Port Stephens on Wednesday afternoon.

Rescue organisations were notified on Thursday morning, after a photographer at Boat Harbour noticed the entanglement while looking at the pictures afterwards.

The animal's understood to be heading north, further up the coastline, with an orange buoy tangled and splashing behind it.

It's likely the whale could be killed if it isn't freed from the entanglement.

It's estimated it could be off the Coffs Harbour coast by Friday morning.

Image credit: Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia.

Energy regulator sets sights on Hunter Transmission Project to counter blackouts

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has released a new 30-year roadmap, hoping to safeguard the electricity grid across the Hunter and the country against further energy crises.

The Integrated System Plan is calling for more investment in new transmission lines, with the expectation the grid will be able to meet 100 percent of demand with entirely renewable energy sources.

The plan argues a nine-fold increase in wind and solar capacity, five-fold in rooftop solar, and triple in storage, gas, and hydro will be needed to secure supply, with electricity consumption expected to double by 2050.

Five major project areas have been identified, including a Sydney Ring proposal, focusing on energy supply to Newcastle, Wollongong, and Sydney.

The northern part of the project, the Hunter Transmission Project, is likely to revolve around large-scale capacity projects like the Waratah Super Battery and other development around renewable energy zones.

Climate Council Senior Researcher Tim Baxter says it's critical infrastructure for the region's future.

"The Waratah Super Battery is the type of project that the work on transmission will enable," he said. 

"That allows us to shore up the grid, it allows us to enable deeper penetration of cheap and clean renewable energy."

"For industrial places like the Hunter, that's going to mean the ability to deliver cheap Australian energy, produced from the wind and sun."

A 500kV transmission link is also being proposed between the Eraring and Bayswater substations.

The option is being estimated to cost as much as $1.35 billion, with a southern alternative costed at more than $3 billion.

The report suggests delivery in 2027-28, dependent on other constraints.

Warners Bay pair charged after drug supply investigation

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Two people have been charged after a three-month investigation into drug supply across Lake Macquarie.

Detectives with the Lake Macquarie Police District began their inquiries in March, focusing on methylamphetamine and GHB supply in Warners Bay and nearby suburbs.

Detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Yorston Street in Warners Bay, about 1pm on Tuesday, where they spoke with and arrested a 40-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman.

During the search, police located and seized methylamphetamine, cannabis leaf, vials of steroids, GHB, buprenorphine strips, and other drug paraphernalia. 

The man and woman were taken to Belmont Police Station. 

The man was charged with eight offences, relating to drug supply, drug possession, and allowing the property to be used as a drug premises, and will appear in court on Wednesday.

The woman was issued with a field court attendance notice for the offence of drug possession, and is due to appear at Belmont Local Court next Friday.

Dairy Farmers Towers development approved, but light rail future remains unclear

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle Council has given the green light to a $110 million apartment development in Newcastle West, but the move has put future extensions of the light rail in doubt.

It's understood, three of four proposed routes for an extension to Tudor Street run through the Dairy Farmers Corner property, where work will begin on the mixed-use residential-commercial project in coming months.

Transport for NSW okayed the project earlier this year, saying it couldn't say otherwise, because it hadn't come to a decision on where or when a future extension of the light rail might happen.

A fourth corridor floated by the Department avoids the Dairy Farmers site completely, travelling via Selma Street and Gordon Avenue

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp says the developer is not to blame, but the State Government should be planning ahead of urban development, rather than around.

Transport for NSW has been approached for comment on the future of the light rail extension.

Meanwhile, the Dairy Farmers Towers development is slated for completion in 2024, the company behind the project saying it was excited to move forward with construction. 

Image credit: Dairy Farmers Towers.

New bee biosecurity zones in Seaham and Bulahdelah as varroa mite crisis worsens

BY DAKOTA TAIT

New biosecurity zones have been established for beekeepers, after varroa mite was detected at three more properties across Newcastle, Seaham, and Bulahdelah.

It means more hives will now need to be destroyed in the new eradication zones.

All colonies in a 50 kilometre radius of the new epicentres must be reported to the Department of Primary Industries, while those within 25 kilometres should keep an eye on their colonies for the pests.

The zone around the Port of Newcastle also remains in place.

No bees or hives can be moved at any location across New South Wales.

Image credit: Kate Washington MP.

Last chance for Hunter to grab free flu jab

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter residents are reminded, the NSW Government's free flu shot scheme will finish at the end of the month. 

Residents have until this Thursday 30th June to take advantage of the program. 

Free flu shots are available at GPs for anyone aged 6 months and over, as well as at pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

Many GP's and pharmacies in the region are still taking walk-in appointments and are encouraging locals to help stop the spread. 

Hunter New England Health public health physician, Dr David Durrheim, said it's not too late to protect yourself. 

"We've certainly seen an increase in the number of people who've been jabbed during June which is fantastic, but there's still opportunities for people to grab the vaccine in these last couple of days to get the whole family protected," Dr Durrheim said. 

He also reminded residents not to forget about COVID, with the rise in flu cases. 

"We've seen in the last three months, already over 6,200 Influenza A cases in the Hunter New England region, which is an enormous number. Two thirds of those cases have been in the last three weeks; there's plenty of flu about, you're going to encounter flu, so it's a really good idea to be protected as maximally as possible." 

"Anybody who hasn't had their flu jab should get their flu jab as soon as possible. Anybody who's due for either their third dose or their winter booster of the COVID jab, really don't delay any longer," he said.  

The flu vaccine will remain free for vulnerable individuals and high-risk groups, including children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and over, and those with diabetes, serious heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, immunosuppression and obesity.

Hunter residents have until tomorrow to get their free flu shot. 

Disqualified Driver Arrested At Cardiff

 BY IN CROUCH

A disqualified driver is due to front court today (Wednesday 29 June, 2022)  after leading police on a pursuit from Hamilton to Cardiff.

Police say officers noticed a Mazda 3 being driven erratically in Beaumont Street just before 10.00pm on Tuesday.

They began following the car when the driver failed to stop, with the car allegedly swerving onto the wrong side of the road.

A Polair fixed wing aircraft tracked the car to an industrial estate in Pendlebury Road where the driver dumped the vehicle and ran off.

The 24-year-old man from Birmingham Gardens was arrested a short time later.

He's been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today charged with disqualified and dangerous driving.

Works underway on new John Hunter Hospital facility

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Works are set to soon begin on the new Health and Innovation Precinct at the John Hunter Hospital.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited the site on Tuesday morning, picking up a shovel to turn the first sod at the site.

The $835 million project includes a seven-storey, state-of-the-art acute services building.

Mr Hazzard says it's important the Hunter has the healthcare services to keep up with the population.

"I know from my local family members that the growth in the Hunter particularly is quite incredible," he said. "We're probably expecting, I think, about 22 percent growth just in the next 15 years."

"Increasing the emergency department by about 40 percent, the theatres by about 50 percent, the ICU by about 60 percent, and of course all of the other services, including the paediatric services and so on, is just going to make a huge difference."

The facility will also include more adult and paediatric critical care services, a birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit, a neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery, a new rooftop helipad, and more than 900 car spaces for staff and visitors.

The project is expected to be complete in 2026.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited the site on Tuesday morning.

An artist's impression of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct.

Concern missing Central Coast girl could be in Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Central Coast.

Jordyn Rodgers, aged 14, was last seen on Wednesday 8 June 2022 at an address on Rein Drive, Wadalba. 

After failing to return to home, officers began extensive inquiries to locate her. 

She's known to frequent Newcastle, Gosford and the Sydney CBD and could be travelling by train, but hasn't yet been found.

Family and police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age. 

Jordyn is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160-165cm tall, of medium build, with black hair and blue eyes. 

She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black ripped jeans and white Adidas shoes. 

Fresh look for Catherine Hill Bay in new masterplan

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Catherine Hill Bay could look a whole lot different, with a new draft masterplan for the region now on public exhibition.

Lake Macquarie councillors voted to put the plan to the community at their meeting on Monday night.

The Catherine Hill Bay Precincts Master Plan includes a brand new community hub, with a hall, cafe, and social rooms, as well as a new surf lifesaving club and neighbourhood play space.

The surf club building at the southern end of Catherine Hill Bay and the northern oval, as well as its surrounds, have been selected as two locations host the new infrastructure. 

It's hoped the plan will help the region cope with a growing population and demand for infrastructure.

Port Stephens Man Facing Court Over Illegal Protests In Sydney

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Port Stephens man is due to face court today (Tuesday 28 June, 2022) accused of taking part in illegal protests in Sydney.

The 25-year-old from Brandy Hill was one of ten people arrested for disrupting traffic on Monday morning in the Sydney CBD.

Police say up to 60 people took part in a march through the city's streets which brought traffic to a grinding halt.

The 25-year-old has been charged with enter Sydney Harbour Bridge and disrupting vehicles.

He's also been charged with two counts of obstructing drivers and other pedestrians and has been refused bail to face Central Local Court today.

The charges carry the state government's increased penalties of up to $22,000 and two year's gaol.

University of Newcastle Announces New Brain Cancer Research Centre

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The University of Newcastle is taking a step towards finding a cure for brain cancer, with the announcement of a new research centre. 

The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research builds on the existing partnership between the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) and the University, with MHF having now committed over $15 million over five years to establish a dedicated research team and centre. 

A $10 million contribution from the University makes the centre a $25 million philanthropic investment. 

Bringing in colleagues from HMRI and the local heath district, as well as a national network of experts in the field, the centre will drive critical research, education, and health care improvements for brain cancer patients across the country, as well as their families and carers, and heath professionals. 

Professor Michael Fay will join the University as the MHF Foundation Chair in Brain Cancer and as Director of the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, bringing with him extensive experience in brain cancer research and medical and radiation oncology. 

He said his team of researchers has already begun work to improve outcomes for brain cancer patients.

"There's a whole lot of different streams of research being done at the moment, for instance, developing new tests and new types of imaging for brain cancer. We want to translate these into patients as quickly as we can, so, take them out of the laboratory and into the clinical arena where we hope they can be used for patient benefit," Professor Fay said. 

"The problem with high-grade brain cancer, or glioblastoma, is that the outlook hasn't really changed in 20 years. Lots of things have been tried- chemotherapy was brought in during the early 2000's- but things really haven't improved much and for a lot of these patients, the outcomes are really poor."

A previous recipient of the MHF HMRI Clinical Research Fellowship, Professor Fay said the Foundation's commitment to the cause was inspiring.  

"I'm just delighted by the ongoing support from the Foundation and I think all of the brain cancer researchers locally would feel the same way," he said. 

"The fight against brain cancer is an urgent one and the establishment of a dedicated brain cancer research centre further cements our commitment to helping solve this devastating disease. My ambition is to advance brain cancer research and achieve the greatest impact for brain cancer patients and their families". 

Kirralee Hughes, Mark Hughes, Professor Alex Zelinsky, and Professor Elizabeth Sullivan

Hunter beekeepers heartbroken amid emergency eradication order

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter beekeepers are facing a tough future, after a deadly parasite detected at the Port of Newcastle has led to emergency orders across the state.

The Department of Primary Industries has issued a statewide lockdown in response to the detection of varroa mite last week, meaning hives and bees cannot be moved anywhere across NSW.

A 50 kilometre biosecurity zone remains in force around the Port of Newcastle, but amateur and commercial beekeepers within a 10 kilometre will likely see their bee populations euthanised as a precaution.

Hunter Valley Amateur Beekeepers Association Vice-President David Vial says it's the right move, but local beekeepers are understandably devastated.

"Hundreds of beekeepers and thousands of hives," he said. "I'm at Williamtown, and I've got about 160 or 180 hives, so they'll all be euthanised.

"I know of a couple of commercial beekeepers in the area that have probably got roughly 3000 hives between them, plus all the other smaller beekeepers around the area."

"I've got a queen breeding program here at Williamtown, that I've been working on for the last five or six years. That's all going to be lost, so we've basically got to start again. We'll need new bee stock. From what I can hear, we can't have bees for the next six months."

Australia is the only major honey producer free of the pest, but no country has ever succeeded in containing the parasite.

90 percent of hived bees in New Zealand were wiped out when the parasite arrived across the ditch two years ago.

NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders says varroa mite could cost the local industry as much as $70 million a year if it wasn't quashed early, by affecting both the production of honey for food, and the pollination of plant species.

"The financial impact, through pollination - it's all going to be reduced," Mr Vial said.

"Your local vegetables aren't going to be pollinated like they were. We're already seeing food shortages in the supermarkets because of the floods, but this is just another impact that we weren't even expecting to happen."

Newcastle forum set to discuss energy issues

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Future energy plans will be discussed at length, in the Newcastle Institute's next monthly forum.

The forum will include experts across three renewable energy topics, including green hydrogen, technologies, and future job arrangements.

Speakers include engineer and researcher Dr Jessica Allen, the NSW Treasury Energy Corporation's Adam Clarke, and Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Warwick Jordan.

Chairman Ross Kerridge says it's an important topic to discuss.

"There is still a lot of questions about how this is going to happen, how the technology works and how it will impact jobs," he said.

"New energy provides new challenges, which will impact infrastructure and jobs in the Hunter, so we need to know about those things."

"There's going to be a need for new infrastructure to provide stable energy, and store it when it's in abundance."

The forum comes amid major shifts to the region's energy sector, such as the Mount Arthur Coal Mine's recently announced 2030 closure. 

The event's scheduled for July 13 at the United Sports Club in Adamstown.

BREAKING! Police Involved In Early-Morning Pursuit Of Two Stolen Cars

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have been involved in a pursuit of two stolen cars early Monday morning.

It's believed two young males working together have stolen a White Audi A8 and a Black Chrysler 300c from the Lake Macquarie area.

Police say they've engaged the vehicles in a pursuit on a couple occasions since 4.00am around Hamilton and Lambton, but they've called off the chase on each occasion for safety reasons.

The cars have allegedly reached speeds of up to 130km/h in a 70 zone.

The Audi has the rego number DDY 13U and the Chrysler has the rego MAF 114.

Anyone who spots either car is urged to contact Waratah Police Station.

Honey bee disease detected in Port of Newcastle hives

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The NSW Government is warning beekeepers across the state to be on alert, after biosecurity surveillance detected Varroa mite in hives at the Port of Newcastle.  

Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders says swift measures are being taken to contain the disease, which is the most serious pest for honey bees worldwide.   

“We have immediately launched an eradication plan which involved setting up a biosecurity zone, containing the infected hives and euthanising the bees,” he said.  

“Australia is the only major honey producing country free from Varroa mite and if it has the chance to establish here, it could cost the honey industry more than $70 million a year."

The Biosecurity Zone covers an area within a 50 kilometre radius of the Port of Newcastle. 

Beekeepers within this zone must not move or tamper with their hives.  

They must also notify the NSW Department of Primary Industries with the location of all of their hives. 

“Biosecurity is one of my top priorities and beekeepers have been working with the Government through the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program to act as an early warning system,” Mr Saunders said.  

“If it weren’t for their diligence in monitoring hives and catch boxes at strategic locations around our ports and airports, this threat may have gone undetected.”  

The mites are tiny reddish-brown parasites and are easily identifiable to the naked eye.  

Varroa mite on a bee. Image credit: www.agric.wa.gov.au

Port Stephens Marine Rescue up ship's creek with budget cuts

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

A key partnership between Marine Rescue Port Stephens and the Rural Fire Service is set to come to an end.

The arrangement saw the volunteer-run Marine Rescue handle calls for the RFS across the Hunter region for more than 10 years.

However, due to the RFS moving to centralize all communication services going forward, the arrangement has become forfeit and upwards of $70,000 in funding went with it.

Marine Rescue Commander Ben Van Der Wijngaart says he is fortunate that Marine Rescue still has a dedicated band of volunteers, but more needs to be done.

"We've been going now for forty years, operating 24/7, seven days a week, all year round and we are determined to maintain that service," he said.

With an operating budget now down to $100,000, it will leave Marine Rescue dependent on other revenue sources to keep running.

At present, the State Government chips in $30,000 per annum, with the other $70,000 made up by the organisation, whether that be in fundraising or sales from their gift shop.

Credit: Marine Rescue Port Stephens Facebook

Hunter high school students flush out study centre in e-cigarette incident

BY ALEXANDRA REES

Students at Callaghan College Jesmond have blocked a toilet after flushing vaping devices earlier this month.

The school's senior study centre was temporarily closed on June 10th, due to the blockage.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education told the Newcastle Herald, vaping can have detrimental health consequences for youth.

"Harmful long term effects to the physical and brain development of young people are clear," the spokesperson said.

"The dangers of e-cigarettes are regularly discussed with students across New South Wales using the government's Vaping Toolkit, which includes evidence based resources and educational materials for parents, young people and schools." 

Vaping can lead to seizures and in some cases be fatal, containing harmful substances found in cleaning products such as nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray. 

The incident has sparked an onset of disciplinary measures if students are caught vaping on school grounds. 

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has described the epidemic as the second-leading health issue behind COVID-19.

Stockton Beach not much closer to solution after taskforce meeting

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government is standing firm, claiming it can't take responsibility for sand nourishment works at Stockton Beach, despite another taskforce meeting with the Deputy Premier.

The City of Newcastle insists it's not on them either, but New South Wales says it can't apply for a sand mining licence, because it's the mining regulator.

Offshore sand is considered a mineral product, meaning separate exploration and mining licences are required for the project, though an exploration licence and a suitable sources of sand have already been identified and resolved. 

But the Stockton community remains frustrated by the delays, with the beach having been lashed this year, following large storms and heavy swells with the La Niña weather event.

Stockton Community Liaison Group Chair Barbara Whitcher says the community just wants the Government to get a move on.

"I really think that the Deputy Premier could be much more supportive," she said. "He did say that the State has contributed nearly a million dollars towards a solution for Stockton Beach, but Newcastle City Council and the Hunter Water Board have been putting in massive amounts."

"The NSW Government has enormous resources. They've been trying to put the responsibility onto a council.

"I'm assuming this will happen with all councils up and down the coast, where there are other areas that are facing climate change challenges, which we have on top of this other major problem of the breakwall."

Council is set to meet with the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation, in hopes to resolve the conflict of interest and come up with a solution.

If the nourishment plan gets off the ground, 2.4 million cubic metres of sand will initially be collected and used to restore the shoreline.  

The Deputy Premier's Office says the Government is committed to finding a solution, though it's understood the dispute over responsibility for the mining license stretches back more than two years.

Ms Whitcher says the legislation could need to change, when it comes to mining for the sake of coastal restoration.

"This has been known now for years," she said. "It's an issue that we've been fighting for a long time."

"If it was an easy thing for a council to do, it would've been done. The issue is that Stockton has an urgent situation now, but there are going also to be other coastal areas that could benefit."

Image credit: Save Stockton Beach.

Police searching for owner of instruments dumped in Mulbring

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police have launched an appeal to the public after a trio of instruments was recovered in bushland at Mulbring.

The three instruments include a banjo, an acoustic guitar, and a bass guitar.

Officers say they've made inquiries with local music stores, but haven't been able to identify an owner.

Anyone with information or evidence of ownership is being urged to contact police.

Hunter Valley Police Search For Wanted Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are appealing for help to find a man wanted over a string of serious offenses.

They say 35-year-old Luke Atkinson is wanted on outstanding warrants for drugs, property, weapons, stealing, assault, traffic and fraud offences.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 175 to 180 centimetres tall with a medium build, shaved head an unshaven facial hair and is known to frequent the Hunter Valley and Sutherland areas in SYDNEY.

Police say he shouldn't be approached and anyone who sees him should call Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers.

Wanted man Luke Atkinson

BREAKING! Clandestine Drug Lab Uncovered At Anna Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Port Stephens Police have located a clandestine drug lab operating in a house at Anna Bay.

A local real estate agent went to conduct an inspection of a house in Gan Gan Road at about 5.00pm on Thursday when they discovered glassware and chemicals inside.

Police have set up a crime scene, with officers from the State Crime Command's Chemical Operations Team to carry out forensic testing of the chemical believed to be Methylampetamine.

It's understood the house has been recently repossessed by a bank.

BREAKING! Police Car Rammed By Stolen Car At Heatherbrae

 BY IAN CROUCH

A police car has been rammed as officers tried to stop a stolen car at Heatherbrae.

Police say a white Ford Ranger was stolen from an address at Nelson Bay between 8.30 and 9.00pm on Thursday, with officers later responding to reports of a vehicle matching the description acting suspiciously.

They spotted the vehicle at the BP Service Station at Heatherbrae just before 11.00pm and tried to block the exit, but the driver allegedly rammed the front of their car and sped off down the Pacific Highway towards Newcastle.

The Police car sustained only minor damage the officers began pursuing the vehicle, which they say reached speeds of 100km/h in an 80 zone.

They called off the chase shortly after it began when the driver crossed to the wrong side of the road and almost collided with an oncoming car and a truck.

Police say the Ford Ranger has the registration CT 62 DM

Anyone who sees the car is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Newcastle bus drivers reach agreement with Keolis Downer

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle bus drivers have ended their industrial action, after operator Keolis Downer reached an in-principle agreement with the union.  

It's understood, the company has agreed to a seven percent pay increase over two years, from November in 2022 and 2023, and will also be backpaid a three percent rise from last November.  

Ten other conditions have also been included to ease the work-life balance for members.

Keolis Downer originally offered a 10.5 percent pay rise over four years.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union members are set to vote, to accept or reject the offer. 

Man loses arm in industrial accident at Tomago

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, after his arm was severed in an accident at a Tomago workplace.

Paramedics attended the Kennington Drive site around 8pm on Wednesday night.

The accident occurred while the man was operating heavy machinery.

The man is believed to be aged in his 30s and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

It's understood, the man has or is likely to lose his arm. 

Trio charged after shots fired in Hunter Valley police pursuit

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Three people have been charged and two firearms seized following a pursuit and ongoing investigations into alleged firearm thefts in the Hunter. 

Earlier in June, officers with the Hunter Valley Police District began investigations into the alleged thefts of firearms from rural properties across the Upper Hunter Valley. 

After inquiries, a PolAir fixed-wing aircraft began to follow a Landcruiser about 5pm on Tuesday afternoon, which was seen driving through Muswellbrook and Scone, after receiving reports it had allegedly been previously used in a number of thefts. 

The vehicle was tracked to the car park of a fast-food restaurant on Kelly Street in Scone, when officers from Hunter Valley Police District attempted to stop the vehicle. 

The Landcruiser allegedly rammed a police vehicle before driving from the scene. 

PolAir continued to follow the vehicle to Swinging Ridges Road in Willow Tree, when one of the occupants of the vehicle climbed onto the rear tray of the Landcruiser and allegedly discharged several rounds from a firearm. 

The Landcruiser continued to a station on Merriwa Road at Little Jacks Creek, where it entered bushland and the three occupants left the vehicle before fleeing into nearby bushland. 

With the assistance of PolAir, officers located and arrested a man and two women in nearby bushland about 2.30am. 

Police searched the area and located two firearms, which were seized for forensic examination.

Subsequent checks revealed the vehicle had been stolen from the Southern Highlands earlier this month.

The trio were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station, where the 26-year-old man was charged.

He appeared before Muswellbrook Local Court on Wednesday and was formally refused bail to reappear before the same court in July. 

A 27-year-old woman was charged, but was granted conditional bail to appear before the court next month. 

A 23-year-old woman also faces charges, and was refused bail to appear before the court on Thursday.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Mayor calls for change to Cessnock parking rules

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Cessnock Mayor Jay Suvaal has written to the Transport Minister and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr in the hopes of changing a controversial parking rule.

The Council's seeking an exemption to a parking rule, which bans people from parking on footpaths and nature strips.

"We are asking the Minister to consider a common-sense approach that would allow Councils to put in place rules that suit local conditions," Cr Suvaal said.   

"Within the Cessnock Local Government Area, there are many villages and rural communities where parking on the nature strip does not present a risk to other vehicles or pedestrians."

Council was required to abandon a 'three-metre rule' policy in 2021, which allowed people to park on the nature strip if there was no kerb and the vehicle was at least three metres from the property boundary.

Man To Face Court Over Alleged Wild Pursuit At More Than 200Km/h

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to face court over a high speed pursuit from the Mid North Coast to Port Stephens.

Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop a Porsche Cayman on the Pacific Highway at Coolongolook yesterday afternoon following reports about its manner of driving.

However police say the driver failed to stop and continued southbound on the highway at speeds in excess of 200km/h.

The car reached Heatherbrae and entered a car park and did laps before heading onto Banks Street and crashing into a fence.

The driver, a 20-year-old man, wasn't injured and was arrested at the scene.

Police say the car was reported stolen from Brisbane on Sunday.

The man's been charged with 11 offences including larceny and drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous.

He's been refused bail to front Raymond Terrace Court today (Thursday 23 June 2022).

Police say a stolen Porsche Cayman was involved in a high speed pursuit from Coolongolook to Heatherbrae

Hunter projects shorted in cash splash and coal royalties, MPs say

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter MPs have raised concern, the region's lost out when it comes to getting its fair share in the state's latest budget.

Treasurer Matt Kean handed down the spending figures on Tuesday afternoon, with big spending across the state amid an income of $810 million in coal royalties.

While NSW is still seeing a budget shortfall, there's backlash not enough of the mining money is being returned to the Hunter and the regions.

Both Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp and Swansea MP Yasmin Catley have been left disappointed by the lack of investment in new housing stock across the electorates.

"This government loves to sell off three and four bedroom properties in ‘desirable’ suburbs, then use that money to build apartment blocks of one and two bedrooms on  cheaper land," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"These are usually away from the services and public transport connections that tenants need, however, and also see a net decrease in available bedrooms."

Hopes for a funding commitment on the possibility of a freight corridor from Fassifern to Hexham or a container terminal in Newcastle were also dashed.

Image credit: www.regional.nsw.gov.au

Truck driver charged over pedestrian death at South Maitland

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man is now facing charges after a pedestrian was allegedly fatally hit by a truck at South Maitland yesterday. 

About 6.30am on Tuesday, emergency services were called to Cessnock Road at Maitland, after a male pedestrian was hit by a truck. 

The driver immediately stopped and attempted to render assistance, but the 62-year-old man died at the scene. 

The 47-year-old driver was uninjured and taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing. 

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit attended and established a crime scene, which was forensically examined. 

Following inquiries by Crash Investigation Unit officers, the driver of the truck was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death. 

He's been granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court in late July.

Hunter cold cases to feature on playing cards for prison inmates

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Roslyn Reay, who was stabbed to death in her Cooks Hill home in March 2005, is one of 52 faces to appear on a deck of playing cards being distributed to prison inmates.

It's part of an initiative hoping to prompt inmates who might have leads or information on a number of cold cases across New South Wales.

The 55-year-old's murder remains unsolved, but investigators believed they have a profile of the killer.

The cards are set to be handed out in correctional institutions across the state, with 52 other cold cases listed on the cards.

Melissa Hunt, found dead near Stockrington in 1994, and Cessnock teenager Alison Newstead, who was murdered in 1993, each appear on a card.

Revelle Balmain, who disappeared from Sydney and never arrived at Newcastle Station in 1994, also appears.

State budget continues spend on Hunter infrastructure

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There's hope the Hunter economy could be bolstered by a swathe of commitments on infrastructure projects in the state's latest budget.

Matt Kean's handed down the spending on Tuesday, highlighting a $95 million spend on planning a fast rail link from Sydney to Newcastle, the first in a $274.5 million spend over four years on the initiative.

$37.8 million's been promised for the final stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, as well as $19.8 for the Singleton Bypass and another $14.2 on the Muswellbrook Bypass.

$1.4 billion will be spent over the next four years to continue planning the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace, with $117.9 million set aside to get construction started.

Health assets will also get a slice of the cash splash, with $89.4 million allocated to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and another almost $40 million on Maitland Hospital.

The Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone is also in line for a leg-up, with a $1.2 billion spend on a Transmission Acceleration Facility to link up the energy grid and spur investment in the sector.

More than $700 million spent on developing high-value future industries such as medical technology and the green economy is also expected to have positive repercussions locally. 

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean delivered his budget on Tuesday.

Public and Catholic school teachers to strike side-by-side in historic first

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Teachers from both public and Catholic schools will strike side-by-side together next Thursday, in a historic first for the two unions.

The Teachers Federation and the Independent Education Union made the call after a joint meeting on Tuesday.

They'll walk off the job on June 30, in protest of the State Government's decision to raise the public sector pay cap to just 3 percent, and ongoing concerns about conditions and workloads in the schooling system.

It's understood, Catholic diocesan employers follow the Government policy on wages for school staff, despite not being required to do so.

The Education Minister says she's disappointed the unions have chosen to strike again, especially given it will be the last day of the financial year.

Big promises for Hunter schools in latest state budget

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's welcoming a cash splash on local schools in the Treasurer's latest state budget.

Matt Kean handed down the spending commitments on Tuesday afternoon, with big focuses on families, women, as well as skills and emerging industries.

The Newcastle Education Campus project has been allocated $16.6 million in the next budget, although only $862,000 of last year's $5.6 million allocation was spent.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is welcoming the commitment for a much-needed update at Newcastle High School, but says he'll be keeping a close eye on the project to see the results.

Meanwhile, Hunter River High School will receive $5.6 million for major refurbishments, with Irrawang High School receiving a similar $5 million.

In Maitland, Gillieston Public School has been promised $1.7 million toward a major redevelopment, following lobbying by parents, carers, and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, as well as a visit from a parliamentary committee and Upper House MP Mark Latham.

Ms Aitchison says it's a welcome move, but it's disappointing it's taken 12 years for the school to score a "drop in the bucket".

She says she's hoping to see more details on the extent and timeframe of the redevelopment works.

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has raised concern Newcastle High School is in need of serious refurbishment.

Hunter businesses hoping for last-minute voucher cash splash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

We're being encouraged to spend our Dine and Discover vouchers in the Hunter, before they expire at the end of the month.

It's estimated, there's around $300 million unspent across NSW, which is set to vanish on June 30.

According to Business Hunter, with around ten percent of the state's population in the Hunter, there's $30 million yet to be used locally.

CEO Bob Hawes says there's no point letting the vouchers go to waste, when local business could benefit.

"That's quite a significant amount of money to spend in a relatively short period of time," he said.

"We really encourage people to have a look at their app or to go online to the Service NSW website and check their eligibility."

There's concern the vouchers have been forgotten as COVID restrictions eased and check-ins and other requirements have been dropped from shop windows.

The Stay NSW voucher for accommodation doesn't expire until October, but we're being urged to use the six Dine and Discover vouchers in the next week.

"It's an opportunity for people to start googling and asking places whether they take the vouchers, and if they do, get out and have a very busy weekend," Mr Hawes said.

"Businesses really do need people's support, so it's up to our community to have a good look."

NSW Government Funds Koala Protection in Port Stephens

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Council has secured $845,000 from the NSW Government, to assist with the protection of koalas around busy roads. 

The grant funding comes after a state-wide investigation into vehicle road-strike hotspots, identified Port Stephens Drive as one of the worst koala road-strike sites in NSW. 

Council's Group Manager of Development Services Steve Peart said although the numbers are concerning, the study also identified efficient and effective solutions to the problem. 

"From 2010 to 2020, 89 koala records have been identified along Port Stephens Drive, including 11 vehicle strike fatalities, five vehicle strike injury rescues and 11 rescues," Mr Peart said. 

"This grant funding from the NSW Government is allowing Council to install 2km fauna-proof fencing on both sides of Port Stephens Drive, retrofit 850 metres of koala-proof fencing to the existing Horizons Golf Course fence, build a 20 metre long box culvert as fauna underpass near southern boundary of the golf course and add koala pavement painting and roadside signage indicating koala speed zones."

The funding also coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Port Stephens Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management. 

The plan has been adopted by Council since 2002 and is central to identifying and protecting local habitats and threats to koalas, as well as furthering conservation efforts in the area. 

Mr Peart said protecting this vulnerable population is a top priority for the community. 

"People have a really special affiliation with the koala; it's not every day you get to walk through a reserve, some bushland, or even along a beach and come across a koala either walking on the ground or up in a tree. It's a really important part of the identity of the people of Port Stephens," he said. 

Pedestrian hit and killed by truck at South Maitland

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A pedestrian has been hit and killed by a truck on Cessnock Road at South Maitland.

It's believed the incident happened around 6:30am heading north near Mount Dee Road.

The 47-year-old driver immediately stopped and attempted to render assistance to the pedestrian, but they sadly passed away at the scene. 

He was uninjured but has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

The road remains closed in both directions between the New England Highway and Gillieston Road.

Crash investigation police are attending.

Newcastle to celebrate cultural diversity in weekend festival

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Newcastle residents are invited to celebrate the region's rich cultural diversity this weekend. 

The seventh annual Newcastle: Unity in Diversity Festival will take place from 11am-4pm at Foreshore Park on Saturday. 

Each year, the festival marks the end of Refugee Week, and event organisers Unity in Diversity and STARTTS, said the event has gained more support from the community each year. 

"It started as very small festival in Civic Park. I think there were probably 100 people who came to the first festival," said event coordinator Jo McGregor of STARTTS. 

"This was designed to create a wonderful celebration of inclusivity in terms of cultural diversity in Newcastle, and every year it's grown and grown and grown," she said. 

This year's event will feature over 20 cultural performances and workshops, including Tibetan throat singing and Latin and Congolese dance. 

As usual, the event will also host a plethora of international food stalls, with a special focus this year on Ukrainian food and culture, namely "Yuri's Ukrainian Food". 

"Yuri is newly arrived to Newcastle and is very excited to share his Ukrainian food with people," Ms McGregor said. 

"There is conflict occurring globally around the world and I think it's a really great way to welcome Ukrainian community members here in Newcastle, as well as anyone who is part of the Newcastle community. We do have a traditional welcoming here in Newcastle, and this festival is a really wonderful sign of that unity in diversity."

The community is encouraged to meet at Newcastle Foreshore near the Tramsheds at the festival's opening, to take part in the Welcome Walk, Indigenous welcome and smoke ceremony. 

The Newcastle: Unity in Diversity Festival will take place at Foreshore Park on Saturday.

Newcastle named safest Labor stronghold in the country

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A post-election pendulum's revealed, Newcastle is the Federal Government's safest seat in the country.

According to ABC election analyst Antony Green, Labor's Sharon Claydon holds the seat with an 18 percent margin on the two-party preferred count.

Meanwhile, Paterson with 3.3 percent, Hunter with 4 percent, and Shortland with 5.8 percent were among the party's most marginal electorates.

Putty man charged after raid on climate activists

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Putty man is one of seven charged after a police operation in Colo on Sunday morning, where police allege they were attacked by climate activists.

Around 8:30am on Sunday morning, police looking into the planning of unauthorised protests across NSW, were conducting planned investigations at the property on Putty Road in Colo.

Police allege they were approached by a group of people, who surrounded them and slashed the tyres of an unmarked police vehicle which officers had retreated to.

More officers were called to the scene, and five men and two women were arrested and taken to Windsor Police Station.

A 24-year-old man from Putty faces charges for six offences, including affray, assaulting without actual bodily harm, intimidating, and obstructing a police officer, property damage, and aiding in the commission of crimes.

It's understood, none of the police officers were injured.

Blockade Australia is describing the police presence which led to the incident as an "overreach".

Police are returning to the property on Monday. 

$6 million set to be pumped into Lake Macquarie recycled water irrigation project

BY ALEXANDRA REES

Hunter Water is set to implement a $6 million recycled water project, in collaboration with Lake Macquarie Council. 

The project will see the implementation of an irrigation system, to maintain community parks and sporting fields.

It's hoped the increased water capacity at the Edgeworth Wastewater Treatment Works will make more recycled water available to a number of local ovals, including Jack McLaughlin Oval and Pasterfield Sports Complex.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says the council is dedicated to making the city's future more sustainable.

"This long-term water efficiency initiative will reduce the use of drinking water for irrigation in favor of alternative water sources," she said.

"It will also ensure we can keep our sporting fields, gardens and other public spaces green, which is important for the amenity and wellbeing of our community."

The decision comes as a response to the 2019 droughts, which left devastating water shortages across the Hunter. 

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary says it's an important initiative for the community.

"Our community increasingly expects Hunter Water to improve our regions water resilience and sustainability," he said.

 

"That's the real benefit from this project; improving the resilience of beautiful community assets."

The investment is expected to save the equivalent of eight Olympic swimming pools of water. 

Image credit: Hunter Water.

Mt Arthur closure date sparks critical eight years for mine workers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The next eight years will be important to get right, say advocates for local mine workers, as BHP announces plans to close the Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030.

The company revealed the decision yesterday, after failing to find a buyer to take over the site.

The mine has approval until 2026 and intended to extend its lifespan until 2045, but will now apply with the expectation to end operations in 2030.

The Mining and Energy Union is now calling on BHP to reinvest in workers and their families, as well as the broader community impacted by the closure.

Northern District Mining President Robin Williams says it's come as a surprise to a lot of workers.

"When they started to work at the mine, they probably started there thinking that they'd probably retire at the mine, and now that's not going to be realised by the vast majority of people that work at that operation," he said.

"There's not going to be enough jobs, in my opinion, in the rehabilitation of the mine or renewables around the area, if renewables end up eventuating to take up the account of all those people.

"Whether or not they can transition to other mines that are still going to be operational around the area, I guess that remains to be seen."

BHP is promising to take responsibility for the region's transition and help diversify the Hunter Valley economy ahead of the impending closure.

The company says it will consult employees, local businesses, indigenous groups, and all levels of government to develop a plan for the region's future.

Hunter MP-elect Dan Repacholi says he's hoping to work with BHP and make sure the company gets a fair outcome by the end of the decade.

"For the workers, this has given some security for the next eight years, which I think that's a good thing," he said. "I appreciate BHP being upfront with the workers and the community about the future of the mine site there."

"The big thing is though, they need to make sure the highly-skilled workforce be supported, and job transfer opportunities available and training available for them then to go into different industries."

"I've worked in the mining energy sector, and I have mates that actually work at this mine site - this is a personal issue for me."

Image credit: BHP.

Minimum wage hike met with enthusiasm and anxiety across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's low income workers are welcoming a boost to the minimum wage, but the business community is worried, it could slow things down coming out of the pandemic.

The Fair Work Commission announced on Wednesday, it would up wages by 5.2 percent, as well as award rates by 4.6 percent.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions called for a hike as high as 5.5 percent, while key business groups argued it couldn't afford to be any higher than 2.5 to 3 percent.

Hunter Workers Secretary Leigh Shears says it's a very welcome move.

"It's an absolute sigh of relief," he said. "It still falls short somewhat, but it could have been significantly worse."

"A 5.2 percent increase is a historical moment and it is a win for working people."

The same enthusiasm hasn't been shared by the business community, where there's concern it's but another cost to cover. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says workers deserve relief from cost-of-living pressures, but it will be another strain on local business.

"Rising costs of input, costs of energy going up, and a whole bunch of other things," he said.

"In many cases, they haven't been able to pass those costs on, so another cost impost like this might make it difficult.

"We just hope that it won't result in having to put people off as a consequence."

Unions say, however, it's ultimately a win-win situation, and the money will circle back around to businesses.

"The important thing to remember is small businesses rely on people to have disposable income and to spend money in their shops," Mr Shears said.

"There were some small businesses [on Wednesday] talking about the bulk of their customers are people on low income, so a boost to their wages is a boost to small business."

For workers in aviation, tourism, and hospitality, the wage hike has been delayed until October 1.

Mr Hawes says there's hope businesses will be able to find a stable footing before then.

"For those businesses that have suffered badly through COVID, it gives them a chance to take a breath and consider what these cost increases might be," he said.

"There's no doubt that giving money to those on lower incomes has a good pay packet effect - they get out there and spend.

"But obviously they've got challenges ahead of them in relation to increasing costs-of-living, and that won't necessarily go back through retail or hospitality business."

Muswellbrook's Mt Arthur coal mine to end operations in 2030

BY DAKOTA TAIT

BHP says, it will close the Mt Arthur coal mine at Muswellbrook in 2030, after the company couldn't find a buyer for the site.

The mine, which is the largest in NSW and employs around 2,000 people, had been seeking to extend it's existing approval from 2026 to 2045.

It will now seek to extend the mine's lifespan by just four years.

The company informed the stock exchange on Thursday about its decision, which comes after a two-year review.

It's understood, Mt Arthur has been facing significant financial challenges.

Image credit: BHP.