Sex crimes squad searching for wanted man in Lake Macquarie

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Police are appealing to the public to find a man wanted in the Lake Macquarie area.

Bailey Wallis-Ahearn is wanted on a number of outstanding arrest warrants.

Officers with the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad haven't been able to locate the 22-year-old.

He is known to frequent Toronto and the surrounding areas of Lake Macquarie. 

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm to 175cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and possibly with a beard and moustache. 

Members of the public are urged to contact local police immediately if they see Mr Wallis-Ahearn.

Other information about his whereabouts can be provided to Crime Stoppers.

Two charged in Edgeworth shooting investigation, more arrests expected

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Two people have been charged following a joint investigation by detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Lake Macquarie Police District into an alleged home invasion and another shooting in Lake Macquarie earlier this year. 

Police were told a 24-year-old woman attended John Hunter Hospital about 11pm on Tuesday 8 March 2022 suffering a laceration to her leg and head, after two men allegedly forced entry to her Laurel Avenue home in Edgeworth and slashed her with a machete. 

A month later, about 9.10pm on Friday 8 April 2022, emergency services responded to reports of a public place shooting at a carpark on Arnott Street in Edgeworth. 

A 27-year-old man was found suffering gunshot wounds to the right leg and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment. 

Detectives commenced investigations into the shooting under Strike Force Undola. 

Initial investigations led detectives to believe the incidents were linked and allegedly involved members of the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. 

Detectives executed a search warrant at a Cardiff storage facility earlier this month, where a number of weapons, ammunition and a machete were located and seized. 

Police also seized a number of items consistent with the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang during a subsequent vehicle stop conducted at Blackalls Park that same day.

Following further inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home at Blackalls Park about 10.10am on Monday morning, where a number of items relevant to the investigation were seized, including mobile phones and documents. 

A 42-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where she was charged with 12 offences, relating to break and enter, firearm possession, the use of a firearm to cause grievous bodily harm, and other involvement in criminal activity.

She was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday, where she was formally bail refused to appear at Toronto Local Court in October.

A further two search warrants were executed at a home on Crestview Street in Gillieston Heights, about 7am on Tuesday, where a 27-year-old man was arrested at one of the homes and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station. 

He faces a number of charges in relation to involvement in the activities of a criminal group, the use of a firearm to cause grievous bodily harm, and stealing. 

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court yesterday, and formally bail refused to reappear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday. 

Investigations under both strike forces are ongoing, with further arrests expected.

15-year-old missing from Blackalls Park for a week

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Lake Macquarie Police are appealing for public help as the search for a teenager missing from Blackalls Park continues.

Kayden Field was last seen by his family in Faucett St at Blackalls Park on Wednesday 24 August.. 

Police were notified when Kayden failed to return home and have commenced an investigation to locate him. 

Concerns are held for his welfare due to his age and some recent mental health concerns. 

Kayden is described as being of slim build, 6ft tall, short dark brown hair and was last seen wearing black 'stash house' jumper with white insignia, black 'stash house' shorts, a red Champion hat, black Nike TN's. 

Kayden is known to frequent Toronto and Kotara South. 

Anyone with information about his disappearance is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Back to business for Singleton Council as Deputy Mayor re-elected

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Councillor Tony Jarrett has been re-elected as Deputy Mayor, as Singleton Council returns after its by-election hiccup.

The local government elections in December had to be overturned because of a glitch in online voting which locked some residents out.

It's Cr Jarrett's third time in the role, though the Council's current term will be cut short to line up with the next election period in 2024.

The nine councillors saw their Oath and Affirmation of Office on Tuesday evening.

The only change to the roster was Labor's Sarah Johnstone seizing a spot from Independent Belinda Charlton.

Ms Charlton was recognised at the meeting for her contributions since December.

Deputy Mayor Tony Jarrett and Outgoing Councillor Belinda Charlton.

Welfare concerns for Hunter woman missing for five days

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle Police are looking to the public for assistance to locate a woman who has been missing since Friday. 

Belinda Jones was last seen in Waratah on 26 August 2022.

The 45-year-old is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 160cm tall, thin build, blonde hair, and brown eyes. 

She was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black pants. 

Police have concerns for her welfare. 

Belinda is known to frequent the Central Coast and Raymond Terrace areas and may travel on the trains. 

Anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact Waratah Police or Crime Stoppers.

Industrial action could have flow-on effects for Hunter trains

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Major industrial action on the State's train network on Wednesday could have flow-on effects for the Hunter.

The Hunter Line won't be affected by the ban on operating foreign-built trains, but the Intercity line between Newcastle and Sydney could be impacted.

If services are cancelled, replacement buses are expected to be in short supply.

Regional booked services should also be operating as normal.

Call To Free Up Red Tape Surrounding Vital Pacific Highway Upgrades

 BY IAN CROUCH

Federal Lyne MP David Gillespie is calling on the state government to fast track upgrades to key intersections of the Pacific Highway from Port Stephens to the Mid North Coast.

He's also written to Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King seeking a commitment for Commonwealth funding for the projects.

David Gillespie says intersections such as Italia Road, The Bucketts Way, Medowie Road and Myall Way need grade-separated interchanges installed to improve safety and efficiency.

He says too much red tape at a state level is holding up the projects.

Lyne MP, Dr David Gillespie

Overseas Company Invests In Hunter Offshore Wind Farm Project

 BY IAN CROUCH

A Norwegian oil and gas company has bought into three proposed offshore wind farms in NSW, including one off the coast on Newcastle.

EQUINIOR has teamed up with Australian developer, OCEANEX which wants to develop offshore projects including the $10 billion, 2000 megawatt Novocastrian Wind Farm.

It will feature about 130 turbines located 30 kilometres off the Hunter coast.

OCEANEX expects the project will create 300 full time jobs over it's 30 year life span.

Norwegian company Equinor is investing in the proposed Novocastrian Wind Farm

Man Critically Injured When Car Plunges Off M1 Overpass Bridge At Cooranbong

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is lucky to be alive after his car plunged off an overpass on the M1 at Cooranbong and crashed onto to the road below.

Emergency services were alerted to the crash at about 4.00pm on Tuesday, arriving to find the car had fallen several metres onto Newport Road.

The driver, believed to be a man in his 30's, was airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital by the region's Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a critical condition with multiple fractures and head and chest injuries.

The crash scene at Cooranbong Picture: NSW Ambulance

BREAKING! Man Under Police Guard In Hospital After Fiery Crash At Mayfield West

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is under police guard at the John Hunter Hospital after a fiery crash at Mayfield West.

Police say at about 6.15pm on Tuesday, the 20-year-old was behind the wheel of a stolen Mercedes SUV from Sydney which flipped and rolled several times on Industrial Drive and burst into flames.

The car ricocheted into a Ford Ranger which crashed into a another car before coming to rest.

Police say the driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The drivers of the other vehicles, a man and woman, were treated at the scene for shock and minor injuries.

Mannering Park fish kill '"likely a natural event", says EPA

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Environment Protection Authority says the recent mass fish kill at Mannering Park in Lake Macquarie was likely a natural occurence.

They've found no significant pesticides, metals, or toxicity in the water, though results for nitrogen and phosphorus were above guidelines, meaning sediment might have been disrupted.

EPA Director Regulatory Operations David Gathercole says the results, along with analysis of weather conditions at the time, indicate the most likely cause of the deaths was from a combination of factors.

"The bay at Mannering Park has elevated temperatures compared to the rest of Lake Macquarie due to the cooling water discharges from Vales Point power station," Mr Gathercole said. 

"A range of fish, including tropical fish, are attracted to the bay due to these higher temperatures. 

"The fish kill was preceded by cool nights in the first week of August and a shift to northerly winds, with the strongest winds on August 4. 

"This may have caused cold lake water to enter the bay and resulted in a turnover of the water column.

"If this was rapid enough it would have caused a disturbance of the sediments, which explains the high ammonium concentrations observed on August 5, and potentially the release of sulfides. 

"Our results suggest the combination of the temperature and sulfide stress likely overwhelmed fish, acclimatized to higher temperatures."

The EPA's now installed a smart buoy at Wyee Point for ongoing monitoring in the lake.

The dead fish have since been removed by Council. 

Hunter defence on display at industry conference

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter Defence Conference is set to get started on Wednesday, bringing together local industry and government to discuss the sector's future in the region.

More than 200 attendees are expected at the event, including at least 80 key businesses - both small and medium enterprises as well as Defence Primes, or key contractors with the Australian Government.

Hunter Defence Taskforce Chair Tim Owen says it's an important opportunity for local business.

"Clearly, we are a major defence region, particularly supporting what happens at the RAAF Base here at Williamtown," he said. 

"The ability for small and medium enterprises in our region to be able to display their capabilities and network one-on-one with the major Australian Defence Primes is very important for them. This is one of the very few opportunities that they get to actually do that."

The conference is running until Friday, featuring exhibitions and conversations with speakers, including manufacturers and contractors, Army, Navy, and Air Force, and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy.

They'll discuss defence capability, economic opportunities, innovation, supply chains, and nuclear submarines.

Mr Owen says the world has changed, and it's important to think about what the future looks like. 

"A year ago, we were concerned about COVID, and now we find ourselves a land war in Europe that could get to certainly a larger scale," he said.

"The strategic circumstances in our region are certainly driving the current government and the Australian Defence Force to look and say how do we really provide a level of defence for Australia that allows us a very, very strong deterrent capability."

St John's Maitland Welcomes New Vehicle and Equipment

BY OLIVIA DILLON

St John's Ambulance volunteers in Maitland have welcomed the delivery of a new service vehicle and stretcher. 

The new equipment was purchased using two grants totaling $60,000, via the NSW Government's Community Building Partnership Program. 

The grants are offered annually in support of community infrastructure projects which yield social,  environmental or recreational rewards for the community. 

The 2021 round saw 19 local organisations across the Maitland region secure funding. 

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison, said she was honoured to recommend St Johns for the grant. 

"It was really exciting for them to receive this funding," Ms Aitchison said. 

"Community groups are working so hard in our community. It's nice to be able to help them with fundraising for projects to help them, help others."  

The funding comes off the back of recent flooding in the region, which saw volunteers going the extra mile to serve the community. 

Rather than transporting patients, the four-wheel drive vehicle will primarily be used to transport volunteers themselves to and from jobs. 

Ms Aitchison said recent events have demonstrated just how important local volunteers are. 

"The St John's Ambulance so an amazing amount of work in our community. During the floods they were based on Gillieston Island and that was over many days; they were actually sleeping on the island. They just do great work helping our other health and emergency services in times of emergency," she said.  

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Jim Klumpp from St Johns Ambulance.

Pair airlifted to John Hunter after Fernances Crossing crash

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Two people have been airlifted to hospital after a single-vehicle crash at Fernances Crossing, south of Wollombi, on Monday evening.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene around 7:10pm.

A 52-year-old man and 41-year-old woman were treated on the scene by paramedics and airlifted to the John Hunter in a stable condition.

Hunter Valley Tourism Gets A Boost

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Hunter Valley will share in state funding to boost visitor numbers to the region.

$2 million will be shared across 26 regional council and tourism groups as part of the Feel New Co-operative Marketing Program.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association is one of the recipients of the marketing dollars for high impact campaigns to drive last-minute bookings, encourage visitor spending and increase the length of stay.

It's particularly aimed at encouraging people from Sydney to visit regional areas.

BREAKING! Mayfield Bottle Shop Held Up At Knifepoint

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Police are investigating an armed robbery on a Mayfield bottle shop.

Police say two men entered the Mayfield Hotel drive-through bottle shop on Maitland Road from Hanbury Street in a white Holden sedan at about 10.45pm on Monday armed with knives and threatened the 23-year-old male attendant, demanding money.

Both men returned to the car and fled with a sum of cash, cigarettes and the man's mobile phone, and were last seen heading north on Maitand Road.

The worker wasn't inured during the incident and his phone has since been recovered.

The men are described as being about 170cm to 180cm tall with a medium to solid build.

They were wearing high visability jumpers, blue coloured pants, white shoes and black gloves.

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

MP Seeking Feedback on Hunter Gas Pipeline Plans

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Local residents are invited to attend a meeting next month concerning the future of the Hunter Gas Pipeline. 

It comes after it was recently announced energy pioneer Santos had acquired the company, which owns an underground gas pipeline route between Wallumbilla in Queensland and Newcastle. 

Santos plans to use the company's pipeline route as part of their Narrabri Gas Project, which aims to deliver gas to east coast domestic markets in the shortest timeframe possible.

The proposed 833km pipeline would pass through communities in Scone, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Maitland and Newcastle. 

The community meeting has been organised by Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson, and will give residents, farmers and landholders the opportunity to address Santos directly. 

"Some of the concerns include the depth of the pipeline, easements and how that will work, what people can plant above and around the pipeline, and the course of the pipeline; where it's actually going to be. Things like that are genuine concerns and I feel people have the right to be heard," Ms Swanson said. 

"Santos needs to have these consultations in good faith, which they've assured me they will," she added. 

The meeting will be held in Ms Swanson's office on the 19th of September. 

She said the community should take the opportunity to voice their concerns. 

"This consultation with Santos is a genuine process and I encourage people who are in my electorate and directly impacted, to reach out to my Raymond Terrance office and come along to the meeting in September."

The proposed Hunter Gas Pipeline route

Catholic teachers bring billboards to the Hunter in staff shortage campaign

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Catholic teachers are ramping up their industrial campaign in the Hunter on Monday, to address pay, conditions, and staff shortages in the sector.

The Independent Education Union is bringing its mobile billboard truck to St Francis Xavier's College in Hamilton from 1:45pm to 2:15pm, before heading to the Catholic Schools Office in Newcastle West at 2:30pm.

NSW ACT Secretary Mark Northam says they're calling on diocese employers and the State Government to respond.

"What we're trying to do is to really get the public onside and get our message across to the public in a reasonable way," he said. "But also to signal to our teachers and our support staff and our principals in the Independent Education Union, that the campaign is a serious campaign and it's reached a serious level."

"We have the perfect storm. There's more students coming into schools for the next decade or so, about a 10 percent increase in students, and at the same time, there's plummeting levels of people who are enrolling in education at universities, and sadly, it's got about a 50 percent attrition rate once they're in the course."

Over the coming week, the truck's set to continue north to Port Macquarie, before heading inland to Armidale and Tamworth, and returning to Singleton and Maitland.

Port Stephens Council Looking For Community Feedback

BY DARCY MCGAVIN

Port Stephens Council is encouraging residents to have their say in its 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey to collect feedback on their community services. 

It's asking for responses on how to best shape the community and make key areas of improvement identified by residents a continuing priority of the Council's focus.

Acting Corporate Services Group Manager Zoe Pattison says it's open to everyone.

"We are hoping for a realistic response in terms of how people are generally feeling about council," she said. "Whether they have used our community facilities and how they are feeling about our amenities."

Ms Pattison says it is important that as many people as possible in the Port Stephens area complete the survey, because it is the best way for residents to give feedback and let them know how they are going.

"The community is at the heart of everything that we do, and [the survey] helps us to shape our services and deliver the broad range of services that we have," she said.

You can access the survey online at www.pscouncil.info/CommunitySatisfactionSurvey or phone 49880255 to learn more.

Coward Punch Victim In A Coma In John Hunter Hospital

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man who was coward punched on the Central Coast remains in a coma after undergoing brain surgery in the John Hunter Hospital.

The 64-year-old, who is trained in first aid, went to help a 17-year-old boy who'd crashed his Toyota Corolla in a caravan outside his home on Skyhawk Avenue at Hamlyn Terrace on Saturday night.

Police say the Good Samaritan was then set upon by a group of males and knocked unconscious, while his son-in-law was also attacked, leaving him with a broken nose.

The 17-year-old P-Plater has been charged with drink driving and other traffic offences.

The search continues for the group of men. 

New trade centre to help upskill Lake Macquarie jobs market

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

As the demand for skilled workers increases, solutions arise to benefit all parties involved. 

This factor played into the decision for the Central Coast Community College to open a new Trade Training Centre in Lake Macquarie.

The new centre will specialize in delivering training for electrical and mechanical fabrication trades.

College General Manager Debbie Laarkamp says the key focus is to improve employability for local job seekers and for small businesses to find skilled workers.

"Our priority is to give local people the skill they need to but long-term we want to keep these skilled workers in the community and help local businesses thrive," said Ms Laarkamp.

The training centre has been something Lake Macquarie's business community has wanted for some time, with the site at Gateshead having its ground broken last year.

The opening means aspiring Lake Macquarie tradesmen don't have to travel to Rutherford or the Central Coast, to upskill their repertoire and employability. 

Instead, they can study local and have the opportunity to find work in the local economy. 

 College General Manager Debbie Laarkamp with Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser and HVTC Group CEO Sharon Smith.

Almond pollination full steam ahead as Hunter clamps down on varroa mite

BY DAKOTA TAIT

More than 80,000 beehives have been moved to the State's south-west to pollinate almonds, despite the looming threat of varroa mite in the Hunter.

The State Government is confident it has a handle on the situation with surveillance yet to detect the deadly pest in Griffith.

Keepers outside of the emergency zones can move their bees, as long as they have a permit and are alcohol washing their hives.

Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders says they're still looking into the origin of the outbreak.

"There's no definitive word on exactly where the varroa mite came from or how it got into Australia," he said. "Obviously we've picked it up in sentinel hives which are near the Port [of Newcastle]."

"There's also a bit of a theory around some of the other areas close by to the Newcastle port, and whether it got in there. During COVID, there have been a lot of ships docked off areas."

Earlier this week, the Department of Primary Industries announced it had euthanised all 99 infected hives across the Hunter and other affected regions.

It's hoped the successful movement of bee populations is a sign the outbreak has been contained. 

The hives are likely to move on to cherry, melon, citrus, and other fruit plantations in coming weeks.

Mr Saunders says it's important to get the industry back on track.

"One of out three mouthfuls of food we consume is due to the fact that we've got bees doing the work they do," he said. 

"People have been talking a lot about flooding causing increased prices of lettuce and things like that. Well, if you're not getting the food that you're used to getting because pollination's not occurring, guess what's going to happen? Supermarket prices and green grocer prices are going up across the board."

"Beekeepers like these guys know their hives intimately. They know if something's changing and we need them to continue be that frontline defence against any disease coming in."

Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders and Almond Board of Australia CEO Tim Jackson.

UPDATE! 67-year-old missing since Monday located

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Ronney Brown has now been found.

Police are thanking the community for their assistance.  

EARLIER:

Police across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are seeking community assistance to locate a 67-year-old missing in the Hunter.

Ronney Brown has not been seen by his family since Monday 22 August 2022, when he left his Garden Suburb home. 

He is known to frequent the Windale and Cardiff areas. 

Police are urging anyone with information as to his current whereabouts to Newcastle, Waratah, or Belmont Police Stations, or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Hunter Motorists Brace For Petrol Price Rise

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter motorists can expect more pain in the hip pocket when the Federal Government's fuel excise cut ends next month.

The NRMA is predicting the cost of petrol will rise by 25 cents per litre.

The previous Morrison government cut the excise by 50 per cent to 22 cents a litre to ease the cost of living.

But the measure was only put in place for 6 months and will come to an end on September 28.

The Albanese government has resisted calls to extend the cut, which is estimated to cost $3 billion over 6 months.

The fuel excise cut is due to end on September 28 Picture: 6pr

Hunter girl now missing for four days

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter Valley Police are appealing to the public to locate a girl missing now for four days.

Olivia Armstrong hasn't been seen since 21 August 2022.

The 16-year-old could be in the Metford or Waratah area.

Police are urging anyone with information as to her current whereabouts to contact Singleton Police Station at 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Cessnock MP at loggerheads with Council over barbeque stoush

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Cessnock MP Clayton Barr is in a stoush with Cessnock Council, after facing fines for using public spaces to hold community barbeques.

He's taken to social media to complain, arguing he's just trying to do his job and reach out to his constituents. 

Mr Barr has since cancelled all his barbeque events in the Cessnock Local Government Area, though they'll still go ahead in Lake Macquarie and Singleton.

"I want to keep on doing that," he said. "I'm happy to provide the sausages, I'm happy to provide the barbeque, I'm happy to provide the sauce."

"All I want is for Cessnock Council to provide a little bit of grass for me to set up on without a fee or a charge, because that's just another barrier and another problem."

Cessnock Council charges $11 an hour for the use of open spaces and parks for publicised community events to help staff cover the costs of availability, cleaning and maintenance. 

Mr Barr says it would have set him back thousands of dollars if he'd been charged over the past 13 years.

While not-for-profits and community groups can apply for a community sponsorship and fee waiver, the use of facilities for a mobile electorate office for political purposes doesn't fall under the eligibility criteria. 

Mayor Jay Suvaal said on social media he was "surprised" by Mr Barr's request.

"It would be inappropriate for Council to waive this fee for politicians," he wrote. "During previous Council elections, my team has also paid the small fee to hold similar events."

"I understand the Member for Cessnock receives a $92,000 electoral allowance on top of his salary to allow him to pay for community events like this, so I was quite shocked to hear of his concern on Facebook about the $11 fee."

"I’m really disappointed by his commentary attacking the council and our staff, and I regret he’s chosen to do it so publicly. Moving forward, I hope we can continue working together positively to address the real issues facing our local community."

New Community Event Hungry to Celebrate the Hunter's Multiculturalism

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

Local community organisation Centre for Hope has launched a new monthly event, Flavoursome Friday's, with hopes of celebrating the cultural diversity of the Hunter.

On the first Friday of each month, a different cultural group in the area will prepare and serve a two-course meal to the local community for a small cost. 

Shari Bonnette, manager of the youth organisation behind the event, believes the event is a great way to bring people of different backgrounds together.

"What a fabulous way to learn about culture via food and through the sharing of a meal with our established and emerging multicultural communities in our local area," she said.

The meal comes at the cost of $5 for adults and $2 for children and students. However, diners are encouraged to make an additional donation to support the ongoing event.

"Paying it forward means that the next community group can also make a meal and then we can spread some more of this social inclusion and community connection a bit further," said Ms Bonnette.

You can find more information about Flavoursome Fridays here.

Volunteers from the Australian Iranian community with a Persian feast at the first Flavoursome Friday earlier in August.

Draft Plan Paves Pathway for Lake Mac Tourism Boom

BY RAVELLE EATON

Lake Macquarie Council's Draft Destination Management Plan 2022-2026 has been released, with hopes it will lay the foundation to attract up to four million visitors within the next 10 years. 

The Plan lays out a target of 800,000 overnight visitors by 2032, with another 1.7 million day-trippers to explore key localities. 

Proposed actions include expanding Belmont Wetlands State Park, reinvigorating the use of the Catherine Hill Bay jetty and a master plan for the Lake arts precinct.

Other changes include improving visitor and recreation facilities at Rathmines and the feasibility of an indoor aviation attraction at Lake Macquarie airport with the aim to bring young people into the area.

Mayor Kay Fraser says it'll help capture an even bigger share of tourists.

"Geographically, we're also in a great position. we're easily in reach for Sydneysiders, as well as all the international visitors flowing into Australia through Sydney Airport," Cr Fraser said.

The plan is aiming to improve the current 2.2 million annual visitors to a target of 2.5-3.9 million, and for annual visitor spending to improve from $210 million in 2019 to $583 million in the next 10 years.

For more information or to provide feedback go to shape.lakemac.com.au/dmp before September 20.

Man Suffers Burns In Battery Explosion At Lemon Tree Passage

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man in his 50's is recovering in the burns unit at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital after a battery exploded in his face at Lemon Tree Passage.

NSW Ambulance says the man was working on the battery on a boat when the explosion occurred at about 2.45pm on Wednesday, leaving him with serious hydrochloric acid burns to his face and chest.

Ambulance Inspector Joel De Zuna says thankfully the man knew to pour water on the area until paramedics arrived.

He was flown to Sydney for further treatment and is now listed in a stable condition.

The injured man was flown to Sydney for treatment Picture: NSW Ambulance

Hunter residents urged to stay alert for phone scams

BY DAKOTA TAIT 

Hunter residents are being urged to harbour a healthy suspicion, with NSW Police launching a new push to crack down on scams over the phone. 

Australians have lost an average of $41 million each month for the first half of 2022, while more than $2 billion in combined losses was reported over the past year. 

50 percent of all scams were over a phone call, while another 23 percent was by text message. 

We're being encouraged to think twice about unknown numbers, take care when it comes to links and attachments, and to always double check we can trust who we're talking to.

Image credit: Scamwatch.

Barrington devils wake up to dusting of snow

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Tasmanian devils in the Barrington Tops have woken up to a dusting of snow.

Aussie Ark rangers spotted the animals in the winter wonderland on Wednesday morning.

It's estimated around 20 to 30cm of snow fell across the Tops, which sit around 1,350 metres above sea level.

Rangers say both the endangered devils and the eastern quolls homed at the conservation site are likely to love the weather.

Expressions of Interest Open for Government Volunteer Grants

BY BILLIE KAAL 

Volunteer organisations across the Hunter can now express their interest for a Government grant that can be spent over the next financial year. 

Grants from $1000 to $5000 are being offered to fund a variety of equipment and resources that community groups may need. 

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie believes that volunteers embody the best of the community, with individuals working hard to improve life for many. The program aims to help and encourage these groups to continue their endeavors. 

Dr Gillespie said that a variety of clubs would be able to use this grant, including sporting clubs, Rotary clubs and Lion clubs. 

To apply and for more information, organisations head to grants.gov.au.

Dr David Gillespie with Bulahdelah RFS.

Plans Under Way For Newcastle To Host Supercars In 2023

 BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle Council is going ahead with plans to host the V8 Supercars next year, supporting a motion at Tuesday night's meeting to delegate authority to CEO, Jeremy Bath to facilitate the event.

He'll oversee amendments to the current Services Deed and agreements with Supercars to enable the Newcastle 500 to go ahead in March 2023.

Councillors also agreed to keep council's contribution to the event capped at $1.6 million,  in line with previous years.  

Newcastle Council is preparing to host the V8 Supercars in March 2023

Builders On Notice As Crackdown On Building Defects Gets Under Way In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Building contractors around Newcastle could be subject to snap inspections from government officials over the next couple of days.

Fair Trading, Safe Work and the NSW Building Commissioner are joining forces on a crackdown to ensure building standards and safety requirements on worksites are being met.

They'll be targeting multi-storey residential apartments which are under construction or recently completed.

The safety audit will be looking for early signs of building defects and non-compliance with standards.

Any defects or safety issues found must be addressed.

Snap inspections will be carried out on multi-storey residential buildings in Newcastle. Picture: mydecorative.com

Marina Leasing Reforms Introduced Across the Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter boating facilities are set to receive upgrades, thanks to new marina leasing reforms. 

Marinas on Crown land will be offered extended leases of up to 40 years, in exchange for a commitment to reinvest in and upgrade facilities. 

Soldier's Point Marina in Port Stephens is just one location set to benefit from the reforms, which will also include a new standard lease template and the introduction of more more transparent rent calculations for operators. 

Boating Industry Association President Andrew Fielding said the industry welcomed the changes, which will support local jobs and economies, while providing tourists and communities with world-class facilities. 

"The leasing reforms will create a framework where marina operators and investors can deliver important privately-funded public infrastructure with confidence, while greatly improving their offerings to boaties and the broader community." Mr Fielding said. 

Minister Anderson (centre) with Boating Industry Association director Darren Vaux (left) and Soldiers Point Marina general manager Darrell Barnett (right) at Soldiers Point Marina at Port Stephens. 

Lake Mac Council Rejects Nuclear Power Plant Proposal

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Lake Macquarie City Council have voted against a motion to host a nuclear power plant at the former Eraring Power Station. 

The motion asked councillors to repeal a long-standing ban on nuclear power stations, and consider building one on the Lake's shore. 

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ban the approval, licensing, construction or operation of any nuclear fuel fabrication plant, a nuclear power plan, enrichment plant or reprocessing facility in Australia. 

However, North Ward Councillor Colin Grigg, who brought the motion to council, believes nuclear power is a clean, sustainable solution to the region's power problems. 

"I believe we need to take a look at nuclear because as it stands right now, renewables are not sufficient to meet the demand and I think we need to have reliable base load power," Cr Grigg said. 

However, council was not persuaded, and voted 12 to 1 against the motion at last night's meeting, citing issues surrounding the storage of nuclear waste, and the station's environmental impact on the area. 

In response, Cr Grigg said council needs to "take of the shades" and continue the discussion about what to do next.

"I'm disappointed that councillors missed the opportunity to read the facts sheet that I sent to them all. They were quoting from understandings from before like Chernobyl and I think that's the problem; the community has basically been scared off nuclear and all I'm saying is we need to, with fresh eyes, take a look at nuclear," he said. 

He also said placing the plant at Earing was just a suggestion, and he'd be happy to see a facility placed elsewhere. 

"There's 45 countries in the world that are using nuclear power. There's 450 nuclear power stations in the world; American has 100 and is building more, and France has over 50 and is building more. I think that we're lagging behind on this. If there's an alternative that could provide reliable base load power, I'm happy for it, but at the moment there's nothing else."  

Image: CSIRO

Councillor calls to revive Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A Newcastle councillor is calling on State Government to reinvestigate the potential of an old project, to ease congestion on the region's road network.

The Wallsend-Mayfield Arterial Road project has been shelved for around 50 years, after first being proposed in the mid-20th century.

The path would ease pressure on overworked roads such as Maud St in Mayfield and Wilkinson Avenue in Birmingham Gardens by tracing a new route through a number of suburbs from Industrial Drive at the Pacific Highway.

Much of the land put forward to accommodate the road through Warabrook and Birmingham Gardens remains vacant, though it's likely a number of residential properties would need to be acquired.

Councillor Callum Pull has submitted a Notice of Motion for Tuesday night's meeting, pushing Council to write to Government and the Opposition to explore the project.

Pursuit And Attempted Double Carjacking At Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today following a pursuit and alleged attempted double carjacking in Maitland.

Police were called to brawl on O'Hearn Street at Tenambit around 11.30am on Monday where they were confronted by a man allegedly armed with a speargun.

He fled and led police on a pursuit, during which the man's car collided with a caged police vehicle.

Police say the man then attempted to carjack two vehicles in Melbourne Street, East Maitland while armed with a weapon.

The 36-year-old was arrested a short time later at a unit in Newcastle Street.

BREAKING! Burst Water Main Causes Flooding At Toronto

 BY IAN CROUCH

A burst water main is causing major flooding at Toronto.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews were called to Jarrett Street at about 5.15am on Tuesday to find water rushing into a nearby home.

Jarrett Street has been closed to traffic between Excelsior Parade and Oakhampton Court amid fears the road surface could break up.

Hunter Water has been alerted to the incident.

Funding For Newcastle Hydrogen Hub Under Threat

 BY IAN CROUCH

Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Ted O'Brien will be in Newcastle On Monday morning to step up pressure on the Albanese Government to honour a funding commitment to a Green Hydrogen Hub in Newcastle.

The previous government included $100 million in the budget to set up the hub at the Port of Newcastle.

The Labor government has refused to confirm if it will support the project.

Ted O'Brien says the Hunter is perfectly positioned to become a booming hydrogen production and export hub.

Former Energy Minister Angus Taylor and Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody announced $41mil towards stage 1 of the Hydrogen Hub project in April 2022. Picture: Port of Newcastle 

Police Dog Rounds Up Two Suspects After Pursuit At Black Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

A lengthy pursuit has ended with the arrest of two people at Black Hill on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Officers spotted an allegedly stolen car in New Lambton at about 8.00am on Thursday and began following the vehicle but terminated the chase due to the risk to public safety.

PolAir then found the car travelling near Black Hill, with the driver and passenger dumping the car and running off in different directions after crashing the vehicle.

Police Dog Yule quickly tracked down the passenger for arresting officers then took off after the driver and rounded him up as well.

The 34-year-old driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant - he and the passenger were taken to Waratah Police Station for charging.

It's alleged several weapons and drugs were found in the vehicle.

Police Dog Yule helped capture two suspects at Black Hill Picture: NSW Police

Cessnock to become flood-ready with the installation of new early-warning Sirens

 BY BEN CLIFFORD

After successfully securing funding from the NSW Government's Floodplain Management Program, the Cessnock City Council has announced plans to rollout a series of flood warning systems across the  Cessnock LGA. 

The announcement comes off the back of last month's devastating flooding event which wreaked major havoc across the Hunter region. 

The flood warning systems have been designed to prevent major loss of life in the event of future flooding emergencies by sounding an alarm to residents residing in flood prone areas.

Once installed, the systems will also alert council and emergency services prior to, and during flooding events. 

In Cessnock, two alert warning systems are proposed for installation at Mount View Park and Short Street. Additional systems will also be placed at Thomas Fell Park in Weston and Elizabeth Street in Abermain. 

Flood warning infrastructure such as water level gauges to monitor storm water channels and an automated rainfall gauge have also been proposed.

Flooding at Testers Hollow again cut off the main access road from Maitland to Cessnock in July Picture: Cessnock Advocate

For residents looking to find out more, Council will be holding two community information sessions. The first will be held on Monday the 5th of September at Cessnock Civic Indoor Sports Centre from 4-7pm and the second on Tuesday the 6th of September at Weston Civic Centre from 4-7pm.

Patrons Evacuated From Paxton Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has forced the evacuation of a Hunter Valley pub overnight.

Firefighters from Paxton, Bellbird and Cessnock were called to the Paxton Hotel at about 4.30pm on Tuesday to find a fire in an upstairs bedroom, with smoke filling the downstairs hotel.

Newcastle Fire Command says eleven patrons were safely evacuated and crews took about 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze, which caused only minor damage to the bedroom.

Crews remained on scene until just after 6.30pm.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, but it's not thought to be suspicious.

Crews quickly contained a fire at the Paxton Hotel Picture: Paxton Hotel Facebook

Toddler Dies After Being Hit By Car At Rathmines

 BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is continuing into the tragic death of a toddler at a Rathmines home.

Emergency services and the Hunter's Westpac Rescue helicopter were called to Rosemary Row just before 2.30pm on Monday to reports a toddler had been hit by a vehicle in a driveway.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the little girl died at the scene.

A 38-year-old man was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police are investigating whether the little girl silently followed her father out of the home before being stuck by the family car as he was exiting the driveway.

The scene where a 22-month-old girl died at Rathmines Picture dailymail.co.uk

Woman stabbed in abdomen at Woodberry

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A woman has been stabbed at Woodberry on Monday morning and another is in police custody.

Emergency services responded to Segenhoe St around 10am, with three ambulance crews and the Westpac Helicopter en route.

The 39-year-old woman suffered a single stab wound to the abdomen and a laceration to the head.

She has been airlifted to the John Hunter where she remains in a stable condition.

A 37-year-old woman, believed to be known to the victim, has been arrested.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Joel de Zuna says the patient was "incredibly lucky".

"Paramedics did a fantastic job in extricating the woman from the scene and taking her to the emergency medical team that had arrived on the helicopter," he said.

"The critical care doctor and paramedics worked to control the bleeding and stabilise the woman for transport to hospital."

"Stab wounds cause nasty injuries that can be challenging to treat due to the potential penetration of organs and blood vessels. This patient was incredibly lucky."

Lake Macquarie to lose out on Air Race World Championship

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Air Race World Championship won't make it to Lake Macquarie later this year, after organisers cancelled it and a pair of rounds in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The cancellation's being put down to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns around the global economy.

The State Government announced earlier this year it would invest $2.5 million into the project, with an $8 million return expected in economic benefits to the region.

There's hope the event could be revived in 2023 or 2024, as well as the possibility of finding a new event to fill the slated November weekend this year.

Large Scrap Metal Fire At Hexham Being Investigated

 BY IAN CROUCH

An investigation is under way into the cause of a large industrial fire at Hexham.

Newcastle Fire Command says firefighters were called to the InfraBuild recycling plant on Sparke Street just before 11.30am on Sunday to find a large pile of scrap metal on fire.

At least 80 firefighters battled the massive pile, measuring around 100 metres by 50 metres and between 10 and 15 metres high, using cranes to break up the pile.

It prompted a warning to residents in surrounding suburbs to close windows and vents due to the large volume of toxic smoke.

Crews were also concerned about LPG and oxygen cylinders stored at the site.

Crews battle the scrap metal pile fire at Hexham Picture: Maitand Mercury

Muswellbrook father kicks flaming dryer outside to stop house fire after children raise alarm

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A pair of young brothers are being praised today, after raising the alarm to save their home and prevent a house fire in Muswellbrook on Wednesday evening.

Around 6:30pm, a clothes dryer caught alight in the laundry of the Jeans Street home.

Smoke alarms sounded but the 29-year-old father couldn't hear them, because he was playing video games and had earphones in.

Two boys, aged four and nine, managed to alert their parents.

The family escaped outside, while the father managed to open the laundry door and kick the burning dryer outside.

The father was treated for smoke inhalation, while the children were treated for minor exposure to smoke.

Fire crews ventilated the home and extinguished the dryer.

Singleton firefighters calling for changeroom after a century

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A NSW MP has made the case in the State's Upper House after Singleton firefighters raised the alarm on a lack of changeroom facilities. 

The Singleton fire station was built in 1915, but more than 100 years later, still lacks a simple changeroom, as well as separate toilets and showers for male and female officers. 

One Nation MP Rod Roberts says it's disappointing and concerning.

"They talk about an inclusive and diverse workforce," he said. "What woman wants to go and work somewhere where she's forced - she has no option, but she's forced - to strip down to her underwear in front of her work colleagues?"

"Apart from that, they're also in full view of members of the public that were walking down John Street or using any of the buildings that surround the fire station, and in this day and age in 2022, that is just not acceptable."

A pair of dance schools are located near the fire station, as well as a number of other premises around the Singleton CBD.

Mr Roberts says there are legal issues just waiting to happen.

"That's why the firefighters at Singleton raised it with me," he said. "They're not deliberately going around willfully exposing themselves to members of the public, but it's only going to take one member of the public that walks past, who takes some form of offence to this, and these firefighters and their employers could be open to some form of legal action."

Fire and Rescue NSW was allocated $50 million in the State Government's latest budget to upgrade female amenities over the next ten years, but couldn't be pressed on the situation at Singleton.

Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler says they're still in the early stages when it comes to spending the funding.

"FRNSW is currently assessing the priority of fire stations based on the condition of facilities and the current distribution of female firefighters," she said.

"Priority projects will be scoped to determine both the extent of works and the costs involved. Works are estimated to commence on the identified projects in November."

But Mr Roberts says the station isn't asking for much, and it should be a priority today.

"The professional men and women at Singleton Fire Station are very practical people," he said.

"They've said to me, 'Rod, we don't need a whole new fire station, we don't need go to that extent.'"

"All we're asking for is a demountable building to be placed in the rear courtyard of the fire station, that can be converted into separate male and female toilets and showers and changing facilities."