UPDATE: Detectives Step Up Investigation Into Fatal Shooting At Heddon Greta

 BY IAN CROUCH AND OLIVIA DILLON

Police have released CCTV footage of a white van, as well as more information in relation to the fatal shooting of a man in Heddon Greta last year. 

Police addressed the media this morning, calling for anyone with information about the lead-up or the event itself, to come forward.   

Police believe a minimum of three people invaded the home of Zac Davies-Scott just before 10:50pm, and then fled the scene in a white SUV, of which they have now released footage. 

The 25-year-old was shot dead in front of his pregnant fiancé, with his two children and other family members close-by in the home

Zac was known to Police and is believed to have been involved in drug-related activities. 

They are now calling it a targeted attack. 

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty says any information about the incident will assist with the investigation. 

"It was the day after boxing day; people would have seen something or heard something."

EARLIER

Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV footage as investigations continue into the fatal shooting of a man at Heddon Greta late last year.

Police and paramedics were called to a home on Traders Way just before 11.00pm on Tuesday December 27.

They found 25-year-old Zachery Davies-Scott, also known as Donnie, with a gunshot wound.

Sadly, he died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.

Detectives will address the media on Tuesday morning.

Murder victim Zac Davies-Scott

 

Police Investigate Suspected Drowning At East Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help as they investigate a suspected drowning at East Maitland on Australia Day.

Emergency services were called to a home on Raymond Terrace Road at about 9.45pm last Thursday to reports a man was found unresponsive in a pool.

Despite the efforts of residents of the home along with police and paramedics, the man could not be revived.

He's been identified as a 19-year-old from Kahibah.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers.

Hunter LGA's Added to Live Traffic App

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Hunter motorists will soon have more real-time traffic information, as the state government prepares to add more regional roads to the Live Traffic NSW app. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell was joined by Maitland City Mayor Phillip Penfold and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway in Lorn today for the announcement. 

Singleton, Muswellbrook and Newcastle are set to go live on the app by the end of the month, with plans for the entire state to be added by the end of the year. 

The program, which has already been implemented in Maitland, means councils will be trained to upload road closure and incident information themselves. 

Mayor Phillip Penfold, said it's something vulnerable communities have been calling for. 

"The opportunity for council itself to upload this information, is going to be a game-changer when it comes to emergencies like floods, like fires, like listing our roadworks," he said.  

"The Live Traffic app is fantastic as it is, but we need to make sure the community has confidence that the information that's there is up-to-date and valid and correct."

Unemployment Rates Drop Across the Hunter

BY BELLA MIDDLETON

                                  

                                            

Unemployment rates across the Hunter have significantly dropped, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

In December 2022, the unemployment rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie dropped from 3% to 2.8% percent, while the Hunter Valley rates dropped from 4.6%  to 2.7%. 

The drop sees the Hunter region outperform the rest of New South Wales, with the state-wide average sitting at 3.5%. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, said the numbers paint the picture of a strong and healthy economy across the region.

"This is unheard of in recent times. These figures continue to show a bright picture for people in our region seeking work and no signs of a change in the difficulties businesses are having seeking to attract workers from the ranks of the unemployed," Mr Hawes said. 

Youth unemployment rates across the area are also stabilising at 7.5%, which has halved compared to pre-COVID figures across the region. 

"It's really showing that the youth, if they want to give themselves the opportunity to join the workforce, they can do so. That's really encouraging, given the start we need those people to have in life, in terms of workforce commitment and engagement," Mr Hawes said. 

"We've got plenty of businesses that are as busy as they've ever been, and we think on-balance, the region will do quite well, even though many economists are tipping a downturn towards mid-2023."

The workforce participation rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has remained above the 70% mark, with the Hunter Valley rates returning to its pre-Covid figure of 64%. 

Over 32,700 jobs have been created in the Hunter region since December 2019, a growth of 9% at a time when the ABS estimated the workforce grew by 6.7%. 

Two Teenagers Charged Following Police Pursuit

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two teenagers have been charged following a pursuit through the Hunter yesterday. 

Police received reports a Kia Seltos SUV was reportedly stolen from a home in Calgaroo Avenue in Muswellbrook, as well as other personal items.  

A pursuit was initiated by Hunter Valley District Police when the vehicle was seen in Singleton just before 3pm, however it was terminated due to safety concerns. 

The vehicle was monitored travelling into Maitland, before police lost sight of it on the New England highway at Rutherford. 

The abandoned Kia was located shortly after at a home on Kristen Close, and two 15-year-old boys were arrested with the assistance of the dog unit at a nearby apartment. 

They are now facing multiple charges, including one breach of bail. 

They were both refused bail and will face Children's Court today. 

Two Men Charged Over Alleged Drug-Smuggling Incident at the Port of Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two men have been charged over an alleged attempt to retrieve cocaine off a ship in the Port of Newcastle. 

Police allege the two Norwegian nationals, Johan-Martinius Halversen and Jon Birger Karlsen, were seen in the water at the Port at around 4am on Wednesday wearing scuba diving gear. 

It's believed they were attempting to retrieve 82kgs of cocaine off a visiting ship. 

They were arrested at Honeysuckle that afternoon by organised crime squad detectives and federal police. 

Newcastle Bail Court heard yesterday, the pair were a part of a sophisticated international crime syndicate, which both men deny. 

They are facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and will face local court today. 

New Policy to Put Teachers in Classrooms

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The state government has introduced a new pathway, which could see aspiring Hunter teachers walking into the classroom after just twelve months.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said under the new policy, the time to complete a masters degree for post-graduate students will be halved from two years to one, after the length of the course was seen as a deterrent for would-be teachers.

Since 2011 almost 100,000 teachers have joined the force, however the policy comes as part of a continued attempt to combat teaching shortages across the Hunter and the country.

The pathway will be available from 2024, and is expected to help build the teaching force with more mid-career professionals. 

The streamlining of the course will only be available to those studying to become a secondary teacher, with a revamped primary teaching course to be available by 2026.

Calls for Artists to Beautify Construction Site

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Local artists could have their work temporarily displayed around the Newcastle Art Gallery. 

Council has issued a nation-wide call for four new works to be displayed on the hoarding fencing around the site, as it undergoes construction work for a much-anticipated expansion. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the works will give residents an idea of what's to come for the gallery. 

"Given the site's prominent location in the heart of the city, the construction hoarding project offers a unique opportunity for established or emerging artists to reach new audiences, while also improving the external view of the work zone." 

Construction is set to kick off the middle of this year, with local artists encouraged to submit an expression of interest, released by the gallery yesterday.

The Lord Mayor said, "the expansion will provide greater access to our nationally significant collection and a wider range of prominent exhibitions." 

"In the meantime, it's important to give our community as many avenues as possible to stay connected with the Newcastle Art Gallery," she said. 

The chosen works of art will be digitally reproduced for display on the construction site.

Teenager Charged Over Alleged Break-In at Thornton

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A teenage boy has been charged after a home in Thornton was allegedly broken into yesterday.

Police were called to a property at Edwards Avenue about 2:30am yesterday morning, after reports of a break and enter.

They were told residents had noticed a door left ajar and several items missing, including a set of car keys and personal devices. 

They were also told, a vehicle was found 15 metres down the driveway, wedged against a large hedge.

Following inquiries, police attended a property on Parkway Drive in Thornton, where they arrested a 17-year-old boy.

He was refused bail and will appear before a children's court on Friday

University Of Newcastle Announces International Hotel School

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The University of Newcastle has announced plans to open an International Hotel School, in order to address job shortages within the region's tourism and hospitality industries.  

The program will allow TAFE students undertaking an advanced diploma, to partner their studies with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events. 

It comes in line with a national shortage of more than 400,000 jobs in the sector, and a 30% shortage in the region alone. 

Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Human and Social Futures Professor John Fischetti, said the expansion of Newcastle airport will bring about the need for more industry workers. 

He also said jobs in the sector should be guaranteed, given the shortage. 

"We believe we now have a seamless pathway, with placements each semester in-industry, so this is a very practical, hands-on degree. It will prepare you to run your own business, to work for a major hotel chain, work on a cruise ship, or to help scope out the major new eco-tourism and other things happening in the Hunter," Professor Fischetti said. 

There are currently about 30 students enrolled in the program, with plans to expand the degree to 150-200 students, and potentially establish a physical hotel in the city. 

"This would allow students to work in the University of Newcastle hotel to be able to do their work-integrated learning. Either way, all of our students will be placed in industry partnerships from the beginning, all the way through their degree," Professor Fuschetti said. 

Help Available for Mental Health Carers

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter residents with a friend of family member who has attempted suicide can now access a free support service. 

Newcastle-based mental health service Everymind, has launched two new programs as part of its Minds Together initiative, to recognise the important role carers play in supporting their loved ones through a tough time.

The first program provides support for the family and friends of someone who has attempted suicide. 

The second, is for those helping to the support the mental health of a paramedic. 

They each feature practical tips from suicide prevention experts, to help family and friends to talk about suicide, respond to stigma, and navigate complicated feelings. 

Program Manager and Clinical Psychologist Dr Sally Fitzpatrick, said the mental health of paramedics is often overlooked. 

"They face high-stress, they're often exposed to trauma, they have really long working hours, and they're not great at seeking help themselves; they're always there to be able to focus on someone else, and find it really hard to reach out and seek help when they need it," she said. 

Dr Fitzpatrick said anyone in a support role is encouraged to sign up for the free programs, to help ensure the good mental health of themselves and their loved ones. 

"It's really important if you're going to be able to support someone else, that you look after yourself; make time to ensure that your mental health and your wellbeing levels are high and that you have support around you." 

Teenager Arrested Over Alleged Armed Robbery

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A teenager has been arrested and charged over an alleged robbery at a Newcastle restaurant last year. 

It's alleged the 16-year-old boy threatened staff at Thai Town eatery in the Marketown shopping centre with a knife, and demanded bottles of alcohol just before 10pm on October 1st last year.

Police searched a home at Wallsend yesterday morning, and seized several items of clothing they believed to be relevant to their investigation. 

The boy was arrested at the property and taken to Waratah Police Station.

He was charged with one count of robbery while armed with an offensive weapon. 

He was granted bail and will face children's court next month. 

Hunter Valley Home Firebombed: CCTV Footage Released

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley detectives have released CCTV footage as part of their investigation into an alleged firebombing incident at Muswellbrook late last year.

Emergency services were called a home on Tamar Way in the early hours of  Sunday November 6 following reports of a fire.

The occupants told Police they heard glass shattering outside before seeing flames through the front windows.

One resident suffered minor burns to their shoulder and back while putting the fire out.

It was later found a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the home.

A still image of the footage released by Police

 

BREAKING! Three Vehicles Stolen From Hamilton South - Girl 13 Arrested

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are again urging residents to lock up at night and keep car keys out of sight after 3 vehicles were stolen from Hamilton South early Tuesday morning.

Officers were called to reports of persons on premises in Pulver Street just before 3.00am, arriving to find a black Jeep being driven from the home.

They gave chase, with the vehicle losing a wheel and crashing on Charlestown Road near the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The driver, believed to be a male in his mid teens, fled while his passenger, a 13-year-old girl from Brewarrina, was arrested.

She's been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Police later found a white Lancer abandoned, while a Volkswagen Tiguan from the Hamilton South address remains outstanding,

Raptor Squad Set to Tackle Organised Crime in the Hunter

BY BELLA MIDDLETON

 ABOVE: Acting assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner 

The New South Wales Police Force have announced two permanent bases for the organised crime-focused Raptor Squad, including one in the Hunter. 

29 officers will be stationed at the Hunter-based Raptor North, alongside the Illawarra-based Raptor South and the Sydney headquarters. 

The specialist squad will focus on cracking down on organised crime across the region, and will work closely with the National Anti-Gang Squad, the NSW Crime Commission, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

"We are putting criminals across regional NSW on notice with the Liberal and Nationals Government boosting the NSW Police Force's Raptor Squad," NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.  

"Every resident of our State deserves to feel safe in their communities and their homes."

It's hoped the squad will help dismantle local motorcycle gangs, and deter metropolitan organisations from expanding to the Hunter. 

Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner said the success of the Sydney-based Raptor Squad lead to organised crime groups spreading into regional areas.

"What we're doing is meeting that demand, meeting that risk, by basing a squad in the northern region, and they'll be targeting those people who do us harm," said Mr Tanner. 

"Having our own squad now allows us better capability in the region. They are extra positions which have been created, so we're not taking positions away from the existing Raptor. They will still continue to be supported by the metropolitan-based Raptor squads."  

"They'll be living in our communities, so they'll have better input and better buy-in, which is really one of the advantages." 

"The message is clear today, if you're going to involve yourself in any criminal activity or organised crime, the Raptor North will be there, they will looking for you, they will track you down." 

State Crime Commander Michael Fitzgerald said the Raptor Squad has a proven high-impact on the determent of organised crime, and regional bases will build on that. 

"Since Strike Force Raptor's inception in 2009 and its establishment as a standalone squad in 2021, officers have made more than 7,500 arrests across the state and laid almost 20,000 charges for a variety of offences," said Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald. 

"The Hunter and Illawarra communities can be confident, a permanent presence of the Raptor Squad in the regions will ensure a rapid response to any organised criminal activity impacting on their safety."  

Two Hunter Locals Join Regional Youth Taskforce

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Two young leaders from the Hunter have been selected as members of this year's Regional Youth Taskforce. 

Comprised of 18 members from across the state, the Taskforce will meet throughout the year to drive for policy change within the state government, and advocate for real outcomes for young people. 

The Hunter representatives are Jorji Taaffe from Merriwa, and Jessica Patman from Warners Bay. 

They're both seeking to tackle youth mental health in the region, and will drive policy change around their own special interests. 

Taaffe said she will be focusing on advocating for rural health. 

"I just believe we're lacking resources compared to our urban counterparts, and that's what I really want to change this year," she said. 

"If we have more resources here, it's going to be easier to get people back into the health system and address the lack of resources." 

Jessica Patman wants to bring mental heath and LGBTQI+ health to the forefront. 

"Research shows 75% of mental health concerns emerge before the age of 25, and currently within society, stigma and lack of  access to appropriate and affordable services is preventing a lot of young people from actually accessing support when they need it," Patman said. 

"I think there's also a lack of understanding around gender and sexuality and that's increasing narratives around stereotypes and is increasing discrimination further." 

"It would be amazing if LGBTQI+ youth could have more safe spaces within the Hunter where they could connect and socialize." 

Jorji Taaffe added how important it is to give back to the Hunter community. 

"I'm really excited to have been given this opportunity, not just for myself but for my community. By encouraging my peers and fellow students, I really hope I can make a change." 

Hunter property owners sitting on a goldmine, as land value increases

 BY CONNOR MARSELOS

In times where great infrastructural work is undertaken and first-home buyers attempt to enter the housing market, a common denominator presents itself in both of these scenarios: land.

Regardless of what the land will be utilized for, there is still a price to pay for it, whether it is a first-time home owner or new infrastructure projects, like the Singleton bypass.

To help calculate residents council rates and the new land tax reform, the government have published updated land values, correct as of July 1st, 2022.

The figures focus on the value of the land only, meaning anything built on it, including residential and commercial buildings, do not factor into the value.

At present, the total value of residential land across the Hunter, now stands at $29.6 billion dollars, up from $18.8 billion in the 2021/22 financial year.

One factor behind the rise in total land value, is the increase of property sales across the area, with more than 61,000 properties sold.

One factor being attributed to this is home-buyers moving from metropolitan areas to the regions, in search of alternative lifestyle options.

The values update also enables the government to calculate the land tax and council to determine how rates are calculated.

New Hunter Rental Figures Suggest an Ease in Pressure

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The latest figures out of PropTrack indicate the rental pressures in Newcastle and The Hunter may be easing. 

Newcastle rental prices fell by 3.6% over the three months to December 2022, and in The Hunter they fell by 5.1%. 

PropTrack Director of Economic Research Cameron Kusher, says while there's still ways to go, it's a step in the right direction. 

"They're still higher than they were 12 months ago. Newcastle rents are up 6% and Hunter rents are up by 4.4%, but we are seeing some other signs, some of the rental pressures which have been really prevalent in the market are starting to alleviate," he said.  

"In terms of Newcastle, the number of new listings in December last year compared to the previous December was up 13.5%, and total rental listings were up 17%. In the Hunter, we saw a 16.9% increase in new listings and a 7.5% increase in total listings."  

The figures also indicate, while rental vacancy rates in the region have increased, the number of property inquiries has declined. 

Mr Kusher said this is good news for locals. 

"You've got more stock, but fewer people competing for that stock which is obviously a desperately needed thing, given how much competition and how little stock there has been in the region over the past few years."

NZ Prime Minister Steps Down

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Jacinda Ardern has resigned as the Prime Minister of New Zealand. 

After almost six years in the role, she will step down as the Labor leader no later than the 7th of February, and a vote in the coming days will determine her replacement. 

She said in a statement her reasons for stepping down are personal, and not politically-motivated. 

"I am not leaving because I believe we cannot win the next election, but because I believe we can and will," she said. 

"You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along." 

"Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It's that simple."

She also announced a general election will be held on the 14th of October. 

Image: ABC

UPDATE: Police Investigate Stabbing Of Two International Students In Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for dash-cam footage as they investigate the stabbing of two men In Newcastle West early Thursday morning.

Police and paramedics were called to Devonshire Street between King and Hunter Streets at about 3.30am to find two men aged 25 and 28 with stab wounds.

Police have told 2NURFM News the two international students were confronted by two men and a woman.

Police say the wallet of the 25-year-old man was stolen during the incident.

Police have set up a crime scene as investigations continue.

EARLIER:

Police are investigating a savage assault on two international students from the University of Newcastle early Thursday morning.

Police say the two young men were walking in a lane way off King Street around 3.00am when they were confronted by two men and a woman.

It's understood one of the students suffered a stab wound during the incident - both young men were injured and were taken to the John Hunter Hospital where they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Police say a motive for the attack is not known at this stage and they're asking anyone with information or witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers. 

UPDATE: Gas Pipeline Go-Ahead Faces Push-Back

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A local MP is pushing to get the Hunter Gas Pipeline put on public land, rather than private property. 

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, is calling for Santos to consider running the Pipeline through public land like travelling stock routes, to avoid disruption to locals. 

"It has to be something that's considered under this approval," Mr Layzell said.

Mr Layzell said consultation between Santos and local landowners needs to take place, before the best outcome for all parties can be achieved. 

"At this stage it's about surveying the land where the Pipeline is actually going through at the moment, and then we can actually try to look at alternatives, options, things that actually work for the community and landholders, rather than having a rigid pathway through their properties," he said.  

He also said moving the Pipeline onto public lands, would be an "appropriate way to gain community support for something that the state needs in general." 

EARLIER

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean's decision to give the Hunter Gas Pipeline the go-ahead is facing backlash. 

On January 13th, Mr Kean gave energy giant Santos, permission to explore possible routes from its Narrabri Gas project, to the east coast gas network. 

The project has the potential to provide up to half of the state's natural gas needs over the next 20 years, providing up to one million households with affordable gas. 

However, Greens MP and Spokesperson for Coal and Gas Sue Higginson, said the decision to green-light has been rushed. 

"Unfortunately, as it has been described by many experts, this project is a 'climate bomb'. We know right now, opening up new gas reserves is dangerous and reckless policy," she said. 

"The Santos project is too late. We are rushing through it. This is a project about delivering Santos profits. This is not a project in the national, regional or local interest."

Ms Higginson said the Pipeline is projected to lock-in an additional 5 megatons of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere every year, at a time when Australia and NSW are trying to find more than 7 megatons in reductions per year. 

The corridor would cross through 95,000 hectares of Pilliga Forest, and is facing push-back from landowners and First Nation's custodians. 

Ms Higginson said their voices are not being considered. 

"We know this project is going to harm cultural heritage and of course, it's likely to harm the land and the water. We know the Gomeroi are standing strong and fierce in resistance. They do not consent to Santos and this project," she said.  

Concerns Martins Creek Quarry Expansion Will Wear Down on Locals

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

The Independent Planning Commission have reopened public submissions for the Martins Creek Quarry Project for locals to have their say.

The proposed expansion would see a further 1.1 million tonnes of material excavated, which could in turn bring more jobs to the local community.

However, Labor Candidate for the Upper Hunter Peree Watson has spoken to locals who have voiced concerns about the increased wear on local roads and how this could affect the community.

"Of course we don't want to say that we don't want businesses operating or we don't want jobs, but it should be done in a way that is mindful of the community around and it shouldn't be at the expense of the local community," she said.

Locals have also voiced concerns about the effect of this project on the local infrastructure and how this would impact daily life.

"The community is concerned about the traffic movements and the impacts that will have on their small community and their way of life. It's really important that everyone has their say so that the commissioner can hear how this development will impact their everyday life," she said.

Ms Watson said with the state already severely backed up in infrastructure and road repair costs, it is important to preserve local roads which are often forgotten by the government.

Public submissions close on January 30. 

Image: NEWFM

Woman Arrested After Alleged Pursuit And Crash At Singleton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A young woman has a date in court next month after allegedly leading Police on a pursuit at Singleton.

Officers were conducting speed checks on Boonal Street just after 6.00pm on Tuesday when a Holden sedan refused to stop.

Police called off the chase when the driver allegedly crossed to the wrong side of the road.

A short time later they were called to Greenwood Avenue where it's alleged the car had crashed through the front fence of a home and came to rest beside a tree.

Neighbours held the 33-year-old woman until Police arrived.

Checks revealed she is a disqualified driver.

New Homes Delivered for Residents in Crisis

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new social housing development has been completed in Newcastle. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin announced yesterday, the completion of the $3.9 million project on Stannett Street in Waratah West. 

The development includes three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units, as well as parking for four cars, sun shades, and easy access to parks, bus stops and essential services. 

It will provide eight homes, helping 14 local residents put a roof over their heads. 

The news comes amid a housing crisis across the Hunter region and the state. 

Recent figures indicate there are more than 50,000 people on the NSW social housing waitlist, with 4,500 of those coming from the Hunter. 

Additionally, rental vacancy in the region sits at just 1%. 

Mr Martin said the Waratah project is just one of ten developments which make up a $47 million pipeline for Newcastle, aiming to provide 138 homes for Novocastrians over three years. 

Soldiers Praised For Life Saving Rescue At Nerong

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Ambulance Service is praising the efforts of off-duty special forces soldiers who saved the life of woman trapped in a crash near Bulahdelah.

The woman in her 50's suffered a significant arm injury when her campervan rolled on the Pacific Highway at Nerong on Monday morning.

Initially, the woman was inaccessible, but soldiers carrying a professional first aid kit managed to squeeze through a gap in the wreckage to apply a tourniquet which helped stem significant blood loss.

Fire crews arrived and cut the roof off the campervan and the woman was flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance says the efforts of the soldiers most likely saved the woman's life.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter at the crash scene on Monday. Picture Westpac Rescue Helicopter

High Fuel Load Prompts Grass Fires Warning In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter landowners and residents are being urged to take precautions to prevent grass fires.

Fire crews across the region have been kept extremely busy in recent weeks attending grass and bush fires thanks to the large fuel load build-up from last year's heavy rain.

The RFS says grass fires in particular pose the greatest risk because they can break out easily in dry conditions and spread rapidly.

It comes after crews were called to a bushfire off the M1 at West Wallsend on Monday afternoon and separate grass fires at Boolaroo and Jesmond overnight.

Thankfully, none of these fires posed any direct threat to property.

Residents are urged to keep lawns mowed and grass areas slashed to reduce the fire risk.

The RFS is renewing warnings about the risk of grass fires during January and February. Picture: RFS

Labor Promises New High School in Medowie

BY OLIVIA DILLON

State Labor has said it will build a public high school in Medowie if it wins the March state election. 

Land was set aside for the project on Ferodale Road forty years ago, but no government has followed through with plans since. 

However, Opposition Education Spokeswoman Prue Car has announced, a NSW Labor government would commit $53 million to the project, and would commence work on the project in the first term of government. 

The school would cater for up to 600 students initially and would be operational in four years.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington, said it's something the community has been fighting for for generations.

"Medowie is a town of more than 10,000 people and growing. it has two independent high schools, but no public high school. The need has been there for a long time; everyone knows Medowie needs a public high school," she said. 

In response to the pledge, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, said Labor's commitment won't be enough to build a brand new high school.  

However, Ms Washington, says it's about time a commitment was made. 

"If she wants to quibble about the dollars, she should be putting a high school in Medowie and telling us how much she will fund it. Her solution is to squeeze more kids into the high schools in Raymond Terrace. That is the cheapest and nastiest solution for the families of Raymond Terrace and Medowie," Ms Washington said.  

"The upcoming state election couldn't be clearer; if the families of Medowie want a public high school, they must vote for Labor, because only a Labor Government will deliver it."