Brownouts and Blackouts After Eraring Closure, MP Warns

 BY PETER HYSLOP

State member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper says the community could be subject to "brownouts and blackouts" if not enough is invested in alternative energy sources before Eraring Power Station is closed in 2025.

The independent MP told 2NUR the closure can't happen if the state is not ready to make the switch.

"While it has a closure date ... we shouldn't be locked into that if we're not actually ready.

"We don't have ... confidence that we will have storage for base load power to be dispatched to the demand we can match now with a power station such as Eraring," he said.

Piper said the community would be "outraged" if power had to be cut to homes without sufficient capacity on the grid. 

While he understands Origin, the operator, can't keep producing energy at a loss, he said it would be unacceptable for the government to buy it back.

"It would be an extraordinary proposition for the state to re-acquire this power station at this stage, it's been heavily compromised over the years ... the cost would be probably unacceptable," he said.

(Image: CSIRO)

Teens Arrested After Pursuit Of Car Allegedly Stolen From Wallsend

 BY IAN CROUCH

Four teenagers have been arrested on the Mid North Coast after a pursuit in a car allegedly stolen from Wallsend.

Police say the Audi A1 Hatchback was taken during a break and enter at about 3.00am on Thursday. 

Around 9am, officers from the Manning Great Lakes Police District began pursuing the car on the Pacific Highway near Taree when the driver fail to stop, but the chase was called off for safety reasons.

Then around 10.45am, the car was involved in a crash with a Ford Trend and an unmarked police car on the highway at South Kempsey.

No-one was injured and 4 teens were arrested at the scene.

The driver, a 16-year-old boy and two others aged 15 have been charged - they're due to face the Children's Court today (Friday 31 March, 2023).

A 16-year-old girl will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Foreshore Park Damaged During Supercars Bump Out

 BY IAN CROUCH

Major repairs will need to be undertaken at Newcastle's Foreshore Park following the Supercars event.

The grass between Customs House and the Tram Sheds has been torn up during the pack down of the event, with tyre tracks visible in the mud.

Council says it's aware of the situation and a spokesperson says while some remediation work was anticipated, the damage to the site was exacerbated by recent heavy rain.

Under the services agreement with council, Supercars is liable for the costs associated with the repair work.

Newcastle's Foreshore Park has been left a muddy mess after the Supercars bump out. Picture Newcastle Herald

Crews Battle Fire In Adjoining Homes At New Lambton

 BY IN CROUCH

It's believed faulty or arcing power lines are to blame for a fire which caused damage to adjoining homes in New Lambton overnight.

Seven fire trucks were called to Lambton Road at about 11.48pm on Thursday to reports a timber cottage was well alight.

They arrived to find a vacant single level timber cottage up in flames.

The fire spread to the adjoining homes on either side of the property, causing minor damage - the residents of these homes were safely evcuated without injury.

Newcastle Fire Command says firefighting operations were hampered by a burst water main and the presence of asbestos in the cottage.

Crews finished mopping up just before 3.30am on Friday.

Police have confirmed they are treating the fire as suspicious and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

First Bonza Flight from Newcastle to the Whitsundays Takes-Off

BY BLAKE QUINN

Newcastle Airport has announced the launch of Bonza's second inaugural flight this week, following the successful departure of the first ever flight connecting Newcastle to the Whitsundays Coast. 

The new route will operate twice a week, with flights departing Newcastle Airport on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a total flight time of 2 hours and 35 minutes.

It's set to provide a unique opportunity for Hunter residents to affordably travel to one of Australia's most picturesque coastal locations. 

Bonza CEO Tim Jordan, says the new route also gives the community in the Whitsundays the chance to head down to the Hunter. 

"It's a wonderful opportunity for tourism in both directions," he said. 

The airline aims to encourage Hunter residents to ditch their oversees travel plans by making it easier for people in regional areas to experience the rich and vibrant destinations on offer in their own backyard. 

Image: Newcastle Airport

BREAKING! Newcastle Firefighters Called To Major Unit Fire At Taree

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters from Newcastle have been sent to Taree where a multi-unit apartment block is on fire.

Newcastle Fire Command says 8 units from as far away as Coffs Harbour were called to the 12 unit 2 storey Department of Housing block on Ronald Road at about 1.30am on Thursday to find a fire in an upper level unit had spread to adjoining apartments.

The roof of the building has since collapsed.

40 people have been evacuated and one person suffered a suspected broken arm when they jumped from the second floor to escape the flames.

The Fire and Rescue aerial unit from Mayfield West is assisting with the firefighting effort.

The Fire & Rescue Aerial Unit from Mayfield West has been called the unit fire at Taree

Teenager Placed In Induced Coma After Crash At Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

 A teenager has been placed in an induced coma following a serious accident between a motorbike and a utility at Lambton.

Police say a Honda motorcycle and a Ford Ranger collided on Croudace Street near Chillcott Street at about 7.40pm on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old motorbike rider suffered head injuries and a broken leg and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

A 29-year-old man who was driving the Ford Ranger has provided mandatory blood and urine samples.

Croudace Street was closed for three hours while investigators examined the scene.

 

UPDATE: Body Found in Search for Missing Stroud Teen

BY IAN CROUCH/ OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

A body has been located during the search for a girl reported missing from Stroud.

17-year-old Melanie O'Sullivan was last seen on Mill Creek Road at about 9:00am yesterday morning.

After failing to return home, police were notified by family and commenced inquiries to locate her. 

At about 10:00am today, it's believed the body of the missing girl was located by police near where she was last seen off Mill Creek Road. 

Police are not treating the circumstances around her death as suspicious. 

A report is now being prepared for the Coroner.

Hunter residents who are struggling or with loved ones in need of support are encouraged to contact Lifeline: 13 11 14

EARLIER:

Police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's gone missing from Stroud.

17-year-old Melanie O'Sullivan was last seen on Mill Creek Road at about 9.00am on Tuesday and police and her family hold concerns for her welfare as her disappearance is out of character.

Melanie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall with a thin build and very long brown hair, possibly in braids.

She was last seen wearing a beige shirt, grey track pants, brown boots and was pushing an aqua coloured mountain bike.

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

Missing teen Melanie O'Sullivan

Teen Seriously Injured In Crash At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

A teenager has been seriously injured in a single vehicle crash at Rutherford overnight.

Police say the 18-year-old was driving a blue Mazda sedan westbound along the New England Highway just after 2.30am on Wednesday when he lost control and the car slammed into a power pole, bringing down live wires.

He was barely conscious and suffering head lacerations when emergency services arrived.

It took about an hour for Ambulance Rescue to free the young man before he was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

The westbound lanes of the highway were closed until 4.00am while the accident scene was cleared.

Man And Woman Arrested After Pursuit At New Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man and woman are due to front court today (Wednesday 29 March, 2023) after police were involved in the pursuit of an allegedly stolen car at New Lambton.

Patrolling officers spotted a Toyota RAV Four on Lookout Road at about 12.30am on Wednesday and began following the car when the driver refused to stop.

Police say the vehicle had been reported stolen from Queensland earlier this month.

The pursuit was terminated twice for safety reasons as the car was driven to Adamstown and Kotara South where police successfully deployed road spikes.

The 22-year-old male driver ran off and was tracked down in nearby bushland with the help of a police dog, while his 41-year-old female passenger was arrested at the scene.

The man's been charged with five offences including drive conveyance without consent of owner, driving while suspended and breach of bail.

The woman's been charged with being carried in a conveyance without the consent of owner.

Proposed Legislation Aims to Ensure Fair Treatment for Casuals in Hunter's Coal Mining Industry

BY BEN CLIFFORD

The Albanese Labor Government is taking action to address unfair laws which have resulted in reduced long-service leave entitlements for casual employees in the black coal mining industry.

The proposed legislation aims to provide equal treatment to casual workers compared to their permanent counterparts.

Under current laws, casual employees accrue long-service leave through a calculation which unfairly counts their working hours, resulting in a disadvantage for casuals who often work compressed fortnightly rosters.

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, has expressed support for the proposed changes.

"This Bill will iron out the unfair laws currently disadvantaging casual workers in the coal mining sector," he said.

Mr Repacholi also emphasized the new laws will make a significant difference in the Hunter region.

"This will have a huge impact in the Hunter, as we have plenty of casuals that work in the mining industries," he said. 

"[Casual workers] should be making sure that when they take their long service leave, they get paid the same as what they would if they were a full-time employee. They shouldn’t be criticised or disadvantaged just because they are a casual." 

Once instilled, the legislation is expected to benefit around 6,000 workers in the industry.

Mount Thorley-Warkworth Mine in the Hunter Valley

Wallsend Sinkholes Prompt Multi-Agency Operation

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

Wallsend residents were met with a surprise when at 9:00am on Saturday morning, a sinkhole opened up on Fogo Street.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 9:45am to find the mine subsidence was impacting a total 100-square-metres of space. 

Around 40 residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution, with 17 still staying in temporary accommodation.

Wallsend Diggers Sports Club also sustained damage on their bowling greens which is expected to cost into the millions to repair.

Parts of Fogo, Kokera, Bulkara and Cowper Streets still remain closed and motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the area where possible.

On Monday, a second sinkhole opened up on Platt Street, however, the Mine Subsidence Authority does not believe the two are linked.

Police are now leading a multi-agency operation to address the depressions.

Image: Newcastle Herald

Fire Destroys Home At Cessnock

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have launched an investigation into the cause of a fire which destroyed a home at Cessnock overnight.

Firefighters from Cessnock, Bellbird, Kearsley and Paxton were called to the single level home on Wollombi Road just after 2.00am on Tuesday to find the rear of the house engulfed in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says two occupants managed to self-evacuate without injury.

It's taken crews more than 2 hours to extinguish and mop up the fire using 4 lines of hose.

Crews also had to undergo decontamination due to exposure to asbestos.

 

Labor's Takeover in Full Swing

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The weekend saw Labor comfortably retain all seven of its existing Hunter seats, in line with a state-wide swing in the party's direction. 

It comes after the Liberals failed to name a host of candidates until the last minute, adding to what's being described as a lacklustre campaign performance across the Hunter and the state.

One of the Labor's biggest results could be seen in Port Stephens, where Kate Washington enjoyed a two-party preferred swing of 16.5%. 

There's now pressure on the incoming MPs and state government to get moving on a number of promised and pressing commitments. 

Namely, the proposed privatisaiton of Hunter Water has been a regionally-contentious issue for some time. 

In the lead-up to the election, Chris Minns and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the first thing they would do is ensure Hunter Water stays in the public hands. 

"We'll get moving very quickly on stopping privatisation of Hunter Water in particular; we hope to legislate that way in fact," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who easily retained her long-held seat, agrees it's the first thing on the agenda, but said the corporation needs to do better in working alongside the new state government. 

"They've kept the people at arms length deliberately and played politics over the last 12 years, and they need to start getting in-touch with the wants and needs of people in Wallsend," she said. 

Ms Hornery says the key issue in many Hunter electorates moving forward, will be the region's housing affordability crisis. 

Vote-counting for the election continues today. 

Tim Crakanthorp pledges to never privatise Hunter Water in a social media post.

Couple To Face Court Accused Of Offensive Behaviour And Malicious Damage In Newcastle West

 BY IAN CROUCH

Numerous calls from the community has resulted in the arrest of a man and woman accused of offensive behaviour and malicious damage at Newcastle West.

Police were called to Parry Street at about 5.30pm on Sunday to reports two people were swearing, smashing bottles and kicking cars parked on the street.

It's alleged the pair aged 27 assaulted police and resisted arrest before they were taken to Newcastle Police station where it's further alleged they spat at officers and smeared blood in the dock following their arrest.

Both individuals are well known to police and have been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 27 March, 2023).

P-Plater Arrested After Newcastle East Crash

 BY IAN CROUCH

A P-plater has a date in court next month after crashing into traffic lights in Newcastle East overnight.

Police say the 22-year-old woman was driving a Mazda 3 at about 10.20pm when she lost control at the corner of Scott and Watt Streets.

It's alleged she returned a positive roadside breath test and was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station where she blew point 1-3-2.

She's had her licence suspended and has been charged with mid-range drink driving to face court on April 20.

BREAKING! Two Juveniles Arrested Over Alleged Violent Home Invasion And Police Pursuit In Newcastle

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two juveniles are expected to front the Children's Court on Monday over an alleged violent home invasion and police pursuit in Newcastle.

Police believe as many as 6 people forced their way into a home on Barton Street at Mayfield around 11.30pm on Sunday and assaulted the occupant before stealing a red Toyota Camry.

Officers pursued the car on several occasions between Newcastle, Maitland and Fern Bay at speeds of up to 140 km/hr.

The car was eventually stopped near Fowler Street at Hamilton South where a boy and girl were arrested.

The search continues for others involved in the incident.

 

Fire Destroys Restaurant at Tamburlaine Winery

BY OLIVIA DILLON

RFS and Fire and Rescue crews have spent the night battling a structure fire at a winery at Pokolbin.

Emergency Services were called to Tamburlaine Winery on McDonalds Road at about 9:30pm, following reports a fire had broken-out in the restaurant area near the property's dam.

It's reported part of the building has collapsed, and it took more than 20 trucks over four hours to contain the blaze.

No one was injured however NSW Ambulance Services were also on-site, and investigations are now underway as to the cause of the fire.

 

 

 

Newcaslte Man Charged Over Major Drug Smuggling Attempt

BY OLIVIA DILLON

 

A Newcastle man is one of five people charged in relation to a flight from Papua New Guinea to Australia, which had 52 kilograms of methamphetamine onboard.

It's believed the drugs have a street value of $15 million.

It's alleged the man from Newcastle, helped transport a tank of aviation gas to central Queensland to refill the aircraft used to smuggle the drugs.

After all five men were arrested, a search warrant was issued a the man's home in Wallsend.

If convicted, he'll face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

 

Police believe the men are part of an international crime syndicate, and are currently undergoing investigations into where they sourced the drugs, who else was involved in their transportation. 

 

Image: AFP

 

Stolen Motorbike Rider to be Charged After Police Pursuit

 BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man's expected to be charged today, after leading Hunter police on a pursuit overnight.

Police allege they spotted a stolen motorbike on South Street at Windale at about 6:45pm, and followed it to the Homemaker Centre at Bennetts Green where they initiated a pursuit.

After it was deemed too unsafe to continue the chase along the Pacific Highway, Pol-Air was called in to follow the bike.

The rider attempted to turn at the intersection of Kirkdale Drive and Charlestown Road, but lost control and crashed.

He fled the scene but was apprehended and arrested a short time later after a foot pursuit.

He did not have any serious injuries but was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remained overnight.

He'll be released and charged today. 

Violence Victims Left with Nowhere to Go

BY DANEIE GEDDES

Restricted government funding has left over 100 Newcastle and Lake Macquarie domestic violence victims without safe and secure housing.

Domestic violence services are at maximum capacity, while women and children continue to struggle to find safe accommodation. 

Over the past four weeks, 77 women and 31 children were unable to be accommodated by crisis refuges. 

Ongoing pressure to meet the demand for crisis accommodation is growing, as the number of case referrals increase. 

Newcastle Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Manager Suellyn Moore, said domestic violence services and victims are pleading for support from the NSW government. 

"Unless there are real time results, we're going to see more people stay in DV relationships," she said.  

There's concerns, without sufficient funding for safe and secure housing, the number of women and children left struggling to find safe accommodation will continue to rise across the region and the state. 

 

Royal Life Saving NSW swimming upstream amid funding cuts

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

There are concerns for the Hunter's Learn to Swim program, with the Labor government planning to cut back on its funding for Royal Life Saving (RLS) NSW.

These cuts coming after 90 drowning deaths across the country were recorded in the 2022-23 Summer. 

NSW recorded the same amount of drowning deaths as Victoria and Queensland combined, with the Hunter being one of the worst regions in the state.

Royal Life Saving NSW's CEO Michael Ilinsky says these cuts will only lead to more drownings.

"It's a significant concern to us, taking away from our most vulnerable and that leads to the potential of more fatal drownings across the state," he said.

RLS NSW had been working with both the Coalition and Labor Governments, seeking a $1.2 million core funding commitment for drowning prevention.

At this stage, there is no funding commitment from the Liberal Government.

RLS NSW is the leader of drowning prevention and water safety education in the state and has been doing so for 125 years.

Learn to swim programs are already playing catch up, with Covid-19 leading to the cancellation of 3.5 million swimming lessons across the state. As a result, 40% of year six students are unable to swim 50 metres.

Ilinsky says it is unacceptable, especially in a country like ours.

"We wonder why people are going into our aquatic environments and getting into trouble," he said.

"Their core skills are missing, their ability to swim and survive is missing."

RLS NSW is urging the party elected this weekend to ensure children have access to high quality learn to swim programs, particularly in areas with heightened drowning rates; like the Hunter.

Maitland Teacher Charged After Alleged Classroom Brawl

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Investigations are now underway, after a fight broke-out between a teacher and his students at Maitland yesterday.

Police were called to Maitland Grossman High School at about 2:00pm yesterday, following an alleged classroom brawl between a teacher and multiple pupils.

Smartphone footage of the event shows a physical altercation where punches were thrown and a table was launched at the teacher. 

A teenage boy who was dealt multiple blows was assessed and deemed uninjured. 

Police have confirmed this morning, the teacher has been charged over the alleged assault.

The Department of Education is investigating. 

 

A student filmed the brawl and shared the footage. (Nine News)

Appeal to Locate Missing Hunter Valley Man

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter Valley Police are appealing for public assistance to locate 44-year-old Malcolm Appleby. 

Malcolm also goes by Raymond Parnell, and was last seen driving east on the Hunter Expressway near Branxton, about 1:45am on Saturday.

It's believed he's driving a green 2003 Toyota Corolla with NSW number plates reading AW54NZ.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Malcolm is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of slim build, with unshaven and balding hair, and a large scar on one of his lower legs.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Update! Man Missing From Newcastle Care Centre Found

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

UPDATE:

49-year-old Robert Manning has been located and is safe.

Following extensive inquiries, he was located in Crows Nest about 6:50am yesterday

EARLIER:

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Newcastle.

49-year-old Robert Manning, was last seen at a care centre on Broadmeadow Road at about 6:00pm on Saturday. 

 

Family and police hold serious concerns for his welfare.

 

Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown eyes and buzz cut hair.

 

He is believed to be in the Jesmond or Hamilton areas.

 

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. 

 

Robert Manning

 

Calls to Locate Missing Port Stephens Teen

BY OLIVIA DILLON  

Port Stephens Hunter Police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a missing teenager.

15-year-old Bailey was last seen in Corlette at about 3:30 on Saturday afternoon. 

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with a fair complexion and brown hair.

Bailey is know to frequent the Nelson Bay area.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers. 

 

 

Man charged over Raymond Terrace house fire

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A man has been charged after a house fire at Raymond Terrace on Friday.

About 9.20am, police were called to a home on Moreton Street, following reports a man had threatened to set the home alight.

Police found the property well alight when they arrived.

Firefighters extinguished the fire, but the home sustained significant damage.

A 63-year-old male was arrested at the scene and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with malicious damage by fire.

Garry John Wright was refused bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court the same day, where he was ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.

He did not enter a plea.