Liddell Power Station closure generates future energy debate

BY CONNOR MARSELOS

Today marks a major milestone in how the energy grid will be shaped for future generations.

After operating as a coal-fired power station since 1971, the Liddell Power Station finally shut down, as the last 500 megawatt generator switched-off.

The shutdown plays a role in the Federal Government's transition to renewable energy, mainly wind and solar power.

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, says the closure of Liddell now puts the region into an uncertain period of energy insecurity through to 2027.

"Energy demand in Australia is still increasing significantly and is going to continue to increase while we do gear up for the renewable revolution." Mr Hawes said.

The plan to address the potential short fall Mr Hawes says, has to factor in large-scale commitments to compensate energy generation not just with Liddell, but the five remaining coal-fired power stations.

"We'll continue to work at the intersection of government, business, and investment to support the supply of reliable and renewable energy as we journey towards a renewable energy future".

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has already indicated the size and scope of the transition now laid out for Australia.

The minister noted, in order to achieve Net-Zero by 2030, the energy grid would need to commission 40 wind turbines per month and 22,000 solar panels daily to meet the energy demand.

One source cited by the minister during these remarks, was the potential utilization of small, modular nuclear reactors.

Nationals leader David Littleproud is calling for a mature conversation with the government about the role nuclear energy can play in the transition.

"It can replace this big generator with two or three small modular nuclear reactors, that would keep the jobs here, give a future for the Hunter and the jobs that need to come back," Mr Littleproud said.

Image: Newcastle Herald

Young Voices Heard at Newcastle Youth Forum

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Young people from the Hunter had their say on a number of big-ticket issues at last night's Newcastle Youth Forum. 

Federal Minster for Youth Dr Anne Aly was joined by Federal Members for Newcastle and Paterson Sharon Claydon and Meryl Swanson respectively, for the event at Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Club. 

Talking points included youth mental health, reforms to the education system and participation in local live music. 

Dr Anne Aly, says the government needs to work with young people, as well as for them. 

"When we talk about youth, one of the things I think we've made a mistake on in the past, is looking at them as a singular group or a monolith, but we know the issues are different for youth in different regions, postcodes or cohorts," Dr Aly said. 

"It's really important to hear from young people in all their diversities." 

Youth Committee for The Hunter Members Dylan Shoesmith and Joel Mackaway were in attendance at the forum.   

Mr Shoesmith said it was a good opportunity to engage directly with policy-makers.

"Here in the Hunter we've got a lot of very passionate young people who are very keen on ensuring our region continues in prosperity," he said. 

"It's great to have some very high-profile politicians come along and be willing to really engage and listen to what young people have to say." 

"Hopefully we'll see some concrete action come out of it."  

Similarly, Mr Mackaway was pleased to have an opportunity to be given a seat at the table. 

"I think it makes it easier for young people to get involved in politics because it's usually a thing people find boring or just for older people," he said. 

"To have opportunities to speak your mind and talk to people that can actually make change is really beneficial for participation for young people." 

Second Stage of Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion to Begin in May

BY BLAKE QUINN

The second stage of the $43.8 million Newcastle Art Gallery expansion will begin next month. 

City of Newcastle unanimously voted to award the contract for the construction works to Hansen Yunken at it's meeting last night. 

The nationally significant infrastructure project will undergo its second stage transformation in May. 

It's set to elevate the gallery into one of international standing, helping consolidate the Hunter's reputation as an "active and vibrant centre for the arts and culture, providing a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW" according to Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. 

The expansion will provide additional exhibition space to showcase Newcastle's historic art collection valued at $126 million, nationally recognised as one of the finest in Australia. 

As such, it will offer an opportunity to tell local stories whilst also inspiring new ones through displaying works of art which hold local, national, and international importance. 

The project will also deliver new shopping spaces, multi-purpose educational program spaces, as well as an international standard loading dock.

A spokesperson form Hansen Yunken says they plan to employ 130 local workers at the height of the expansion's construction works. 

The initial site establishment will commence in May, with the overall construction process projected to be completed in late 2024. 

Major PBS Shake-Ups for Community Pharmacy

BY DANEIE GEDDES

Labor's plans to double prescription dispensing periods to 60 days in next month's budget has raised concerns for regional and rural communities. 

It's feared the plan could create severe medicine shortages and delays, with regional communities like the Hunter at the forefront of it's impact. 

With many Hunter residents already facing challenges in accessing medical support, the decision looks to make those challenges even more difficult. 

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Trent Twomey says millions of patients will be worse off.

"I don't want to see a stand-off in any community in Australia where some patients get double the medicine they need, while others get nothing," he said. 

A new poll shows 8 in 10 Australians reject Labor's plans to double prescription dispensing periods.

"The research is crystal clear, Australians do not support a policy if it means pharmacy shelves are bare and patients miss out on vital medicine they need. We are calling on the Federal Government to reconsider," Mr Twomey said. 

National Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Anthony Tassone, says medicine shortages are not the only concern. 

"It will have a direct flow-on effect to jobs, trading hours and services pharmacies provide to the community."

However, Doctors Reform Society Spokesman, Dr Robert Marr says residents in regional communities like the Hunter should not be concerned. 

"There's nothing to be frightened about. It will save people from the country and everywhere from having to go to the pharmacy twice a month when you can just go once every two months," he said. 

He's reassuring rural residents, the plan is a great advancement for community pharmacy and said the concerns will have more of an impact on pharmacy income than patient health. 

"It's a great cost-saver for patients and for the government, the only people that loose out is pharmacists who won't get as much money from forcing people to go every month," Dr Marr said. 

At this stage the plan is set to go ahead in next month's budget, while many residents and pharmacists continue to rally against its introduction. 

Newcastle Man Found Dead in Thai Gaol Cell

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Thai police are currently investigating the death of a Newcastle man inside a gaol cell. 

It's alleged former Hunter Sports High School student Matthew Winder was arrested on Sunday night for being drunk and disorderly outside a bar at Patong Beach. 

The 31-year-old was found dead at about midday on Monday. 

Police say he was the only occupant in his cell. 

Matthew's partner Ayla Varoxis, says she spoke to him five hours prior to the incident, and while he was intoxicated, he did not seem suicidal.

Image: Newcastle Herald 

 

UPDATE! Missing Southern Highlands Woman Located Near Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH/ OLIVIA DILLON

UPDATE:

A woman reported missing from the Southern Highlands has been located near Lake Macquarie.

38-year-old Teegan Wales was last seen at about 11:30am on Monday morning. 

Following enquiries she was located in Cooranbong just after 8:30am today.

EARLIER:

A woman missing from the Southern Highlands is believed to be in the Lake Macquarie area.

38-year-old Teegan Wales was last seen on Monday morning.

Police and her family hold serious concerns for her welfare.

She's described as being Caucasian, about 175 centimetres tall with brown hair and eyes and has a tattoo of a rose on her right shoulder.

Teegan was last seen wearing a dark coloured t-shirt and black jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Missing Woman: Teegan Wales

Hunter Students Slapped with Higher HECS

BY OLIVIA DILLON

There's concern for University of Newcastle students with a HECS debt, after the federal government today announced a major indexation rise. 

Student debt has been hit with a 7% hike across the board, which will take effect from the 1st of June. 

It's the highest rate seen in 32 years. 

The change means total repayment amounts will stay the same, but the repayment time will lengthen. 

As a result, average HECS debt will increase by about $1500 this year and next year.

National Union of Students member Grace Francco, said it means many people won't be able to reduce their balance. 

"Anyone who is earning less than $62,000, which is between the minimum and median wage, will see their debt increase. So the minimum repayments that they make won't actually decrease their HECS debt."

'Reasonable Doubt' Exists in Kathleen Folbigg Case, Inquiry Told

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The inquiry into the convictions of Singleton mother Kathleen Folbigg has heard there is reasonable doubt of her guilt. 

The 55-year-old was gaoled in 2003 over the deaths of her four children.

However, the enquiry has heard today there is a strong plausible case for each child's death, including a rare genetic mutation found in two of Folbigg's daughters. 

It's also been submitted, her son Patrick may have died from an underlying neurogenetic disorder such as epilepsy. 

In addition, it's possible explanations for the deaths of those three children, could undermine the tendency reasoning used to convict Folbigg of her son Caleb's manslaughter.

The hearing has also heard evidence suggests it would be unreliable to interpret some of her diary entries as submissions of guilt. 

If reasonable doubt is found when closing submissions end, the case could be referred to the Court of Criminal Appeal, which may quash Folbigg's convictions.

A pardon could also be recommended, which would see Folbigg released from prison. 

Image: Canberra Times

University of Newcastle Students Take Up the Tools to Support Women in Need

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A vital outreach arm of the University of Newcastle has delivered a small but welcome project for women's refuge Carrie's Place as part of International Women's Day.

Over five weeks, women from the community and female students from the School of Architecture and Built Environment worked with the team from Outfit to build two custom-designed dining tables.

The timber used for the project was donated from a former display at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum.

Third-year student Kinga, says learning to use large workshop power tools was a bit daunting at first, but well worth it.

"I think it's very important in the field of built environment that we support women because it's a very male-dominated industry," she said.

"It's just great to be a part of something bigger than yourself." 

Head of School Professor Sue Anne Ware, says the group is also undergoing a number of other projects to support the service into the future.

 

Third-year student Kinga in front of a photo of her and a community volunteer working on a table top.

 

 

Have You Seen Ewan Harper?

BY OLIVIA DILLON

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

66-year-old Ewan Harper was last seen at about 6:30pm on Tuesday the 4th of April at Muswellbrook Hospital.

Ewan's family have not seen or heard from him for two weeks, and there are serious concerns for his welfare due to a number of health conditions.

He was last seen wearing grey tracksuit pants and a grey t-shirt.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Ewan Harper

 

Lake Macquarie Real Estate Agent Dies While on Holiday in Bali

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A Lake Macquarie real estate consultant has died while on holiday in Bali. 

Police say 28-year-old Chares James Bradley was found unresponsive on the road in North Kuta after leaving a popular club on Sunday night. 

His family confirmed his death today, however it's not yet known how he died. 

Charles had recently joined Belle property in Lake Macquarie as a lead agent. 

His family are now working with authorities to bring his body back to Australia. 

Port Stephens Council Rejects Application for Transitional Group Home at Swan Bay Tourist Facility

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Port Stephens Council has rejected an application for a popular rehabilitation centre at Swan Bay to include a transitional group home. 

Connect Global has been operating a community outreach program at the tourist facility known as Fisherman's Village for nearly 10 years. 

In that time it's served clientele including former Channel 7 presenter Andrew O'Keefe.  

An application to change the use of the facility to a transitional group home was rejected by the majority of Council Members at their last meeting, amid concerns antisocial behaviour and unease in the community would disrupt residents and tourists.

 
The decision has prompted an appeal to the NWS Land and Environment Court. 

Image: Daily Telegraph

Origin Gives Final Green Light for Eraring Battery

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Origin Energy Limited has approved the construction of a large-scale battery at the Eraring Power Station.

The energy giant has committed to an investment of $600 million for the project. 

The 460 MW Battery will have a dispatch time of two hours, and is set to come online in late 2025.  

There's also an option to increase the battery to 700 MW and a four hour dispatch in the future.

The project received initial planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in May 2022. 

Construction work is set to begin within a matter of weeks. 

Hunter Young People Urged To Put Hand Up For Council

 BY IAN CROUCH

Young people across the Hunter are being invited to apply for a seat on the NSW Advisory Youth Council.

The 12-member council advocates for the 2.5 million young people across the state on the development and implementation of government policies.

The council meets once every 4 to 6 weeks during the year to discuss a range of topics and to monitor and evaluate policies and legislation affecting young people.

 NSW residents aged between 12 and 24 are welcome to apply, with applications closing on May 21st.

Follow this link to apply:-

https://www.acyp.nsw.gov.au/engage/youth-advisory-council-yac

'Robbo' In Hot Water Over Misconduct While Serving As A Newcastle Councillor

 BY IAN CROUCH

Former Newcastle Councillor, Allan Robinson could have costs and penalties awarded against him after being found guilty of misconduct and harassment.

The NSW Civil Administrative Tribunal has found eight complaints against the jockey and former Footy Show star relating to his time on council.

He's been found guilty of bringing council into disrepute for making homophobic and derogatory remarks about fellow councillors, disregarding attempts to bring to order and refusing to withdraw disparaging remarks.

The issue of costs and penalties will be the subject of a hearing on June 1.

Allan Robinson facing penalties and legal costs for misconduct

The Hunter's remaining COVID-19 testing clinics to close

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

The six remaining COVID-19 testing clinics in the Hunter will be closed by the 13th of May, the New South Wales Government has announced.

The Hunter testing sites impacted include Morisset, Wallsend, Warners Bay, Wickham, Raymond Terrace and Telarah. 

High costs and low demand have been cited as the reason for the closures across the state.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says the clinics have cost the state between $11 and $12 million this year alone.

"It's money we simply don't have... the money needs to be going into health services across New South Wales," said Mr Park.

The 165 walk-in and drive-through clinics across New South Wales will be replaced by a referral system.

High risk patients will be able to get a PCR referral from their GP to be completed at a pathologist.

The cost of this is not yet clear.

$150,000 Park Opens in Birmingham Gardens

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes attended the opening of a new playground at Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens today.

The new park cost $150,000 and features new walking paths and all new playground equipment, with more seating and shade set to be added in the future.

The playground is part of City of Newcastle's $750,000 investment into five new parks being opened this year across the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the opening events for new parks are important celebrations to bring the community together, particularly during school holidays.

Nelmes says its important for the council to "invest in quality facilities in our western suburbs" and create spaces for local families.

The council has invested $9.5 million in playgrounds over the past five years, with Newcastle now boasting 134 local playgrounds.

In addition to the investment in playgrounds currently being built, a $10 million, fully accessible playground is now in the planning stage and is set to be built at Foreshore Park.

"I'm really proud to be a part of a council that unanimously supports the investment into our city and suburbs," Nelmes said.

Police Investigate Theft Of Armani Watches From East Maitland Jewellery Store

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating the theft of several watches from a jewellery store at East Maitland.

It's alleged a person broke into the store on Mitchell Drive at about 6 o'clock on Saturday morning and took several Armani watches before fleeing on a push bike towards Stronach Avenue.

Police say the person was riding a BMX bike and wearing yellow/green gloves and had dark clothing covering their body and face.

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

Police have released an image of the alleged suspect

UPDATE: Search Continues for Missing Newcastle Paddle Boarder

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The body of a man reported missing from an area east of Kempsey has been located.

The 61-year-old man was last seen paddle boarding in a creek leading to Killick Beach, Crescent Head, about 1pm on Saturday 15 April 2023.

When he was unable to be located, officers from Mid North Coast Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

About 3.20pm on Monday, divers from Marine Area Command located the body of a man at Ryans Cut Creek.

Following inquiries, the body has been formally identified as being the missing man.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

EARLIER:

The search continues today for a Newcastle man who went missing from the Mid North Coast over the weekend. 

61-year-old entering Steve Wood was last seen paddle boarding into a creek at Crescent Head at about 1:00pm on Saturday. 

His board was found washed up on the sand about an hour later. 

Police say the man suffers from a number of health issues which may have contributed to him coming off his board or wandering into the bush. 

Steve is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a medium build and a shaved head.

His disappearance has prompted a multi-agency operation, with Police, SES, Surf Lifesavers and PolAir all employed to assist in the search. 

Image: Newcastle Herald

50 Charged Over New Coal Protest at Sandgate

BY OLIVIA DILLON

All 50 people involved in an anti-coal protest which stopped a train at Sandgate yesterday have now been charged. 

Around 20 people scaled the train which was heading to the Port of Newcastle, and used shovels to unload coal from its carriages. 

Others surrounded the carriage, chanting and waving signs and banners. 

Police say two people damaged property, and a third assaulted a security officer while attempting to gain entry into the rail corridor. 

The protestors were reportedly linked to the Rising Tide climate group. 

The action shut down the line to Kooragang Island for at least three hours.  

Image: Rail Express

Hunter Businesses Ask For Grid Certainty Amid Liddell Closure

BY PETER HYSLOP

Liddell Power Station is due to close at the end of this month after the plant was deemed expensive, outdated, and unreliable by its operator, AGL.

The closure marks the end of Australia's oldest operating coal plant, making way for new renewable energy projects.

But as the power plant goes offline, businesses are calling for cheaper renewable energy to be made available.

CEO of Business Hunter Bob Hawes says more needs to be done to sure up the grid into the future.

"As we move forward on this pathway of more closures of large-scale coal-fired power stations, [we need] to have renewables built and commissioned that can replace them and we simply don't have that at the moment.

"There's a lot of announcements around projects, and the list is very long ... [but] we're not seeing large-scale renewables come on stream at affordable prices in a volume and timely matter to offset the immediate concerns we have," he said.

Hawes said business and government need to work together to ensure local renewable energy projects get off the ground.

"Liddell ... serves as a very poignant reminder that we've got a lot of work to do to make sure the transition to renewables is smooth," he said.

Liddell Power Station (Australian Government)

Lithium Battery Sparks House Fire At Rutherford

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire Investigators have been called in to examine the cause of a house fire at Rutherford overnight.

Fire and Rescue crews from Rutherford and Maitland along with a Duty Commander were called to a single level home in Regiment Road just after 6.30pm on Sunday to find smoke issuing from a lounge room.

They discovered a Lithium battery had caught fire.

The blaze was quickly extinguished and was contained to the one room.

Newcastle Fire Command says no-one was injured and the fire has been referred to the Fire Investigation Unit, which looks into all fires involving Lithium batteries.  

Couple Allegedly Kidnapped And Held Against Their Will At Swan Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two men will face court next month accused of kidnapping a couple from Sydney and taking them to Port Stephens.

Police say on Wednesday January 18 a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were walking towards a carpark in Fairfield when they were grabbed by two men wearing balaclavas and forced into a vehicle.

The couple managed to escape from their captors two days later at Swan Bay before calling a family member who called police.

The pair were taken to the John Hunter Hospital for treatment - police say the man's finger was severed during the kidnapping ordeal.

Following extensive inquiries, two men aged 24 and 25 were arrested in Sydney and have been refused bail to face court of 1 May, 2023.

Kalyn Ponga Cleared to Play After Concussion Scares

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Knights are breathing a sigh of relief, announcing Kalyn Ponga will return to play for the side during next week's clash with the Cowboys. 

There were concerns for the young star's future, after he suffered four knocks to the head in just 10 months. 

However, after undergoing neurological testing in Canada, Ponga has been cleared to make his return in round eight.  

Speaking to the media for the first time since his last concussion, suffered during Newcastle's round two battle against the Wests Tigers, the skipper said the overseas medical team were happy with his health and he's feeling positive in continuing with his NRL career. 

"You can build the brain back, you can train the brain, and you can make it perform at a higher level," he said. 

Questions have been circling around the future of Ponga's on-field performance, but the 25-year-old said he just wants to get back to business as usual. 

"I know what my best plays are and I'm still going to run them. Regardless of the head-knocks, that's what makes me so good in my role," Ponga said.   

"I'm not going to start changing the way I play in that sense." 

Ponga did confirm he'd be working on his tackle technique and would be looking to be "smarter" in defence. 

The playmaker says he still plans to play at five-eight, with no plans to return to fullback. 

Two Men in Hospital After Alleged Stabbing at Broadmeadow Station

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A man is in police custody after another man was allegedly stabbed at a train station in Newcastle this morning.

Emergency services were called to Broadmeadow Train Station about 10:15am, following reports a man had suffered a stab wound to his abdomen.

He's been taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition, after being treated at the scene by paramedics.

Police reportedly deployed capsicum spray in order to arrest the alleged offender outside the station.

He's been taken to the Calvary Mater Hospital where he remains under police guard.

Officers from the Newcastle City Police District have established a crime scene and an investigation is now underway into the circumstances surrounding the event. 

Jarryd Hayne Taken Into Custody as he Awaits Sentencing over the Sexual Assault of Newcastle Woman in 2018

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne has been taken into custody after having his bail revoked as he awaits sentencing. 

The former Eels star was earlier this month convicted of sexual assaulting a women in Newcastle on the night of the 2018 NRL Grand Final. 

The court previously heard Hayne was targeted by others in custody because of his public profile.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions made a Supreme Court detention application to immediately place him behind bars.

Hayne continues to maintain his innocence despite the conviction.

Image: NewsWire

Wallsend MP Calls for Review into Keolis Downer's Contract

BY OLIVIA DILLON

It's hoped a review into the state's bus services will improve the public transport situation in the Hunter. 

Transport Minister Jo Haylen says the contracts between the former Liberal government and private bus operators have revealed companies were offered financial incentives to cancel bus services across the state.

The contracts for Sydney buses reportedly imposed financial penalties on companies for failing to meet "on time running" targets, however services which were cancelled did not count as late.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, says she plans to invite the Minster to the region, in order to review the contracts of local operator Keolis Downer. 

The company last month confirmed it had been cancelling more than 100 buses per day across Newcastle, blaming recruitment issues and driver shortages for the changes. 

Minister Haylen has reportedly sought urgent advice about what can legally be done to improve services across the state.

Image: Downer Group

Have You Seen Kye Norman?

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are asking Hunter residents to be on the lookout for a missing person.

31-year-old Kye Norman was last seen in Denman on Monday afternoon. 

He's described as being Caucasian in appearance, approximately 175-180cm tall, with a fair complexion, thin build, brown hair, and blue eyes.
  
It's believed he's driving a Black 2011 Holden Colorado Utility with registration DO03IE

Police believe Kye is in the Cooks Hill or surrounding areas.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact Muswellbrook Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

PPK Workers Down Tools For Second Time In A Week Over Pay Dispute

 BY IAN CROUCH

Workers from PPK Mining and Equipment at Tomago have walked off the job again for 24 hours over a pay dispute.

They're angry over what they say is a broken promise of a fair pay deal from company owner Dale McNamara.

It's the second time in a week the workers have downed tools - they're again rallying on the roundabout at the corner of Old Punt Road and Tomago Road today (Thursday 13 April, 2023).

Australian Workers Union Organiser, Cameron Wright says workers have also imposed an overtime ban. 

"They've got more work than they can do, and from all reports profits are up, business is booming, the price of coal is very high. They're needing these guys to do a huge amount of overtime to get the machinery out the door. It's no good crying poor at a time like this when the guys can see that the company is really doing quite well," he said.

PPK Workers Rallying At Tomago last Thursday. Picture NBN News