RISING TIDE – Group Says “Protestival” to Go Ahead Regardless of Council Support

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 Rising Tide says they’ll still host the People’s Blockade event in November at the Port of Newcastle with or without Newcastle Council’s support.

Councillors will vote on whether to allow activists to use Richardson Park at Hamilton North and Camp Shortland following a briefing with organisers and police tonight.

Results from Newcastle Council’s public call for feedback still haven’t been released, but an independent poll commissioned by Rising Tide shows 66% of around 300 local residents surveyed said they support the event. The poll’s been since criticised by Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who says the questions made no mention of illegal activity in previous years.

But Rising Tide spokesperson Alexa Stuart insists the polling can be trusted.

“What’s unique about this polling is that it was a totally random sample … of Newcastle residents,” she said.

“What happens on the water and on the beach isn’t related to the Council application, and it’s happened 12 times in the past because it’s [a] public beach and public water,” she said.

Image: Rising Tide

 

Kathleen Folbigg's Compensation Claim Stalled

 BY IAN CROUCH

Exonerated Hunter Valley mother, Kathleen Folbigg's compensation claim for wrongful imprisonment is reportedly falling on death ears.

News Limited reports the now 58-year-old has been ghosted by Premier Chris Minns after making multiple requests to meet him.

It's been more than two years since Kathleen Folbigg was released from prison where she spent 20 years for the deaths of her 4 children before being acquitted in 2023.

Her lawyer says the state government is still refusing to give a timeline for the compensation decision, describing the lack of information as ludicrous.

Kathleen Folbigg

 

  

 

MEDOWIE – High School Granted Planning Approval

 BY IAN CROUCH

Shovels will be in the ground within weeks, with the state government confirming the much-anticipated Medowie High School has been granted planning approval.

The local community has been calling for a public high school in the area for decades and in 2023, Labor committed $53 million to build the school to be located on 6.6 hectares of land on Abundance Road.

Construction is set to begin in September with the school expected to open for the start of Term One in 2027.

Manhunt Under Way After High Speed Pursuit Through Lake Macquarie

 BY IAN CROUCH

A pursuit through Lake Macquarie early this morning allegedly reached speeds of 160km/hr in a 60 zone.

Police say a white Corolla hatchback was stolen from a Tighes Hill address around 2.00am today (Thursday 10 July 2025), with the alleged offender driving to Tingira Heights where a domestic dispute took place with his partner before he drove off.

A police dog unit spotted the car on the Pacific Highway at Belmont but terminated the pursuit due to high speed and safety concerns.

Witnesses also reported the car being driven at high speed and on the wrong side of the road.

The car was found abandoned under the Inner City Bypass at Hillsborough just before 4.00am.

 

Young Boy Allegedly Holds Up Mayfield Service Station

 BY IAN CROUCH

A boy as young as 10-years-old is believed responsible for a brazen armed robbery at Mayfield overnight.

Police say the boy walked into the Coles Express on Maitland Road just before 9.00pm on Wednesday and threatened the attendant with a knife before escaping with two cartons of milk.

The worker was unharmed and police are reviewing CCTV footage in a bid to identify the alleged culprit.

 

 

Floods Delay Major Bridge Project Near Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

The devastating May floods have caused construction on a major infrastructure project near Maitland to be delayed.

Construction began on the new dual lane concrete Melville Bridge over the Hunter River in September 2024.

The $8.2 million project jointly funding by Maitland Council and the state and federal governments is replacing the old single lane timber bridge which frequently went under water during flood events.

In a cruel irony, the partially constructed bridge, which is designed to be much higher than the previous one, sustained damage during the May flood, with erosion, displacement of the bridge deck beams and flood debris impacting the site.

Council says it means completion of the bridge will be delayed for at least four months, with no clear timeline yet on a completion date.

An artist's impression of the new Melville Bridge

 

The old Melville Ford Timber Bridge

FLOAT YOUR BOAT – Yellow Submarine Takes Out Peoples Choice Award

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Yellow Submarine was one of 18 vessels to light up the night sky in last month’s Float Your Boat event. Creator Megan Evans’ nod to The Beatles won a $1000 prize.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz says this year’s display was one of the best to date.

“From the fantastic and creative designs of the boaties to the colour and excitement of activations on land and lake at our live sites, there was something for everyone to enjoy at Float Your Boat,” he said.

“I congratulate all our entrants and encourage anyone with artistic flair, a boating licence or both to consider coming on board next time around.”

Photos supplied courtesy Lake Macquarie City Council.

Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice and Mayor’s Choice winner Megan Evans with sons Huxley and Koda with Newcastle Permanent’s Matt Talevski and Mayor Adam Shultz

Concerns Held For Autistic Man Missing From Tighes Hill

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a Newcastle man who's been missing for almost a week.

48-year-old Alexander Tumiotto was last seen on Tighes Hill Terrace at Tighes Hill at about 1.30pm on Monday June 30.

Police and family hold concerns for Alexander's welfare as he lives with Autism.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a medium build, unshaven, with dark hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing dirty ripped clothing and a beanie.

Police believe Alexander may be using the rail network to travel and is known to frequent Newcastle, Redfern and the Carriage works at Everleigh.

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

 

Missing man Alexander Tumiotto

Burst Main Cuts Water To Lake Macquarie Suburbs

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Water crews are working to repair a burst water main at Boolaroo.

Fire crews and police were called to the big roundabout on Munibung Road just after 10.00pm on Thursday to find a large volume of water gushing across the road.

It's affecting water supply to residents at Argenton, Boolaroo, Glendale and Toronto.

Hunter Water is asking any customers in these areas who are experiencing dirty water after 8.00am today (Friday 4 July, 2025) to contact them on 1300 657 000. 

 

Water gushes over the road at Boolaroo. Picture Teralba Fire & Rescue

Newcastle man Missing For Almost A Month

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help to find a Newcastle man who's been missing for almost four weeks.

41-year-old David Fortune was last seen in Jesmond on June 6 but hasn't been seen or heard from since.

He's known to frequent the Hamilton South, Elermore Vale, Cooks Hill and Newcastle areas.

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

 

Missing man David Fortune

New Cessnock Fire Station Officially Opened

 BY  IAN CROUCH

The City of Cessnock now boasts a state-of-the-art fire station.

Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib is joining Cessnock Mp, Clayton Bar and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell today (Tuesday 1 July, 2025) for the official opening of the new facility. 

Land was purchased and detailed designs were commissioned in August 2023.

At the time, Cessnock MP, Clayton Barr said he'd been lobbying previous governments for a long-term solution, saying today's fire trucks could barely fit through the doors of the old fire station in Edwards Street which had served the community for more than 100 years.

The state government invested $7 million dollars to build the new fire station in Cessnock Street.

It features four engines bays to accommodate more vehicles, more equipment including a gym room, and facilities to cater for 27 staff including dedicated male and female locker rooms.

The station also features dedicated 'clean firefighter' zones reducing potential contamination, and is a more energy sustainable and environmentally friendly building.

Firefighters based at Cessnock Fire Station respond to around 600 incidents a year, serving a community of more than 50.000 people.

Cessnock station services Aberdare, Bellbird, Kitchener, Neath and Pokolbin. Firefighters also support stations in Abermain, Branxton, Kearsley and Singleton.

Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell says the local crews were consulted before work began on building the new station.

"This new station will allow fire crews to respond rapidly to emergencies from a modern, purpose-built building. We asked the firefighters what would make their working conditions better and we took that advice on board as we finalised the design," he said. 

The new Cessnock Fire Station in Cessnock Street

 

 

 

 

The old Cessnock Fire Station in Edward Street served the community for more than 100 years

 

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Lake Macquarie Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are asking for our help to find a teenage girl who's been missing since last Thursday June 26.

14-year-old Starleigh Bates was last seen at about 9.00am on Cary Street at Toronto.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Starleigh's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 155cm tall with a medium build and red/brown hair.

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

Starleigh is known to frequent the Toronto, Wallsend, Woodberry, Stockton and Metford areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers.

Missing teen Starleigh Bates. Picture NSW Police

 

Permanent Tribute To Missing Hunter Teen To Adorn Cardiff Shopping Centre Wall

 BY IAN CROUCH

Work is due to start next week on a permanent memorial to missing Lake Macquarie teenager, Gordana Kotevski.

Renowned mural artist, Reuben Boughtwood has been commissioned to paint a 26-metre long artwork of Gordana at the Cardiff Shopping Centre.

The mural has been made possible by donations from the community amounting to $22,000.

16-year-old Gordana was last seen in November 1994 being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street at Charlestown.

A $1 million dollar reward remains on offer for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for Gordana's disappearance.

 

Gordana Kotevski

ELEEBANA – Houseboat Crashes Into Red Bluff Boardwalk

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Red Bluff Boardwalk from Eleebana to Warners Bay has copped significant damage after a houseboat last week crashed into the structure from high winds.

Council says it will remain closed for some time while crews look to determine how to fix the elevated path. It was constructed in 2010 at a cost of $2.5 million.

Council’s Karen Pardington says there’s no timeline on when it will re-open.

“We’re certainly very keen to get out there and assess the damage and hopefully be able to repair it soon.

“It may be some time before we’re able to open it up but we’ll be getting onto it,” she said.

Red Bluff Boardwalk. Credit: Lake Macquarie City Council

UPDATE! Man Killed By Car Doing Burnout At Stockrington

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have charged the driver of a car which allegedly hit and killed a man at Stockrington at the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Haul Road early Sunday morning following reports of a crash.

Police were told a modified Ford Fairmont was performing a burnout when it hit three people before being driven from the scene.

A 53-year-old man suffered critical head injuries and died at the scene.

Two women believed to have also been hit by the car left the scene before emergency services arrived.

The car was later found burn out on McFarlanes Road at Chisholm.

Following extensive inquires, police arrested a 22-year-old man at Maitland Police yesterday afternoon.

He's been charged with 7 offences and refused bail to face Parramatta Court today (Monday 30 June, 2025).

 

END OF THE LINE - V Set Trains to Go

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The end of an era comes at 9:20pm tonight when the last V Set train leaves Sydney Central Station for Newcastle Interchange, arriving just after midnight.

One feature which will be missed: the reversible seats. The new Mariyung fleet's seats will stay put.

Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison is blaming her predecessors for the lack of flexibility in the new off-the-shelf fleet.

Police Bust Cocaine Collection Group In The Hunter

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three men are due to face court today (Friday 27 June 2025) charged with conspiring to import 1.5 tonnes of cocaine following a major police operation in the Hunter.

Detectives from Strike Force Blaine say they identified three men acting suspiciously in the Hunter including the purchase of two marine vessels for cash.

Police will allege the actions of the men were consistent with the methods used by catching crews involved with the collection of large quantities of prohibited drugs.

Police say the trio stood to earn $3.4 million between them for their role in collecting the cocaine haul.

Yesterday (Thursday 26 June 2025), officers arrested a 34-year-old man during a vehicle stop at Eleebana, a 23-year-old man at an industrial worksite in Forster and a 24-year-old man at Salamander Bay.

They also seized a commercial fishing boat at Lemon Tree Passage for forensic examination.

All three have been charged with conspiracy to supply a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug as part of a criminal group and refused bail to face Parramatta Local Court today.

 

Police arresting a 34-year-old man at Eleebana

MURULLA – Boy Dies Following Crash

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police say a boy has died following a crash just before 8am yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Murulla, following reports a Holden Barina and Nissan Elgrand had collided.

The driver of the Barina, an 85-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene,

An 11-year-old boy was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital with critical injuries but he later died.

The other occupants were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Westpac Rescue Helicopters attended the scene. Supplied

  

Teen Charged Over Horrific Crash At Woodberry

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have now laid charges against a teenage boy who was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car with five other teens on board which crashed at Woodberry early yesterday morning (Wednesday 25 June, 2025).

Police say a Honda Jazz was stolen from an East Maitland address around 4.00am with a routine patrol spotting the car on Woodberry Road and giving chase when the vehicle failed to stop.

Less than a minute later, the car ran off the road and crashed into a tree.

Two of the teenagers including the alleged driver, a 15 year-old boy suffered serious fractures.

Local resident, Leonie Carter has told Seven News it was a chaotic scene.

" They were screaming, they were crying. It was horrific scenes. Two children were trapped in the car at the time and there was four out on the footpath," she said.

The 15-year-old boy was arrested after being released from hospital.

He's been charged with four offences including two counts of being carried in a conveyance without consent of owner, aggravated break and enter in company and breach of bail.

He's been refused bail to face the Children's Court today (Thursday 26 June, 2025).

A 15-year-old girl was also arrested and has been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

The alleged driver, a 15-year-old boy suffered serious injuries in the crash. Picture Daily Telegraph

Charges Laid Over Fatal North Lambton Crash

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man will face court today (Wednesday 25 June 2025) charged after a fatal crash near Newcastle at the weekend.

The crash happened about 2.40am Sunday (22 June 2025), when a Commodore sedan and a Hyundai sedan collided on Newcastle Road at North Lambton

A 55-year-old woman, who was a passenger in a Hyundai, died at the scene.

The driver of that car – a 28-year-old woman – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she remains in a serious condition. Police were later informed that the woman was pregnant and had subsequently lost her unborn child.

The driver and front-seat passenger of the Commodore allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.

The two passengers in the back seat of the Commodore – girls aged 15 and 17 – were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where they remain in serious conditions.

Following extensive inquiries, police attached to Strike Force Carrarang – assisted by Operation UTAH officers – arrested a 19-year-old man at a home in Mayfield yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 24 June 2025).

He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with seven offences,

• Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit,
• Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit,
• Cause bodily harm by misconduct - in charge of motor vehicle (three counts)
• Use vehicle displaying misleading number plate, and
• Never licensed person drive vehicle on road.

The man, from Wallsend, has been refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court later today (Wednesday 25 June 2025).

The critical incident investigation is ongoing by Hunter Valley Police District and will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command, oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

 

The crash scene at North Lambton

 

Pedestrian Killed In Crash At Beresfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash at Beresfield overnight.

Emergency services were called to the M1 Pacific Motorway just south of the Beresfield Industrial Park just after 7.00pm on Tuesday to reports a pedestrian had been hit by a truck.

Police and paramedics treated a 22-year-old man, however he died at the scene.

The truck driver, a 60-year-old man, was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have set up a crime scene and a report is being prepared for the Coroner. 

 

BREAKING! Six Under-18's To Hospital After Alleged Police Pursuit And Crash At Woodberry

 BY IAN CROUCH

Six young people have been taken to hospital following an alleged police pursuit and crash at Woodberry.

It's understood police had been chasing a vehicle just before 4.30am today (Wednesday 25 June, 2025) when it left the road and crashed into a tree at the intersection of Woodberry Road and Homebush Drive.

Police say the vehicle had earlier been reported stolen during an aggravated break and enter on a home at East Maitland.

NSW Ambulance says there were six young people in the vehicle aged between 14 and 16 - it's believed none of them were wearing seat belts.

The alleged driver, a 15-year-old boy, sustained suspected fractured ribs, a head injury and a suspected pelvic injury.

A 14-year-old girl sustained a broken leg and suspected pelvic injuries.

The other four passengers have been taken to hospital as a precaution.

 

HINTON – Land Near Hunter River Considered for Housing Pipeline

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Port Stephens Council will tonight consider a proposal to put an estate near the banks of the Hunter River in the pipeline for future subdivision.

Community consultation has returned mixed responses, some are concerned of flooding impacts- Council says a large majority of the site is elevated and not identified as flood prone land.

The site at 20 Nulla Nulla Lane could provide an additional 25 to 35 houses. The proposal’s been submitted by Patch Planning.

Nulla Nulla Lane at Hinton. Credit: Google Maps / Airbus

Crews Called To Separate House Fires In Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

Fire has caused extensive damage to a home at Tanilba Bay early Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Conquest Crescent just before 4.00am to find the garage and front of the home on fire.

They took about half an hour to get the fire under control.

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

It's believed the fire may have started in a solar inverter.

Meanwhile, firefighters have been called to an abandoned house on fire at Raymond Terrace.

Crews arrived at the single level fibro home on Phillip Street just before 5.00am to find smoke issuing from the building.

They managed to quickly control the fire before it could spread.

It's understood the home is one of three to be knocked down to make way for social and affordable housing.

  
 

Man Reported Missing From Morisset

 BY IAN CROUCH

Concerns are held for the welfare of a 23-year-old man who's been missing from Morisset since the weekend.

Joseph Kew was last seen on Eucalyptus Drive at about 11.00am on Saturday June 21.

There are concerns for his welfare as he lives with medical conditions which require medication.

Joseph's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a medium build, medium length black hair, black beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, blocked hooded jumper and black pants.

Joseph is known to frequent the Morisset and Bolwarra Heights areas.

Missing man Joseph Kew. Picture NSW Police

 

Woman Killed In Crash At Fennel Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has died in a two car crash at Fennell Bay.

Emergency services were called to Main Road at Fennell Bay at about 1.00am today (Monday 23 June, 2025) to reports of a crash involving two cars.

Police say a 38-year-old woman driving a Suzuki hatch was overtaking an Alfa Romeo hatch when her car collided with the front of the Alfa while merging back into the lane.

Her car spun out of control, crashing through a fence and into a tree - the woman died at the scene.

The 37-year-old man driving the Alfa was not injured and was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Meanwhile, A 98-year-old man died after being hit by a utility at Awaba.

Police say the crash happened at about 7.00pm on Sunday at the intersection of Cessnock Road and Kilaben Street.

The driver, a 49-year-old man, was taken to the John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

Investigations are continuing and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.

 

 

Woman And Unborn Baby Dead After Horrific Crash At North Lambton

 BY IAN CROUCH

The search continues for the driver of a car involved in a horrific crash at North Lambton at the weekend.

Around 2.40am on Sunday police allege a westbound Holden Commodore bearing unauthorised number plates crossed onto the wrong side of Newcastle Road after the vehicle refused to stop for police and crashed into an oncoming Hyundai near Arthur Street.

A 55-year-old female passenger in the Hyundai died in the crash - the driver, a 28-year-old woman who was 25 weeks pregnant, was taken to hospital with serous leg injuries and subsequently lost her unborn child.

The driver of the Commodore, believed to be a 19-year-old man and his 17-year-old front seat passenger fled the scene

Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan says the backseat passengers, two girls aged 15 and 17 suffered serious injuries and remain under police guard in hospital.

"They are both in serious conditions in hospital and are both undergoing treatment at the moment. The incident has been determined a critical incident with independent police investigating what has occurred," he said.

 

The crash scene on Newcastle Road at North Lambton. Picture: Newcastle Herald

State Govt Announces $27m For Future Jobs, Post Mining Land Use

 BY PETER HYSLOP

 The State Government is today announcing a fund to support future economic development in the Hunter region, one responsible for looking at good uses of land after mines close down.

The Future Jobs and Investment Authority would use $27.3 million worth of taxpayer dollars over four years to try and attract investment, and also to figure out ways to spend Government money on post mining land use.

State Finance and Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos says the plan isn’t to get rid of coal mines, just to deal with decommissioned ones.

“We know that coal will continue to have an important role to play particularly here in the Hunter, where we have strong export markets, and I know our key trading partners are watching this closely,” she said.

Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams says it’s important to prepare for the future.

“There’s no doubt that coal mining jobs are well paid jobs, and they’ve been the backbone of the Hunter Valley for decades.

“But that doesn’t [resolve] the fact that at some point, mining will reduce,” he said.

LAKE MACQUARIE – Local Artists to Illuminate Boats in Competition

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Lake Macquarie Council says it’s putting final touches on the annual Float Your Boat festival this weekend with thousands of visitors expected.

Entrants from D.I.Y. tinnies to local artists will be taking to the water with lit up vessels, in the running to win a Mayoral prize.

Angela Budden is a local artist entering a giant illuminated seagull stealing a chip

She says it’s been many hours of wrangling with light strips.

“As for the legs, we just need more outlets … we’re in the middle of the build at the moment,” she said.

“I’m hoping to finish it ready for install on Friday,” she said.

Local artist Angela Budden

Mayor Adam Shultz says it’ll be a tourism boost for the region.

“This has been going since 2017, and it’s been building year on year.

“People can vote for their best display, by attending one of those three live sites at Toronto, Belmont or Warners Bay,” he said.

Artist Jakeob Watson, Mayor Adam Shultz and artist Angela Budden

BREAKING! Pets Tragically Killed In House Fire At Millfield

 BY IAN CROUCH

Firefighters have battled for several hours to extinguish a fierce house fire at Millfield overnight.

Crews were called to the single level home on Eleventh Avenue just after 11.00pm on Tuesday to find the house up in flames.

Newcastle Fire Command says a the house was unoccupied at the time although there were several animals at the property, many of whom were saved but it's feared others may have perished in the blaze .

More than 30 firefighters and RFS crews worked through the night to extinguish the fire, which was hampered by a large amount items which had been hoarded at the home.

Crew wrapped up firefighting efforts just after 4.30am on Wednesday - two crews will remain on patrol at the scene.

The cause of the fire is not known at this stage and will be subject to an investigation.

Crews battle the blaze at Millfield. Picture; Kearsley Fire and Rescue

 

 

FLOOD RECOVERY – Deputy PM Says Category D Funding Calls to be “Worked Through”

 BY PETER HYSLOP

The Nationals are ramping up their calls for the Federal Government to release Category D funding, the highest category of disaster assistance, for flood stricken residents.

The annual conference at the weekend voted to condemn the Federal and State Governments for failing to provide it so far.

The funding must be agreed to by the Prime Minister, he’s currently in Canada for the G7 summit.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says the Government’s waiting for recommendations from officials on the ground.

“Well that will be worked through in the normal course,” he said.

“In relation to what flooding has occurred, the process will be playing out in a way which seeks to deal with this as quickly as we can.

“Obviously we are very mindful of the impact of flooding that has occurred … making sure the appropriate support if provided as quickly as possible,” he said.

 

Upper Hunter state Nationals MP Dave Layzell says communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast are struggling.

“Last night people were contacting me sending me photos of their properties completely surrounded in floodwater,” he said.

“People are just really angry about it and we need to get this problem fixed,” he said.

SINGLETON – Mayor Welcomes Upgrade to “Rabbit Warren” Police Station

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Singleton police Station is set for a major upgrade with $8.7 million committed to deliver better facilities.

The refurbishment includes a two-storey wing housing the Crime Prevention Unit, Detectives Unit and Proactive Crime Unit. The heritage structure was built in 1866.

The heritage building’s been dubbed a rabbit warren by Singleton Mayor Sue Moore, she says the upgrades are long overdue.

“It’s a heritage building, so any new structure that sits behind or is seen to be viewed from the street, has to be part of the aesthetic for the Heritage Committee,” she said

Police Minister Yasmin Catley says there’ll be a continued police presence.

“Whilst the building [construction] is underway, the police from Singleton will relocate down to Branxton, so we’ll still have, as always, a 24-hour presence,” she said.

An artist’s impression of the new police station.